Music on the Porch Appalachian Festival | Appalachian Women's Museum

Labor Day Saturday, September 5, from 2-8 pm

Music on the Porch is an annual fall benefit at the Appalachian Women’s Museum. It is a celebration of Appalachian musical traditions and the beautiful mountains. The event is free to the public yet donations are encouraged. This year’s musical performers are Susan Pepper, Cherokee Language Repertory Choir, Lee Knight, Savannah Page and Julie Odell. The day also includes kids and nature activities, demonstrations, a vintage booth, and a BBQ competition!

Dillsboro Smokeshow BBQ Competition

Visitors will be able to enjoy smoked meat and fixins. Attendees can purchase individual portion tickets, a package of tickets or High on the Hog VIP ticket that includes unlimited portions of BBQ and fixins. The winning competitors will be awarded a people’s choice award and best in show in three categories, pork butt, wildcard and fixins. Interested in being a BBQ competitor? There are still a few slots left, sign up here. Interested in submitting a side or desert? email Ann, ann@innovationbrewingnc.com Follow AppWomen on social media for more information.

The AWM’s mission is to collect, preserve and share the stories of Southern Appalachian Women past, present and future. We are the stewards of the historic Monteith Farmstead including a 1908 farmhouse, several outbuildings and approximately 1.25 acres of land. The AWM has historical exhibits that examine the lived experiences of Appalachian women throughout the 20th century. Currently they include women in music, textiles, the EBCI, schools, and the post office. The funds raised at this year’s festival we will upgrade the exterior spaces to be more accessible and include stories highlighting the long Appalachian connection to the land.

We had a great day at the 2025 Music on the Porch Farmstead Festival! A big thank you to our sponsors, musicians, demonstrators, partners, volunteers, and board for making this year’s event such a success. Scroll down for photos from the event!

2025 Music on the Porch Sponsors: