Thursday, May 20th 5:00-7:30pm

During the extreme lows and inspiring highs of 2020, who was someone that you admired? Someone who inspired you? This person might be a local store owner who was innovative during the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic, a family member who overcame an obstacle, a world renowned activist, an author whose perspective opened your eyes, or a stranger who showed you kindness when you needed it most.

For the first Third Thursday Art Crawl of 2021, Thursday May 20^th, you’re invited to get inspired as you stroll from venue to venue, artist to artist. As you walk downtown, you’ll not want to miss the installation in the West Union Street alley. Local artists have created portraits, on canvas, of someone who inspired them and made their life better during 2020. Approaching the ally, don’t be surprised if you run into inspirational figures on and off the canvas! Allow local actors to entertain you with their interpretation of adored and respected figures of the past year. Let’s see how the medium artist use - pastels, pens, watercolor, charcoal, colored pencils, oil, ink, et to create their portrayal of inspirational individuals they admire and how our performance artist use mannerisms, voices and costumes to do the same!  Read more!

What are the Downtown Distinguished Awards? The objective of the Morganton DDA Downtown Distinguished Awards is to recognize honor, and spotlight the members businesses that are the heartbeat of downtown.

Voting for DDA Awards - Vote here!

The Board Members of the Morganton DDA invite you the public to tell us who you believe should be recognized for their excellence in Downtown Morganton. Each category will recognize one DDA Member Business to spotlight completely based on the number of public votes received. Voting will open Tuesday, May 4th 2021 – Monday, May 17^th until noon.

Read more! 

Saturday, May 15, 2021

The lore and lure of the Appalachian dulcimer brought Alan to Morganton. Along with Traditional and different Americana styles of music, contemporary folk, rock&roll, and original his playing shows a slight departure from traditional dulcimer playing. Come join us for some soothing Appalachian dulcimer music and buck dancing/clogging old time fiddle tunes at the Morganton Farmers Market, 300 Beach Street 8am to noon.

Saturday, May 22, 2021 8am-noon

Visit the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina booth at the Morganton Saturday Farmers Market (300 Beach Street) for FREE nature-themed activities for kids and information about conservation projects and volunteer opportunities. Staff and volunteers will be at the market once a month. For exact dates, visit foothillsconservancy.org or follow us on Facebook.

We need volunteers to help lead these booths! If you are interested in learning more, contact Brittany Watkins at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.to attend a brief 30-minute training (in person or virtually).

Wednesday, June 2nd 8:00am-12:00pm

Are you looking for a full-time or part-time job? Or perhaps you are between classes and need a seasonal job. Either way, there will be opportunities for you at the Downtown Morganton Job Fair on Wednesday, June 2nd.Stop by anytime between 8am and noon at the Morganton Community House and visit with downtown businesses that are currently hiring. Light breakfast items and snacks will be available as well as the opportunity to win prizes.

As our business participant list grows, check back for a list of job types that will be available during the Fair.

Questions: Call the Main Street Office at 828-438-5280

Saturday, June 12 9:00-11:00am

Mary Ervin will lead the performance from the Morganton JAM Kids. Learn more about this unique program and listen to the kids play!

Morganton JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) is an after-school program that offers small-group instruction for traditional old time and bluegrass music. The program is offered to children in 4th through 9th grades. Students can learn fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin and bass. Students will enjoy learning from visiting artists, taking field trips and and getting an introduction to the music unique to our community.