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WELCOME TO MARION, NC

Where Main Street meets

the Mountains

family sttting on a rock in creek marion nc

EAT, SHOP, AND STAY WITH US

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SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

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​UNIQUE EXPERIENCES AWAIT

YOUR BLUE RIDGE ADVENTURE BEGINS

Discover Marion, NC, where Main Street meets the mountains. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by history, natural beauty, local businesses, and community traditions, Marion is a place to explore, connect, and come back to again.

UPCOMING EVENTS

There is always something to discover in Marion, NC. From signature festivals and downtown concerts to seasonal celebrations, community gatherings, and local business events, Marion’s calendar brings residents and visitors together throughout the year.

  • MBA Business Coffee and Networking
    MBA Business Coffee and Networking
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, Sep 17
    City Hall
    Sep 17, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
    City Hall, 14 S Main St, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Monthly connection meeting for MBA businesses to discuss and gather information and updates from MBA.
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  • Marion Tailgate Market
    Marion Tailgate Market
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Sep 19
    Downtown Marion
    Sep 19, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Downtown Marion, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    This open-air, "grower-certified" market runs seasonally from May through October under a covered municipal pavilion.
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  • Fourth Friday Concert Series at the City Stage
    Fourth Friday Concert Series at the City Stage
    Fri, Sep 25
    Downtown Marion
    Sep 25, 2026, 6:30 PM – Sep 26, 2026, 9:00 PM
    Downtown Marion, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Enjoy a festive Oktoberfest-themed evening filled with live music, games, and traditional Oktoberfest food and drinks, featuring Das Oompapas band at the City Stage from 6:30–9:00 PM.
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  • Mountain Glory Festival
    Mountain Glory Festival
    Sat, Oct 10
    Downtown Marion
    Oct 10, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Downtown Marion, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Celebrate the beauty of autumn in the North Carolina mountains with live entertainment, handcrafted art, local food, and mountain traditions.
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  • Marion Halloween Party & Trick or Treat
    Marion Halloween Party & Trick or Treat
    Fri, Oct 23
    Downtown Marion
    Oct 23, 2026, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Downtown Marion, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Join the Barefoot Baby Foundation, McDowell Chamber of Commerce, and City of Marion for downtown trick-or-treating followed by a Halloween Pizza & Dance Party for all ages.
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  • Festival of Trees
    Festival of Trees
    Sun, Nov 01
    MILLER COMPLEX
    Nov 01, 2026, 8:00 AM – Dec 31, 2026, 5:00 PM
    MILLER COMPLEX, 29 Logan St A, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Vote for their favorite tree by placing a new, unwrapped toy underneath it. An event ran by the Miller Complex.
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  • Blue Ridge Artisans Craft Show
    Blue Ridge Artisans Craft Show
    Sun, Nov 01
    McDowell Arts Council
    Nov 01, 2026, 9:00 AM – Dec 31, 2026, 5:00 PM
    McDowell Arts Council, 50 S Main St, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Join us for the annual Blue Ridge Artisans' Show and Sale in Marion, NC, running from late November through December. An event by the McDowell Arts Council.
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  • Dia De Muertas
    Dia De Muertas
    Sat, Nov 07
    Downtown Marion
    Nov 07, 2026, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Downtown Marion, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Event by Destination McDowell Family event for everyone to enjoy! Dog Costume Contest Honor your loved ones who have passed away. Life celebration Carnival activities are free. Live Music, food, and craft vendors
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  • City of Marion "Hometown Holly Days" Christmas Parade
    City of Marion "Hometown Holly Days" Christmas Parade
    Sun, Nov 22
    Marion
    Nov 22, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Marion, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Join us in downtown Marion to kick-off the holiday season with the Hometown Holly Day's parade featuring colorful floats, bands, entertainment and of course the Big Guy himself, Santa! Food, Celebration, Snow Machines, Characters and much more! Come celebrate the Christmas Season in Marion, NC.
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  • Shop Small Craft Crawl
    Shop Small Craft Crawl
    Sun, Nov 29
    Downtown Marion
    Nov 29, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Downtown Marion, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Local artisan crafts, downtown retail shopping, holiday treats, and community small-business support
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  • Christmas Visit with Santa
    Christmas Visit with Santa
    Thu, Dec 03
    Downtown Marion
    Dec 03, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Downtown Marion, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Center City Stage featuring Hot Chocolate Bar, Snow Machines, Santa on the Fire Truck, Christmas Characters, Candy Cane giveaway, Foothills Carolers and selfie station for fun family pictures!
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  • Appalachian Potters Market
    Appalachian Potters Market
    Sat, Dec 05
    McDowell High School Road
    Dec 05, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    McDowell High School Road, McDowell High School Rd, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Join us for the 38th Annual Appalachian Potters Market at McDowell High School on Saturday December 5th 2026 from 10 to 4pm!
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  • Marion Christmas Ugly Sweater and Storefront Display Contest
    Marion Christmas Ugly Sweater and Storefront Display Contest
    Fri, Dec 18
    Downtown Marion
    Dec 18, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    Downtown Marion, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    For all ages featuring Child and Adult prizes for Ugliest Sweater, Hot Chocolate and Snack Bar, Storefront Christmas Display's for the community to vote on, Christmas Characters, Snow Machines, Foothill's Carolers and more!
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  • New Years Eve Celebration
    New Years Eve Celebration
    Thu, Dec 31
    Downtown Marion
    Dec 31, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    Downtown Marion, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Ring in the New Year a little early at Marion’s Golden New Year, a free, family-friendly celebration in downtown Marion! Sponsored by Barefoot Baby Foundation from 6:30-9pm with ball drop at 8pm.   " Marion's Golden New Year"  Featuring Tanya and The Roadrunnerz Band, Food Vendors and Fun Giveaways!
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  • Livermush Festival
    Livermush Festival
    Sat, Jun 05
    Downtown Marion
    Jun 05, 2027, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Downtown Marion, Marion, NC 28752, USA
    Celebrate one of North Carolina's most beloved traditions at the Marion Livermush Festival! Enjoy live music, delicious food, arts and crafts, family activities, and of course, plenty of livermush.
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Business Resources

Connection and continued learning help businesses grow stronger. MBA helps connect local businesses with networking opportunities, training programs, workshops, partner resources, and educational events designed to support entrepreneurs and existing businesses.

ABOUT MBA

The Marion Business Association serves as a resource for new and existing businesses in the City of Marion. Whether you are starting a business, growing an existing one, improving a property, looking for available space, or connecting with local and regional partners, MBA can help point you toward resources and next steps.

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Explore business support programs, grants, entrepreneur training, available properties, membership opportunities, and helpful guides below.

Downtown Street View Marion NC

TAKE OUR COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

The Discover Marion & Marion Business Association's Community Challenge is a simple way to explore Marion, NC, support local businesses and organizations, and enjoy a different adventure each month. Complete activities, win prizes, and get to know our community. It's that easy.

The challenge is self-tracked and open to residents and visitors of all ages.

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