Event Calendar
Plan to enjoy one of our special events during your visit to Grandfather Mountain! The vast majority are included with your park admission fee, but some events which require a small fee to ensure you receive expert guidance from specially trained individuals. Check the cost section of each Event Listing to confirm whether any additional fees apply.
In addition to the special events in the calendar below, check out our Daily Programs (April-October) and “behind the scenes” Experiences (weekends April-October). Also see an overview of our biggest annual events each year and updates on our popular Grandfather Glows Firefly Tours.
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Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge
Back by popular demand, Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is offering a sunrise experience in 2026. This special event, titled “Sunrise at […]
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Sounds of Nature – Kids’ Music Day
Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, United StatesJoin us for a fun-filled, nature-themed afternoon of music, where families and kids can groove to the sounds in nature! This interactive concert held in the Williams Outdoor Learning Space […]
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Rhododendron Ramble
Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, United StatesTake a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play […]
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Nature Photography Weekend
Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, United StatesThis popular shutterbug weekend includes presentations from top nature photographers, hands-on field courses, a friendly contest and the rare opportunity to photograph the mountain’s spectacular scenery before and after regular […]
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Animal Birthday Party
Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, United StatesJoin us to celebrate the birthdays of our resident animals with games, contests, crafts and surprises. The park's wildlife habitat staff hosts a fun-filled afternoon for guests, as well as […]
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Animal Enrichment Day
Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, United StatesOn Animal Enrichment Day, guests will see firsthand how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. Visitors can enjoy watching demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts. Included with admission.
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Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge
Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, United StatesBack by popular demand, Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is offering a sunrise experience in 2026. This special event, titled “Sunrise at […]
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Junior Naturalist Day
Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, United StatesGrandfather Mountain’s Junior Ranger Program is now the Junior Naturalist Program — a new program for our new Conservation Campus! Activities throughout the day will be provided specifically for children ages 5-12 to explore their environment and experience all that Grandfather has to offer.
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Hawk Watch
Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, United StatesAll throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration.
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55th-Annual Girl Scout Day
Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, United StatesGirl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Participants can enjoy special scout activities, presentations and a closing ceremony. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership, and family members will receive discounted admission.
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Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight
Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, United StatesEmbrace your nocturnal side at Grandfather Mountain through Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight, the park's after-hours program where guests enjoy rare after-dark tours, fireside tales and a chance […]
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Sunset at the Swinging Bridge
Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, United StatesBack by popular demand, Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is offering a sunset experiences in 2026. These special events, titled “Sunset at […]
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Fall Color Ramble
Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, United StatesGuests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin […]