Let’s Get

Festive

Norton and the surrounding High Knob Region have a variety of festivals to enjoy that highlight the region’s cultural heritage, music, seasons, outdoor adventures, and more!

Dr. Ralph Stanley Hills of Home Festival

Started by the late Dr. Ralph Stanley, the festival celebrates old-time bluegrass music. The festival is held in May.

dr Ralph Stanly Festival
Gathering in the gap

Gathering in the Gap Music Festival

Held in the Town of Big Stone Gap in May, the festival celebrates traditions of old-time, bluegrass, and Americana music in the Appalachian region.

Pine Mountain Naturalist Rally

The Virginia Master Naturalists’ High Knob Chapter hosts this annual celebration of Pine Mountain’s flora and fauna in May.

Birch Knob Tower on Pine Mountain
Best friend festival logo

Best Friend Festival

This weeklong summer festival in downtown Norton features activities for the entire family. The festival is held in June.

Clinch River Days

This festival, held in the town of St. Paul, celebrates the Clinch River and is held in June.

Clinch River Days logo
High Knob Music Festival Logo

High Knob Music Festival

Held in June, this daylong music festival in High Knob Recreation Area features a variety of bands.

Virginia-Kentucky District Fair

This more than 100-year-old festival is held at the Wise County Fairgrounds in mid-June.

Virginia Kentucky District Fair Logo
Chillin & Grillin logo

Chillin’ & Grillin’ In The Glades

This state championship barbecue contest and music festival is held in downtown Wise in mid-July.

Coal Railroad Days

This festival, held in downtown Appalachia, celebrates the town’s heritage.

High Knob Outdoor Fest

High Knob Outdoor Fest

The annual festival – held in mid-August – celebrates the High Knob Region’s non-motorized outdoor recreation opportunities. The event features outdoor trips and a downtown celebration in Norton with live music and more.

Guest River Rally

This festival – held Labor Day weekend — features food, music, and more in downtown Coeburn.

Guess River Rally logo
High Knob Naturalist Rally

High Knob Naturalist Rally

Hosted by The Clinch Coalition in September, this event features guided naturalist hikes and presentations in High Knob Recreation Area.

Blue Highway Fest

This music festival – held in Big Stone Gap in mid-October – celebrates the rich heritage of bluegrass and roots music, food, and culture.

Blue Highway Fest
home craft days

Home Craft Days

Held in mid-October in Big Stone Gap, this festival celebrates Appalachian heritage with live music, craft vendors, and demonstrations.

Lee County Tobacco Festival

Held in Pennington Gap, the festival began in 1949 to celebrate the harvest of the area’s tobacco crop. It is the longest running tobacco festival in Virginia and is Lee County’s oldest parade.

Tobacco Festival logo
Red Fox Storytelling Festival

Red Fox Storytelling Festival

This festival – held in October – features professional storytelling, music, a trail race on Pine Mountain, and more.

Wise County Famous Fall Fling

This fall festival, held in downtown Wise in October, celebrates mountain life with music, arts, and crafts.

Wise County Famous Fall Fling