Academic calendars provide valuable information to students, instructors, and parents about semester breaks, registration dates, add/drop dates, and other university events.
Due to increased student suicides, universities are adopting wellness days for their students. UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State have already included these events in their calendars; App State has yet to do so.
Kidd Brewer Stadium
Kidd Brewer Stadium at Appalachian State offers one of the most incredible college football experiences possible. Nestled into the mountains of Western North Carolina, the stadium encapsulates all that makes Boone and App State unique; boasting beautiful surroundings, enthusiastic fans dressed all in black, and an enjoyable tailgating experience spread throughout campus, this stadium should not be missed by any football enthusiast.
AstroTurf, the pioneer of synthetic turf, will install its new system at App State this year to replace its current turf with one made by them. This installation marks AstroTurf’s third installation at App State since returning turf at Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex and Jim and Bettie Smith Baseball Stadium; apart from those two locations they also have several other artificial turf fields including basketball team practice fields and an outdoor practice court for outdoor training purposes.
To increase safety at events held at its venue, the university is implementing new security measures for 2023-2024. All ticketed patrons will need to go through a walk-through metal detector before entering the stadium; any prohibited items will be searched through and confiscated during this process. Furthermore, each entrance into the stadium will feature touch-free communication systems so patrons can easily communicate with staff without using phones and other devices.
Though outside food and beverages are prohibited from entering Kidd Brewer Stadium, a variety of concession options will still be available to fans. Kidd Brewer Stadium concessions will feature food trucks such as The Cardinal, Hungry Howies, Penn Station, Ben & Jerry’s, and Sunset Slush (this last one for three games only), while condiment pumps will replace individual packets for condiments.
Kidd Brewer Stadium is home to App State’s 250-member Marching Mountaineers band, an integral component of game day at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Their performances showcase fans’ favorites before pregame and halftime shows and will surely entertain all attendees.
The stadium is easily accessible from any point on campus and within walking distance from King Street – Boone’s main commercial avenue. Near the stadium are plenty of dining and retail opportunities and restaurant delivery services for events at this venue.
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts fulfills its longstanding goal to offer world-class visual arts programming. As one of the most extensive art facilities in Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and Southwestern Virginia, it features exhibitions that showcase new and historic pieces, while its multifaceted programming includes exhibitions, education, and collection services.
The Art Gallery features both permanent and temporary exhibits for public viewing, from paintings to sculptures and ceramics. Furthermore, workshops and classes are regularly offered here, with admission free for Appalachian students.
Appalachian State University Art Gallery, situated on the edge of downtown Boone, is one of the area’s premier tourist destinations. Boasting over 2,500 works from contemporary and historical artists -, including more than 250 pieces from American artists, traditional two- and three-dimensional works such as paintings or photographs, sculpture, installation art, and kinetic art are also on display.
Turchin Center’s Sculpture Garden showcases over one hundred bronze, iron, and stone works by artists like Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore – stunning panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains surrounded by lush vegetation and breathtaking vistas. Furthermore, their exhibition program also offers visiting artist residencies, lectures, educational programs, and educational activities for their visitors.
Appalachian State University’s art collection showcases the incredible talent of regional artists. Established by collector Allen Thomas, its gallery provides access to great artworks while supporting artists working in various media. Their latest exhibition, Capturing a Transient World, examines disappearing barrier islands and safeguards of coastal Louisiana.
Appalachian State University art gallery features paintings created by chimpanzees for an exhibit called 98.6: A Creative Commonality, which draws its name from our DNA. Craig Dillenbeck made it, hoping to remind people about our shared connections between animals and people and develop empathy towards animals facing extinction. Additionally, this center hosts an annual sculpture symposium and artist residency program, giving students access to learn from professional sculptors nationwide.
Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
Appalachian State University’s Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts provides a venue for theatrical, musical, and film performances, auditions, conferences, and talks. Formerly known as Farthing Auditorium, this building underwent a significant renovation in 2012 to now feature 1673 comfortable seats; two academic year arts series include The Schaefer Center Presents and APPlause! K-12 Performing Arts Series plus An Appalachian Summer Festival are held there each year. Furthermore, Smith Gallery allows direct engagement with contemporary works of art and design, which students, faculty, community members, or community members can experience firsthand.
Lead technician Conor McKenzie is the mastermind behind all the gold curtains that open and close every performance at the Schaefer Center. Watch him work his magic in a time-lapse video as he transforms the stage space for concerts. In addition to golden curtains, this venue boasts an incredible acoustical shell to enhance orchestral music’s sounds.
Schaefer Center strives to reach a broad audience by booking performers who appeal to students, community members, and artists who reflect local culture and history. For instance, recently, it hosted Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, an ensemble specializing in dance and traditional Mexican music, which will perform for only $5! Students on campus, community members, and teachers can see this performance for only five dollars!
The Schaefer Center is committed to supporting arts by offering affordable ticket prices and encouraging student attendance at its events. Furthermore, additional benefits, such as fully refundable tickets until event day and providing safe, high-quality performance venues, have been introduced.
If you plan on attending an event at the Schaefer Center in Boone, NC, buy tickets beforehand! Vivid Seats makes it simple to find the ideal seats with our interactive seating chart that displays the front row, balcony, and other views. Plus, we’ll even help find you an affordable VIP suite package!
The Appalachian Experience
Appalachian State University stands out as North Carolina’s premier public undergraduate institution, known for preparing its students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens and advocates for social justice. Furthermore, Appalachian Experience promotes a culture of inclusion that encourages its students to acquire knowledge holistically while acting with passion and determination and welcoming diversity and difference as part of life’s journey.
This year’s Appalachian Experience features an exciting lineup of activities, such as bluegrass music and storytelling. There will also be a panel discussion regarding substance abuse issues and Appalachia history – and of course, this event is open and free to the public!
Festival attendees will experience traditional Appalachian culture and heritage while enjoying food trucks, crafts, and Apple Hill Farm alpaca visits at this annual celebration held during Appalachian Heritage Week at South Campus College. This year’s festival is set for Friday, April 21, at the outdoor amphitheater on South Campus.
Eli Craig’s 2010 film Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil will also be shown during this event, serving as a dark comedy that follows two well-meaning West Virginia hillbillies entering the woods for peace. After viewing, Dr. Arnold will lead a discussion on how Appalachian culture has been depicted in horror films and how this contributes to or counteracts stereotypes associated with our region.
The Appalachian Immersion Experience is an Ignatian alternative spring break service/immersion program focused on building community at Saint Joseph’s University with those living in Appalachia and people everywhere. The program follows an iterative model of preparation, encounter, integration, and service advocacy as a central feature of engaged citizenship.
The Appalachian Experience is an integral component of Appalachian University’s mission of equipping its graduates for success in an ever-evolving world, as demonstrated by Niche rankings placing Appalachian among the top ten. Ranking criteria include student reviews, faculty achievements, and more – reflecting this success at Niche rankings is evidence.
