Last Updated on January 11, 2024
At Lake Lure, outdoor activities await beyond pretty much every door. From world-class golf to an abundance of water sports, there is always something fun to do outside!
In addition to making the most of regular outdoor opportunities, Lake Lure residents and visitors find special reasons to come together throughout the year. Annual memorial events, art shows, sporting competitions, and festivals draw crowds of thousands to the shores of the lake.
If you’ve never been to any of the community events in Lake Lure, make 2024 your year! Here is a list of all the festivals in Lake Lure this year.
2nd Annual Fae Nectar Winterfest
January 27, 2024 @ 11:00 AM | Fae Nectar
Winterfest is an all-day extravaganza hosted by the Warriors Of Ash and Fae Nectar, Lake Lure’s local meadery. Liven up the quiet winter months by watching some authentic medieval combat by the Warriors of Ash in the tournament arena. Or try your hand at ax throwing while you enjoy the mystical battle music of Chris Welsh and his Sun and Moon Dance band. And don’t forget to browse the Artisan Village, which features live blacksmithing demos, handmade jewelry, leathercraft, fantasy garb, and more! The festive mead hall will be serving delicious mead and cider aplenty, beer, hot cocoa, and delicious food options, including turkey legs and Irish stew!
Learn more: facebook.com
Rumble 2024 Climbing Competition
March 1–3, 2024 | Rumbling Bald
The Rumble is a community event that celebrates access at Rumbling Bald, gathers the community, and raises funds for the stewardship and access efforts promoted by the Carolina Climbers Coalition. A portion of Rumble proceeds go to a partnering organization focused on land conservation and outdoor recreation. Climbers and their families come to Lake Lure for the event from all around the Southeast!
Learn more: carolinaclimbers.org
68th Annual Easter Sunrise Service
March 31, 2024 @ 6:45 AM | Chimney Rock State Park
Celebrate Easter at this Western North Carolina tradition with song, scripture, and spiritual music. Chimney Rock has been hosting this non-denominational Easter service for almost 70 years. There’s nothing like watching the sun rise over beautiful Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge foothills (sunrise at 7:16 AM). Each year, the event attracts more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast. This event is free of charge, but participants must reserve a park parking pass. Only one parking pass is needed per vehicle.
Learn more: chimneyrockpark.com
Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival
May 11, 2024 @ 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Lake Lure Town Center
Held twice annually, the Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival has been a local tradition since the 1980s. The 2024 spring festival features continuous entertainment and a celebration of Appalachian arts and crafts in a gorgeous mountain setting. Enjoy shopping for wonderful art and handmade crafts from the festival’s 90+ artisan vendors. Quite a few artisans demonstrate their artistic talents and crafting skills by creating new works at the event. Take a break from shopping to take in great music, dancing, and treats from food and refreshment vendors. A kids zone offers mini golf and face painting. Festival proceeds benefit Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach.
Learn more: lakelureartsandcraftsfestivals.com
Annual Lake Lure Spring Classic Boat and Auto Show
May 18, 2024 | Lake Lure Town Center, Lake Lure Beach
Save the date for this year’s annual Lake Lure Spring Classic Boat and Auto Show! This free event features a boat parade, boat and car show, and both antique and classic cars and boats. Concessions and vendors are available for your enjoyment. More information to come.
Learn more: townoflakelure.com
Lake Lure Memorial Day Service
May 27, 2024 @ 9:00 AM | Lake Lure Town Center
Join together to remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The Town of Lake Lure will hold a ceremony at the Memorial Kiosk in front of the Lake Lure Inn at 9:00 AM. Refreshments will be served following the service.
Learn more: townoflakelure.com
2024 Lure of the Lake Swim
June 8, 2024 @ 8:00 AM–12:00 PM | Lake Lure Beach
Come and swim in the only freshwater race of the Carolina Swim Series, hosted by Lake Lure Olympiad! Two races are held on the Lake Lure Beach across from the iconic 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa: a 1.5-mile and a 3.0-mile swim. Lake Lure is beautiful in the early summer and great for an open water swim. There will be lots of good food, friendly volunteers, and a great race shirt for registered participants. Proceeds from this swim event will support Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach and local first responders.
Learn more: lakelureolympiad.org
Community Independence Day Celebration
July 6, 2024 | Lake Lure Beach
Save the date for the Town of Lake Lure’s annual community celebration for Independence Day. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Learn more: townoflakelure.com
Lake Lure Olympiad: 3 Races, 3 Days
August 9–11, 2024
Each August, the Lake Lure Olympiad beckons more than 1,500 athletes from around the nation for foot races, a triathlon, and sports tournaments. Known as WNC’s premier destination sports event, the Olympiad boasts challenging courses for world-class athletes, as well as entertaining outdoor activities for family and friends. Kick off the weekend with the 10K Dam Run on Friday, followed by a Triathlon Sprint on Saturday and 5K Race to the Rock on Sunday. The Olympiad is a nonprofit organization that brings people together in the spirit of friendly competition for the benefit of charitable giving.
Learn more: lakelureolympiad.org
Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival
October 12, 2024 @ 10:00 AM– 4:00 PM | Lake Lure Town Center
Held twice annually, the Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival has been a local tradition since the 1980s. The 2024 fall festival will feature continuous entertainment and a celebration of Appalachian arts and crafts in a gorgeous mountain setting. Enjoy shopping for wonderful art and handmade crafts from the festival’s 90+ artisan vendors. Quite a few artisans demonstrate their artistic talents and crafting skills by creating new works at the event. Take a break from shopping to take in great music, dancing, and treats from food and refreshment vendors. A kids zone offers mini golf and face painting. Festival proceeds benefit Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach.
Learn more: lakelureartsandcraftsfestivals.com
Lake Lure Veterans Day Program
November 11, 2024 | Buffalo Cemetery, Rumbling Bald Resort
Help the Town of Lake Lure thank veterans for serving our country and protecting our freedoms. Breakfast will be served at Legends on the Lake Restaurant in Rumbling Bald Resort following the program. Veterans and their spouses can enjoy a complimentary meal. $5/person for other guests.
Learn more: townoflakelure.com
Lighting Up Lake Lure
December 4, 2024 | Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
Kick off the holiday season with the Grand Lighting of the Bridge and the Lighting Up of Lake Lure. Town leaders offer remarks leading up to the countdown for turning on the lights. Elementary students from Lake Lure Classical Academy are then led to the stage by Santa himself to regale visitors with favorite holiday carols. The festivities conclude with LLFB volunteers serving warm cider and cookies.
Learn more: lakelurefloweringbridge.org
27th Annual Santa on the Chimney
December 7 & 14, 2024 | Chimney Rock State Park
It’s that time of year, and Santa is getting ready by visiting Chimney Rock to climb down one of the world’s largest natural chimneys. For more than 25 years, Santa Claus has practiced for his big evening by descending from the top of Chimney Rock on a nearly 200-foot rappel about every 30–45 minutes, weather permitting. When Santa isn’t climbing, kids are invited to pose for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hike with an elf, make holiday crafts, listen to live music, meet some of the park’s live animal ambassadors, and more.
Learn more: chimneyrockpark.com
Make 2024 the year you call Lake Lure your home!
Waterfront mountain real estate is something that is rare indeed. What’s more, there is a unique variety of homes in Lake Lure ranging from the historic to the modern, from the somewhat rustic to the state of the art. Here at Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks, we pride ourselves on our deep relationship with the area, as well as our vast knowledge of Lake Lure property, land, and its unique, storied history.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find what feels like home in Lake Lure, NC.
Did we miss any events? Share your favorite Lake Lure annual events with us in the comments.
Photo from the Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival
The Music Day Festival at the Bill’s Creek Community Center is on October 12th.
Correct date of the Lake Lure Arts and Craft festival is on October 19 th and 20th.
Is there not a Dirty Dancing festival any more?