North Carolina Rhododendron Festival

Set against the stunning backdrop of Roan Mountain, the North Carolina Rhododendron Festival celebrates the annual bloom of 600 acres of Catawba rhododendron. Established in 1946 to boost tourism, the festival evolved into a beloved event, with the first North Carolina festival held in 1952 in Bakersville. Nearly seventy years later, it remains one of the Southeast's oldest and most esteemed festivals, drawing visitors to honor the natural beauty of the region and its enduring traditions.