TRAVEL GUIDE TO BRYSON CITY AND THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
THINGS TO DO IN THE SMOKIES
Highlights of the
Bryson City and Great
Smokies Events Calendar
For more information about musical performances in the area, click here.
February
Chocolate Cookoff
Be My Valentine Charlie Brown Train
March
Bank of America US Whitewater Open
Area Wedding Expo
April
Green Thumb Day
Knobscorcher Bike Race
May
West Swain VFD Bass Tournament
Strawberry Jam
Twelve Hours of Tsali
Heritage Festival
June
Music in the Mountains Series
Cherokee Voices Festival
PIoneer Weekend on the Train
Women's Work Festival (GSMNP)
July
Music in the Mountains Series
Freedom Fest
Festival of Native Peoples
Folkmoot
Dinosaur Train
August
Music in the Mountains Series
Childrens Fishing Derby
September
Music in the Mountains Series
Horace Kephart Days
Freestyle Kayaking World Cup
Railfest & Mountain Craft Fair
SE Tribes Celebration
Mountain Life Festival (GSMNP)
October
Music in the Mountains Series
Cherokee Indian Fair
Stecoah Harvest Festival
Maple Leaf Festival
Bryson City Chili Cookoff
Downtown Trick or Treat
November
The Polar Express
WNC Pottery Festival
Mountain Shapes & Colors
December
The Polar Express
Breakfast with Santa
Christmas Parade
Spirit of Christmas
Use the mini calendar on the right to bring up the events on an upcoming month or specific date.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
$11 entry fee and $10,000 in tagged fish in the rivers on the Cherokee Reservation (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch and release waters) Hundreds of specially tagged fish will be stocked in the Cherokee public fishing waters. When a tagged fish is caught it can be redeemed for cash prizes ranging from $20 to $500 based on the color of the tag. Redemption location and times to be announced. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration necessary to redeem cash prize. More info
The Bryson City Ghost Walk is an eerie one-hour walk through Downtown Bryson City, NC. You will hear legends and stories about real people as well as ghost stories and the result of recent paranormal investigations. All of our stories are history based and designed for family entertainment. For more information call 828-488-5705 or visit the website.
A time of dancing that people of all ages can enjoy. admission for adults $7, ages 12-18 $4, and 12 and under $3. More info
Mark Lowry has been making people laugh, cry and think for nearly 40 years. A previous member of the Gaither Vocal Band, Mark continues to travel across the country with pianist Stan Whitmire sharing his exciting and revitalized message of God's love and grace.

This husband and wife duo specialize in the music that was played and sung by early pioneers and settlers of the Great Smoky Mountains and vicinity including old Celtic ballads, fiddle tunes, American compositions and spirituals. More info
The Music in the Mountains free concert series is held every Saturday evening, June 1 - October 26 in Bryson City. Full Schedule.
A disastrous situation hapens on the day of Bills and Rachel's wedding. Bill finds himself in the honeymoon suite with another woman! Scrambling to get rid of her, Tom, the best man, tries to solve the situation for Bill by claiming her to Rachel(the bride). However, Tom mistakes a chambermaid for the girl. Confusion and mayhem ensue when lines of communication get crossed. For more information call 828-488-8227 or visit the website.
Annual off road triathlon race( swim, run, bike), The swim take place on beautiful fontana Lake andthe run and bike is on some of the most famous trails in the Eastern US. Sprint distance triathlon. www.goneriding.com
Enjoy a gourmet 5 course champagne brunch at the historic Fryemont Inn for only $20 while supporting the local no kill animal shelter; Placing Animals Within Society (P.A.W.S.).
For more information please contact the Fryemont Inn at 828-488-2159 or 800-845-4879 or visit the website at www.fryemontinn.com for venue infromation.
A disastrous situation hapens on the day of Bills and Rachel's wedding. Bill finds himself in the honeymoon suite with another woman! Scrambling to get rid of her, Tom, the best man, tries to solve the situation for Bill by claiming her to Rachel(the bride). However, Tom mistakes a chambermaid for the girl. Confusion and mayhem ensue when lines of communication get crossed. For more information call 828-488-8227 or visit the website.
Enjoy an evening of stories, recipes, and music at The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians in Downtown Bryson City. For more information call 828-488-5705 or visit the website.
Come and listen to Ron Ransom demostrates his big Hake brush techniques both on location and in the studio with close-up shots of every stroke. His subjects includes skies, water, trees, rocks, buildings, and people in rural areas. There is no charge, for more information call Jenny Johnson at 828-488-7843 or online at www.swain.k12.nc.us/cfta
Come experience the sounds of local musicians as they demonstrate their talents. Have a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer - anything unplugged - and want to play, please come! Larry Barnett of Grandpa's Music in Bryson City facilitates the jams. Want additional information about this or other programs offered at the Marianna Black Library, please click here or call 828-488-2382.
Come and enjoy the phenomenon of Photinus carolinus in which they flash synchronously. The road entance will be closed each evening from the viewing area. This ensures a safe experience for all veiwer and campers. For more information call 865-436-1203 or Molly_Schroer@nps.gov
Come and get a close-up view of the planetrs most recongized and revered wild animals such as the tiny eastern screech owl and the northern bald eagle. For more information call 828-497-1904 or check out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
You'll find locally grown produce and other edibles, plants, flowers, crafts and more at the market. Every Friday, May - October. Parking lot next to the old courthouse on Main Street.Check it out online at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swain-County-Farmers-Market/104853346226504.
The Bryson City Ghost Walk is an eerie one-hour walk through Downtown Bryson City, NC. You will hear legends and stories about real people as well as ghost stories and the result of recent paranormal investigations. All of our stories are history based and designed for family entertainment. For more information call 828-488-5705 or BrysonCityGhostTour.com.
Come and enjoy great music, and admission is $7 per person. Pay at the door.
The Freight Hoppers have been presenting Old Time String Band music for more than 20 years. Their repertoire includes music that was first recorded in the late 1920's and early 1930's, and spans from Mississippi to West Virginia. The Freight Hoppers play hard driving old time music with an emotional, raw excitement that keeps one foot planted in the past and the other in the present. More info
The Music in the Mountains free concert series is held every Saturday evening, June 1 - October 26 in Bryson City. Full Schedule.
Enjoy an evening of stories, recipes, and music at The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians in Downtown Bryson City. For more information call 828-488-5705 or www.psalmsofthesouth.com
Who do you get when you mix the pristine vocals of Ella Fitzgerald with the guitar licks of Robert Johnson? You get Dillsboro’s “Sugar” Barnes, that’s who. Sugar plays heritage blues and was one of the founding members of the "Blues Bombers" from Sylva, NC.
As well as singing, Karen plays acoustic guitar, slide guitar, and the ukulele. She performs regularly in western North Carolina with Dave McGill, who will be backing her up and singing a few songs of his own. More info
You'll find locally grown produce and other edibles, plants, flowers, crafts and more at the market. Every Friday, May - October. Parking lot next to the old courthouse on Main Street.Check it out online at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swain-County-Farmers-Market/104853346226504.
Graham Russell & Russell Hitchcock met on May 12, 1975 and became instant friends with their common love for The Beatles and, of course, singing. They made a single in one afternoon and it shot to number one on the national charts. Air Supply was born! Their songs, "Lost in Love", "All Out of Love", "The One That You Love", "Sweet Dreams", and "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All" have each achieved multi-million plays on the radio. More info
His name immediately conjures up compelling, provocative images: A pale cowboy hat with the brim pulled low; poured-on blue jeans; intricate, catchy melodies paired with poignant, brilliant lyrics that mesmerize with their indelible imprint. More info
The Bryson City Ghost Walk is an eerie one-hour walk through Downtown Bryson City, NC. You will hear legends and stories about real people as well as ghost stories and the result of recent paranormal investigations. All of our stories are history based and designed for family entertainment. For more information call 828-488-5705 or visit the website.
This year the Canoe Club Challenge will feature both downriver and slalom components, offering something for every paddler's palate. There's no better event in the southeast to meet friendly, like-minded folks, have some laughs on the river, and improve your paddling to boot. Three events: June sprint, July classic, August whitewater championships. More info
Join park Volunteer Dick Seller for an easy 2 hour stroll through time from early Bradleytown to the present campground. Learn how this area transformed from a forested haven to a barren wasteland and back again. Afterwards visitors may choose to hike to the Bradley Fork Cemetery with Dick. For more information check it out online www.nps.gov/grsm.
Bring an acoustic instrument and join in on this old-time jam. Or just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds as others play trditional Appalachian Music. Check it out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
A time of dancing tha people of all ages can enjoy. Admission is adults $7, ages 12-18 $4, and 12 and under $3.
This fundraiser showcases all of the restaurants found in Bryson City as well as the beers of the Nantahala Brewing Company. For only $10 per person enjoy the best tastes of Bryson City and support P.A.W.S. Animal Shelter; our local no-kill shelter.
This week's featured artist is Juniper; a blend of Celtic and Alternative folk music. Juniper weaves a tight tapestry of haunting melodies and lush harmonies. Sprinkle in some fiery rhythms and compelling vocals and you have the unique sound that this group is known for. More info
The Music in the Mountains free concert series is held every Saturday evening, June 1 - October 26 in Bryson City. Full Schedule.
Join representatives from Fine Wine Trading Company Saturday evening June 15th for a wine tasting and glassware seminar. Learn how glass shapes and sizes influence the various characteristics of wine. Each tasting is paired with Latin-inspired Tapas by Alvaro Victoria. Participants will leave with four Riedel glasses- renowned for high quality, functional stemware. Wine pleasure and appreciation begins with the perfect glass! For more information visit LakeviewAtFontana.com or call at 800-742-6492
This day recognizes the many contributions of the region's rural women by proividing an opportunity to experience the past and to actively take part in the traditions of the Southern Appalachia through hands-on activities. For more information call 828-497-1904 or online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Whoooo!!!!! Have you ever heard this sound in the Smokies and wondered whoooo it belongs to? Come discover and learn about the owls of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. For more information check it out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
It's all about connection and balance in nature to insure survival for elk and other species living together in an ecosystem. Learn about the history of the elk through "show and tell" activities. Then stay and watch the elk come into the fields!
Come and Chat with a miller and feel the rumble of this historic gristmill in action. For more information check online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Pack a Snack and water and join a ranger on a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike along side Bradley Fork to Chasteen Creek Falls. For more information check out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream to look for mayflies, stoneflies, dragonflies, and other aquatic critters.Be prepared to get wet. Closed toed shoes recommended. For more informations go online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
...there was a Momma Bear, Poppa Bear and Baby Bear.. Is that true? Come and discover the real world of the American Black bear in Great Smoky Mountains - Myths and legends, truth and fiction. You may or may not see one, but if you are lucky, you will be ready when you spot them. Bring a blanket or chair for an exciting evening. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
What can we lean from trees? What do they teach us? Scientists want to know and you can help them find answers. Join park staff as they help researchers collect and record data. Check it out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream to look for mayflies, stoneflies, dragonflies, and other aquatic critters.Be prepared to get wet. Closed toed shoes recommended. For more informations go online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
What does “The Mill Wheel”, “Log Cabin”, “Split Rail Fence”, and “Bear Paws” all have in common? They are traditional block patterns found in the Southern Appalachians. Come learn about the art of quilting that was handed down from generation to generation. Check it out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Come out for the Fifth Annual Smoky Mountain Ride In. This is a great event and fun for the all involved. Its also a wonderful opportunity to help underpriviledged children in the local area.
There are lots of things planned for each night of the ride in. June 18 is the initial ride (details coming soon), June 19th is an ice cream social, June 20 is a welcome party at Gracey Manor (Main Street, Bryson City) with entertainment and food, June 21fish Fry & auction and June 22 will be the going away party at Ryan's in Sylva, NC. For more information or to register for the event, please click below for the SMRI website. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the event!
More details will be updated as information is available, or click here for the Smoky Mounatin Ride In's official website.
Enjoy an evening of stories, recipes, and music at The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians in Downtown Bryson City. For more information call 828-488-5705 or www.psalmsofthesouth.com
Join a Ranger and how old-time religion met spiritual, social, and community needs. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Come experience the sounds of local musicians as they demonstrate their talents. Have a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer - anything unplugged - and want to play, please come! Larry Barnett of Grandpa's Music in Bryson City facilitates the jams. Want additional information about this or other programs offered at the Marianna Black Library, please click here or call 828-488-2382.
Join us for an easy stroll along the Oconaluftee River Trail and hear the story of the understory. Who lives there, why it is there and discover if all litter is bad litter. You may see a whole world that has been below your knees all along even if you may not have noticed. Now you will! Check it out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
You'll find locally grown produce and other edibles, plants, flowers, crafts and more at the market. Every Friday, May - October. Parking lot next to the old courthouse on Main Street.Check it out online at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swain-County-Farmers-Market/104853346226504.
Bring a Blanket or chair and sit back as you listen to stories of the Smokies. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Billy Idol first achieved fame in the punk rock era as a member of the band Generation X. He then embarked on a successful solo career. A series of music videos for songs such as White Wedding, Rebel Yell and Eyes Without A Face, made him one of the first MTV stars. More info
The Bryson City Ghost Walk is an eerie one-hour walk through Downtown Bryson City, Nc. You will hear legends and stories about real people as well as ghost stories and the result of recent paranormal investigations. All of our stories are history based and designed for family entertainment. For more information call 828-488-5705 or www.psalmsofthesouth.com
Come and enjoy a hike up Hazel Creek trail. See some of the old cemteries located back in the national park. The cost is 20 dollars and all of the proceeds will go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. There is a limit so please make a reservation. For more information or register, call 828-488-3129 ext. 230.
What was it like to grow up in these mountains before there was any modern conveniences we enjoy today?Join a Ranger to learn about the chores tha tkids did as well as learning what the kids did for fun and how they explored the area. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Bryson City’s newest bluegrass band features the talents of Will Howell and Jacob Jones and is sure to get your toes tapping with their fresh new interpretations of bluegrass classics.
The Music in the Mountains free concert series is held every Saturday evening, June 1 - October 26 in Bryson City.
Join us for our first ever BBQ and Brews Dinner Train. Come and enjoy slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries. Tickets start at $69 and include a souvenir tasting glass for three samples of finely crafted beer selections. Nantahala Brewery featured 6/22 and 7/6. For more information call 828-488-7024 or visit the website.
Pack a Snack and water and join a ranger on a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike along side Bradley Fork to Chasteen Creek Falls. For more information check out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Whooo!!!! Have you ever heard this sound in the Smokies and wondered whoooo it belongs to? Come discover and learn about the Owls of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. For more information check it out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
It's all about connection and balance in nature to insure survival for elk and other species living together in an ecosystem. Learn about the history of the elk through "show and tell" activities. Then stay and watch the elk come into the fields! For more information check it out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Come and make a clay mug, cup or beer stein! Make clay buttons or pendants or a plaque to hang on your wall. There is limited space so reserve your spot today. For more information go to pincupottery.com/latestnews or call at 828-4880480.
Whoooo!!! Have you ever heard this sound and wondered whoooooo it belongs to? Come discover and learn about the owls of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. For information go online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
What can we lean from trees? What do they teach us? Scientists want to know and you can help them find answers. Join park staff as they help researchers collect and record data. Check it out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream to look for mayflies, stoneflies, dragonflies, and other aquatic critters.Be prepared to get wet. Closed toed shoes recommended. For more informations go online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
What does “The Mill Wheel”, “Log Cabin”, “Split Rail Fence”, and “Bear Paws” all have in common? They are traditional block patterns found in the Southern Appalachians. Come learn about the art of quilting that was handed down from generation to generation. Check it out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Enjoy an evening of stories, recipes, and music at The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians in Downtown Bryson City. For more information call 828-488-5705 or www.psalmsofthesouth.com
Join a Ranger and discover how old-time mountain religion met spiritual, social, and community needs. Check it out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Join us for an easy stroll along the Oconaluftee River Trail and hear the story of the understory. Who lives there, why it is there and discover if all litter is bad litter. You may see a whole world that has been below your knees all along even if you may not have noticed. Now you will! Check it out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
7:30 pm (2:30 on Sunday). One of the world's most favorite favorite fairy tales is brought to life on stage in a musical celebration of magical hopes and dreams. A full-two act production presented by the Overlook Theatre company. More info
Enjoy the works of local artisans by visiting different studios and galleries. Bee Global Studio, Stecoah Valley Artisans Gallery, Yellow Branch Pottery and others are all stops on this driving tour. For turn by turn directions to each studio or gallery visit www.StecoahValleyCenter.com.
You'll find locally grown produce and other edibles, plants, flowers, crafts and more at the market. Every Friday, May - October. Parking lot next to the old courthouse on Main Street.Check it out online at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swain-County-Farmers-Market/104853346226504.
Bring a Blanket or chair and sit back as you listen to stories of the Smokies. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
The Bryson City Ghost Walk is an eerie one-hour walk through Downtown Bryson City, NC. You will hear legends and stories about real people as well as ghost stories and the result of recent paranormal investigations. All of our stories are history based and designed for family entertainment. For more information call 828-488-5705 or visit the website.
A time of dancing that people of all ages can enjoy. Admission is adults $7, ages 12-18 $4, 12 and under $3. More info
Enjoy the acoustic bluegrass "dream team", a perennial favorite on the Grand Old Stage. All the fellows - Tim Surrett, Buddy Melton, Caleb Smith, Darren Nicholson and Marc Pruett - grew up steeped in traditions of The Grand Ole Opry ...as well as the important influences of the Scotch-Irish settlers of the Southern Mountains, English ballads, and Western songs. Winner IBMA 2011 song of the year for "Trains I Missed." More info
Specializing in a variety of music including Country and Western, Bluegrass, Cajun and 50’s & 60’s music for your listening and dancing pleasure. Lucy plays the fiddle, Gene plays the guitar and together they are The Sea Notes. More info
This free concert series is held every Saturday evening, June 1 - October 26 in Bryson City. Full Schedule.
Join us for our first ever BBQ and Brews Dinner Train. Come and enjoy slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries. Tickets start at $69 and include a souvenir tasting glass for three samples of finely crafted beer selections. Heinzelmannchen Brewery featured 6/29 and 7/13. For more information call 828-488-7024 or visit the website.
Pack a Snack and water and join a ranger on a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike along side Bradley Fork to Chasteen Creek Falls. For more information check out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
It's all about connection and balance in nature to insure survival for elk and other species living together in an ecosystem. Learn about the history of the elk through "show and tell" activities. Then stay and watch the elk come into the fields! For more information check it out online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Whoooo!!! Have you ever heard this sound and wondered whoooooo it belongs to? Come discover and learn about the owls of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. For information go online at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Fourth of July Freedom Fest
Wednesday, July 4, 2013
Vendor Application
23rd Annual Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Cooker Application Crafter Application
Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Participant Application
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Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce
& Visitor Center
210 Main Street
P.O. Box 509
Bryson City, NC 28713
Karen Proctor Wilmot
Executive Director
800-867-9246 toll-free
828-488-3681 local
828-488-6858 fax