For more than 40 years, MECC’s Home Craft Days has featured musicians and artisans from throughout Southwest Virginia, East Tennessee, and Eastern Kentucky. Demonstrations of weaving, pottery making, grist milling, wood crafting, basket weaving, broom making, quilting, tatting and much more are offered. Musical performances are scheduled every hour throughout the event. Home Craft Days is held on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., during the second weekend in October. A free concert in the Goodloe Center kicks off the event on Friday evening. For more information, visit the Home Craft Days website.
Mountain Empire Community College’s Mountain Music School is a week-long event dedicated to the preservation and continuation of Appalachian music and culture. Mountain Music School is held annually during the fourth week in July. The school provides opportunities for students age 10 and up to experience traditional old-time music with fun and supportive instruction. Students may select an instrument and skill level of their choice, including beginning and advanced “old-time” fiddle, claw-hammer banjo, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, autoharp, and dog house bass. A limited number of instruments are available for loan for the week. Dance and sing along at daily concerts featuring some of the region’s most gifted old-time musicians. For more information, visit the Mountain Music School website.