Local events calendar
The focused calendar for Tryon, NC events — downtown happenings, live music, theatre, arts, FENCE programs, equestrian events, and community plans this week and beyond.
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AUG
11
TUE
Upstairs Artspace opens its summer exhibition with a free June 14 reception, featuring children’s work from Haiti, Threaded Voices: Stories from Duquesa, and selections from Harold Maass’s Haitian art collection.
AUG
11
TUE
Select Tuesdays 5-7pm at McCown St. Downtown Tryon July 28 August 11 August 25 ♦
AUG
11
TUE
Paint & Sip Tuesday, August 11, 5:30pm Columbus Library Free Grab a drink and cozy up to a canvas! Local artist Samantha Bell will guide us in painting a waterfall scene. Please note that this is a repeat of the class that was offered on June 30th. Adults ages 18+ only. Registration required – sign up here. Paint & Sip Columbus Library
AUG
11
TUE
Join us at the Silver Spoon Saloon for a FREE salsa dance lesson! Enjoy an evening of music, movement, and instruction as you learn salsa basics, build confidence on the dance floor, and have fun in a welcoming social setting. No partner required — just bring your dancing shoes and get ready to move!
AUG
11
TUE
Free. Tide & Trivia Tuesdays, 6:30pm, at The Fitz, Tryon. ♦ Tuesdays just got a whole lot better – fresh seafood, great beverages, and trivia that’s actually fun. Trivia kicks off at 6:30pm so grab your friends, your crew, or just pull up a seat at the bar for an evening of fun. Trivia is free, food and beverages available for purchase. Doors open at 5pm, trivia starts at 6:30pm.
AUG
12
WED
Exercise is about more than just building strength or balance, though it can help those aspects of your life as well. With those living with the disease, dance appears to be very helpful in improving gait and balance in Parkinson’s patients. It also can provide social stimulation and support, which can be helpful in reducing depression and improving quality of life. Plus, dance stimulates cognitive functioning, an area that PD patients often struggle with. Tryon Fine Arts Center, along with danc
AUG
12
WED
Free Live Music Wednesday’s from 6-8pm. Wednesday night is flight night. Enjoy a bite to eat while listening to live music.
AUG
13
THU
Get ready to kick off your weekend with Karaoke and DJ Joey Vaughn. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just in it for the fun, it’s the perfect way to spend your Friday night.
AUG
14
FRI
Free community yoga with Anna Maphis on Fridays from 9:30–10:30am at FENCE.
AUG
14
FRI
Prepper Camp 2026 at Tryon International is a three-day experience built for learning, discovery, and hands-on skill building. With dozens of classes offered daily, guests can explore a wide range of preparedness topics at their own pace.
AUG
14
FRI
Free tastings of featured wines at the Tryon Bottle from 5-7pm every Friday ♦ Food is available for purchase from Della Street Tacos located inside the store.
AUG
14
FRI
3rd Friday Sunset Party at Parker-Binns Live music: Eric Congdon ReLish 12-6:30pm Mountain View BBQ Food Truck: 12-6pm
AUG
14
FRI
Kick off the fall cross country season under the lights at Tryon International! The second annual Tryon Twilight Relays feature JV, varsity and open races on a fast 1,500-meter loop, with arena exchange zones, spectator dining and a one-of-a-kind nighttime atmosphere.
AUG
14
FRI
Enjoy Karaoke at Sully’s Place, every Friday 7-10pm, Columbus, NC. Good music, cold drinks and great times.
AUG
14
FRI
Trilby Rose takes the center stage at Silver Spoon Saloon on May 29th. Enjoy this acoustic duo live at the Silver Spoon Saloon. No ticket needed for this FREE performance. Grab dinner on the grounds and enjoy!
AUG
15
SAT
Saturdays, 8am-12pm, May-October, Courthouse St., Columbus, NC. Fresh local produce for your family. A great way to support your family’s health and our community is to purchase local products at the farmers markets in Polk County. 4th of July Schedule July 4th-the Columbus Market will be from 8 am-11 am at the empty lot right across from The First peak Visitor Center/beside the Fagan building.
AUG
15
SAT
Free. August 15, 10:30am. Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Indigenous Carolinians: A History from Original Peoples to Present-Day Tribes. Speaker David Rahahe-tih Web offers a comprehensive, decolonized history of the Indigenous Peoples of the Carolinas, focusing on four ethnolinguistic groups. Using both academic and Indigenous research methods, it explores their languages, cultures and oral histories. RSVP is requested online at: https://conservingcarolina.org/
AUG
15
SAT
Free live music at Mountain Brook Vineyards Music is Saturdays and Sundays 3-6pm 6/27 Seth & Sara 6/28 Kayla McKinney 7/4 Live music & Food Truck ALL DAY
AUG
15
SAT
Enjoy free live music at Parker-Binns Vineyard. Food and beverages available for purchase. Music 3-6pm Saturday and Sunday.
AUG
15
SAT
Bill Griese performs the songs of James Taylor in Sweet Baby James, a James Taylor tribute concert at TFAC.
AUG
15
SAT
Sweet Baby James: The #1 James Taylor Tribute Back by Popular Demand! Don’t miss America’s #1 James Taylor tribute, as singer-songwriter Bill Griese brings his acclaimed “Sweet Baby James” show back to Tryon! Not your typical tribute band fare, Griese delights audiences using only his uncanny Taylor-like vocals & guitar playing and a uniquely down-to-earth personality. No impersonations or gimmicks; just the great music of JT. Audiences rave: “The next best thing to James,” “His voice is spot on
AUG
15
SAT
8pm. Free Live Music at Sull’ys Place, 155 W. Mills St., Columbus, NC Join us at Sully’s Place, where every day is a celebration of good food, good company, and the spirit of camaraderie. It’s more than a meal—it’s an experience worth savoring! 8-11pm July 25th Misdemeanor Aug 1 Fat Cat Aug 8 BJ Cates Aug 15 Fine Line Aug 22 Otter Dogs Aug 29 Misdemeanor
AUG
15
SAT
Keep the energy high as DJ Joey Vaughn hits the stage at The Silver Spoon Saloon! Enjoy all your favorite songs, refreshing drinks, and an all-night-long party.
AUG
16
SUN
Free live music at Mountain Brook Vineyards Music is Saturdays and Sundays 3-6pm 6/27 Seth & Sara 6/28 Kayla McKinney 7/4 Live music & Food Truck ALL DAY
AUG
16
SUN
Enjoy free live music at Parker-Binns Vineyard. Food and beverages available for purchase. Music 3-6pm Saturday and Sunday.
AUG
17
MON
https://tryonarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/TFAC-2026-2027-PREVIEW-SigSeries.mp4 Tryon Fine Arts Center’s New Signature Series Season Takes You on a Musical Journey! From down-home country to lilting Celtic, world folk to pulsing soul, Americana roots to gypsy jazz with vintage films…TFAC’s new 2026 – 2027 Signature Series Season features some of your favorite musical styles and plenty of new sounds to explore and love. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming this September and into the new ye
AUG
17
MON
Music Bingo with Clark! (6 pm) Every 1st & 3rd Monday
AUG
18
TUE
Free. Tide & Trivia Tuesdays, 6:30pm, at The Fitz, Tryon. ♦ Tuesdays just got a whole lot better – fresh seafood, great beverages, and trivia that’s actually fun. Trivia kicks off at 6:30pm so grab your friends, your crew, or just pull up a seat at the bar for an evening of fun. Trivia is free, food and beverages available for purchase. Doors open at 5pm, trivia starts at 6:30pm.
AUG
19
WED
Free Live Music Wednesday’s from 6-8pm. Wednesday night is flight night. Enjoy a bite to eat while listening to live music.
AUG
20
THU
Lounge Opens at 5 PM for drinks + Toasted Cuban Food Truck Open Mic Begins at 6 PM Step into an evening of raw creativity, intimate performances, and shared expression at Mirrorball’s Open Mic Night, where voices, words, and melodies take center stage. Whether you are a poet, storyteller, singer-songwriter, musician, or simply a passionate listener, this is a welcoming space to experience the power of live, unfiltered art in an inspiring gallery lounge setting. Read. Recite. Sing. Strum. Listen.
AUG
20
THU
Get ready to kick off your weekend with Karaoke and DJ Joey Vaughn. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just in it for the fun, it’s the perfect way to spend your Friday night.
AUG
21
FRI
Free community Yoga, every Friday, 9:30-10:30am at FENCE♦ Join Anna Maphis on the mat for yoga on Fridays.
AUG
21
FRI
Pretty Little Goat brings the spirit of the Blue Ridge to the stage with a lively mix of bluegrass, old-time music, and original Appalachian-inspired songs. Their heartfelt harmonies create an unforgettable live performance for audiences of all ages.
AUG
22
SAT
Run the trails of Tryon International during the Dark Horse Trail Series on August 22! Choose from marathon, half-marathon and 10K distances featuring dirt paths, single-track trails, grassy meadows and the equestrian grounds.
AUG
22
SAT
Keep the energy high as DJ Joey Vaughn hits the stage at The Silver Spoon Saloon! Enjoy all your favorite songs, refreshing drinks, and an all-night-long party.
AUG
27
THU
Get ready to kick off your weekend with Karaoke and DJ Joey Vaughn. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just in it for the fun, it’s the perfect way to spend your Friday night.
AUG
28
FRI
The “toughest sport on dirt” returns to Tryon International, bringing Professional Bull Riders® competition to the venue for top-class thrills and western sport at the PBR® Tryon.
AUG
28
FRI
Dirty Grass Soul takes the stage at the Silver Spoon Saloon immediately following Friday night’s PBR Tryon competition. Admission is included with your Friday PBR Tryon ticket.
AUG
29
SAT
Madderdont is a North Carolina–based artist known for moody soundscapes, raw emotion, and immersive live energy. Blending atmosphere with hard-hitting presence, their music pulls you in and keeps you there. Catch the vibe live on the 29th for a performance that hits deeper than just sound.
SEP
2
WED
PacJAM Fall 2026 Session: September 2 to November 18! Registration Open Now! Autumn in the Foothills! Leaves falling. Sweater weather. And foot-tapping PacJAM music fills the crisp air! PacJAM teaches the importance and joy of music and community through weekly group instrument instruction, coached multi-instrument JAMs, singing, and weekly insights into the people, places, and events that contribute to Appalachian music and culture. Youth ages 7 through high school may choose instruction for be
SEP
4
FRI
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival returns to Tryon International September 4–6, bringing another unforgettable weekend of award-winning artists, mountain culture, and world-class bluegrass and Americana music to the Carolina Foothills.
SEP
10
THU
The Fork at Tryon International returns in 2026! Eventing competition is FREE for spectators to enjoy! More details coming soon.
SEP
11
FRI
Tryon Fall Dressage 1&2 f eatures National competition and takes place over three days. Viewing Dressage competitions at Tryon International is FREE!
SEP
15
TUE
The Paso Fino Horse Association Grand National Championship Show comes to Tryon International September 15-19, 2026, featuring championship competition, vendors, clinics, livestream access, VIP table opportunities, and more.
SEP
17
THU
Like the sport of Eventing, but with a horse-drawn carriage, the sport of Driving (also known as Combined Driving) tests a handler’s skills over three phases - Dressage, Marathon, and Cones - in Singles, Pairs, and Four-in-hand divisions. This sport demands horse-and-driver communication, finesse, and teamwork through three challenging phases of competition.
SEP
18
FRI
The Tryon Fall Series, hosted September 18-October 25, features six weeks of Hunter/Jumper shows, with regional, national, CSI 2*, CSI 3*, and CSI 5* competition levels throughout the series. The Tryon Fall Series also includes the fan-favorite Saturday Night Lights! Competition is free and open to spectators!
SEP
19
SAT
Ride for a cause at Tryon International! Choose from four supported cycling routes during the Freewheelers Miles for Mammograms Ride, benefiting the Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health Mammogram Assistance Fund.
SEP
19
SAT
Inaugural community flea market and vendor fair at Green Creek Community Center, running 8am-2pm with vendor registration available through the center.
SEP
19
SAT
Saturday Night Lights features an evening of FREE family fun, live music, entertainment and a carnival atmosphere in Legends Plaza, followed by Grand Prix Show Jumping action in Tryon Stadium!
SEP
19
SAT
DJ Sound Extreme is bringing the energy to Silver Spoon Saloon this weekend with a high-energy night of music, vibes, and nonstop beats. Get ready to dance your heart away, and keep the party going all night long.
SEP
24
THU
The Tryon Fall Series, hosted September 18-October 25, features six weeks of Hunter/Jumper shows, with regional, national, CSI 2*, CSI 3*, and CSI 5* competition levels throughout the series. The Tryon Fall Series also includes the fan-favorite Saturday Night Lights! Competition is free and open to spectators!
SEP
25
FRI
This competition returns to Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring in 2026! Special Olympics North Carolina athletes compete in showmanship, dressage, western riding, gymkhana races, equitation and working trails each fall at the Equestrian Tournament.
SEP
26
SAT
Saturday Night Lights features an evening of FREE family fun, live music, entertainment and a carnival atmosphere in Legends Plaza, followed by Grand Prix Show Jumping action in Tryon Stadium!
SEP
26
SAT
American Patchwork Quartet (APQ)—founded by multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning guitarist and vocalist Clay Ross and shaped in collaboration with an ensemble of internationally celebrated musicians—binds timeless American folk songs with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East Asian ornamentation. Their debut album was recently nominated for “Best Folk Album” at the 67th GRAMMY® Awards. A southern-born roots music aficionado, Ross is also the founder of the world-renowned Gu
SEP
26
SAT
DJ Sound Extreme is bringing the energy to Silver Spoon Saloon this weekend with a high-energy night of music, vibes, and nonstop beats. Get ready to dance your heart away, and keep the party going all night long.
SEP
30
WED
The Tryon Fall Series, hosted September 18-October 25, features six weeks of Hunter/Jumper shows, with regional, national, CSI 2*, CSI 3*, and CSI 5* competition levels throughout the series. The Tryon Fall Series also includes the fan-favorite Saturday Night Lights! Competition is free and open to spectators!
OCT
3
SAT
Saturday Night Lights features an evening of FREE family fun, live music, entertainment and a carnival atmosphere in Legends Plaza, followed by Grand Prix Show Jumping action in Tryon Stadium!
OCT
3
SAT
Renowned Pianist Awadagin Pratt in a Special Benefit Recital to Support The New Nina Simone and Samuel Waymon Music Scholarship Fund The internationally known, pianist, conductor, educator and curator Awadagin Pratt will perform in Western North Carolina, at the Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC), on Saturday Evening October 3rd. The gala evening will benefit the newly launched Nina Simone and Samuel Waymon Music Scholarship Fund. Mr. Pratt served as professor and artist in residence at the Universit
OCT
3
SAT
DJ Sound Extreme is bringing the energy to Silver Spoon Saloon this weekend with a high-energy night of music, vibes, and nonstop beats. Get ready to dance your heart away, and keep the party going all night long.
OCT
6
TUE
The Tryon Fall Series, hosted September 18-October 25, features six weeks of Hunter/Jumper shows, with regional, national, CSI 2*, CSI 3*, and CSI 5* competition levels throughout the series. The Tryon Fall Series also includes the fan-favorite Saturday Night Lights! Competition is free and open to spectators!
OCT
8
THU
Brooke USA's Divertimentos & Dressage returns to Tryon International Equestrian Center on Thursday, October 8 , for an unforgettable evening celebrating the beauty of the horse while raising critical funds to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys, and mules around the world.
OCT
10
SAT
Saturday Night Lights features an evening of FREE family fun, live music, entertainment and a carnival atmosphere in Legends Plaza, followed by Grand Prix Show Jumping action in Tryon Stadium!
OCT
10
SAT
DJ Sound Extreme is bringing the energy to Silver Spoon Saloon this weekend with a high-energy night of music, vibes, and nonstop beats. Get ready to dance your heart away, and keep the party going all night long.
OCT
14
WED
The Tryon Fall Series, hosted September 18-October 25, features six weeks of Hunter/Jumper shows, with regional, national, CSI 2*, CSI 3*, and CSI 5* competition levels throughout the series. The Tryon Fall Series also includes the fan-favorite Saturday Night Lights! Competition is free and open to spectators!
OCT
15
THU
Experience Major League Show Jumping at Tryon International! With top-tier events hosted in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, MLSJ brings together world-class athletes and organizers to create an elite team-based circuit. The League promotes the highest level of competition while expanding opportunities for riders, owners, and fans, culminating in a final season event where top teams and individuals are rewarded.
OCT
17
SAT
Saturday Night Lights features an evening of FREE family fun, live music, entertainment and a carnival atmosphere in Legends Plaza, followed by Grand Prix Show Jumping action in Tryon Stadium!
OCT
17
SAT
DJ Sound Extreme is bringing the energy to Silver Spoon Saloon this weekend with a high-energy night of music, vibes, and nonstop beats. Get ready to dance your heart away, and keep the party going all night long.
OCT
21
WED
Tryon International is proud to announce that the National Horse Show has relocate to Tryon beginning in 2026! Week One of the National Horse Show features premier adult and junior equitation competition, championship classes and the National Horse Show Adult Amateur Hunter Classic.
OCT
21
WED
The Tryon Fall Series, hosted September 18-October 25, features six weeks of Hunter/Jumper shows, with regional, national, CSI 2*, CSI 3*, and CSI 5* competition levels throughout the series. The Tryon Fall Series also includes the fan-favorite Saturday Night Lights! Competition is free and open to spectators!
OCT
22
THU
Carolina Foothills Chamber family-friendly Halloween festival and haunted attraction at FENCE, with haunted areas, movies, food trucks, music, and a Saturday kids night with activities such as bounce house, Trunk or Treat, and face painting.
OCT
24
SAT
Inaugural renaissance-inspired festival with live entertainment, artisan vendors, food trucks, fantasy-themed attractions, stage productions, Celtic folk music, and an evening Starfall Rave.
OCT
24
SAT
Saturday Night Lights features an evening of FREE family fun, live music, entertainment and a carnival atmosphere in Legends Plaza, followed by Grand Prix Show Jumping action in Tryon Stadium!
OCT
27
TUE
Week Two of the National Horse Show features elite hunter and jumper competition before concluding with the prestigious NHS ASPCA Maclay National Championship.
OCT
31
SAT
Kick off your Saturday at Tryon International’s Fall Fest, featuring a full day of fall-themed fun for all ages. From live entertainment and local vendors to food trucks and family activities, there’s something for everyone before the Saturday Night Lights festivities!
NOV
4
WED
The Duke "Jump for the Children" Horse Shows returns to Tryon International in 2026! Competition will feature USEF National and Level 4 competition, continuing a 40+ year tradition of raising lifesaving funds for Duke Children’s Hospital.
NOV
6
FRI
Charlton Singleton and Friends perform the greatest hits of soul music’s golden era. Get ready for a night of powerful vocals, irresistible grooves, and timeless classics as two-time Grammy Award winner Charlton Singleton and his all-star band bring the magic of soul to the stage. From the fiery funk of James Brown and Wilson Pickett, to the smooth elegance of Sam Cooke and Al Green —this is a celebration of the artists who shaped the soundtrack of generations. With infectious rhythms, electrify
NOV
11
WED
The Duke "Jump for the Children" Horse Shows returns to Tryon International in 2026! Competition will feature USEF National and Level 4 competition, continuing a 40+ year tradition of raising lifesaving funds for Duke Children’s Hospital.
DEC
5
SAT
Nashville Noel: A Country Christmas Spectacular is a dazzling holiday extravaganza that brings the spirit of Nashville and the magic of Christmas together in a heartwarming and unforgettable show. This spectacular production showcases the best of country music and the joy of the holiday season, creating a truly enchanting experience for audiences of all ages. Since its inception, Nashville Noel has become a beloved tradition for fans of country music and Christmas enthusiasts alike. The show fea
MAR
11
THU
Hailing from Counties Waterford, Cork, Dublin and Donegal in Ireland, Danú is one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles of today. The band formed in 1995 as part of Irelands delegation to Lorient Inter-Celtic Festival in Brittany, France (an annual event that is the biggest gathering of celtic nations in the world). The debut album simply entitled ‘Danú’ was released by the band in 1997 to huge critical acclaim and in 1999 Danú signed a multi-album record deal with the US based recording la
APR
3
SAT
Imagine yourself in the idyllic French countryside; the time is the 1930’s. Sometime before dark, a caravan sets up camp in an unused field outside of town. Locals are drawn to the scene, knowing that these visitors are always good for an evening’s entertainment. This troupe has gotten their hands on a film projector which they’ve pointed at the side of a barn. As the images flicker to life beneath the stars, musicians play their instruments, matching every movement on the screen with characteri
MAY
22
SAT
Dom Flemons & The Traveling Wildfires is a brand new Black string band supergroup launched in 2025. The mission of the band is to present an exciting, high energy show with songs that reach into the heart of all the American roots genres from bluegrass, folk, country, gospel, blues to string band music. Each show is carefully curated to include Dom’s greatest hits from his GRAMMY Nominated albums “Black Cowboys” and “Traveling Wildfire” along with more fan favorites. This supergroup is the next
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