Bryson City, in North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, is known for its unspoiled land, friendly people, and vibrant Bryson City events that showcase the local culture.
It hosts many unique, exciting events year-round. They attract tourists seeking adventure and mountain culture.
Here’s a guide to Bryson City’s notable annual events. It covers their history and highlights of the event.
Annual Events and Festivals in Bryson City
The town hosts yearly events and festivals. They showcase local customs, art, crafts, and its scenic, Appalachian heritage.
This is an overview of some yearly celebrations and events in Bryson City:
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, NC: Excursions and Events
One of the most popular events in Bryson City is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which frequently hosts themed excursions and seasonal celebrations.
- The most popular ones are Uncorked, a beautiful train ride through the Smokies that is paired with an amazing wine tasting, and the Polar Express, a joyful holiday celebration based on the popular movie.
- Check out the Railroad’s timetable and purchase your ticket for an experience you won’t quickly forget!
Ticket Price
| Journey | Dates | Ticket Price |
| Tuckasegee River Ride | June 12 – January 12 | Starting at $59 |
| Polar Express | November 7 – December 31 | Starting at $44 |
| Nantahala Gorge Ride | March 2 – October 31 | Starting at $59 |
| Steam Only Ride | July 3 – December 31 | Starting at $69 |
| Fall Trains Ride | September 21 – October 31 | Starting at $59 |
| Moonshine Experience | May 17 – November 2 | Starting at $124 |
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm
Location: 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States, Get Directions
Contact: +1 800-872-4681
Note: The Tuckasegee River Excursion is a must-try ride you will always remember.
Tuckasegee River Excursion
On the Tuckasegee River Excursion, take pleasure in a leisurely journey through a picturesque landscape as you journey to small town life in western North Carolina.
- This four-hour excursion leaves Bryson City and covers 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and returns to the Bryson City Depot.
- Go through the Cowee tunnel and you’ll pass across the well-known Harrison Ford filming location for The Fugitive!
Date: June 12 to January 12
Ticket Price
| Coach Class | Price |
| Crown Class | $94 |
| Coach Class | $76 |
| Open Air | $71 |
Bryson City Freedom Fest: Celebrate Independence Day in Style
The Bryson City Freedom Fest is a well-liked yearly celebration of Independence Day that takes place every Fourth of July.
- The event starts at 8 am. Everyone starts at Riverfront Park downtown. Then, they travel through the picturesque Deep Creek region before returning.
- The Festival opens the festivities at 10 a.m. Everett Street closes to become a bustling center with our favorite expo of cuisine, music, crafts, and visual arts. At ten o’clock at night, enjoy a breathtaking fireworks show to end the day.
Swain County Heritage Festival: A Celebration of Appalachian Culture
The Swain County Heritage Festival honors the history and culture of Appalachia and is held in May. The community comes together for this event to celebrate regional customs, artwork, and crafts.
- Craftspeople from the area display their creations and sell handcrafted items including wood carvings, quilts, and pottery.
- Throughout the festival, live performances of Appalachian music take center stage. A vibrant and genuine mountain environment is created by the air filled with bluegrass and traditional folk music.
Venue: Riverfront Park
Time: Friday: 5:30 pm to 9 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Date: In the month of May
Location: Administration Building, 101 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States. Get Direction
Seasonal Activities in Bryson City
The city has a plethora of seasonal activities that showcase the beauty of each season.
There’s always something special to appreciate, whether it’s the brilliant fall foliage, outdoor summer concerts, lively winter train trips, or the blooming spring wildflowers.
Here is what to anticipate in each season:
Fall in Bryson City: A Season of Vibrant Colors
Fall is the most famous time to visit Bryson City. The surrounding mountains display breathtaking red, orange, and yellow hues.
From late September to early November, fall is at its peak. Many people travel to the area to see the Smoky Mountains.
Fall foliage tours
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a well-known means of taking in the fall foliage. A must-do is the Fall Foliage Train Ride, which provides sweeping vistas of the valleys, rivers, and mountains clothed in shades of orange and gold.
- The ride usually runs from late September to early October, winding along the Tuckasegee River and past beautiful locations like the Nantahala Gorge.
- The train has enclosed carriages with big windows for a comfortable journey in mild weather, as well as open-air coaches for a more immersive experience.
Hiking
There are plenty of fall hiking trails around Bryson City for those who are more daring travelers.
- The Deep Creek Trail and Forney Ridge, which take you right into the heart of the Smokies, are two of the best hikes.
- With the vivid foliage framing them, waterfalls like Indian Creek Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Juney Whank Falls are also more picturesque.
HayRide Experience
Come along for the most amazing falltime encounter in the Great Smoky Mountains with us!
- Hayride to the Pumpkin Patch: Enjoy a one-mile adventure over stunning mountain vistas, leading you to the most scenic pumpkin patch.
- Corn Maze Adventure: Perfect for all ages, get lost in our entertaining and difficult corn maze.
- Take a stroll through colorful sunflower fields to make your day happier.
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Date: September 25 to November 3
Location: 2300 Governors Island Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713. Get Direction
Contact: +1 828 488 2376
Winter Activities in Bryson City
The Great Smoky Mountains get little snow. But, Bryson City celebrates the holidays in winter. It offers warm train rides, festive décor, and a peaceful vibe.
Polar Express
A one and a half hour round-trip passenger experience aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s THE POLAR EXPRESS comes to life as the train leaves the Bryson City depot and travels through the peaceful woods to make a special stop at the North Pole.
- Warm chocolate and a treat will be served to guests as they read and listen to the enchanted tale, which is set to the soundtrack of the movie.
- When the train arrives at the North Pole and Santa Claus is waiting, the expressions on children’s faces capture the joy of the season.
- As Santa boards THE POLAR EXPRESS, he will welcome every child and give them a unique gift—their very own silver sleigh bell—just like in the tale.
Date: November 7 – December 31
Ticket Price
| Coach Class | Price |
| First Class | $62 |
| Premium Crown Class | $57 |
| Crown Class | $50 |
| Coach Class | $44 |
Skiing and snow tubing
Winter sports aficionados can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at neighboring locations like Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley.
- Snow tubing is another wonderful family activity that can be enjoyed at a number of the nearby locations.
- For wintertime action, Cataloochee and Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center are excellent destinations.
Elk Viewing
The majority of the day is spent by the elk of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park foraging on grasses and fords in open meadows like the Cataloochee Valley, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and the Mountain Farm Museum.
- To see them at their busiest, visit during the morning or dusk hours.
- See the baby elk in the early summer, and during the rut (mating season) in September and October, when bulls herd cows into big herds and the elk bugle can be heard.
Spring Adventures in Bryson City
Spring brings with it a new life for Bryson City as the snow melts and the days get warmer.
With gushing rivers, blossoming wildflowers, and colorful fauna, this is a season of rebirth.
Wildflower Hikes
Spring is the perfect season for hiking and exploring the region’s great range of wildflowers.
- The biodiversity of the Smokies is well-known, and over 1,500 different species of flowering plants may be found here.
- Trails near Bryson City are a riot of color, with trillium, violets, mountain laurel, and rhododendron blanketing the forest floor beginning in March and culminating in April and May.
Among the well-liked wildflower trails are:
Deep Creek Loop
The best-known features of the Deep Creek region are its streams and waterfalls. A waterfall loop trail can be taken by hikers to reach three waterfalls.
- You may get to know gorgeous Deep Creek and three waterfalls by trekking for around 2.5 km.
- Indian Creek Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Juney Whank Falls are all part of the Deep Creek Waterfall hiking loop. The vast parking lot at the end of Deep stream Road, across the stream from Deep Creek Campground, serves as the trailhead.
- Get a trail map by downloading it.
Andrews Bald
In June, Andrews Bald is a nice climb to observe flame azalea and Catawba rhododendron. During the summer, little purple-fringed orchids could also be visible.
- Thymed leaf bluets are visible near the trailhead in May.
Rafting
As the mountain snow melts, the rivers and creeks near Bryson City expand, making April the start of the whitewater rafting season.
- The Nantahala River is a popular choice for novice and expert rafters alike, providing exhilarating rapids encircled by picturesque woodlands.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding on Fontana Lake or the Tuckasegee River are also popular during this season if you’re looking for a more sedate experience.
Summer Fun in Bryson City
In Bryson City, summertime is all about long, bright days spent outdoors doing adventures.
It’s the ideal time of year for concerts, festivals, and water sports because of the mild weather and plenty of natural beauty.
Free Music in the Mountains concert
Bryson City comes alive with outdoor festivals and music in the summer.
- A popular local event is the free Music in the Mountains concert series, which takes place at the Train Depot on Saturday evenings from June to August.
- A range of local and regional musicians, including bluegrass, country, and folk musicians, perform at these performances. Under the stars, unwind, and take in live music with a blanket or chair.
Month: June to August
Venue: Train Depot
Water Sports
The lakes and rivers of Bryson City provide a cool respite throughout the sweltering summer months.
- With its pristine waters, Fontana Lake is a great place to paddleboard, swim, boat, and fish. Rent a kayak or pontoon, and spend the day discovering the lake’s secluded inlets and bays.
- Another enjoyable summertime pastime is tubing down the Tuckasegee River, particularly for families with little children. The calm river current offers a pleasant trip amid breathtaking alpine scenery.
Stargazing and camping
Camping outside under the sky is ideal in the summer.
- Warm nights and beautiful skies provide great stargazing opportunities, whether you select a more accessible location like Deep Creek Campground or a backcountry camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Bryson City provides some of the nicest views of the night sky in the area when you get away from the city lights.
Bryson City Farmers Market and Local Fairs
Bryson City is a popular spot for its homegrown, farm-fresh food, jams, and honey. Its rich mountain soil and green spaces make for great farming.
You will experience the best of Bryson City’s flavors and excitement. This is true whether you want to browse local goods or join the seasonal festivities at Darnell Farms.
Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisans Market
You just must take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunity including genuine artisans and local farmers.
- Although the market appears little at first, it’s a carefully curated experience if you take the time to go through the products.
- From fresh vegetables to honey, eggs, and gourmet pastries, from hand-painted works of art to candles, décor, jewelry, and distinctive clothing, this market offers something for everyone!
Venue: Aquarium Park
Month: May through October
Timing: Friday and Saturday: 9 am to 2 pm
Location: 117 Island St POB 85, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States, Get Directions
Contact: +1 828-488-7857
Jimmy’s Produce: Fresh Local Goods in Bryson City
Jimmy’s Produce sells produce from a nearby farm. Local produce is what they buy and sell.
- They are open from May 1 to November 1st, seven days a week from 9 am to 6 pm.
- Along with debit cards, they also accept American Express, Discover, Visa, and MasterCard.
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm
Location: 1407 Main St, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States, Get Directions
Contact: +1 828-538-4296
Darnell Farms: Authentic Agro-Tourism in Bryson City
For the whole family, Darnell Farms offers an authentic agro-tourism experience.
- They are a family farm run by an active second generation. Strawberries, pole beans, sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, a variety of tomatoes, and much more are produced on the farm’s 100 acres.
- They host several festivals all year round. Additionally, they provide educational field trips on their farm. You will learn about farming, how to cultivate crops, and how to take good care of the land during the field visits.
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 7 pm
Location: 2300 Governors Island Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States, Get Directions
Contact: +1 828-488-2376
Bertha’s Flowers and Plants
Bertha’s Flowers has everything you need for gardening.
- They sell and arrange silk flowers for any event, as well as arrangements for graveyards and holidays.
Timing: Monday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 3 pm
Closed: Sunday
Location: 44 Thomas Alley, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States, Get Directions
Contact: +1 828-488-6210
Conclusion | Bryson City Events
Bryson City holds many yearly events to honor its culture, beauty, and community.
This charming town in the Smoky Mountains is always buzzing. There’s whitewater rafting, a small-town Christmas parade, and local crafts.
Any time of year is a great time to visit Bryson City with these festivals and activities.
Bryson City Events FAQs
1. What are the most popular festivals in Bryson City, NC?
Bryson City hosts several popular festivals throughout the year, including the Bryson City Freedom Fest, Swain County Heritage Festival, and the Polar Express event hosted by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
2. When is the Bryson City Freedom Fest celebrated?
The Bryson City Freedom Fest is celebrated on the Fourth of July each year. It features a parade, food, music, arts and crafts, and ends with a spectacular fireworks display.
3. What events does the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offer?
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of themed excursions, including the popular Polar Express during the holidays, the Uncorked wine tasting train ride, and the Tuckasegee River Excursion, which passes through scenic areas and famous movie locations.
4. Where can I enjoy fall foliage in Bryson City?
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers Fall Foliage Train Rides, and there are several hiking trails such as Deep Creek Trail and Forney Ridge where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the colorful autumn leaves.
5. What seasonal activities are available in Bryson City?
Seasonal activities in Bryson City include fall foliage train rides, hiking in the Smokies during the fall, rafting in the spring, summer music concerts, and winter events like the Polar Express and local skiing opportunities.
6. What can families do during the winter in Bryson City?
Families can enjoy the magical Polar Express train ride, winter hikes, snow tubing, and even visit nearby ski resorts like Cataloochee Ski Area for skiing and snowboarding.
7. What are the best hiking trails near Bryson City?
Some of the best hiking trails include the Deep Creek Trail, known for its waterfalls, and Forney Ridge. Andrews Bald is also a popular choice for its azalea and rhododendron blooms.
8. What is the best time to visit Bryson City for festivals and events?
Bryson City hosts events year-round, but the best times are in the fall for foliage and train rides, winter for holiday events like the Polar Express, and summer for outdoor concerts and water activities.
