Grandfather Presents

Our speaker series at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery includes four Thursday night events with internationally and nationally known presenters. Our 2025 speaker lineup will be announced soon!

2024 Schedule of Speakers

Thursday, June 27: Extreme angler, biologist, “River Monsters” documentary TV host and author Jeremy Wade
Thursday, July 25: Journalist, commentator and author Richard Louv
Thursday, Aug. 15: Retired Ducks Unlimited CEO, retired director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and author Dale Hall
Thursday, Sept. 19: Biologist, educator, ecologist, explorer and author Margaret Lowman, Ph.D., also known as “CanopyMeg”

Grandfather Presents Tickets
Two tiers of ticket access are offered for Grandfather Presents events.

“VIP Reception” tickets include a VIP reception with the guest speaker that features heavy hors d’oeuvres, in addition to the program and the “meet-and-greet/book-signing” session after the event. Admission to the park for the day is also included.

$60 “VIP Reception” Adult
$51 “VIP Reception” Bridge Club Member (limited quantity available)

“Presentation” tickets are a more cost-effective option and include only the speaker’s program and the “meet-and-greet/book-signing” session after the event.

$25 “Presentation” Adult
$20 “Presentation” Bridge Club Member
Children under 12 are admitted for free with a paying adult (maximum of four free children per purchase)

Thursday Night Grandfather Presents Schedule

8 a.m. for June, July and August events, 9 a.m. for September event | Grandfather Mountain opens for the day, and “VIP Reception” ticket holders are allowed access to the park. New this year, your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.
4:45 p.m. | “Presentation” ticket holders are allowed to enter the park and are welcome to explore the Conservation Campus (Wilson Center, Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats and more) prior to the speaker presentation. New this year, your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.
4:45 – 5:45 p.m. | Check-in for all event attendees near the front entrance of the Wilson Center (to receive your wristband for the event)
5 – 5:30 p.m. | “VIP” Reception in the Wilson Center (“VIP Reception” ticket holders only)
5:45 – 6:45 p.m. | Speaker presentation in the Classroom in the Clouds
6:45 – 7:30 p.m. | Meet-and-greet/book signing with speaker
7:45 p.m. | Park should be clear of all Grandfather Presents guests.

Refunds/Cancellations
Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration, please call 828-733-2013 Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fill your summer with learning and exploration: See our “Grandfather Presents” Reading List.