Festival FAQs
Have festival questions? Browse answers by category below!
General Questions
How can I become a sponsor?
Please see the “Become a sponsor” tab at HCJazzFest.org
How can I become a volunteer?
Please see the “Become a volunteer” tab at HCJazzFest.org
Typical weather in Boone during the Jazz Fest?
Mid-June in Boone is generally pleasantly warm by day, cool by night, with occasional afternoon showers or thunderstorms and plenty of daylight, classic high-country summer weather.
Daytime highs: around 75–78 °F (24–26 °C)
Nighttime lows: usually mid-50s to upper-50s °F (13–15 °C)
Partly cloudy days are common; Rain is possible; Humidity is moderate
What main acts have performed in the past?
Delfeayo Marsalis Uptown Jazz Orchestra
New York Voices
The Count Basie Orchestra
Emmet Cohen Trio
Jazzmeia Horn
The Brubeck Brothers
Catherine Russell
The Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars
Noel Freidline & Maria Howell
Reggie Buie Group
Tickets & Pricing
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets went on sale December 15, 2025.
How much do tickets cost?
See the “Get Tickets” button at HCJazzFest.org
Where can I buy tickets?
See the “Get Tickets” button at HCJazzFest.org
Tickets may also be purchased at the Appalachian Theatre box office.
Can I buy a festival packet of tickets?
We offer “packages” for ticket sales. See the “Get Tickets” button at HCJazzFest.org.
Can I call for tickets?
Yes, you can also purchase tickets through the Appalachian Theatre Box Office at: (828) 865-3000
Where is Will Call?
Appalachian Theatre – 559 W. King Street, Boone, NC 28607
Schedule & Lineup
Where is the primary concert venue?
All headliner events take place at The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607; https://www.apptheatre.org
Where are the Jazz Fest Jam Sessions held on Friday and Saturday evening after the headliner shows?
The Beacon – 125 Graduate Lane, Boone, NC 28607; https://www.boonebeacon.com
Where can I find the festival schedule?
See the full festival schedule at HCJazzFest.org/#Artist-Lineup
Why is no concert scheduled for Thursday, 11 June 2026?
Wednesday’s performance is a special event. The main event concerts kick off on Friday. See the full festival schedule at HCJazzFest.org/#Artist-Lineup
Is Jazz the only genre featured?
Yes. This is a jazz festival focused on various styles of the jazz genre. Jazz, in general, covers a wide spectrum ranging from early traditional to contemporary and smooth. The HC Jazz Festival features various styles within the general jazz spectrum.
What is the jazz lecture?
This event is held at the Blowing Rock Art History Museum in Blowing Rock, NC, about 8 miles south of Boone on Rt. 321. The lecture is a one-hour event focusing on one or more of the festival headliners. A question-and-answer segment concludes the lecture.
Venue, Parking, Accommodations, & Dining
Overnight Accommodations?
Our two sponsoring hotels for the HCJF are:
Hampton Inn and Suites Boone – 1252 US Highway 421 South, Boone, NC 28607; https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/hkybohx-hampton-suites-boone
Graystone Lodge – 2419 Highway 105 South, Boone, NC 28607; https://www.choicehotels.com/en-ca/north-carolina/boone/choice-hotels/nc507
Additional area hotels and accommodations can be found at Explore Boone – https://www.exploreboone.com/
Dining options?
Boone’s dining scene blends local Appalachian flavors, farm-to-table fare, and casual comfort food with a growing number of eclectic and upscale options — perfect for breakfast after a hike, a relaxed lunch, or a memorable dinner. · Restaurant listings can be found at Explore Boone – https://www.exploreboone.com/
Does the Appalachian Theatre sell refreshments?
Yes! Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), popcorn, candy, etc.
Parking?
Parking in Boone can be a challenge.
There are metered lots, pay station lots, and limited metered on-street parking, etc. Meters and pay station lots are monitored by the Boone parking authority Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Outside of those hours, parking is free.
Please note that various private lots have rental spaces for App State students, and towing IS rigorously enforced by those property owners. Visitors to Boone are advised to ALWAYS read and abide by ALL parking signage to avoid any unfortunate situations.
EV Charging?
Yes, there is a Tesla Supercharging station (12 chargers) on 321/Blowing Rock Road in the CVS Pharmacy parking lot.
There are also two paid charging pedestals at the Circle K gas station on 321/Blowing Rock Road.
Various hotels and businesses offer free EV charging facilities to patrons.
The Town of Boone offers free EV charging facilities (limited) on King Street, in the N. Depot Street lot, and in some other parking lots. As with parking, visitors are advised to read ALL signage before using an EV charging station. Please refer to your EV charging app for locations of other EV charging stations.
What should I wear?
We are a casual mountain community. We want you to come to our events in attire that allows you to be comfortable and enjoy the jazz music experience we are offering. That said, some patrons wear flannel shirts, jeans, and boots, while others wear business casual, and others come dressed to the nines. It’s up to you. You do you; we just want you to come!
Can I bring my own food or drink?
Outside food or drinks are NOT permitted in the Appalachian Theatre, BRAHM (Blowing Rock Art History Museum), or any other food and beverage establishments where HCJF-related events are hosted.
For outdoor events, e.g., Jones House, “Under the Marquee” at the App Theatre, etc., you are welcome to bring your own food and beverages.
Do I need to make hotel reservations in advance?
At 3,333 feet in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Boone is a popular destination in June for Blue Ridge Parkway explorers, hikers, sightseers, and those attempting to escape the heat of lower elevations. Thus, accommodations can be difficult to find at the last minute. Locking in accommodations early is a good idea.
Venue Accessibility
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. Wheelchair- and scooter-accessible seating, including companion seating, is available on the orchestra level of the theatre. The main lobby provides access to accessible water fountains, ticket counters, and restroom stalls.
An elevator provides access to the Community Room located on the second floor.
Please note that there is no elevator access to the theatre’s balcony seating level. Guests requiring wheelchair or semi-ambulatory seating, or those unable to utilize two (2) stairs, steep ramps, or steps up and down within the seating area, should purchase tickets in the orchestra level of the theatre.
For the Wednesday evening performance (Zenón/Perdomo), with on-stage seating only, a lift is available for access to the stage from the orchestra level.
Additional information can be found – https://www.apptheatre.org/accessibility
Is the festival accessible to those with disabilities?
Yes. The Appalachian Theatre (main concert venue) is ADA compliant.
If attending jazz events at local restaurants, please check with those proprietors regarding their accessibility features.
Can I bring children?
Absolutely. Jazz enthusiasts of all ages are welcome.
Don’t miss…
Jazz in the High Country.
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© High Country Jazz Festival. Copyright 2026.