The Music of Mount Airy

Mayberry, the charming fictional town that framed the legendary Andy Griffith Show, was inspired by Mount Airy, the star’s hometown. Located in Surry County close to the NC/VA border, Mount Airy’s Hollywood connection is not the only thing that makes it famous. Surry County is the birthplace of old-time music and references to that origin can be heard in music from around the globe.

Notable musicians that call Mount Airy home include 70s country music star Donna Fargo, old-time music legends Tommy Jarrell and Benton Flippen, and Andy Griffith, who cut his last album at the age of 78.

Mount Airy is home to the Mount Airy Fiddlers Convention held annually in June. It is also just a 30-minute drive from Elkin, NC, where many artists and students perform at the historic Reeves Theater.

Suggested Music-Themed Day Trip Itinerary*

Morning

Take a stroll through time at the Old Time Heritage Hall inside the Historic Earle Theatre. This exhibit is a deep dive into the origins of old-time and the musicians who still inspire visitors to the area today. From legendary fiddle player Tommy Jarrell to broadcast legend and preservationist Ralph Epperson, you may find yourself moved to learn an instrument in this tradition yourself—as hundreds do every year, coming back to the many events, workshops, and festivals that pepper the town’s calendar. Situated inside the iconic Earle Theatre, built as an original site for the debut of Gone with the Wind, you can also enjoy movies here in the evening hours.

Website and Address: Heritage Hall and Historic Earle Theatre, 142 Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030

Midday

Held annually on the first full weekend in June at the Veterans Memorial Park, the Mount Airy Fiddlers Convention draws musicians from around the world. Started in 1972, this popular family-friendly event focuses on old-time and bluegrass with an additional emphasis on dance and song. Over the two days, musicians and visitors enjoy jam sessions, dancing, singing, education, and family entertainment. Workshops included over the weekend cover fiddle, banjo, vocals, guitar, jams, and dance. There are also solo and band competitions complete with cash prizes. It’s a weekend unlike any other!

Website and Address: Mount Airy Fiddlers Convention, 691 W. Lebanon Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

Afternoon

No trip to Mount Airy would be complete without a visit to the Andy Griffith Museum. A testament to his career and acumen across multiple mediums including film, television, and music, the museum features a specially curated collection of artifacts from this Mount Airy native’s illustrious life. Andy was a guitarist, a skill that was featured in both film and television; he also had a unique voice which was documented in many of his roles. He received his bachelor’s in music from UNC Chapel Hill and recorded multiple albums well into his later years. Griffith’s impact on this community has left many marks—and many celebrations honor that, including Mayberry Days which is held annually in September. Enjoy local music, food, family fun, and the spirit of this special area during this annual event.

Websites and Addresses: 

• Andy Griffith Museum, 218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy NC 27030

• Mayberry Days, 148 N. Main Street, Mount Airy NC 27030

Evening

The Blackmon Amphitheatre hosts more than 50 concerts every summer at this state-of-the-art, and uniquely designed, bandshell located across from the Andy Griffith Museum. Enjoy music from the lawn ranging from Motown to bluegrass to ‘80s to rock and everything in between. Complete with concessions, the concerts at Blackmon are all ages and the perfect punctuation to a summer’s night.

Website and Address: Blackmon Amphitheatre, 231 Spring St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Music