MORGANTON, N.C. (WHKY) – Downtown Morganton is getting ready to come alive for the annual Morganton Festival, presented by UNC Health Blue Ridge, September 11th and 12th. The two-day celebration will feature more than 250 vendors, free live entertainment, festival food, rides, games, and activities for the entire family.

The festival kicks off Friday at noon and continues Saturday beginning at 9 a.m., with nine blocks of downtown filled with shopping, food, and fun. Friday night’s free concerts include SEPTEMBER: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire, followed by Purple Madness – Prince Tribute Show. Saturday night features Dirty Grass Soul and headliner Eddie 9V.

Admission and all concerts are free. The festival takes place rain or shine and is an animal-free event. For a complete schedule, visit www.morgantonfest.org.