Around the County: What’s Happening This Weekend

There’s plenty happening around Johnson County as we head into the final weekend of August — from live music and Longhorn football to dancing, classic cars, a full moon hike and a night ride on Doe Mountain.

And you don’t have to wait until Friday to get started.

Here’s what’s happening Around the County August 27–30.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

Sips & Sweets at Villa Nove Vineyards
7 p.m. | Villa Nove Vineyards

Kick off the weekend a little early with a guided wine and artisan chocolate tasting at Villa Nove Vineyards. Cost is $45.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

Live Music: Patricia Charlton
4–7 p.m. | Villa Nove Vineyards

Villa Nove starts Friday evening with live music from Patricia Charlton.

Johnson County Longhorns vs. Hampton Bulldogs
7 p.m. | Johnson County High School, Mountain City

Friday night means football in Mountain City as the Johnson County Longhorns take on Hampton at home.

Summer Line Dance Workshop
7–9 p.m. | First United Methodist Church, 128 N. Church Street, Mountain City

The Young at Heart Square & Line Dance Club hosts its Friday night Summer Line Dance Workshop. No partner is needed, and the two-hour workshop is $5.

Full Moon Hike at Doe Mountain
8–9 p.m. | Doe Mountain Recreation Area Adventure Center, 1203 Harbin Hill Road, Mountain City

See Doe Mountain after dark with a Full Moon Hike Friday evening.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

Johnson County Farmers Market
9 a.m.–Noon | Ralph Stout Park, Mountain City

Start Saturday morning at the Johnson County Farmers Market and shop local produce, goods and more.

Museum of Butler
11 a.m.–4 p.m. | 123 Selma Curtis Road, Butler

Take a trip into Johnson County history with a visit to the Museum of Butler and the story of the town that wouldn’t drown.

Live Music: Mick Kyte
5 p.m. | Villa Nove Vineyards

Mick Kyte takes the stage Saturday evening at Villa Nove.

Mountain City Weekly Cruise-In
5–9 p.m. | Downtown Mountain City

Cars, food and an evening downtown are on tap for the Mountain City Weekly Cruise-In. All makes and models are welcome, with a food truck and occasional music. The cruise-in is held weather permitting.

Live at Cove Ridge: Jakob Jovet
6 p.m. | Cove Ridge Marina

Head to Watauga Lake Saturday evening for live music from Jakob Jovet at Cove Ridge Marina.

Thrill After Sundown Night Ride
8–10 p.m. | Doe Mountain Recreation Area Adventure Center, 1203 Harbin Hill Road, Mountain City

Doe Mountain keeps Saturday going after dark with its Thrill After Sundown Night Ride.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30

Museum of Butler
1–4 p.m. | 123 Selma Curtis Road, Butler

The Museum of Butler is open again Sunday afternoon for those looking for a quieter way to wrap up the weekend.

Special Sunday Show: Amber Taylor
4 p.m. | Cove Ridge Marina

Finish the weekend on Watauga Lake as Amber Taylor performs a special Sunday show at Cove Ridge Marina.


From Friday night football and dancing to live music, classic cars, local history and outdoor adventures, there’s plenty to choose from this weekend without ever leaving Johnson County.

Know of something we missed? Send us your upcoming Johnson County event for consideration in our next Around the County roundup.? Send it our way for consideration in a future Around the County roundup.

Find more Johnson County Events here.

Published by Sheila Stout Caldwell

Sheila Caldwell is an award-winning writer, producer, media personality, community advocate, and nonprofit leader with a passion for telling the stories that shape Johnson County and the Appalachian region. As the contributor for "The Johnson County Line," she brings curiosity, heart, and a commitment to honest conversation—celebrating the people, preserving the history, and exploring the issues that matter to our community.

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