Monthly Calendar of Events in Bryson City and the
Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina

The facilities at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds where the event is held lends itself well to a bunch of enthusiastic gourd artists.  Everywhere you look, there’s nothing but gourding activities going on.  Classes, demonstrations, inspiring displays of finished art, vendors with everything from A-to-Z and back again, and piles and piles of top-quality raw gourds to choose from. 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.

Did you know that the construction of Fontana Dam was a vital World War II effort? Did you know that hundreds of families sacrificed their homes and lifestyles for the construction of Fontana Dam? Learn more about the authentic history of these Appalachian people from authors and storytellers and by visiting the remains of the century old logging town of Proctor. This full weekend includes a boat tour of Fontana Lake; Gary Carden’s one woman play “Birdell”; an evening with Walt Larimore, MD, author of “Hazel Creek”; a walking history tour of Fontana Village; book signing opportunities with authors of regional history; music and more. Great lodging package for a 3-day weekend.

Click here for Fontana Village Resort  Phone: 800-849-2258

Singer-Songwriter Logan Murrell performs live on stage
at the Wildwood Grill

Click here for Fontana Village Resort   Phone: 800-849-2258

k.d. lang is that rare performer who, over 25 years as a major-label artist, has matured before our very ears. The Western Canada native launched her career with a blend of country-rock stylings and playfully punk-like attitude, by turns whimsical and subversive; back then, she practically put the alternative in alt-country. More info

The Rock and Raft music series will heat up your summer: get great deals on afternoon raft trips, and stay to enjoy a cool Asheville-based band every Saturday in June!

For more information on this and other events sponsored by the NOC, please click here or call 888-905-7238.

This free, all day event, presented by the Cherokee County Arts Council offers a great family friendly atmosphere.

For more information: www.cherokeeartscouncil.org

The "Parrot Head and Proud" act returns to Fontana with its signature Trop-Rock music stylings on stage in front of the Wildwood Grill Stage.

Click here for Fontana Village Resort   Phone: 800-849-2258

This week's featured artist is Boogertown Gap, performers of Old Time Appalachian String Music. Boogertown Gap is Ruth Barber and Keith Watson, a husband and wife musical duo who specializes in the music that was played and sung by early pioneers and settlers of the Great Smoky Mountains and vicinity. to hear some of their music go to www.boogertowngap.com

Music in the Mountains Free Evening Concert Series is held every Saturday evening beginning June 2 and ending October 27. Sponsored by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce and the Swain County Tourism Development Authority, the goal is to provide a fun, family atmosphere for both locals and visitors and to promote the  local talent and musicians to be found in Bryson City, Swain County, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

After a successful 2010 tour of nearly 50 cities across the U.S. and Canada, The Midtown Men reunites Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard, and J. Robert Spencer, stars from the original cast of Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys. Together in a dynamic concert featuring top hits from a Who's Who of the '60s, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, and The Four Seasons, whose story they brought to life every night as Stars in the Original Cast of Jersey Boys. More info

Celebrating the arrival of summer, this wildly fun, five-day gathering will awaken all your senses! Designed for the kid in all of us, it will have you smiling until your face hurts! Scream on the carnival rides, enjoy the music, try your hand at a few games, and eat yourself silly as you sample a variety of treats along the midway. More info

Pick up a few dance steps or square off on Fontana's Floating Dance Floor on Tuesdays.

Click here for Fontana Village Resort   Phone: 800-849-2258

Beginning June 6th. Contact the Outdoors Program for more information. Learn about the history and lore of Fontana Village stretching back to the building of Fontana Dam in the 1940's.

Click here for Fontana Village Resort   Phone: 800-849-2258

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 us for our 30th anniversary quilt show featuring over 350 quilts, our small quilt auction and block party, the alliance for American quilts, our Mountain Horizons Opportunity Quilt, Our merchant mall extravaganza featuring 24 merchants, and over 50 classes and lectures given by a faculty of national instructors.

For more information:www.smokymtnquilters.org

Join Texas-born Country Blues Rocker Larry Patton for his Country Rockin' Thursdays on the deck at the Wildwood Grill throughout the summer. 

Click here for Fontana Village Resort   Phone:  800-849-2258

The Rod Run features more than 500 classic and customized automobiles built before 1972. The mountains and miles of surrounding roads, including the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, make for good driving and amazing views. Plus, the many attractions at Cherokee make the Rod Run fun for the entire family. More info

Every Friday night at "The Storytelling Center" come in and enjoy a glass of real Cider, Sweet Breads, and Tales. Entertainment for the whole Family. 

Click here for "The Storytelling Center" website.

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.

Foreigner's place as one of the front-runners of the rock genre is hard to dispute. Early hits were "Feels Like the First Time", "Cold as Ice" and "Long, Long Way From Home" reaching the Top 20 in the Billboard charts. Other hits include "I Want to Know What Love Is", "Double Vision", "Dirty White Boy", "Head Games", and "Juke Box Hero". More info

Singer-Songwriter Logan Murrell performs live on stage
at the Wildwood Grill

Click here for Fontana Village Resort  Phone:  800-849-2258

Celebrate thousands of years of tradition in the southern Appalachians with Cherokee people from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.  Experience traditional music and dance, gospel singing, Cherokee flute, and storytelling. Talk with Cherokee people in living history encampments.  Enjoy demonstrations of basketmaking, pottery, carving, beadwork, mask making, blowgun making and more. Traditional food on site. More info

Travel along the Tuckasegee River to Dillsboro for a 2 hour layover on Saturday and 1.5 hour layover on Sunday. Enjoy special presentations and old style demonstrations of a true pioneer camp presented by noted story tellers and reinactors of the time period! More info

The Rock and Raft music series will heat up your summer: get great deals on afternoon raft trips, and stay to enjoy a cool Asheville-based band every Saturday in June!

For more information on this and other events sponsored by the NOC, please click here or call 888-905-7238.

Join us to celebrate a great 40 years on and off the water. The day's festivities will include a raft race on the Nantahala, live music, BBQ, words from NOC's founders and a video screening.

For more information on this and other events at the NOC, please click here or call 888-905-7238.

Teams of four compete for the right to claim "Fastest on the Nantahala." Join us for this innaugral event at the NOC!

For more information on this and other events sponsored by the NOC, please click here or call 888-905-7238.

This week's featured artist is a local trio known for their great vocals and multi-instrumental play. You will find Frank Lee and Isaac Deal on a combination of instruments including the guitar and banjo and Bradley Adams ranges from the mandolin to guitar.

Music in the Mountains Free Evening Concert Series is held every Saturday evening beginning June 2 and ending October 27. Sponsored by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce and the Swain County Tourism Development Authority, the goal is to provide a fun, family atmosphere for both locals and visitors and to promote the local talent and musicians to be found in Bryson City, Swain County, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The My Highway Band performs live on stage at the Wildwood Grill.

Click here for Fontana Village Resort   Phone:  800-849-2258

Contact the Outdoors Program for more information. Learn about the history and lore of Fontana Village stretching back to the building of Fontana Dam in the 1940's.

Click here for Fontana Village Resort   Phone: 800-849-2258

A foot and cycling competition benefiting the Fontana Foundation. Races include a 5K foot race, 16 mile cycle race and finishes with a 2 mile run. Visit the event website for more information

Click here for Fontana Village Resort     Phone:  800-849-2258

This training can help you to : develop techniques to mediate reconciliation and win-win solutions, explore creative ways to approach personal conflict with more confidence and grace, and to learn how and when to enter a "hornet's nest" while keeping yourself and disputing parties safe.

To register: 800-789-4675, 828-631-5252, or register online at www.mountainmediation.org

Looking for something fun and creative to do with the kids this summer? Sign up for one of our Kids Clay classes! In each class, every participant will have a chance to create something unique from clay in each class.

Classes are geared for ages 8 and up, but parents and grandparents are welcome too! Annie Burrell and Doug Hubbs will be team teaching all classes. The cost for each class is $26 per person and includes all materials and fees.

To register, please call the Swain Center at (828) 366-2000. Payment is due at the beginning of class or you may prepay. To prepay, please contact Jeff Marley at (828)497-3945.

Classes will be offered on the following days:

Dr. Seuss Houses: Wed. June 13, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Clay Critters: Wed. June 27, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Toad Houses: Wed. July 11, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Face Jugs: Wed. July 25, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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

Contact the Outdoors Program for more information. Learn about the history and lore of Fontana Village stretching back to the building of Fontana Dam in the 1940's.

Click here for Fontana Village Resort   Phone: 800-849-2258

Local and regional bluegrass players in an outdoor setting. Single and multi-day passes available. Balsam Range, Crowe Brothers, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Carolina Sonshine, The Dillards, Little Roy & Lizzie and many more. More info

Every Friday night at "The Storytelling Center" come in and enjoy a glass of real Cider, Sweet Breads, and Tales. Entertainment for the whole Family. 

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.

The Josh Fields Band blends Southern Rock, classic and contemporary Country and bluegrass leanings to make a sound all their own. Live at the Wildwood Grill.

Click here for Fontana Village Resort   Phone:  800-849-2258

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. 

The Rock and Raft music series will heat up your summer: get great deals on afternoon raft trips, amd stay to enjoy a cool Asheville-based band every Saturday in June!

For more information on this and other events sponsored by the NOC, please click here or call 888-905-7238.

Youth activities and clinics on the Nantahala River alongside past and present Olympiads, followed by a friendly Citizen'd Slalom on the Nantahala Bridge Gates.

For more information on this and other events sposored by the NOC, please click here or call 888-905-7238.

Everyone is welcome to participate in these social, beginner-friendly races on the Nantahala Bridge Gates. Meet friends, get your heart rate up and improve your kayaking to boot!

For more information on this and other events sponsored by the NOC, please click here or call 888-905-7238

This week's featured artist is Juniper; a blend of Celtic and Alternative folk music. Juniper weaves a tight tapestry of of haunting melodies and lush harmonies. Sprinkle in some fiery rhythms and compelling vocals and you have the unique sound that this group is know for. Check out their website at www.junipertrio.com

Music in the Mountains Free Evening Concert Series is held every Saturday evening beginning June 2 and ending October 27. Sponsored by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce and the Swain County Tourism Development Authority, the goal is to provide a fun, family atmosphere for both locals and visitors and to promote the local talent and musicians of Bryson City, Swain County, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Join Texas-born Country Blues Rocker Larry Patton for a Country Rockin' evening on the deck at the Wildwood Grill.

Click here for Fontana Village Resort   Phone:  800-849-2258

Held at the historic Old Mill 1886, this is one craft festival that you don't want to miss! Artists from all over the Southeast will gather to demonstrate and sell their hand crafted works. Featuring Cherokee artists, quilters, jewelry designers, Appalachian crafters, and more. Smoked BBQ, apple fritters and live music. Free Admission.

For more information: 828-497-6536

USAFK's Hometown Throwdown comes to the Nantahala! Come try out the newly constructed 2013 Wave feature! All ability levels are welcome!

For more information on this and other events sponsored by the NOC, please click here or call 888-905-7238.

For more information on the 2013 International freestyle Kayaking Championship and the Wave feature, please click here!

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

Japanese glass artist Tadashi Torii's works will be shown in the Green Energy Park's art gallery with a reception free, and open to the public on Thursday June 21 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Torii will also demonstrate his glass-blowing technique.

Click here for more information or call 828-631-0271

Directions:  74 East to 441 South take the Dillsboro Exit at the bottom of the hill take a right at the intersection and go one mile.  Green Energy Park will be on your right.  Turn into campus and go straight ahead and you will see the Green Energy Park Art Gallery.

Triketalk.com is a web-based group devoted to exchange of ideas and advice to all interested three-wheelers. They gather for their annual "Rally in the Valley" in Maggie Valley from June 21 - 24. Wheels Through Time has the welcome mat out for this event with unique "trikes" from the collection on display, including the 1918 "Inauguration" Harley sidecar, the WWI Pigeon Carrier, the Dayton articulated sidecar and the 1933 BlueRidge Parkway "Birthday Bike." Welcome all trike enthusiasts!

For more information click here.

Join Texas-born Country Blues Rocker Larry Patton for his Country Rockin' Thursdays on the deck at the Wildwood Grill throughout the summer. 

Click here for Fontana Village Resort   Phone:  800-849-2258

Join Peter, the Lost Boys, the Darling children and Tinkerbell on a magical journey as they fly above the streets of London and through the forests and oceans of Neverland. While there, they encounter mermaids, Indians and the evil Captain Hook with his band of nasty pirates. Filled with classic Broadway tunes and enough pixie dust to make even the most grown-up of grown-ups believe in fairies, wishes and child-like imagination. A two-act theatrical presentation. More info

Every Friday night at "The Storytelling Center" come in and enjoy a glass of real Cider, Sweet Breads, and Tales. Entertainment for the whole Family. 

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.

Team NC will be hosting the National Championships for the top youth fly fisherman in the country.  This will be a two day event featuring some of the best water in the Smoky Mountains.  The Upper and Lower Nantahala, as well as the famed Ravens Fork Trophy Water in scenic Cherokee, NC. More info

Singer-Songwriter Logan Murrell performs live on stage at the Wildwood Grill.

Click here for Fontana Village Resort    Phone:  800-849-2258

Boat transportation and a guided hike to the historical community of Proctor for only $20. You will see cemeteries, an old sawmill area, the Calhoun House and more. This is open to everybody - interested please call Steve Claxton at 828-736-7501.

Steve Claxton has spent over 3,000 days of his life guiding fishermen, campers and hikers along this beautiful area of the national park. Remotely situated along the North Shore of Fontana Lake, you will be transported by boat from Cable Cove Boat Launch to the trailhead of Hazel Creek.

Please pack a picnic lunch as you will be having lunch on the lawn at the historic Calhoun House. The hike is very easy with mostly flat terrain along the old railroad bed that once carried lumber as well as passengers from the far reaches of upper Hazel Creek.

**Pre-registration is required and there are still slots available.

The Rock and Raft music series will heat up your summer: get great deals on afternoon raft trips, and stay to enjoy a cool Asheville-based band every Saturday in June!

For more information on this and other events sponsored by the NOC, please click here or call 888-905-7238.

These family-oriented art shows feature a small number of artisans providing demonstrations of their work in an interactive environment. Visitors are invited to create their own art piece with instruction from the demonstrating artisans. Art Samplers Artisan activities may include drum-making, thrown pottery, gourd painting, lampwork glass beads, jewelry making, weaving and more. Silent Auction items will be available for bid at the Stecoah Center from June 23 until June 30. Auction items are donated by the artisans, local businesses and individuals. More info

This week's featured artist is Mountain Dew-et, a husband and wife team who are regular performers in both the Music in the Mountains schedule and the Freedom Fest celebration. You will love their easy rhythms and vocals as well as their traditional style.

Music in the Mountains Free Evening Concert Series is held every Saturday evening beginning June 2 and ending October 27. Sponsored by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce and the Swain County Tourism Development Authority, the goal is to provide a fun, family friendly atmosphere for both locals and visitors and to promote the local talent and musicians of Bryson City, Swain County, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

For Sheryl Crow, the title of her seventh album isn’t just a location; it’s a state of mind. “I grew up in a small town 100 miles from Memphis, and that informed not only my musical taste, but how I look at life,” she says. “The drive to Memphis is all farmland, and everyone is community-oriented, God-fearing people, connected to the earth.  More Info

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-toe shoes recommended

For more information click here.

Event if Free.

Learn about the inhabitants of the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, as we discuss aspects of their past and present. After the program, you can try your skill with an authentic Cherokee blowgun! 

Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.

For more information click here.

Event is Free.

Bring your lunch and your curiosity and join a ranger for some noon-time conversation. Ask questions, share your experiences, and make new friends!

Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.

For more information click here.

Event is Free.

Cherokees have been making pottery for...how long? Come find out, and leave with a piece of pottery that you have created using the same methods employed by Qualla Boundary master craftspeople.

Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

Who is the best dam builder in the Smokies? The beaver, of course! Come learn how beavers change the environment to their own advantage.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a park ranger? Ever want to help scientists study the national park? Join us as a special volunteer and help rangers explore and protect this national park. Open only to high school students and recent grads (and their families).

Tennessee location: June 16, July 6, August 1. Contact Ranger Emily at (865) 436-1713 for additional information and reservations.

North Carolina location: June 26, July 19, August 9. Contact Ranger Beth at (828) 497-1907 for additional information and reservations.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

Looking for something fun and creative to do with the kids this summer? Sign up for one of our Kids Clay classes! In each class, every participant will have a chance to create something unique from clay in each class.

Classes are geared for ages 8 and up, but parents and grandparents are welcome too! Annie Burrell and Doug Hubbs will be team teaching all classes. The cost for each class is $26 per person and includes all materials and fees.

To register, please call the Swain Center at (828) 366-2000. Payment is due at the beginning of class or you may prepay. To prepay, please contact Jeff Marley at (828)497-3945.

Classes will be offered on the following days:

Dr. Seuss Houses: Wed. June 13, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Clay Critters:         Wed. June 27, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Toad Houses:        Wed. July 11, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Face Jugs:             Wed. July 25, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Open your eyes to the world of soil organisms. Learn about these valuable creatures and the jobs they do in the forest and streams.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream to look for salamanders, damselflies, and other critters. Be prepared to get wet. Closed toed shoes recommended.

Move beyond the comfortable glow of the campfire and explore the Smokies nightlife. Limited to 25 participants. Call 828/497-1904 up to four days in advance to make reservations.

Mama Bear, Poppa Bear, and Baby Bear live happily together. Or do they? Join the ranger and discover the truths and myths about these popular creatures known as black bear.

Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.

For more informaton click here.

This event is Free.

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

If you would like to hone your observation skills in order to search for the unseen, gather on the porch at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

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-toe shoes recommended.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

What kinds of toys did kids play with in the "old days?" Join a ranger to discover (or remember!) how kids were entertained before video games and iPods. You'll be able to take home a "buzz button" of your very own. All ages welcome.

Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

Discover the beauty of Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Tom Branch Falls. Easy, 2.4 mile round-trip hike.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

A naturalist showcase program featuring owls, hawks and bald eagles on the Village Green. Conducted by Michael Skiiner, the executive director of the Balsam Mountain Trust.

Click here for Fontana Village Resort  Phone:  800-849-2258

Every Friday night at "The Storytelling Center" come in and enjoy a glass of real Cider, Sweet Breads, and Tales. Entertainment for the whole Family. 

Hundreds of world-champion dancers will compete for thousands of dollars in prizes in drum, song and dance. Traditional, Fancy Shawl, Grass, Two Step, Jingle and the Daniel French Memorial dance competitions. Craft and food vendors on site. Admission fee; free parking. More info

Come experience the art of making a simple corn shuck doll, while gaining historical insight on the diversity of corn in the region.

Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

Move beyond the comfortable glow of the campfire and explore the Smokies nightlife. Limited to 25 participants. Call 828/497-1904 up to four days in advance to make reservations.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

Want to create a Smokies setting at home? All park plants are protected, but you can join us on this easy walk to learn the characteristics and needs of Smokies species for the home landscape. See how using native plants helps preserve biodiversity.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

Have you ever wondered where your food comes from and how it gets to your table? Explore our heirloom vegetable garden and the many ways we grow our food.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

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.

Singer-Songwriter Logan Murrell performs live on stage at the Wildwood Grill.

Click here for Fontana Village Resort    Phone:  800-849-2258

Tom Sadge has been a full-time entertainer for his entire adult life, however, the last 12 years as a Neil Diamond impersonator and tribute artist have been the most exciting of his career. Traveling throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, Sadge has appeared at many major arenas and venues. His lookalike and soundalike tribute to "The Jazz Singer" is a favorite of the most discriminating Neil Diamond fans. More info

An Appalachian Evening Concert series featuring bluegrass & gospel headliners Balsam Range.  Silent Auction to benefit programs at The Center. More info

A full week of fun featuring rides every day, arts and crafts, motorcycle vendors, custom painting/trim, food, bands, DJ's and karaoke, raffles, prizes, and more!

Check out our website at www.cherokeecountycycles.com

Climb aboard the wagon ride at Smokemont Riding Stables for a Ranger-guided tour of the old Oconaluftee Turnpike. Limit 6 people. Fee paid at the stables.

For more information click here.

For the riding stables website click here. 

Riding Stables phone number: 828-497-2373

Bring a blanket or chair and sit back as you listen to stories of the Smokies. Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.

For more informaton click here.

This event is Free.

Of course you do! What is a carbon footprint? Join a ranger to learn how to leave a light footprint and help protect the park and the planet for future generations.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

If you have ever wondered what kind of tree it is or how old it is or will it grow at your house, this time with a ranger will help you better identify trees in the park, where they went, and why they are here now. Basic tree identification skills will be taught.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

Be inspired by the beauty of the Smokies and create a piece of art to take home!

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

Explore Smokies nightlife. Limited to 25 participants. Call 828/497-1904 up to four days in advance for reservations.

For more informaton click here.

This event is Free.

Stop taking everything for granite. Learn how these mountains were born and how they have changed over time.

For more information click here.

This event is Free.

The Rock and Raft music series will heat up your summer: get great deals on afternoon raft trips, and stay to enjoy a cool Asheville-based band every Saturday in June!

For more information on this and other events sponsored by the NOC, please click here or call 888-905-7238.

We end the June schedule with The Barefoot Movement, a trio of immensely talented musicians from North Carolina and Tennessee whose music successfully melds Americana influences with the invigoration of acoustic modern rock and jazz. Their sound simultaneously captures the rustic beauty of old Southern front porch Bluegrass improvisation while being immediately accessible to the modern era. To hear some of their unique sound, check out www.barefoot-movement.com

Music in the Mountains Free Evening Concert Series is held every Saturday evening beginning June 2 and ending October 27. Sponsored by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce and the Swain County Tourism Development Authority, the goal is to provide a fun, family atmosphere for both locals and visitors and to promote the local talent and musicians to be found in Bryson City, Swain County, and the Great Smoky Mountains.