Events & Entertainment

The city's Main Street Office coordinates numerous downtown events and festivals, and free outdoor concerts through its TGIF concert series in May and June.

Morganton's Red, White and Bluegrass Festival is held every July 1 - 4. The festival draws bluegrass fans from across the country and globe to Morganton to enjoy four days of music from the best Bluegrass Bands in the nation. The event culminates with an exciting fireworks display that's free to the public.

In September, residents and visitors enjoy the The Historic Morganton Festival  - two days of rides, crafts, foods and free concerts featuring "big name" artists such as Mark Chessnutt, Chris Cagle and Lee Greenwood. The Historic Morganton Festival is the first weekend following Labor Day each year.

The Morganton Main Street Office also coordinates the annual Christmas parade, downtown carriage rides, Breakfast with Santa, Treat-or-treat in Downtown, an Easter egg hunt and other holiday events.

The City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium (COMMA) hosts 125-140 events per year including Broadway productions, concerts, meetings, art displays and receptions. During the fall of 2003, renown fresco artist, Ben Long, will create an original fresco on the ceiling of the CoMMA gallery. CoMMA seats 1058.