The Mountains, The Music, The Majestic River and More
This Blue Ridge gem in Western North Carolina just 20 minutes from Asheville is home to over 55,000 acres of National Forest providing a majestic backdrop to the world’s third oldest river—our mighty French Broad. Our timeless tradition of musical history which is known worldwide will accompany you as you share the majesty of nature and the rural abundance of our small town heritage. Plan to visit us–one of the nineteen Madison Counties in the United States. We offer outdoor sports for all enthusiasts whether a rafting trip suits your fancy, a cycling adventure along our country roads or a good horseback ride. Better yet—experience our natural hot springs, one of only two east of the Mississippi. Come and you’ll see. Life in Madison County is the way life should be…. easy living with a song in the air.
Madison County on the Blue Ridge Music Trails
Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership and the North Carolina Arts Council has reissued The Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina book. The trails are designed to promote the rich traditional music heritage of western North Carolina. Marshall in Madison County (one of twenty-nine counties on the trails) is the geographic epicenter of the Trails. Two of the stops on the trails in Marshall are Zuma Coffee where there is a free bluegrass jam every Thursday evening and The Depot where traditional musicians play every Friday night. Find For other places and events in Madison County that are featured in the Trails.
Upcoming Events in Madison County, NC
- May 3 through 31 Church Mice Art Exhibit
- May 25 WNC Rodeo Series at the Fairgrounds
- June 5 – 16 SART “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
- June 7 French Broad Friday “Mermaids”
- June 9 Michael Reno Harrell in Concert
Or just enjoy the beauty of the outdoors…………
100 Ways to “Play with Us”
For the third year, the May “Make Madison Memories” insert of the News Record and Sentinel, includes a list of 100 ways to spend your time in Madison County. Located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina with the scenic French Broad River running through it, Madison County offers countless ways to enjoy the experience of visiting our area. Whether your interest is in the outdoors, visual or performing arts, traditional music, history, architecture, or agri-tourism, we have something that will make your visit a memorable one. Browse through the website or stop in at The Madison County Visitor Center when you come to visit our area.
A World Made Straight Filming Here
The novel by Ron Rash includes ties back to the Shelton Laurel Massacre during the Civil War is being filmed in Madison County. The massacre is the classic brother v brother story which takes place and continues to influence families even into the twenty-first century. So, it was only natural that the independent movie should be filmed in our county. The movie will star Minka Kelly, Noah Wyle and Jeremy Irvine. Residents were treated to star sightings and welcomed the crew and cast in warm Madison County fashion.
May 25 WNC Rodeo Series at the Fairgrounds
The excitement of a rodeo at our Madison County Fairgrounds in Marshall at 7:30 p.m. Events will include Mutton Bustin’, Calf Riding, Bull Riding, Chute Doggin’, Barrel Racing and Team Roping. Come on out for some fun for the whole family. Admission is just $7 for adults, $3 for kids, and kids 5 and under are free! For more information, call 828 774-1511.
May 3 through 31 Church Mice Exhibit
The group exhibit from the Church Mice Painters at the Arts Center, 90 S Main Street, downtown Marshall is the current show of local talent. These ladies are a dynamic and varied group of artists from Madison County. Different styles, approaches, techniques, and media make for a fun and exciting show. The show will run through May 31st.
June 7 French Broad Friday “Mermaids”
French Broad Friday celebrations in downtown Marshall are all about family fun. This one celebrates mermaids and pirates with a parade, carriage rides, music on stage on the Island and on Dub Kartel on Courthouse Steps. Galleries are open late in town and in Marshall Island Studios, specials at local restaurants, and check out The Depot for music.
June 5 through 16 SART Play
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a one act musical comedy. The show centers on a fictional spelling bee set in a geographically ambiguous Putnam Valley Middle School. Six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by three equally quirky grown-ups. The 2005 Broadway production was nominated for six Tony Awards, winning two. For tickets, call the SART box office at 828 689-1239
June 9 Michael Reno Harrell in Concert
This concert is part of the Sunday “Sittin’ In” series at 4pm at the Arts Center, 90 S Main Street, downtown Marshall. Michael Reno Harrell’s original songs and stories have been described as “Appalachian grit and wit.” Not only is he an award winning songwriter, but he has been Featured Teller at the National Storytelling Festival and to be Teller In Residence at the International Storytelling Center, as well as performing at major music events like MerleFest. He has won awards in Country, Americana and Folk circles.