THROUGH NEXT WEEKEND Beaufort, S.C.

Water Festival on the coast

Beaufort, S.C., is holding its Water Festival through July 24, with major events planned for Saturday: a downtown parade (10 a.m.) and a free air show in Waterfront Park (1 p.m.). July 24 events include a boat parade and blessing of the fleet. Other events, including an arts/crafts market and croquet tournament, are free; others require admission. Details: 843-524-0600; www.bftwaterfestival.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 22 Blowing Rock

Lakeside symphony at Chetola Resort

Spend Friday evening under the stars at Chetola Lake with the annual Symphony by the Lake. The outdoor performance features the professional Symphony of the Mountains. The Americana program will include American standards as "America the Beautiful," and an Armed Forces salute.

Gates at the event, staged at Chetola Resort open at 5:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or try the buffet from The Manor House Restaurant at Chetola.

From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., you can get five-minute tethered hot-air balloon rides ($15 per person). The Harris Brothers will then open the musical show. Fireworks follow the symphony performance.

Admission: $26; $10 for 11 and younger. Tickets/details: 828-295-7851; www.blowingrock.com/symphony.htm.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 Abingdon, Va.

Keep busy at the Virginia Highlands Festival

Abingdon, Va. - three hours northwest of Charlotte, via I-77 and I-81 - pulls out the stop for the Virginia Highlands Festival, Saturday through Aug. 7. Events include a juried arts and crafts show; field trips, nature walks and other outdoor activities; home/garden tours and a wine-tasting; workshops for writers/poets/songwriters; music concerts; performing arts concerts at the famous Barter Theatre; and a variety of events geared for kids and families. Admission varies. Details, including event prices and schedules: www.vahighlandsfestival.org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 Washington, NC

Walking tour salutes African-Americans

Whether free or enslaved, African-Americans contributed greatly to the art, architecture and history of most major Southern cities. The "Inner Banks" city of Washington will hold an African-American Walking History Tour on Sunday to highlight the achievements of prominent black people who were born or lived there. The 90-minute tour is free but pre-registration by email is required. Contact: leesawisdom@aol.com.