06/20/2025 to 06/21/2025
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE INFORMATION REGARDING THE FESTIVAL AND PAGEANT IS TENTATIVE AND CHANGES IN LOCATION AND TIME FOR SOME EVENTS HAVE BEEN MADE. FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION HERE.
The 78th Annual North Carolina Rhododendron Festival returns to the tiny town of Bakersville June 20-21, 2025 from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Drawing thousands of visitors, this creekside craft fair features dozens of artists and a section of community booths with live music. Other highlights include:
- NC Rhododendron Pageant at Bowman Middle School on Friday and Saturday night
- Rhododendron Car Show: on Saturday at Bowman Middle School football field from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM.
- Ducky Derby: On Saturday along the Creek Walk, watch and cheer on your own as thousands of ducks race down Cane Creek in this fundraiser. Tickets are available during the Street Fair.
- Rhododendron 10K Run: Race begins Saturday at 8:30 AM.
To see the famous blooms, drive the 12.8-mile NC 261 for a scenic drive that climbs 3,000 feet in elevation to Roan Mountain.