BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Motorists in downtown Black Mountain should prepare for significant road closures this weekend as the town gears up for the 48th annual Sourwood Festival.
The popular street festival, which draws more than 30,000 visitors each year, will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10. To create a safe, pedestrian-only environment, several streets in the historic downtown area will be closed to traffic throughout the event.
The following roads will be closed:
- Cherry Street
- Sutton Avenue
- Black Mountain Avenue
- Terry Estates
- A small portion of Vance Avenue
The closures will remain in effect for the duration of the festival, impacting local traffic patterns and access to downtown businesses.
Officials encourage visitors to take advantage of free public parking at the old Bi-Lo parking lot (205 N.C. 9) and the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center (550 N.C. 9). A free shuttle service will run every 15 minutes between the Ingles lot and the festival drop-off point on Vance Avenue.
In addition to the road closures, the town is preparing for an influx of foot traffic, with nearly 200 arts and food vendors, multiple live music stages and special attractions like bee education exhibits, pottery demonstrations and live totem pole carving.
The Sourwood Festival celebrates the local sourwood honey harvest and has become a hallmark summer event in the Southern Appalachians, blending music, crafts, food and mountain culture.
For full festival details, including entertainment and dining options, click here.
