Bryson City - Events In North Carolina

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or scroll down to see the entire year at a glance
January • February • March • April • May • June • July
August • September • October • November • December

Please note: we are not responsible for changes made in event dates.
Please confirm these events & festivals with the organization.

January 2012

January	Shake off the winter doldrums and enjoy a fantastic winter getaway! Hike the trails and see unobstructed vistas. Relax and unwind.
Flora & Fauna in January	In bloom: Witch-hazel's bright yellow flowers linger from December. Listen for the winter wren's long melodious song. Spotted salamanders lay their eggs in ponds and pools. Male deer drop their antlers. Black bears are in their winter dens.

February 2012

February	Shake off the winter doldrums and enjoy a fantastic winter getaway! Hike the trails and see unobstructed vistas. Relax and unwind.
All Month	We have two top-notch entertainment venues in our area. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, which focuses on country, bluegrass, gospel and pop in a 1,500 seat arena. And Harrah's Cherokee Casino Event Center, which showcases a variety of music and comedy acts.
February 10-11 Folkestone Inn	Friday & Saturday nights, February 10 & 11. The package includes two nights room accommodations for two adults with breakfasts; champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries in your room on arrival; and a four-course, gourmet dinner on Saturday February 11. More info
February 11 Bryson City Presbyterian Church	Annual Chocolate Cook-Off. Enjoy mini-tastings of some of the area's best chocolatiers. Benefits the Bryson City Library. 2 - 4 pm. More info
February 25-26 Nantahala Outdoor Center US 19 West	Nantahala Racing Club Glacier Breaker. The season opener for competitive slalom and whitewater racing in the US. More info
Flora & Fauna in February	In bloom: Red maple and spicebush bloom. Trailing arbutus, daffodils, and periwinkle will bloom in mild weather. Listen for the spring peepers and chorus frogs calling from wetlands. Mourning doves are courting. Wood frogs lay their eggs -- watch for them on warm rainy nights. Black bear cubs are born.

March 2012

All Month	We have two top-notch entertainment venues in our area. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, which focuses on country, bluegrass, gospel and pop in a 1,500 seat arena. And Harrah's Cherokee Casino Event Center, which showcases a variety of music and comedy acts.
March 24-25 Nantahala Outdoor Center US 19 West	Bank of America US Whitewater Open. Watch world-class paddlers compete in down river whitewater as well as canoe and kayak slalom competitions. More info
March 31 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds	Ramp Festival & Trout Season Opening Day Fishing Tournament. Feast on succulent trout and pungent wild onion/garlic-like ramps. Enjoy music and craft exhibitions, and the chance to head home with a full creel. $10,000 in tagged fish in the rivers. Prizes range from $20 to $500 depending on the color of the tag. More info
March 31 Nantahala Village Resort	Swain County Chamber of Commerce Wedding Expo & Fashion Show. Plan your perfect destination wedding in the Great Smoky Mountains. Learn about wedding sites, catering, wedding attire, deccorations, florists and more. 11 am - 4 pm. For more info: 800-867-9246.

Flora & Fauna in March

In bloom: Sharp-lobed hepatica, bloodroot, spring beauty, trout lily, early meadow rue, jack-in-pulpit bloom in mild weather. Redbud and serviceberry trees bloom along Little River Road.

Louisiana waterthrush, black an white warbler, and black-throated green warbler arrive in Park. Elk shed their antlers. River otter pups are born. Bears emerge from their winter dens.

April 2012

All Month	We have two top-notch entertainment venues in our area. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, which focuses on country, bluegrass, gospel and pop in a 1,500 seat arena. And Harrah's Cherokee Casino Event Center, which showcases a variety of music and comedy acts.
April 7 Dillsboro	Easter Hat Parade. Parade starts at Dillsboro Town Hall at 2 pm. Calling all ladies, gentlemen, children and dogs. Grab your hat and join in the fun during Dillsboro’s delightfully unpretentious Easter Hat Parade. Join the ugly, big or best hat contest. They’ll be plenty of prizes. Antique cars lead the parade. More info
April 7 - May 20 Biltmore Estate Asheville	Festival of Flowers. April is the start of Spring and this event showcases the region's beauty, especially the stunning tulip display in the Walled Garden. More info
April 14 Whittier Main Street exit 72 off Hwy 74	Green Thumb Day. Get into spring and take home bedding plants and hanging baskets, as well as local arts and crafts. Contact Gloria Nolan 828-497-2393 for more information.

April 21 Main Street Sylva	Greening Up The Mountains Spring Festival. The festival begins with a 5K run/walk and continues through the day with local artisans, children’s activities, heritage craft demonstrations, heritage walk, music and food vendors.
April 28 Stecoah Valley Center	Ramp Dinner and Concert. Celebrate the spring arrival of ramps in the mountains. Evening concert and Appalachian dinner served family and featuring ramps. Dinner reservations required. More info
Flora & Fauna in April	In bloom: trout lily, jack-in-pulpit, squirrel corn, dutchman's breeches, columbine, trilliums, blue sage, black haw, fringed phacelia, fire pink, indian paintbrush, magnolia, solomon's seal, violets, bluets, trailing arbutus, virginia bluebell, wild mustard, ironwood, dogwood, wood sorrel, bleeding heart, silverbell, wild geranium, phlox, redbud, service tree, spring beauty, golden ragwort, meadow rue. The majority of warblers and other neotropical migratory birds arrive in Park.

May 2012

All Month	We have two top-notch entertainment venues in our area. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, which focuses on country, bluegrass, gospel and pop in a 1,500 seat arena. And Harrah's Cherokee Casino Event Center, which showcases a variety of music and comedy acts.
thru May 20 Biltmore Estate Asheville	Festival of Flowers. April is the start of Spring and this event showcases the region's beauty, especially the stunning tulip display in the Walled Garden. More info
May 1 Cherokee	Oconaluftee Indian Village - opening day for the season which runs through October. Experience Cherokee life in the 1760s. Visitors interact with villagers as they hull canoes, make pottery and masks, weave baskets and create beadwork. More info

May 26-27 Riverfront Park Bryson City	Heritage Festival Weekend. This two day festival has it all! Friday night entertainment is loaded with local talent featuring an emphasis on old-time gospel. Saturday entertainment is as varied as the region - classic country, Indian hoop dancing and bluegrass, or high energy newgrass. In addition to music, the festival offers local arts and crafts, food and games.
Flora & Fauna in May	In bloom: indian paintbrush, columbine, white azalea, wild iris, bleeding heart, dog hobble, mountain laurel, silverbell, wild crab, cucumber tree, calycanthus, wild geranium, wild orchids (including lady's slippers), painted trillium, magnolia, solomon's seal, bluets, flame azalea Bobcat kittens are born.

June 2012

All Month	We have two top-notch entertainment venues in our area. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, which focuses on country, bluegrass, gospel and pop in a 1,500 seat arena. And Harrah's Cherokee Casino Event Center, which showcases a variety of music and comedy acts.
Every Saturday night Bryson City Train Depot	Music in the Mountains. Free concert of traditional mountain music. 6:30 to 8:00 pm More info
June 1-3 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds	Gourd Festival. This event is truly unique! Featuring classes and workshops on all facets of gourd manufacture and design. All this in a fun and lively festival atmosphere. More info
June 9 Dillsboro	Dillsboro Art & Music Festival. Watch artisans demonstrate their craft; Juried show featuring woodworking, jewelry, stained glass, basketry, pottery & more. Food & music. 10 am - 5 pm.
June 9 Museum of the Cherokee Indian	Cherokee Voices Festival. Living history, demonstrations of basket making, pottery, fingerweaving, carving, and flintknapping. Storytelling, traditional music, flute music, gospel music in Cherokee language, Indian dinners, traditional dance including the Warriors of AniKituhwa. More info
June 16 Mountain Farm Museum Cherokee	Women's Work Celebration. The century-old buildings at the Mountain Farm Museum in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will come alive as national park staff and volunteers pay tribute to rural women of the past through demonstrations of traditional women’s work. More info
June 16 Franklin	Taste of Scotland. Street festival with all day entertainment, clans, authentic Scottish foods, music & dancing, pipe & drum bands, parade, Border Collie demonstrations, crafts, shortbread contest, children’s Highland games and many other contests. Free Admission. 9 am - 5 pm. More info
June 29-30 Stecoah	Artisans Drive-About & Gallery Tour. Visit local artisans in their studios, as well as the Stecoah Gallery. More info.
June 29-20 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds	Powwow. Traditional dance, storytelling, entertainment, games, arts and crafts and more are characteristic of this anticipated annual event. A spectacular show of evening fireworks is also featured on the fourth. More info
June 30 Stecoah Valley Center	An Appalachian Evening concert featuring Balsam Range. Kicks off the summer concert series. 7:30 pm. Dinner seatings at 5:00 & 6:15 pm, with reservations required. More info
Flora & Fauna in June	In bloom: flame azalea (uplands), common elder, hydrangea, mountain oxalis, Allegheny myrtle, magnolia, galax, yellow ragwort, field daisy, spiderwort, beard tongue, goats rue, mountain laurel, butterfly weed, mountain stewartis, black snakeroot, New Jersey tea, wood sorrel, woodland bluets, Canada mayflower, speckled wood lily, and fly poison. Catawba rhododendron reaches its peak of bloom; Rosebay rhododendron booms at the lower elevations. Black bears are breeding. Deer fawns are born.

July 2012
All Month	We have two top-notch entertainment venues in our area. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, which focuses on country, bluegrass, gospel and pop in a 1,500 seat arena. And Harrah's Cherokee Casino Event Center, which showcases a variety of music and comedy acts.
Every Saturday night Bryson City Train Depot	Music in the Mountains. Free concert of traditional mountain music. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. More info
Every Saturday night Stecoah Valley Center	An Appalachian Evening concert. An ever-changing schedule of bluegrass, folk and old-time mountain music by award-winning artists. 7:30 pm. Dinner seatings at 5:00 & 6:15 pm, with reservations required. More info
July 4 Downtown Bryson City	Fourth of July Freedom Fest. Annual event featuring the best fireworks display west of Asheville! 5K race, music, entertainment, food, crafts and free raft rides. More info
July 13-14 Cherokee	Festival of Native Peoples. Indigenous tribes from across the Americas. Considered the finest showcase of native dance, song and art in the southeast, the event honors the collective history, customs and wisdom of some of the oldest documented tribes. More info
Flora & Fauna in July	In bloom: bergamot, black-eyed susan, coreopsis, dutchman's pipe vine, flowering raspberry, hercules club, indian pipe, jewel-weed, mountain stewartia, ox-eye daisy, partridge berry, passion flower, phlox (summer), purple-fringed orchis, queen anne's lace, rhododendron (white), sourwood, star grass, trumpet creeper, wild lilies, michaux's saxifrage, butterfly weed, thyme-leaved bluets. Rosebay rhododendron blooms at mid-elevations. Flame azalea blooms on balds early in month, Cucumber trees display showy fruits.

August 2012

All Month	We have two top-notch entertainment venues in our area. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, which focuses on country, bluegrass, gospel and pop in a 1,500 seat arena. And Harrah's Cherokee Casino Event Center, which showcases a variety of music and comedy acts.
Every Saturday night Bryson City Train Depot	Music in the Mountains. Free concert of traditional mountain music. 6:30 to 8:00 pm More info
Every Saturday night Stecoah Valley Center	An Appalachian Evening concert. An ever-changing schedule of bluegrass, folk and old-time mountain music by award-winning artists. 7:30 pm. Dinner seatings at 5:00 & 6:15 pm, with reservations required. More info
August 10-11 Macon County Fair Grounds Franklin	Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival. Friday 11 am - 10 pm, Saturday 10 am - 6 pm. Macon County Fair Grounds. More info
August 26-27 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds	Festival of Native Peoples and Cherokee Indian Art Market. This event showcases the sublime art of the Cherokees. Other events include traditional dance, storytelling, and entertainment. More info

Flora & Fauna in August

In bloom: wild asters, whorled wood aster, turk's cap lily, filmy angelica, bee balm,, yellow-fringed orchid, turtle head, mountain mints, betony, crane-fly orchid, mountain bugbane, mountain St. John's wort, cardinal lobelia, monk's hood, meadow beauty, goldenrod, jewel-weed, hercules club, evening primrose, sweet Joe Pye weed, clematis. Witch hobble puts on early fall color; Staghorn sumac displays showy fruits.

Damselflies are often seen flying low over the water.

September 2012

All Month	We have two top-notch entertainment venues in our area. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, which focuses on country, bluegrass, gospel and pop in a 1,500 seat arena. And Harrah's Cherokee Casino Event Center, which showcases a variety of music and comedy acts.
Every Saturday night Bryson City Train Depot	Music in the Mountains. Free concert of traditional mountain music. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. More info
September 7-9 Nantahala Gorge	Freestyle Kayaking World Cup (final event). Top-level freestyle on the Nantahala on the new Wave Shaper. More info

September 14-15 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds	Southeastern Tribes Cultural Arts Celebration. A gathering of the original tribes of the southeast for a two day reunion of dancing, food, storytelling, living history, arts and crafts demonstrations, stickball, blowguns, and running. More info
September 15 Mountain Farm Museum Cherokee	Mountain Life Festival. A sorghum syrup demonstration using horse-powered crane mill & wood-fired cooker. Hearth cooking, soap making, hominy making, corn shuck crafts, apple butter & cider, traditional music. For information, call 828-497-1900.

September 29
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee

Mountain Heritage Day. Three music stages at the Mountain Heritage Center showcase old-time, bluegrass, gospel, and shape-note music at this large one-day event. Craft booths and lots of traditional foods. More info

Flora & Fauna in September

In bloom: asters, blue gentians, gerardia, fleabane, yarrow, New York Ironweed, jewelweed, boneset, sunflowers, lobelias, golden aster, pink turtlehead, love-vine, Canada goldenrod, black-eyed susan, yellow-fringed orchid

Displaying early fall color: flowering dogwood, black gum, sourwood, yellow birch, American beech, pin cherry

Peak of fall songbird migration is late September; Southbound birds include swainson's thrush, grey-cheeked thrush, Tennessee warbler, magnolia warbler, Cape May warbler, prairie warbler, northern waterthrush

Listen for elk bugling in Cataloochee Valley.

October 2012

All Month	We have two top-notch entertainment venues in our area. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, which focuses on country, bluegrass, gospel and pop in a 1,500 seat arena. And Harrah's Cherokee Casino Event Center, which showcases a variety of music and comedy acts.
Every Saturday night Bryson City Train Depot	Music in the Mountains. Free concert of traditional mountain music. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. More info

October 2-6 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds	Cherokee Indian Fair. Traditional arts and crafts, dancing and food. Stickball and archery competition. Grandstand entertainment and midway. For more information, call 800-438-1601 or click here.
October 13 Whittier, Main Street Exit 72, off Hwy 74	Maple Leaf Festival. Hosted by the Whittier Community Club and Whittier Information & Historical Center. Area artists and crafters, holiday exhibits, flea market, food, live local entertainment from 10am to 4pm. For more information, call Gloria Nolan 828-497-7589.
October 19-21 Stecoah Valley Center	Harvest Festival & Quilt Show. Our 3 day celebration begins at 6pm Friday evening with an old – fashioned bonfire. Saturday is a full day of food, crafts, and entertainment. The Country Fair will offer competitions and exhibits of jams, jellies, pies, cakes, quilts, needlework, and much more. Free Gospel singing on Sunday afternoon. More info

October 20
Bryson City
Train Depot

Chili Cook Off. .A traditional cook-off with prizes awarded in both professional and amateur classes, showmanship, and, of course, people’s choice! Between chili samples, enjoy the music or the many local arts and crafts. This event is a favorite year after year!

Flora & Fauna in October

In bloom: White wood aster, bee balm, mountain gentian, heart-leaved aster, wide-leaved sunflower, coneflower. An amazing variety of mushrooms can be seen in the park this month.

Fall colors peak at the higher elevations early in the month; at the lower and mid-elevations in the second half of the month.

Listen for ruffed grouse drumming. Tree crickets can be heard in the lowlands at night.

November 2012
All Month	We have two top-notch entertainment venues in our area. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, which focuses on country, bluegrass, gospel and pop in a 1,500 seat arena. And Harrah's Cherokee Casino Event Center, which showcases a variety of music and comedy acts.
November 5- January 2 Biltmore Estate Asheville	Christmas at Biltmore. America's largest home glimmers with holiday decor and beautiful treasures. More info
November 3 Dillsboro	WNC Pottery Festival. Showcasing the work of more than 35 highly skilled potters from throughout the eastern US. The event is juried and the lineup of potters is quite impressive. More info
November 10 Almond School US Hwy 19 West	Mountain Shapes and Colors Art Show and Sale. Indoor showcase for local artists and artisans. Original paintings, silver jewelry, hand thrown pottery, hand woven baskets, turned wood, and wearable art.
November 22 Folkestone Inn	Thanksgiving at the Folkestone Inn. Leave the cooking to us. Join us at the Inn for a bountiful Thanksgiving Feast. Two night minimum. For information call 828-488-2730 or 888-812-3385
November 23-24 Stecoah	Artisans Drive-About & Gallery Tour. Visit local artisans in their studios, as well as the Stecoah Gallery. More info.
Flora & Fauna in November	In bloom: Nodding lady's tresses, tall rattlesnake root, southern harebell Fall colors on oaks at the lower elevations; Spiny fruits on sweet gum trees. Winter wrens may be singing; flocks of pine siskins may be seen. Brook trout are spawning by month's end; monarch, sulfur, and buckeye butterflies are on the wing

December 2012
All Month	We have two top-notch entertainment venues in our area. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, which focuses on country, bluegrass, gospel and pop in a 1,500 seat arena. And Harrah's Cherokee Casino Event Center, which showcases a variety of music and comedy acts.
November 3 - January 1 Biltmore Estate Asheville	Christmas at Biltmore. America's largest home glimmers with holiday decor and beautiful treasures. More info
December 7-8 & 14-15 Dillsboro	Lights & Luminaries. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song. 2500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios. Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Carolers sing and Santa visits with children at Town Hall.
December 8 Bryson City	Annual Bryson City Christmas Parade. Billed as “the biggest little Christmas parade in the Smokies”, this event lives up to the title! Complete with clowns, an old time boom bah band, floats, homecoming queens, marching bands and of course, Santa. You don’t want to miss this vanishing slice of Americana!
December 15 Mountain Farm Museum Cherokee	A Mountain Homecoming. Demonstrations of crafts past, live music, refreshments, and walking tours of the Mountain Farm Museum are just a few of the reasons to attend this annual event! A real “old-time” Christmas celebration!
Flora & Fauna in December	In bloom: Witch-hazel. Christmas ferns remain green through the winter Watch for purple finches feeding in tulip trees. Listen for eastern screech owls calling at dusk. Black bears enter their winter dens.

More fun things to do in the NC Smoky Mountains