Boonerang is a music and arts festival in downtown Boone (free on Friday and Saturday). The festival includes multiple concert stages, primarily made up of artists with Boone connections. Other festival highlights include local food and beer, a vendor market, a kids zone, silent discos, and afterparties.

The second annual Boonerang Music & Arts Festival will take place June 15-17. The Appalachian Theatre will host a ticketed concert on Thursday (tickets available at apptheatre.org). Friday will feature a free evening concert and a silent disco. Saturday is a day-long event that includes multiple live music stages, a vendor market, kids zone, dance lot, international fest, silent disco, and more.

Music and events will be happening throughout downtown Boone. The primary concert areas include street stage on South Depot and North Depot, a lawn stage at the Jones House, and a side stage at Espresso News. There will also be a dance lot at Wild Craft Eatery, Boonerang International festival at Boone Bagelry, and performances at the Appalachian Theatre. The Watauga Library will host a kids zone. Food/beverage and craft vendors will be set up along the streets.

Boonerang is a FREE event on Friday and Saturday. No tickets are required for admission to concerts and vendor areas. The only money you'll need is what you plan to spend on food, beverage, merchandise, and Boonerang swag. The Appalachian Theatre will host a ticketed kickoff concert on Thursday evening.

In addition to our concert stages, vendor market, and kids zone, there are other events and happenings surrounding Boonerang, including performances at the Appalachian Theatre, silent discos, afterparties, and other fun activities. Guests can also visit downtown galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Hourly metered parking is available along King Street, with long-term meters located on Queen Street. Designated spots along King Street in front of the Jones House and Post Office area will be reserved for handicap access. Additional nearby parking is available in ASU public lots and decks (see info at https://parking.appstate.edu/ ) and at the Watauga County Social Services lot (off of Poplar Grove Connector). *Please carefully read and obey all parking signage.

A few things you'll want to be sure to bring with you are:
-Lawn chairs - seating will not be provided at the stages and some areas will be designated for standing room only
-Water bottles - water refill stations will be located throughout the festival
-Cash/Credit cards - it's a good idea to be prepared for various types of payment (cash, credit, debit, Venmo) depending upon the specific vendor
-Sunblock - we're hoping for a sunny day

-Friends and Family - the more the merrier!

While outside food and snacks are allowed, festival goers are encouraged to take advantage of on-site food and beverage vendors and downtown restaurants. Water refill stations will be available for those who bring their own water bottles. No open alcohol containers are permitted outside of designated festival zones.

Dogs are permitted at the festival, but must remain on a leash at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets and should be respectful of other festival guests. The Watauga Humane Society will be sponsoring a pet water station, but also be sure to bring backup water for you four-legged friends.

If you are looking to make a full weekend of your Boonerang experience, you can find out more about lodging, things to do, and nearby attractions at Explore Boone. There is no camping at the festival.

If you are interested in helping out with Boonerang, please fill out a volunteer application, so we can get you more information. Volunteers will be entered to win two 3-day passes to FloydFest in July and get other perks including an exclusive Boonerang T-shirt and access to a volunteer lounge with goodies from local restaurants and businesses - not to mention the feel-good vibes of helping out with a trademark Boone event.

The vending application for Boonerang 2023 is now closed. Vendors who have already applies should hear back shortly about their status.

While we appreciate hearing from interested artists and bands, we are not seeking solicitations for our Boonerang music lineup.