Last Updated on September 18, 2025 3:28 pm
Boone, NC — The Watauga Arts Council (WAC), in collaboration with the Downtown BooneDevelopment Association (DBDA), is thrilled to announce the return of Buskers Fest on Saturday,September 20, 2025, from 2-7 p.m. The streets of downtown Boone will come alive with music,performance, demos, and hands-on art experiences for all ages.This year will be celebrated as the 4th Annual Buskers Fest. The 2024 event was canceled in theaftermath of Hurricane Helene, when organizers shifted from festival planning to artist relief.“Immediately after the storm, we hoped to postpone it by a week or two,” said Amber Bateman, WACExecutive Director.“As the scope of the damage emerged, we realized cancellation was the onlyresponsible choice. It was a very difficult decision. We knew how much artists relied on this event to earnincome heading into the winter season, but with the changing weather and the holidays approaching, wejust couldn’t find a viable path forward. We turned our energy toward checking on artists, organizingrelief, and fundraising. Together, our community raised $10,000 directly for local artists and helpedsecure over $120,000 in additional support for artists, arts businesses, and nonprofits.”With renewed focus on its original mission – supporting local artists – Buskers Fest returns witharts-friendly participation and expanded public access. Thanks to generous support from the NorthCarolina Arts Council, WAC will provide stipends to performers and waive artist participation fees.The Boone Tourism Development Authority is also sponsoring the event, helping promote the festivalto visitors “off the mountain.”Saturday, this year!In previous years, Buskers Fest was held on a Friday, which compressed the schedule and limitedattendance. Moving to Saturday and expanding the hours makes it easier for residents, students,families, and visitors to take part throughout the afternoon and early evening.What to ExpectTimed to the golden hour and cooler mountain air, Buskers Fest offers a nostalgic, immersive, open-air,street-arts experience.“This is a celebration of our eclectic creative community,” said Lauren Armbrust,WAC Board Member.“You’ll find a wide range of mediums and experience levels; artists demoing theircraft, performers engaging with audiences, and plenty of hands-on opportunities to make art. It’s a truecommunity builder.”The Watauga Arts Council Board of Directors will also be at the Jones House, hosting an art raffle andsilent auction. Featured items include chairs reimagined by local artists—once everyday functionalfurnishings, now transformed into one-of-a-kind works of art. Residents and visitors can join in ascavenger hunt to find these chairs on display at businesses throughout downtown Boone, now throughSeptember 19th. Scavenger hunt questionnaires are available at the Jones House and the Watauga CountyLibrary.Special Features●●●200+ artists and performers expected across downtownArt Raffle & Silent Auction at the Jones House, hosted by the WAC BoardBoonetoberfest: AMB, South End Brewing, Lost Province, Fizz Ed, and 828 Real Estate will allhave Oktoberfest-themed brews, food, and festivities (many starting by noon)Event DetailsWhen: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 2-7 p.m.Where: Downtown BooneCost: Free to attend; tips encouraged for artists, donations and silent auction encouraged tosupport WAC●Artists/Performers: Stipends provided; free participation (details online)For festival locations, parking information, and updates, visit the Watauga Arts Council website andfollow them on social media (Instagram: @watauga_arts | Facebook: Watauga County Arts Council).Subscribe to the WAC newsletter for the latest announcements.Sponsors & Partners: Watauga Arts Council thanks the North Carolina Arts Council, Explore Boone,Downtown Boone Development Association, and community partners for their support in bringing thefestival to life this year.
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