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
A celebration to honor the people of Western North Carolina who gave up their homes, land and way of life so that World War II could be won. Hosted by Fontana Village Resort & The Proctor Revival Organization –GREAT (Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team).
Click here for Fontana Village Resort Phone: 800-849-2258
For more than two decades, HOTEL CALIFORNIA has touched the hearts of fans all over the world, by faithfully and accurately reproducing the Grammy award winning sounds of the Eagles. So join us now on a trip down a dark desert highway, feel the cool wind in your hair, and experience Grammy award winning sounds. More info
The Nantahala Outdoor Center celebrates the Appalachian Trail with live music, trail-focused speakers, book signings, wilderness survival workshops and presentations by industry representatives.
For more information on this and other events sposored by the NOC, please click here or call 888-905-7238.
A day of workshops, shopping and laughter for middle eastern inspired dancers of any style, drummers, and fun lovers of all ages and sorts!
Teachers from all over the region will offer classes in basic technique, costuming, drumming, fan dance and stage presence. Free beginner technique class Friday evening May 4th and Saturday, May 5th is a full day of workshops followed by a dance show with performances by both professionals and students. Full information and registration available at: http://ublcon2012.brysoncitybellydance.com/
Lyle Lovett is one of the most distinctive and original singer/songwriters to emerge during the '80s. Though he was initially labeled as a country singer, the tag never quite fit him. Lovett combines a talent for incisive, witty lyrical detail with an eclectic array of music, ranging from country and folk to big-band swing and traditional pop. Lovett has won four Grammy Awards, including Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Album. More info
Grab your family and friends and join us for an evening of food and fun. At the Taste of Home Cooking School, you will learn 10 new receipes and cooking tips and techniques you can use to become a star in your own kitchen! Each attendee will receive a valuable gift bag filled with free products, coupons and Taste of Home magazines. Plus, you will have the chance to win one of many valuable door prizes. 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.
Fri & Sat: 10 am - 6 pm. Sun: 12-5 pm. Gem & mineral show featuring dealers from across the United States. Rough & cut gemstones, minerals, lapidary equipment and much more! Sponsored by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the Gem & Mineral Society of Franklin. 828-524-3161.
Please join us at Madison's on Main for a Special event for our new Spartina 449 Spring/Summer Collection. Featuring door prizes, refreshments, and a free gift with each Spartina purchase, not to mention 15% off the entire store (excluding Spartina).
See you there!
Treat Mom and the family to a weekend of fun including Sunday Lunch in the beautiful Mountview Bistro on Sunday the 13th. Click here for a preview of the menu being served.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort Phone: 800-849-2258
Rarely has a new band delivered an album with more emotional punch than Tenth Avenue North's 2008 debut Over and Underneath. Musically inventive and lyrically compelling, the collection helped earn the band the New Artist of the Year accolade at the 2009 Dove Awards. More info
KANSAS' first public statement appeared on their self-titled album in 1974, "From the beginning, we considered ourselves and our music different and we hope we will always remain so." Little did this legendary rock group realize that back in the early ‘70's, what "seemed to be different," was actually ahead of its time. More info
Bring home spring wildflowers in your own photographs by joining Friends of the Smokies'guided Great Smoky Mountains National Park photography hike led by professional nature photographer and teacher Don McGowan (Earthsong Photography).
Participants will gather to depart from Waynesville at 8am and should come prepared with food, water, and appropriate hiking gear for the all day excursion. DSLR cameras preferred. A donation of $35 to go to the Friends of the Smokies is requested and includes a complimentary membership to Friends of the Smokies.
To register contact Friends of the Smokies at hannah@friendsofthesmokies.org or call 828-452-0720.
For more information visit www.friendsofthesmokies.org
Turn back time to the cool spring breezes of years gone by with a guided hike to the high-elevation, history-rich trail to Hemphill Bald. Hiking enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein ("Hiking North Carolina's Blue Ridge Heritage"), will lead, and Judy Coker of Cataloochee Ranch, which borders the park along the trail, will join the group. This 8.4 mile "Classic Hike of the Smokies" is moderate in difficulty and has a total elevation gain/descent of 1,500 ft. A donation fee of $35 to the Friends of the Smokies Trails Forever program is requested, and includes a complimentary membership to Friends of the Smokies. A donation of $10 is requested from current Friends of the Smokies. Members who bring a friend hike for free. To register for hikes contact Friends of the Smokies at hannah@friendsofthesmokies.org or 828-452-0720. For more information visit www.friendsofthesmokies.org
$10,000 in prize money awarded to 1st place team ($5,000), 2nd place team ($3,000) and 3rd place team ($2,000) This two person team fly fishing competition is held on the 2.2 miles of Trophy, Catch-and-Release water on the Cherokee Reservation. A modified fips mouche format will be used with a tag out system being incorporated as only one team member may fish at a time. Fishing sessions are three hours long. $225 egistration fee includes tournament registration for two people, competitor swag, several meals during the competition and more. 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.
Including hits such as "I'll Still Be Loving You" and "When She Cries" the songs of Restless Heart are driven by the musical force which brought them together over 25 years ago.
The timeless music generated by Little Texas such as "God Blessed Texas" and "What Might Have Been" have been featured on hundreds of television programs and radio stations across the U.S.A. Celebrating 20 years of Rockin' Country.
Team and solo mountain bikers race in this endurance relay at Tsali Recreation Area. More info
Fontana's annual Couple's Fishing Tournament on May 19th. Registration is $60 per boat. Prize money will be awarded for the largest Walleye, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass. Participants are encouraged to bring a covered dish fothe fish-fry on the docks after the tournament at Fontana Marina. For details and information, call the Marina at 828.498.2129.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort
Come join in the fun, festivities and of course STRAWBERRIES! Enjoy a horse-drawn buggy ride as well as strolling through the local craft vendors' wares. You may pick your own strawberries or enjoy ones already picked. The Future Farmers of America alumni of Swain County will be selling strawberry shortcake with all procedes benefiting the organization. "It's a day to celebrate the opening of the farm, the strawberry crops and trying to preserve some of the traditional mountain ways." *Live Music*
Join other guests on Wednesdays throughout the summer at the Fontana Marina for a 2-3 hour excursion on Fontana Lake and a casual hike up to Proctor- a thriving logging town in the early 1900's. Shuttle boat leaves Fontana Marina docks at 12:00 Noon. Charge is $15 per person. Call ahead to 828.498.2129 for reservations. Maximum of 15 guests per excursion.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort
Join Texas-born Country Blues Rocker Larry Patton for his Country Rockin' Thursdays on the deck at the Wildwood Grill from 8:00pm - 10:00pm throughout the summer.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort Phone: 800-849-2258
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.
Nine-time Grammy award winner singer, songwriter and performer Natalie Cole has proven to be one of the most beloved performers of all time. Natalie Cole rocketed to stardom in 1975 with her debut album, Inseparable, earning her a #1 single, "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" and two Grammy awards for Best New Artist, as well as Best Female R&B Volcal Performance. More info
Summer Fun begins with swimming in Fontana Lake or the Stone Creek Pool & Lazy River on the Village Green, hiking, mountain biking and water sports on Fontana Lake. Join us for live music on Saturday night in the Fontana Recreation Hall.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort Phone: 800-849-2258
oin Country music recording artist Matt Stillwell & Friends this Memorial Day Weekend for the best Shinefest yet, rain or Shine, in the Fontana Events Hall. This year's line-up includes Matt Stillwell, Chase Rice, The Chillbillies, The Dirty Guv'Nahs, My Highway and the winners of the Wild wing Cafe Rise & Shine Band Competition. Tickets are on sale now. Visit the event website here for tickets and information. Book your lodging for the 2012 event here.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort Phone: 800-849-2258
Since the release of their 2010 debut album, "Suddenly Yours," Allstar Weekend emerged as one of the most promising young bands around. Wait until fans hear "All the Way," their new Hollywood Records album. In its 12 tracks, Allstar Weekend not only steps up their game as musicians, they reveal themselves as mature pop storytellers. More info
The Band Perry's "modern throwback" style combines classic Country with an eclectic infusion of Rock, Gospel and Soul. As songwriters and musicians, their sound is rounded out by perfect three-part harmonies. More info
Join other guests on Wednesdays throughout the summer at the Fontana Marina for a 2-3 hour excursion on Fontana Lake and a casual hike up to Proctor- a thriving logging town in the early 1900's. Shuttle boat leaves Fontana Marina docks at 12:00 Noon. Charge is $15 per person. Call ahead to 828.498.2129 for reservations. Maximum of 15 guests per excursion.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort
Jimmy Travis is a multitalented performer who constantly proves that you can be funny, informative, and entertaining without being offensive! A Bean and Bailey show includes everything from stand-up comedy to songs and musical parodies. Bradley Bean and Jackson Bailey have been performing their clean comedy act professionally for over 12 years. They were featured on the very first season of NBC's America's Got Talent, and currently you can hear them on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. More info
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
| Search this site |
Events Calendar
Click on a month or an underlined date
to view scheduled events
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
| 29 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 |
| FOLLOW | ||||
| SHARE | ||||
| Planning a Wedding? (PDF) |
| Join the Chamber |
| Bryson City brochure (PDF) |
| Media Information |
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