Steeped in tradition, summers in Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills are chock-full of outdoor activities, down-home music, great food, community festivals and more. From dragon boats and fireworks to great film tributes and country music icons, here are 11 must-do summer events in western North Carolina.

8th Annual Lure of the Dragons Boat Festival & Parade:

This annual Lake Lure boat race, June 11, enchants and exhilarates. The adrenaline-pumping competition is only part of the magic – many spectators gather just to witness the 30-foot-long dragon-shaped boats filled with teams of rowers. Funds are raised from the event to benefit breast cancer research. Bring the family on June 11 for the eighth year of this tradition celebrated around the world and right here in Lake Lure. Visit LureoftheDragons.org for more.

5th Annual Movie on the Meadows:

After you finish cheering on the dragon boats June 11, head over to the Meadows inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park for another yearly tradition – an evening screening of the iconic film “Last of the Mohicans” presented by Ingles. There is a fee for parking. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 9 p.m. Visit ChimneyRockPark.com for more details.

Father’s Day Weekend Special:

On June 18-19, give your extra-special dad an extra-special Father’s Day – a day in the mountains with incredible views and hiking with the family. Buy one regularly priced adult admission to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park and dad or granddad’s admission is free! Download the coupon from chimneyrockpark.com and present it at the Ticket Plaza at time of purchase.

Charlie Daniels Band Concert at McNair Stadium:

Nothing says down-home summer like a performance by country music legend and North Carolina native Charlie Daniels and his band! On June 25, join thousands of fellow fans at McNair Stadium in Forest City, an intimate, American hometown baseball stadium. Follow Forest City Concerts’ Facebook page for a chance to win a meet and greet with Charlie Daniels himself! Tickets are available at foundationshows.org.

Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration:

On July 3 in Lake Lure, N.C., fireworks over the lake are another summertime favorite. Join the town of Lake Lure and watch brilliant color burst over the water on the eve of Independence Day! The festivities start at 6 p.m. from the Beach at Lake Lure, so bring the kids or just your sweetheart for an unforgettable show. You can see the spectacular display from either the Beach or Morse Park Meadows. Better yet, rent a pontoon boat from Lake Lure Tours or Lake Lure Adventure Company and enjoy a first-class seat. Visit HickoryNutChamber.org for details.

Fourth of July Freedom Festival:

The only thing more American than July 4 is baseball and pie – and this festival at McNair Field, Forest City, July 4, has both! Bring the whole family to the Forest City Owls Baseball Stadium for a fun filled day of parades, kids’ activities, a baseball game and fireworks! Stuff your face at the pie-eating contest and get competitive with sack races, balloon toss, corn hole and more! The action kicks off at 10 a.m. and the Forest City Owls play Gastonia at 7 p.m. More info is online at rutherfordtown.com/july-4th-freedom-fest.html.

Independence Day Celebration:

A Lake Lure season favorite is the Beach Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast at Rumbling Bald Resort on July 3. Continue the fun on Monday at the annual July 4 resort celebration featuring a spectacular fireworks show, the Boardwalk Arts & Crafts sale, family games, children’s play area, beach cookout and more. Enjoy glittering lake views with your favorite people, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Foothills in a classic resort setting. Resort events are open to resort guests only. Visit RumblingBald.com for information.

July 4th Weekend Family Fun:

This Independence Day will be wild at Chimney Rock State Park! From Saturday, July 2 to Monday, July 4, meet some of Grady’s real-life, woodland friends including a Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl at Family Animal Encounters. Then, enjoy one free climb per person on the Climbing Tower! Grab a Track Trail brochure at Grady’s Animal Discovery Den and round out the day with a hike along our Great Woodland Adventure trail, complete with 12 interactive education stations. Making summer memories was never so easy!

12th Annual Lake Lure Olympiad:

The Lake Lure Olympiad, August 12-14, hosts thousands of athletes, families and friends every year. The idyllic combination of vacation and competition brings runners, swimmers and cyclists back year after year to this weekend of lake and mountain fun! Try the “3 Races in 3 Days” challenge featuring the 10K Dam Run, Lake Lure Triathlon and Race to the Rock, or take the easy way out and just do one. Bring the kids and watch them compete for medals of their own in the Junior Olympiad. Spectators welcome, too! As an added bonus, the Lake Lure Olympiad is thrilled to be hosting the 2016 USMS Open Water One Mile & 5K National Championship! Register for your events before July 27 and snag a free t-shirt. More online at LakeLureOlympiad.com.

The Dirty Dancing Festival:

A tribute to the classic movie filmed in and around Lake Lure, the 7th annual Dirty Dancing Festival, August 19-20, features a weekend of live bands, dance performances by the Asheville Ballet, lessons and even a “lake lift” competition. Enjoy local food vendors, watermelon carrying games, merchandise and more. Funds are also raised to benefit pancreatic cancer research in honor of the film’s late star Patrick Swayze. “Dirty Dancing” fans of all ages welcome. Visit DirtyDancingFestival.com.

Hot Nights, Cool Rides Auto Show:

Known as the “Best Car Show East of the Mississippi,” on August 20 admire and compare this incredible collection of more than 400 vehicles lining Main Street in Forest City including custom-built Rat Rods, decked out motorcycles, antique Model T’s and classic Mustangs. Roam historic downtown while dining on local eats and food vendors, jamming to live bands and stargazing at classic rides, starting at 9:30 a.m. and wrapping up at 8 p.m. Visit forestcitymerchants.net for details.

For more information on these events and more happening all year in Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills, visit TimeOfYourLifeNC.com.

– article submitted
by Michelle Yelton