North Carolina has a rich musical heritage and one of the state’s greatest influences on American music is being remembered this weekend in Boone. It’s also Pride Weekend in Charlotte, and you’ll have a chance to meet two of your favorite WDAV announcers in Salisbury.
Doc Watson Day(s)
Celebrate the legacy of Grammy-winning musician and North Carolina native Doc Watson with two days of music honoring the late guitarist, singer, and songwriter. The weekend begins at the Jones House Cultural Center (604 W. King Street, Boone) on Friday, August 14th at 5 p.m. with a free concert showcasing traditional old-time and bluegrass music from some of those influenced by Doc Watson, including Eliot Smith & Noah Lanham, Olivia Phillips, Trevor McKenzie & Steve Kruger, and Nick Chandler and Delivered.
On Saturday, August 15th, the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country (559 W. King Street, Boone) will present a free screening of the documentary Doc Watson: One of the People at 2 p.m., followed by a ticketed concert featuring renowned guitarist Tommy Emmanuel at 7:30 p.m. Called “one of the best acoustic guitarists in the world,” Emmanuel will perform selections from his new album, Living in the Light, as well as the songs that made the Australian musician a star on the global stage. August 14-15.
Béla x Banjo x Beatles
Brevard Music Center* welcomes 19-time GRAMMY winner Béla Fleck to Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium (349 Andante Lane, Brevard) on Saturday, August 15th at 7:30 p.m. The concert will draw BMC’s 2026 Blue Ridge Banjo Camp to a close with Béla, celebrated faculty members, and special guests performing the music of The Beatles on banjo. August 15.
Pride Weekend
Charlotte Pride* will be celebrating 26 years of LGBTQ arts and culture at First Ward Park (301 E. 7th Street, Charlotte), August 15th and 16th. The weekend will feature diverse arts and entertainment including Flourish, the festival’s indoor celebration of local artists and performers, a health fair, and a youth and family zone. The annual parade proceeds down N. Tryon Street on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. August 15-16.
Wiggles Wisdom
Another one of Australia’s beloved exports, The Wiggles, are bringing their Tree of Wisdom Spectacular to Ovens Auditorium (2700 E. Independence Boulevard, Charlotte) on Monday, August 17th at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. It’s nice to see that The Wiggles are still touring. They were on heavy rotation in the minivan when my sons were little. This is why I still know most of the words to “Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy.” August 17.
A Day in the Life of WDAV
Join WDAV for the next Coffee & Conversation at Trinity Oaks* (728 Klumac Road, Salisbury) on Wednesday, August 19th at 10 a.m. Longtime host and Associate Content Director Myelita Melton and General Manager Frank Dominguez will give you a fun behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of your classical public radio station. That will be followed by a special musical performance by cellist Mira Frisch and violinist David Russell. And of course, there’ll be coffee and breakfast treats! Space for this free event is limited, so please RSVP. August 19.
Get Wild!
The Whitewater Center (5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte) has opened Wildwoods, a new outdoor adventure area created specifically for younger kids. It features dozens of challenging activities to explore and conquer, including the Treehouse Village with multi-story treehouses connected by hammocks, swinging bridges, swings, and boulder gardens. The Wildwoods Cabin is where you can get your passes, food, and beverages. Now open.
Cats, Crafts & Calves
- Davidson College* Fan Fest: Watch the Wildcats football team scrimmage, play tailgate games, hop on inflatables, and enjoy craft beer and concessions at Davidson College Stadium. August 14.
- Downtown West Jefferson Gallery Crawl: Ashe County Arts Council* presents a walking tour of galleries, shops, and businesses from 5 to 7 p.m. in downtown West Jefferson, NC. August 14.
- Art in the Park: Monthly event through October featuring 70 juried artists selling jewelry, furniture, lawn ornaments, pottery, textiles, paintings, and more in downtown Blowing Rock. August 15, September 12, October 3.
- The Blue Ridge Brutal: Choose from 25-, 50-, 70-, or 100-mile bike rides through the Blue Ridge mountains beginning and ending at the Museum of Ashe County in Jefferson, NC. Proceeds benefit the Ashe Advantage Project, 501c3, to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors. August 15.
The WDAV Events Calendar is always being updated with more performances and experiences, so be sure to check it often. Have a great week!
FanFare is made possible in part by:
*Disclosure: Brevard Music Center, Charlotte Pride, Trinity Oaks, Davidson College, and Ashe County Arts Council are WDAV underwriters.