Special Events
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).
Events Search and Views Navigation
January 2022
New Year’s Day Sunrise 2022 – SOLD OUT
There are sunrises, and then there are Grandfather Mountain sunrises. And then there are Grandfather Mountain New Year’s Day sunrises. Ring in an epic New Year on Saturday, Jan. 1, for the first sunrise of 2022 — atop Grandfather Mountain. This special event will allow guests the rare opportunity to visit Grandfather Mountain outside of regular operating hours and on a holiday. Sunrise is at 7:38 a.m. Jan. 1, 2022, and Grandfather’s gates will open at 6:30 a.m. Due to…
Find out more »May 2022
The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
From May 28 through June 4, daily, short, guided strolls will highlight Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. The weeklong rambles culminate on Sunday, June 5, during which the park will host a special speaker and activities throughout the day. Included with admission.
Find out more »The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
From May 28 through June 4, daily, short, guided strolls will highlight Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. The weeklong rambles culminate on Sunday, June 5, during which the park will host a special speaker and activities throughout the day. Included with admission.
Find out more »The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
From May 28 through June 4, daily, short, guided strolls will highlight Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. The weeklong rambles culminate on Sunday, June 5, during which the park will host a special speaker and activities throughout the day. Included with admission.
Find out more »The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
From May 28 through June 4, daily, short, guided strolls will highlight Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. The weeklong rambles culminate on Sunday, June 5, during which the park will host a special speaker and activities throughout the day. Included with admission.
Find out more »June 2022
The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
From May 28 through June 4, daily, short, guided strolls will highlight Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. The weeklong rambles culminate on Sunday, June 5, during which the park will host a special speaker and activities throughout the day. Included with admission.
Find out more »The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
From May 28 through June 4, daily, short, guided strolls will highlight Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. The weeklong rambles culminate on Sunday, June 5, during which the park will host a special speaker and activities throughout the day. Included with admission.
Find out more »The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
From May 28 through June 4, daily, short, guided strolls will highlight Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. The weeklong rambles culminate on Sunday, June 5, during which the park will host a special speaker and activities throughout the day. Included with admission.
Find out more »The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
From May 28 through June 4, daily, short, guided strolls will highlight Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. The weeklong rambles culminate on Sunday, June 5, during which the park will host a special speaker and activities throughout the day. Included with admission.
Find out more »The All-Day Rhododendron Ramble
Grandfather Mountain's 2022 Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble concludes June 5, when the park will host a special speaker and activities throughout the day. Included with admission.
Find out more »Animal Birthday Party
Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of its resident animals with games, contests, crafts and surprises.
Find out more »Adult Field Course: Fireflies of North Carolina
Join Dr. Clyde Sorenson, who discovered the existence of synchronous fireflies on Grandfather Mountain, to learn about the biology and life histories of some of the many fireflies found on Grandfather Mountain.
Find out more »Project OWL Educator Workshop
NOTE: This Educator Workshop is intended specifically for educators — not the general public. Project OWL, presented by the N.C. Arboretum, is a curriculum program that supports formal and non-formal educators with grades K-5 to deliver multi-disciplinary learning experiences in the outdoors.
Find out more »Grandfather Glows: June 26
SOLD OUT: Bioluminescent Evenings on Grandfather Mountain! Have the rare opportunity to see Synchronous Fireflies, Blue Ghost Fireflies and Glowworms, weather and conditions permitting (rain date is June 27). Grandfather Mountain is home to the Photinus carolinus, one of the few species of firefly in North America whose individuals can synchronize their lighting display, meaning they can flash in unison. Read more about them! Grandfather Glows Schedule 7:00 p.m.: MacRae Meadows (Gate 3) opens for parking. Navigate to Grandfather Mountain…
Find out more »