October is arriving with a full slate of events across Johnson County. This weekend brings old-time and bluegrass music, community fundraisers, pumpkins, live music, classic cars and the opening of a new haunted attraction.
The centerpiece is the Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention, which begins its second century with two days of free music, contests, food trucks and fellowship at Heritage Hall Square.
Here’s what’s happening around the county Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
Second District Volunteer Fire Department BBQ Fundraiser
11 a.m. until sold out
4243 Highway 421 South, Mountain City
Support the Second District Volunteer Fire Department while enjoying a barbecue lunch. Plates include barbecue pork or chicken, baked beans, slaw, a roll, dessert and a drink.
Cost: $15 for adults and $7 for children.
The Pumpkin Patch — Season Opening
3–6 p.m.
2429 Dry Hill Road, Butler
The Pumpkin Patch opens for the season Friday afternoon with fresh pumpkins, family fun and local vendors.
Scott McKinney at Villa Nove
5–8 p.m.
Villa Nove Farm & Vineyard, 1877 Dry Hill Road, Butler
Scott McKinney kicks off Villa Nove’s October music lineup Friday evening. The vineyard is open from 4–9 p.m. with wine, food and mountain views.
Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention
6–10 p.m.
Heritage Hall Square, 211 N. Church Street, Mountain City
The historic Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention begins its second century with a free Friday-night concert:
- 6 p.m. — Denim & Plaid
- 7 p.m. — The Kody Norris Show
- 8 p.m. — Lonesome River Band
Admission is free for spectators. Bring a chair and come ready to enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors and merchandise. The convention will be held rain or shine, with activities moving inside Heritage Hall Theatre if necessary.
Johnson County Longhorns at Abingdon
7 p.m.
Abingdon High School, Abingdon, Virginia
The Longhorns hit the road Friday night for a non-conference matchup against Abingdon.
Bloody3rd Haunted Attraction — Opening Night
Opens at 7:30 p.m.
1251 Antioch Road, Mountain City
Spooky season officially begins with the opening of Bloody3rd, a new local haunted attraction. Visit Bloody3rd.com for admission information and additional operating dates.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
VFW Post 6908 Buffet Breakfast
8–11 a.m. or until sold out
VFW Post 6908, 179 Depot Street, Mountain City
Start Saturday with an all-you-can-eat breakfast featuring homemade sausage gravy, biscuits, scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, hash browns and beverages.
Suggested donations:
- Adults — $10
- Children 12 and younger — $5
- First responders and children 5 and younger — Free
First District VFD Chicken BBQ
Noon until sold out
First District Volunteer Fire Department, 7176 Highway 91 North, Laurel Bloomery
Support the First District Volunteer Fire Department and pick up freshly prepared barbecue chicken. Serving begins at noon and continues until it’s gone—so arrive early!
Johnson County Farmers Market
9 a.m.–Noon
Ralph Stout Park, North Shady Street, Mountain City
Shop locally grown produce, meat products, baked goods and handmade crafts. The producer-only market remains open Saturday mornings through October.
The Pumpkin Patch
10 a.m.–6 p.m.
2429 Dry Hill Road, Butler
The Pumpkin Patch continues its opening weekend Saturday with pumpkins, local vendors and family fun.
Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention — Contests and Concerts
10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Heritage Hall Square, 211 N. Church Street, Mountain City
Saturday brings a full day of competition and performances:
- 8 a.m. — Competitor registration opens
- 10 a.m. — Youth Contest
- 1 p.m. — Adult Contest
- 5:30 p.m. — Remedy Tree
- 6:30 p.m. — Carson Peters
- 7:30 p.m. — Riders in the Sky
- 9 p.m. — Awards
Spectator admission is free. Competitors pay $15 per person, per category. Bring a chair and plan to stay awhile. Food trucks and vendors will be on-site throughout the day.
Explore the Town That Wouldn’t Drown
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Museum of Butler, 123 Selma Curtis Road, Butler
Discover the history of Old Butler and the community that was relocated during the creation of Watauga Lake.
Admission: $5; children under 12 are admitted free. The Museum of Butler is also a Blue Star Museum.
The museum will also have a booth at the Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention Friday and Saturday.
Mick Kyte at Villa Nove
5–8 p.m.
Villa Nove Farm & Vineyard, 1877 Dry Hill Road, Butler
Mick Kyte takes the stage for a fall evening of live music at Villa Nove. The vineyard is open Saturday from 1–9 p.m.
Mountain City Weekly Cruise-In
5–9 p.m.
Downtown Mountain City
Bring your favorite ride or come downtown to see the cars. All makes and models are welcome, and food will be available. The cruise-in is held weather permitting.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
Explore the Town That Wouldn’t Drown
1–4 p.m.
Museum of Butler, 123 Selma Curtis Road, Butler
The Museum of Butler opens again Sunday afternoon for visitors interested in the history of Old Butler, Watauga Lake and the surrounding valley.
Admission: $5; children under 12 are free.
Sunday at Villa Nove
1–6 p.m.
Villa Nove Farm & Vineyard, 1877 Dry Hill Road, Butler
Settle in for a relaxed Sunday afternoon with local wine, Italian-inspired food and mountain views.
WEEKEND OPTIONS
Support the Imagination Library
Johnson County Imagination Library raffle tickets are available for $1. Proceeds help place books in the hands of the county’s youngest readers. Watch the organization’s page for purchasing and drawing details.
Spend the Day at Doe Mountain
Doe Mountain Recreation Area does not have a special event listed for this weekend, but its trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Adventure Center is open from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. for passes, maps, information and check-in.
Whether you’re ready for a full day of bluegrass, searching for the perfect pumpkin, supporting a community fundraiser or easing into spooky season, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Johnson County this weekend.
Schedules can change, and outdoor events may be affected by the weather. Check with the organizer before heading out.
Know of an event we missed? Send it to The Johnson County Line for consideration in our next Around the County roundup.
