FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY DOESN’T HORN IN THE WEST RUN ALL YEAR?

Horn in the West™ is an outdoor drama in the mountains, where it gets quite chilly beginning in October through the end of April. This is a snow skiing area! The show must also close before the colleges and public schools open and cannot open until their school year is over. A lot of our cast members are college and public school employees, students, or have other post-season jobs and responsibilities.

WHEN IS YOUR 2024 SEASON?

2024 Horn in the West™’s 72nd Season will be JUNE 21st - AUG. 10TH. Tickets will be available soon! Be the first to know by signing up for our newsletter. Just CLICK HERE to be added to the list!

HOW DO I PURCHASE HORN IN THE WEST TICKETS?

Tickets for the 2024 season are not available at this time. But you can read all about tickets by clicking HERE.

WHAT TIME DOES THE SHOW START?

The show starts at 8:00 p.m. with the house gate opening at 7:30 p.m.  The show runs approximately 2 hours with intermission.  Be sure to arrive early for a tour of Hickory Ridge Living History Museum (admission paid at Museum Store).

IS THIS A KID-FRIENDLY SHOW?

Absolutely! The show has clean language, and is very kid-friendly. Please note that there IS gunfire and cannon fire sporadically. It is done with gunpowder and is very loud. Of course, there is NO live ammunition in any way, shape, or form! The smoke is real, so if you are sensitive to strong smells and noises, we do not recommend sitting in the first 10 rows.

WHERE ARE THE BEST SEATS?

The Daniel Boone Amphitheater, home to Horn in the West™, has great seating throughout. You really can’t go wrong! However, to guarantee the most immersive experience, we recommend you take advantage of our V.I.P. Package.

IS THERE A CONCESSION STAND?

Yes! We have a concession stand that serves popcorn, nachos & dip, candy bars, water, sodas, coffee, and hot cocoa.

DO YOU OFFER GROUP RATES?

Yes, we do! Group Rate information and tickets are available through the ticket office at 828-264-2120 or by submitting a Contact Form.

DO I HAVE TO PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE? IF SO, HOW FAR IN ADVANCE?

We advise that you purchase your tickets in advance to ensure that you get the seats you prefer.  And, the sooner you buy your tickets, the better seat choices you have!

WHAT IS THE CHILD’S TICKET AGE?

Children under the age of 12 should be booked at the child’s rate. 13 years and up are considered adult rate. If you bring a student ID, we are able to book your ticket with the student rate.

CAN YOU RESERVE MY SEATS AND I WILL PAY WHEN I ARRIVE?

We cannot reserve seats without payment in advance.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

We are an outdoor drama in the cool mountains of North Carolina, so dress comfortably and bring a light jacket or sweater. Check the weather before you travel to us, and bring a rain jacket or umbrella if light rain is forecasted! See our Rain Check Policy below.

WHAT KIND OF SEATING IS AVAILABLE?

The amphitheater seating is folding metal chairs. Seat cushions are available for rent for only 50 cents! Guests are also able to bring their own seat cushions, pillows, or blankets. Stadium seat cushions are not recommended because they do not fit the folding chairs well. Guests are not permitted to bring their own seats. Please be aware that there are stairs! Ushers are happy to escort you to your seat with a helping hand. We have ADA seating available at the top of theatre as well that does not involve stairs.

CAN I TAKE PICTURES AND VIDEOS DURING THE SHOW?

Flash photography is not allowed. Refrain from using flash with video as well. It is distracting to fellow audience members and cast members.

You ARE allowed to take non-flash pictures and are encouraged to share them on social media! Please be courteous with phone usage during the show. For example, do not hold your phone above your head so that the guest behind you will not have a blocked view!

WHAT IS YOUR RAIN POLICY?

In the event that the performance you are attending is canceled, an announcement will be made in the amphitheater. Just present your ticket to the Concession Stand, Gift Shop, or Box Office staff immediately after the cancellation to obtain a Rain Check, which you can use at any other performance during the current season or a subsequent season. Rain checks are also available to patrons that are unable to make it to the performance or have to leave due to an emergency. Contact the Ticket Office for more information.

DO YOU HAVE RAIN INSURANCE?

Rain Insurance is included in the V.I.P Package. General Admission or Premiere Reserved ticket holders may purchase optional Rain Insurance. Only $3 per ticket, Rain Insurance entitles the ticket holder to a FULL REFUND of the price of the seat (excluding applicable taxes) when a show is canceled. Rain Insurance must be purchased at the time of the ticket purchase. Refunds are only given on show days after the show has been canceled and Rain Insurance has been purchased with the ticket.  Patrons who purchased Rain Insurance should MAIL IN THEIR TICKETS and request a refund. If patrons leave of their own volition and the show is not canceled, no refunds will be given. You may contact the Ticket Office regarding a Rain Check.

ARE WE ALLOWED TO USE AN UMBRELLA DURING THE SHOW?

Yes! We will perform in a light rain, or a “brief mountain shower”, as we like to call them. Guests are welcome to bring an umbrella, rain jacket, or poncho to stay dry during the performance. We ask that guests with umbrellas spread out so as not to block another guest’s view of the stage. Umbrellas are NOT provided by Horn in the West™.

DO YOU ALLOW FOOD AND DRINKS IN THE THEATER?

Yes, you are able to bring snacks. However, we have a Concession Stand that is open throughout the performance and serves cold drinks, hot coffee, freshly-popped popcorn and candy. Outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

DO YOU PROVIDE SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS?

We do not offer Sign Language interpreters at this time but are actively working to find an accessible solution. If you would like to volunteer as an interpreter, please contact us!

IS THE THEATER WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?

Wheelchair seating is available at the top of the amphitheater. We are also able to accommodate guests via a ride on a golf cart to mid-house where they would be able to go up or down a few steps to a seat. Please call the ticket office in advance before making your purchase. We highly recommend arriving early as only one golf cart is available.

ARE SERVICE ANIMALS PERMITTED?

Absolutely! Certified Service Animals are welcome. To ensure the safety and comfort of our guests, and the safety of pets who would be disturbed by live gunfire, we do not permit pets to attend the performance. If your Service Animal is sensitive to loud noises or is unfamiliar with the sound of live gunfire, we invite you to take a tour during rehearsal to desensitize them. Please call the ticket office in advance to arrange this!

IS SMOKING PERMITTED?

Smoking is not permitted in the amphitheater. There are smoking stations available. We are in the heart of the mountains surrounded by beautiful trees and dry brush, so please be conscious and do not drop lit butts on the ground.

WHAT IS YOUR TICKET EXCHANGE POLICY?

If you are unable to attend a performance or have a family emergency, we welcome ticket exchanges! Contact the ticket office as soon as possible. Your ticket purchase may always be turned into a tax-deductible donation to the Southern Appalachian Historical Association if you are unable to attend.

WHAT IF I LOSE MY TICKETS?

If you lose your pre-paid tickets just stop by the ticket office and we will gladly reprint your tickets.

DO YOU HAVE AN ATM ON SITE?

We do not have an ATM on our grounds. However, there are many locations nearby in Boone. The concession stand and ticket office are able to take card payments. Donations to the Southern Appalachian Historical Association can be made digitally HERE.

MY BUSINESS WANTS TO PUT AN AD IN THE PROGRAM. HOW CAN I DO THIS?

Great! Our program is in the hands of hundreds of local and non-local families and it is a wonderful opportunity to reach potential customers. You can click HERE to learn more about advertising options.

WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?

In the event that you would like a refund, you will be refunded your base ticket price. This does not include concession sales, taxes, fees, or other upcharges.

HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION?

Send us a message HERE!