Cherry Bounce Festival

June 5-6, 2026
Celebrate Forest City’s heritage at the Cherry Bounce Festival! This event was named after local moonshiner Amos Owens AKA "The Cherry Bounce King". He became famous for making cherry-infused whiskey. This free public event features live bluegrass and Americana music, regional art vendors, cherry-inspired eats, and tastings from local distilleries. 

The festivities begin Friday with a concert at 7:30 PM. The celebration continues Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. The festival is held both at the Forest City Pavilion on Park Square (POPS) and along historic Main Street. Forest City is 60 miles southeast of Asheville. 

2026 Cherry Bounce Festival Schedule

FRIDAY, JUNE 5
6:30PM - Gates Open
7:30PM- Free Concert--headliner will be announced soon!

SATURDAY, JUNE 6
10AM - Gates Open
10AM-6PM - Art Vendors, Live Music, Moonshine, Whiskey & Food Trucks
10:00AM-11:30AM - TBA
12:00PM-1:30PM - TBA
2:00PM-3:30PM- TBA
4:00PM-5:30PM- TBA

Pick up a Cherry Bounce Festival Brochure at the festival that features a map of the Cherry Bounce Trail, a 46-mile scenic drive with natural beauty, historic sites, and memories of Amos Owens. 

The Cherry Bounce King

Amos Owens, an energetic Irishman, was known in the mid to late 1800s as the "Cherry Bounce King." His Cherry Bounce moonshine was a combination of corn-based whiskey, honey, and local cherries from nearby Cherry Mountain. 

He began distilling well before the Civil War in the era of tax-free spirits. After serving two periods of enlistment during the war, he returned home to begin distilling again. During the war, a heavy tax was imposed on spirits. Owens opposed the taxes on alcohol and believed he owed nothing to the government. 

Often arrested for the production and distribution of his Cherry Bounce, Owens frequently had to pay fines and spend time in jail. Today his story lives on in his descendants, Josh Owens, star of Discovery Channel's "Moonshiners" and Lucas Owens, Brand Ambassador, South Mountain Distilling Company. 

While you are in Forest City, stop by the Rutherford County Farmers Market Saturday morning or bike/walk the 13.5-mile Thermal Belt Rail Trail. About 14 miles west is the Tryon International Equestrian Center with free Saturday Night Lights to end the day. See our Forest City Guide for more things to do.