Saturday, August 15 8:00am-10:00am

Thursday, August 20 5:00-7:30pm

Among the magnitude of other responses, art is capable of igniting imagination. In July, we strolled a sandy beach, tossed beach balls with a lifeguard and watched a brightly colorful school of fish swim by, all without leaving the historic courthouse square. Join us again, won’t you, as we transport ourselves to the circus without really leaving home at all.

Let’s welcome the dancer on air, who will dazzle high above the downtown square. Join the spectacles beyond the center of town, as you watch props tossed and see a woman stuck in an invisible box. Wait, that’s not all we have for this circus vision, we also have a talented bubble magician.

Come one come all, to the most magically transformative downtown of all! The Main Street Office and the Burke Arts Council invite you to “step right up” and join us at “The Greatest Art Crawl on Earth!”

Patty M

Saturday, August 22nd 8:00-10:00am

Live Music at the Morganton Farmers Market. Shop with your local farmers while enjoying the sounds of local talent.

Butterbeans Duo

Saturday, September 5th 9:00-11:00am

Live Music at the Morganton Farmers Market. Shop with your local farmers while enjoying the sounds of local talent.

September 12th - October 12th

Due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Historic Morganton Festival is on hold until September 10 and 11, 2021. However, we are excited to announce that the annual Sunrise Run on the Greenway is still on! The 2020 Sunrise Run on the Greenway is going VIRTUAL from September 12th to October 12th! Registration is now open for you to run your own race. You can register for a 5K or 10K anytime between now and October 12th. The virtual race will open on Saturday, September 12 (the original race date) and will end at 11:59pm on Monday, October 12. Run the 5K or 10K at any point during the month and then submit your times in your Run Sign Up profile. Run anywhere in town, state, or country! The original race routes will be included online for those interested in running the usual route.

Local businesses need our support now more than ever. In an effort to keep business local, each participant will receive a swag bag including t-shirt, finishers medal, and other surprises (to be announced later) from local Morganton businesses. When signing up please indicate if you'd like to pick up your swag bag in person OR if you would like it mailed to you (an additional mailing fee will be added). Swag bag pick ups and mailings will be available beginning October 12th.

Thank you to race sponsors:

For more information OR to register, visit: https://morgantonfest.org/sunrise-run/

Stay connected to www.morgantonfest.org for up the latest news, information and lineup.