Special Events
Plan to enjoy one of our special or daily events during your visit to Grandfather Mountain!
Scroll through the exciting list below to locate the events that interest you, or choose a specific date to see the park happenings on that day.
The vast majority of our events are included with your park admission fee, but some events which require a small fee to participate to ensure you receive expert guidance and knowledge from specially trained individuals. Check the cost section of each Event Listing to confirm whether any additional fees apply.
We look forward to seeing you on the mountain!
Events Search and Views Navigation
March 2020
Owl Identification & Behavior on Grandfather Mountain
Owls represent the “night shift” for birds of prey. For most of us, they are known only as mysterious sounds from the woods behind your house or in the background of a movie. During this adult field course led by Steve Dowlan with High Country Audubon, we will attempt to more intimately acquaint ourselves with these mysterious sounds by spending time with a few captive owls, as well as looking for several owl species in their native habitats within the…
Find out more »April 2020
Advanced Birding: Spring Migration
NOTE: Due to safety concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain has canceled this event. Have you wondered why some bird species are always easy to identify all of the time, some bird species are easy to identify some of the time, and some bird species seem to be almost impossible to identify all of the time? The answers can be found in the natural history of individual species. Led by Steve Dowlan with High Country Audubon,…
Find out more »May 2020
Sunrise & Landscape Photography on Grandfather Mountain
NOTE: Due to safety concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain has canceled this event. Grandfather Mountain offers one of the most picturesque landscapes in the southeast. Join us as we explore the mountain before the gate opens to other visitors. We’ll watch the sun rise over the mountains and play with light in the forest. This course is led by Tommy White, a full-time photographer based in Boone, N.C. Adult Field Courses Grandfather Mountain’s Adult…
Find out more »Spring Sketching on Grandfather Mountain
NOTE: Due to safety concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain has canceled this event. The naturalist’s sketchbook is full of sketches of natural objects that bring moments in nature to life! The way you arrange these drawings on a page can boost the storytelling quality of your sketches. In this course led by artist Preston Montague, participants will learn how to tell a story through the arrangement of objects in a sketchbook, as well as basic…
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Nature Photography Weekend 2020
NOTE: Due to safety concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain has canceled the 2020 Nature Photography Weekend, previously scheduled for May 29-31. Visit Grandfather Mountain to attend presentations from top nature photographers, while photographing spectacular scenery and native animals before and after regular business hours. Additional cost. Online registration begins April 1. The event features presentations from renowned photographers, spectacular shooting opportunities on the mountain and a friendly, but competitive (and optional), photo contest. The…
Find out more »The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
Meet Grandfather Mountain's naturalists for a 20-minute walk highlighting the park's rhododendron species and blooms.
Find out more »June 2020
Animal Birthday Party
Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of all the animals in its environmental habitats with games, contests, crafts and surprises.
Find out more »Project WILD Educator Workshop
NOTE: This event has been cancelled. Project WILD is a K-12 interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. All participants will receive the Project WILD activity guide and earn six hours of Criteria I credit toward their N.C. Environmental Education Certification (or 0.6 CEU’s). Homework option available to earn up to 10 hours or 1.0 CEU. About Our Environmental Educator Certification Programs Join the staff of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission for the opportunity…
Find out more »Virtual Nature Photography Weekend
What’s the next best thing to being outdoors at Grandfather Mountain? Virtual nature! Due to COVID-19, Nature Photography Weekend was canceled this year. However, in order to keep the tradition going, we are now providing a substitute that will put a modern twist on things. "This year, in order to ensure the safety of our guests and staff, we made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Nature Photography Weekend," said Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications for the Grandfather…
Find out more »July 2020
Camera Clinic Webinar: Key Advantages of the Mirrorless Camera with Noah Buchanan
From 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 27, Grandfather Mountain will host a free Zoom webinar that will function as a special Camera Clinic presentation. Led by Noah Buchanan, outside sales developer from Hunt's Photo and Video, the webinar will focus on "Key Advantages of the Mirrorless Camera." "The program is designed to inform and educate people on the pros and cons of mirrorless cameras, as well as clear up misconceptions that are commonly known about them," Buchanan said,…
Find out more »August 2020
Exploring Grandfather Mountain’s Natural Communities
NOTE: Due to safety concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain has canceled Exploring Grandfather Mountain's Natural Communities, previously scheduled for August 1. Grandfather Mountain is often referred to as the “Canada of the South” – and it’s true. Some of the species here also thrive in the far North. Join Dr. Patrick McMillan, host of PBS's "Expeditions with Patrick McMillan," in exploration of the 16 natural communities on Grandfather Mountain, from rocky summit to hardwood…
Find out more »Animal Enrichment Day
Enrichment is an integral part of how the mountain cares for its habitat animals every day. Visitors will enjoy watching enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts.
Find out more »Grandfather Mountain Camera Clinic 2020
NOTE: Due to safety concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain has canceled the 2020 Camera Clinic Weekend, previously scheduled for August 15-16. Top photographers gather at Grandfather Mountain to present on the nuts and bolts of making good photographs. This event is free to working members of the press, with an additional cost for non-press professionals and amateurs. Online registration begins July 15 at www.grandfather.com. Plan to join us Aug. 15-16, 2020! Registration opens 9…
Find out more »September 2020
The Artist’s Workshop: Late Summer Sketching
The naturalist’s sketchbook is full of sketches of natural objects that bring moments in nature to life! The way you arrange these drawings on a page can boost the storytelling quality of your sketches. In this course led by artist Preston Montague, participants will learn how to tell a story through the arrangement of objects in a sketchbook, as well as basic observation and drawing techniques with pen, pencil, and colored pencils. Though designed for beginners, students with more intermediate…
Find out more »October 2020
The Fall Color Ramble
Join Grandfather Mountain's naturalists for a guided walk through the park's most colorful spots, showcasing the splendor of fall color.
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