Celebrate Art, Music, and Community During July's Expanded First Friday Art Crawl
Recent First Friday-goers appreciating work from a local Art Crawl Artist
Downtown Boone will come alive on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, as First Friday Art Crawl expands into two days of art, music, shopping, and community. Coordinated by the Watauga Arts Council (WAC) in partnership with the Downtown Boone Development Association, the July Art Crawl offers even more opportunities to experience Boone's vibrant arts scene.
Residents and visitors can explore local art, connect with artists, enjoy live music, and attend special events at businesses and venues throughout downtown. Highlights for July include:
Thursday, July 2nd:
Artists & Youth Makers on King Street (4-8 p.m.) - Local artists and WAC’s very own Youth Makers will be stationed along King Street and the Turchin Center sidewalks from 4-8pm on both Thursday and Friday, selling handmade goods.
Summer Exhibition Celebration at Turchin Center (5-8 p.m.) - Explore contemporary exhibitions, enjoy light refreshments and a cash bar, meet local artists, and enjoy free admission.
Art Market at FizzEd (5-8 p.m.) - Shop handmade work from various local artists.
Stars, Stripes, & Brush Strokes at FARM Cafe (4-7 p.m.) - Stop by FARM Cafe on Thursday for patriotic face painting, a photo booth, free giveaways, and more! Organized by the Downtown Boone Development Association.
Live Music @ Boone Saloon (9:30 p.m.) - Experience and enjoy live music with Professor Twang and MidLife Trip.
Friday, July 3rd:
DJ Disco Night at Wild Craft Eatery(9 p.m. - Midnight) - DJ Dumpsta J will be performing a club-inspired set for those who are 21+ with a $5 cover fee.
Live Music at SouthEnd Brewing(6-9 p.m.) - Listen to South on Something perform at SouthEnd on Friday evening.
Rhodo Clay & Kiln Pop-Up at Ellison (4-7 p.m.) - Browse and shop a pop-up at Ellison with Katie from Rhodo Clay & Kiln.
Summer Concert at Jones House (5:30 p.m.) - Bluebird Family Fiddle Camp will take the Jones House stage for the 2026 Summer Concert Series.
Live Music at Boone Saloon (9:30 p.m.) - Enjoy live music at Boone Saloon with Hustle Souls and The Hourglass Kids.
Live Music & Open Mic Night at Fizz Ed (5-10 p.m.) - From 5-7pm, enjoy live music from Andy Page, with an Open Mic Night directly following from 7-10pm at Fizz Ed.
Newsies, Jr. at Appalachian Theatre (7-8:30 p.m.) - Purchase tickets to see App Theatre’s ‘Newsies, Jr.’ production.
Craft Party at Future Relic (4-7 p.m.) - Experience a pop-up with Letters from Stella and Charmed by Vic at Future Relic.
Plus, while you're downtown for the July 4th Parade, be sure to stop by FARM Cafe on Saturday, July 4th from 10am-3pm for a special pop-up art market featuring local artists and makers. Browse original pottery, jewelry, prints, paintings, fiber arts, and more while supporting the High Country's creative community.
Artist, Dezi Beltran, at the most recent seasonal FARM Cafe Saturday Art Market held back in May, 2026
For more information about First Fridays and how to get involved, click below!