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 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
Cataloochee is a great place for viewing elk. Learn about the history of the elk through "show and tell" activities. Then stay and watch the elk come into in the fields!
Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
For more information click here.
This event is Free.
Learn about the blacksmith. Create your own item to take home. Limited to ages 10-12. Other Junior Ranger programs will be going on simultaneously for younger kids.
Duration: Groups start every 30 minutes; last group starts at 11:30 a.m Accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
For more information click here.
This event is Free.
Hike with a ranger to Alum Cave Bluff and take in some of the park's best views. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, raingear, and a snack. Five mile round-trip hke rated as "moderate to strenuous" in difficulty.
For more information click here.
This event is Free.
Take a short guided stroll and learn about farm life in the past against the backdrop of century-old log buildings.
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.
From Lee University in Cleveland, TN and directed by Danny Murray, this fourteen-member group is characterized by their unique variety of lush vocal harmonies. The Voices of Lee have appeared on “Good Morning America” as well as Christmas at the White House. Most recently they have appeared on NBC's Sing-Off Competition. 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
Graham County Heritage Festival
Phone: 828-479-2334 or 800-470-3790
For more information click Graham County
A weeklong celebration of everything that made America the great nation that she is. Cookouts, field games, parties and much, much more. Experience the best fireworks ever. Live entertainment each Saturday night (band to be announced. Join us Wednesday the 4th for the best Independence Day celebration and fireworks in the Smokies.
4th of July Musical & Entertainment Line-up:
Village Parade 6:00pm
The Fast Gear Band 7:00pm - 9:00pm
The Chillbillies 9:00pm - 12:00am From Knoxville, Tennessee. A mix of classic rock & roll with blues. Playing before and after the 10pm fireworks in the center of the resort. Visit the band's website.
Fireworks On The Green 10:00pm.
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
Linda Gentille & the All American Big Band - A tribute to the great classic composers of the 20th century and includes music from George Gershwin, John Philip Sousa, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Stephen Foster and Anna Louise Deal. One of the most popular parts of this musical spectacular is Gentille's patriotic tribute to Veterans of the Armed Forces. A fantastic show to celebrate the 4th of July with the whole family! More info
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
Singer-Songwriter Randy Flack performing live on stage at the Wildwood Grill.
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.
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.
Singer-Songwriter Logan Murrell performs live on stage
at the Wildwood Grill.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort. Phone: 800-849-2258
An Applachian Evening Concert Series featuring Americana band The Steel Wheels, rooted in blues and bluegrass - old-time sing-alongs and footstomping fiddle tunes. Pre-concert dinners are available; reservations required. More info
So fun, it's scary!
Tour downtown Bryson City on foot as you are regaled with spooky tales of town residents and days gone by.
Adults: $10.00
Children: $5.00
Click here for more information.
America became a musical sensation in the early 1970's, scoring #1 hits and winning a Grammy for best new musical artist. Their recording success has stretched throughout the decades and into the millennium influencing an entirely new generation to the band's best known songs such as "A Horse with No Name", "Sister Golden Hair" (both of which reached #1), "Ventura Highway", "Tin Man", "Daisy Jane", and "Lonely People". More info
Jay Mathey Band featuring Jeremy Adams on Sax and Keys. Performing live on stage at the Wildwood Grill. Visit the bands website.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort. Phone: 800-849-2258
Enjoy a free concert in Bryson City at the Depot. Sit in one of the old church pews on the covered depot deck or bring a lawn chair to enjoy the show. Local and regional favorites. playing everything from old-time country to bluegrass, to rock and roll.
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.
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
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
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
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
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. $11 entry fee. 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.
Indigenous tribes from across the Americas gather for the 8th Annual Festival of Native Peoples this August at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds in Cherokee, N.C. 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
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.
After hitting the road with his family at age 14, he has performed at Carnegie Hall, become a fan-favorite at the Grand Ole Opry and has appeared regularly on the Gaither Homecoming Series videos. Known for songs such as “Somebody Like Me” and “Through the Fire,” there’s no doubt that Jason Crabb is one of the finest voices of his generation. Certainly one of the most acclaimed voices in all of Gospel music. More info
Singer-Songwriter Logan Murrell performs live on stage
at the Wildwood Grill.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort. Phone: 800-849-2258
An Applachian Evening Concert Series featuring four-time 2011 IMBA Award-winners The Box Cars. Pre-concert dinners are available; reservations required. More info
Blending Southern Rock, classic and contemporary country and bluegrass leanings to make a sound all their own. With tight three part harmonies and high energy live shows, the Josh Fields Band prides itself on being one of a kind.
For more information click here.
This event is Free.
After forming in 1980, Gold City became an instant success in the Gospel Music industry. Recordings of upbeat tunes like "In My Robe Of White", “I Think I’ll Read It Again” and "John Saw" along with inspirational songs like “No Other Word For Grace But Amazing” and “Midnight Cry” catapulted the group to the upper ranks of Southern Gospel. The tremendous amount of support they receive across the country makes every stop for Gold City a true night to remember. More info
Gary Allan says he has "revamped my whole show" in advance of this summer's Country Throwdown tour. He has recorded new material to include along with some of his 16 top 20 hits including "Watching Airplanes," "Learning How to Bend," and "Today." More info
This week's featured artist is The Josh Fields Band, billed as Western North Carolina's premier up and coming band. The Josh Fields Band blends Southern Rock, classic and contemporary Country, and Bluegrass leanings to create a sound all their own. With tight three part harmonies and authentic live shows, The Josh Fields Band is one of a kind. To listen to the debut album, Tobacco Road, go to www.joshfieldsband.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.
Country and Bluegrass at its finest with the Fontana Ramblers. Performing on stage.
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
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
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
Singer-Songwriter Randy Flack performing live on stage at the Wildwood Grill.
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.
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.
The Gibson Brothers—Eric and Leigh—are widely recognized as the finest brother duet in bluegrass music today. Specializing mostly in original compositions, the brothers musical messages often harkens back to the days of growing up on a farm in upstate New York and the tight bond of a hard working family. Such songs as “Help My Brother”, “Walking West to Memphis” and “He Can Be Found in a Mother’s Smile” helped make the Gibson Brothers 2012 IBMA Award Winners. More info
Singer-Songwriter Logan Murrell performs live on stage
at the Wildwood Grill.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort. Phone: 800-849-2258
An Applachian Evening Concert Series featuring The Kruger Brothers. Original music for banjo, guitar and bass - from bluegrass to classical. Pre-concert dinners are available; reservations required. More info
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. More info
Jakleg plays an Appalachian-influenced version of Southern Rock & Roll. Mountain born and raised band members Mike, Scot, Darrell, and Allen play a mixture of rock and roll, rock-a-billy, hard-driving blues, rock ballads, and some other stuff that's just not real easy to pigeon-hole. For Music in the Mountains Jakleg will be performing a toned down acoustic style.
This event is Free.
Festival showcasing mountain heritage. Folk-life demonstrations, music, food, crafters and more. 828-524-3161.
The music of the Grascals is a bond forged at the intersection of personal friendships, shared professional resumes, and an appreciation for the innovative mingling of bluegrass and country music that has been a hallmark of the Nashville scene for more than forty years. Among the most beloved and acclaimed bands on today’s bluegrass scene, The Grascals have won SPBGMA’s Bluegrass Band of the Year award in 2010, the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Emerging Artist of the Year award in 2005 and the Entertainer of the Year honor in both 2006 and 2007. More info
Everybody is welcome to participate in these social, begginer-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 events and others sponsored by the NOC, please click here or call 888-905-7238.
This week's featured artist is Jakleg, a favorite local band featuring Scot Warf, Mike Jones, Darrell Phillips, and Scott King. Featuring a unique Southern Appalachian Rock sound - the band goes acoustic for Music in the Mountains. To hear Jakleg, check out their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jakleg/144304962249311?sk=wall
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 to be found in Bryson City, Swain County, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Singer-Songwriter Randy Flack performing live on stage at the Wildwood Grill.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort. Phone: 800-849-2258
Elvis is in the building once again as we host the 5th annual Ultimate Elvis Contest at Harrah's Cherokee. An internationally sanctioned contest licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises where 16 Elvis Tribute Artists will compete for prize money and 1 of 24 spots in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at Graceland. Preliminary rounds will take place in the Entertainment Lounge on July 19 & 20. The top 5 Elvis Tribute Artists will then move on to compete in the main event with a live band on Saturday, July 21. More info
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
USAFK's Hometown Throwdown comes to the Nantahala. Come try our newly constructed 2013 Wave feature!
For more information on this and other events sposored 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!
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
Every Wednesday 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.
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
Thurs, 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.
Folkmoot USA, The State International Festival of North Carolina. Bryson City features performers from France, New Zealand & France demonstrating cultural heritage through colorful, authentic, and original reproduction costumes, lively dance, and traditional music. $16 for adults. Children (12 and under) $8. More info
Creed, a Grammy Award-winning American rock band that has released three consecutive multi-platinum albums, launched their career in 1995 and took the rock scene by storm in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Now in 2012, the band is back on tour and their fifth studio album is in the works, showing that this band is here to stay.
For more information click here.
So fun, it's scary!
Tour downtown Bryson City on foot as you are regaled with spooky tales of town residents and days gone by.
Adults: $10.00
Children: $5.00
For more information: www.psalmsofthesouth.com
This comedy features two local actors, Brian Strong and Billy Wood, creating the entire population of Tuna in a tour de farce of quick change artistry, changing costumes and characters in the blink of an eye. Looking for a laugh? Look no further than Greater Tuna!
For more information please visit www.smctheatre.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.
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
An Applachian Evening Concert Series featuring Song of the Mountains (the VW Boys), a unique blend of music, magic and comedy. Pre-concert dinners are available; reservations required. More info
A wide range of music from the fifties, sixties and seventies from these Sylva musicians.
For more information click here.
This event is Free.
So fun, it's scary!
Tour downtown Bryson City on foot as you are regaled with spooky tales of town residents and days gone by.
Adults: $10.00
Children: $5.00
Click here for more information.
America’s Got Talent sensations, The Texas Tenors, won the hearts of millions with their melodic three-part harmonies and Texas charm in 2009. The trio smoothly blends country, classical, Gospel, and Broadway with great voices and a decidedly Texas flavor. Bring the whole family to enjoy this talent-filled, one-of-a-kind performance! More info
The July session of Music in the Mountains ends with a great regional band, The Elderly Brothers. Playing both covers and originals, The Elderly Brothers provide an amazing range of music that will get you dancing in the aisles. To listen to the cool sounds of The Elderly Brothers go to www.elderbro.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 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.
The My Highway Band performs live on stage at the Wildwood Grill.
Click here for Fontana Village Resort Phone: 800-849-2258
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
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