SUMMER EVENTS & FESTIVALS

SUMMER EVENTS IN WNC

JUNE

Summer Splash @ Darnell Farms

June 15, 2024

Darnell Farms

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Craft vendors, water inflatables, water slip n slides, food trucks, water balloons, water guns, live music, and much more.

Smoky Mountain Beer Run

June 15, July 4

& July 20, 2024

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Join us for a delightful adults-only specialty train excursion, known as the Smoky Mountain Beer Run! This unique journey offers great music, delicious beer, tasty food, and unforgettable memories. Departing from Bryson City Depot, the Beer Run spans approximately 3.5 hours round trip, including an hour-long layover at a local craft brewery on our rail line. Throughout the trip, guests will enjoy two samples of local craft beer on board, with a final sample awaiting them upon arrival at the layover –served directly by the brewery staff and brewmasters.

Hellbender 20 Mile Relay Canoe Race

June 15, 2024

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Upper French Broad River Fest

| The Hellbender is a 20-mile canoe race from Headwaters to Hap Simpson. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place trophies awarded in “20 Miler Relay Race”. Award for Best Team Costume. Registration includes canoe, paddles, life jackets, t-shirt and transportation to & from the river if needed.

Wanderland

June 22, 2024

Bryson City Learn More

Come and enjoy the excitement of Wanderland, a one-day family festival filled with fun activities for children of all ages! From face painting and balloon art to lively music performances and nature-based games, this event promises to be an unforgettable day of outdoor adventure at NOC. It’s an ideal opportunity for families to bond and for young explorers to discover and experience new things.

Appalachian Folk Festival

June 29, 2024

Transylvania Heritage Museum Learn More

The Transylvania Heritage Museum is excited to announce the upcoming 3rd Annual Appalachian Folk Festival, taking place on Saturday, June 29th at the Allison Deaver House in Pisgah Forest, NC. This event will showcase a variety of performers including the Pearls, the J Creek Cloggers featuring Zeb Ross, and Appalachian Blues artist Laura Blackley. Attendees will also have the opportunity to observe artisans at work, peruse historical displays, tour the 1815 Allison Deaver House, and participate in activities suitable for all ages. Admission to the festival is free, and visitors are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to enjoy the daylong festivities.

Sweet Corn Festival

July 6-7, 2024

Darnell Farms

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This is a 2-day event, Fresh roasted corn all weekend long! Food trucks, vendors, live bands, demonstration artist, hands on kids activities, bounce houses (weather permitting), corn eating contest, and much more.

Summer Arts & Crafts Show

July 6-7, 2024

Maggie Valley Festival Grounds

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Join us at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds to browse artisanal creations from all over the Southeast and enjoy tasty festival fare! Find treasures of all sorts, from paintings and pottery to handmade soap and burned hats. This beloved market is the largest of its kind in Maggie Valley, and one of the town’s most looked-forward to events. Admission & parking are free, so come browse, eat, and shop ‘til you drop!

Sunflower Hippie Festival

July 20, 2024

Darnell Farms

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Unique Hippie Vendors, Tie dye station for do it yourself tie dye, bubble garden, hula hoop performances, food trucks, face painting, live music, dancing, Volkswagen bugs and buses, photo stations, and much more.

Dillsboro Art Walk

July 20, 2024

Dillsboro

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Just as summer hits its stride, the small town of Dillsboro will glow with home spun talent featuring fine arts and crafts from local artisans, live music and great food.

Hillbilly Jam 2024

July 26-27, 2024

Maggie Valley Festival Grounds

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Hillbilly Jam is a 2-day celebration of music, moonshine and mountain living! July 26 & 27 2024! Food, crafts, hillbillies & veteran bikers. Moonshiners of the Discovery Channel, Car, Bike Show and more. Tickets $10 per day. Kids 10 and under free.

4th of July Events

• Brevard Fireworks Extravaganza

• Bryson City Freedom Fest & Fireworks

• Hayesville Parade & Freedom Festival

• Waynesville Stars & Stripes Celebration

• Lake J Independence Day Celebrations

• Backyard 4th in Maggie Valley

• Graham County Heritage Festival in Robbinsville

• July 4 Fireworks Festivities in Downtown Sylva

• Fireworks Over Franklin