The Polar Express Returns to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for Another Season of Christmas Family Fun

November 13 - 14, 2015  (event continues through January 3, 2016)    The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad  The 1 ¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City NC  depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. 

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story.  Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. 

Enjoy singing Christmas carols during the trip back. Kids of all ages will believe in the magic of the Holiday season. 

Learn more about Bryson CIty Cabin rentals, mountain inns and local attractions on our Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

meet Santa at The Polar Express

It's Time for the Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

photo courtesy Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

October 9 - 11, 2015    Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express    The PEANUTS gang return to the the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Pumpkin Patch for this annual family fun favorite. The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz's classic story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will be departing from the Bryson City NC Depot and arriving at the Pumpkin Patch. 

Event activities include campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick or treating, bouncy house, hayrides and live musical entertainment. There are two trips per day at 12 PM and 3:30 PM.

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) Hosts Guest Appreciation Festival this Weekend in Bryson City NC

September 25 - 27, 2015    Guest Appreciation Festival at NOC   Enjoy GAF events all weekend long at NOC's Wesser Campus. It's NOC's way of saying thanks for another great year. There will be a great line-up of live music, beer tastings with Nantahala Brewing Company and fun hands-on activities throughout the day as well as good-natured boating competitions. 

Families will appreciate multiple educational presentations featuring animals and stories with crowd participation. 

 

Get complete Bryson City  information
on our NC Visitor Vacation Guide.
 

4th of July Fireworks in the Mountains: Bryson City Annual Freedom Fest in the Smokies

July 4, 2015   Freedom Fest   Enjoy an old-fashioned street festival in charming downtown Bryson City NC. This annual Fourth of July celebration begins with the Rotary Club Firecracker 5K and continues with local artisans and crafters, a full day of local entertainment, festival foods, and fun events including a Watermelon Eating Contest, and a Hula Hoop-off. 

Explore Kids' Street where you'll find a bouncy house and more. Enter your best friend in the "Strut Your Mutt" event at Riverfront Park that awards ribbons for categories such as "Best Tail Wag" and "Looks Most Like Owner".  From 6-9 PM there will be more live music and kids games at Riverfront Park.

The Fest concludes with The playing of the National Anthem and one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the Smokies.

All Aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for BBQ and Brews

June 27, 2015    Fontana Trestle Train BBQ and Brews   The Barbeque and Brews Dinner Trains feature locally hand-crafted beer from Heinzelmannchen Brewery and Nantahala Brewing Company. plus slow-cooked authentic North Carolina Barbeque. 

The train departs Bryson City NC Depot at 7 PM and travels through the scenic mountain countryside to the Fontana Trestle for a spectacular sunset. The base ticket prices from $69 (adults over 21 only) and includes a souvenir tasting glass with three beer samples and a meal of pulled pork, homemade coleslaw and apple pie. Additional beer will be available for purchase. 

 

Easter Weekend Events: Appalachian Trail Founders Bridge Festival

April 3-5, 2015     Appalachian Trail Founders Bridge Festival    Enjoy trail-steeped speakers sharing their experiences, a vendor village staffed by industry representatives, skills clinics, as well as some great product giveaways and door prizes and live music nightly.

This is a free event, appropriated for all ages. Whether you're an experienced through hiker, casual adventurer or new to the Trail this Festival offers something for everyone.  Festival events include hiker-themed games, movies, lectures and prizes.

The Festival is held at  Nantahala Outdoor Center's  (NOC) main campus, the Nantahala River Outpost,  located in far Western North Carolina on US Highway 19. 12 miles from Bryson City NC and on the south side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nestled in the Nantahala Gorge. If you are on a Rapid Transit rafting/train excursions, the meeting place is in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot.

Nantahala Outdoor Center hosts NRC Whitewater Open this Weekend

March 28 - 29   NRC Whitewater Open at NOC   Open to all ages with entrance fees of $25 (Downriver), $55 (Slalom). This national-level event hosted by Nantahala Racing Club. Pre-registration: Sign up online by March 25 to avoid late fees. Onsite registration: March 27, 2 - 4 PM at Big Wesser BBQ and Brew. Visit NantahalaRacingClub.com for event details and schedules.

NOC is located in Bryson City NC.

 

All Aboard for The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

November 8 - December 29    The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad  Journey to the North Pole  via the Polar Express to pick up Santa all the while enjoying caroling, cookies, and cocoa - and for those who truly believe; a silver bell just like in the book. Kids of all ages will believe in the magic of the Holiday season.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomed nearly 50,000 passengers last year for this popular annual event. The 1.5 hour round-trip train ride journeys through quiet mountain meadows to the North Pole and Santa Claus. Santa greets each child and presents them their special silver sleigh bell.

Get your tickets early to be assured you don't miss the magic. The Express will run rain or snow, as long as access highways are clear.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is located in downtown Bryson City NC.

NC Leaf Season Event: Bryson CIty Chili Cook Off

October 20   22nd Annual Chili Cookoff  The Bryson City Chamber Chili Cook Off is in its 22nd year and is a favorite of both locals and visitors alike. This festival environment includes craft booths, live music and family fun. From 11 AM - 3 PM sample chili from some of the best cooks in the area and enjoy local musicians, arts and crafts. Cast your vote for the People's Choice Award.

Learn more about Bryson City lodging, events and attractions on the Bryson City Visitor Guide

NOC Guest Appreciation Festival 2012

September 28 - 30     Guest Appreciation Festival 2012     NOC's ( Nantahala Outdoor Center) biggest annual event includes an exciting schedule of activities: complimentary boater shuttles,  The "Granddaddy of Gear Sales", free entertainment and live music, local vendors and lots of family-friendly fun.

 

Noc's Festival events includes a great line-up of live music, beer tastings with Nantahala Brewing Company, and fun hands-on activities throughout the day, as well as good-natured boating competitions in partnership with World Kayak. Families, don't miss Steve Longnecker's Live Raptor Show, featuring owls, falcons, and eagles from around the American southeast, and storytelling with Connie Regan-Blake.
Get a link for NOC Guest Appreciation Festival and other area events on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

Appalachian Trail Bridge Festival this Weekend in Bryson City

April 6-7   Appalachian Trail Bridge Festival    Enjoy trail-steeped speakers sharing their experiences, a vendor village staffed by industry representatives, skills clinics, as well as some great product giveaways and door prizes and live music nightly. The event is held annually at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

The Appalachian Trail crosses the Nantahala along NOC's Founder's Bridge,  at  Wesser Campus - a popular spot for hikers to rest up for the challenging climb ahead.  Jennifer Pharr Davis, current record-holder for fastest through hike of the Trail, will be one of the event presenters.

In addition to speakers, this year's schedule includes some must-take Wilderness Survival skills clinics, an edible plants hike with a local botanist and certified outdoor leader, and an exciting packraft demo and head-to-head race from Alpacka Rafts on the Nantahala River.

Get a link for the Festival and other Bryson City events on the
Bryson City NC Visitor Guide