Grandfather Presents

Our speaker series at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery includes four Thursday night events with internationally and nationally known presenters. Past guests have included outdoor adventurer Rick Ridgeway, ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee, extreme angler and biologist Jeremy Wade, TV series host and conservationist Jeff Corwin, travel TV host and producer Samantha Brown and many more!

2026 Schedule of Speakers – More speakers to be announced soon!

July 23: Nature-inspired social media foragers, the Grizzly Forager Family

Oct. 1: Biologist, educator, ecologist, explorer and author Dr. Margaret Lowman, Ph.D., aka 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 and October events | 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.