Events Calendar

Explore family friendly events, theatres, galleries, concerts, nightlife, things to do, and more in the Greenville, SC and Upstate areas.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

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Friday, October 4, 2024
Mile High Swinging Bridge
Oct 4 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

One of the top highlights and memories of visits to Grandfather Mountain nature park is walking across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Since 1952, visitors have “oohed” and “aahed” at the bridge’s 360-degree panoramic views. America’s highest suspension footbridge gives easy access to the spectacular views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet.

The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation (hence the name!). To reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge, drive the two-mile, winding scenic road up the mountain to the summit parking area by the Top Shop. Climb 50 stairs adjacent to the parking area or inside the Top Shop to reach the short pathway to the bridge. Also, an elevator in the Top Shop takes you to the third floor for a level walk to the bridge.

Top Shop

Located adjacent to the Bridge, the Top Shop features a gift shop, snacks, restrooms, elevator and second-floor exhibition area. Also get the latest park information and trail maps. Read more.

Accessibility

Inside the Top Shop, an elevator makes the Mile High Swinging Bridge accessible to people with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs. From the Top Shop, there is a paved 50-yard path to the bridge. Read more about our accessibility.

Tickets & Hours

Walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in your Grandfather Mountain admission ticket that includes many other things to do in our nature park. Buy tickets online and book a reservation time to enter the park. You do not need a separate reservation for the bridge. It’s open, weather permitting, every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See hours.

More to Explore

Before or after visiting the Mile High Swinging Bridge, allow time to enjoy other parts of the mountain: wildlife habitats, Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, restaurant, hiking trails, roadside overlooks, picnic areas and more. See more Things to Do.

Nearby Hiking Trails

Trailheads to many of the Grandfather Mountain hiking trails are located near the Swinging Bridge. In fact, the 0.4 mile Bridge Trail takes you beneath the bridge, starting from the Black Rock parking area just below the summit. For details on our nearby trails, go to our Hiking Guide.

Bridge Tips & Tidbits

  • Does it really swing? Very little — unlike the original one. Today’s bridge is made of steel and reinforced with cables and springs. It has railings on the sides to ensure safety.
  • We suggest you wear rubber-soled shoes and walk with care when crossing the rocks on the far side of the bridge.
  • If heights give you pause, you can still enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain views from the ground before you reach the bridge and even from the parking area.
  • Due to periodic extreme weather conditions at the bridge, it closes when there is area lightning, high wind or icy conditions.
  • The official U.S. Weather Service Reporting Station atop the Mile High Swinging Bridge has provided daily weather observations since 1955. The temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in the flatlands you see below. It’s also one of the windiest locations in North Carolina, with a 124-mph record set in winter 2019. Learn more about our weather.
  • Pets are allowed on the bridge if well behaved and on a leash.
  • Photographs and videos to remember your visit are encouraged. Be mindful of sharp drop-offs along the Linville Peak ridge. Drones are not allowed. See our photography policies.
  • The Singing Bridge? When the wind blows, the Mile High Swinging Bridge “sings” in the same way as a harmonica.
  • In April through October, join Grandfather’s expert naturalists by the Bridge for Interpretive Talks about the our unique weather, climate, flora and fauna. Read more.
  • Need driving directions? The address for Grandfather Mountain’s entrance gate is 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (click link for Google Maps). There are no shuttles, so you must have your own vehicle to explore our nature park. No RVs longer than 28 feet in length or hinged vehicles are allowed through the Entrance Gate. See detailed directions.
  • To see much more info, see our Plan Your Visit section.

Mile High Swinging Bridge History

Former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker coined the name “Mile High Swinging Bridge” at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet). The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway.

The original 1952 bridge was designed by Charles Hartmann Jr. of Greensboro, N.C. It was fabricated in Greensboro and then reassembled on top of the Mountain. Erecting the bridge took three weeks, a process slowed by inclement weather created by a hurricane off the North Carolina coast. Cost was $15,000. It was dedicated on Sept. 2, 1952 by North Carolina Gov. William B. Umstead.

The bridge was rebuilt in 1999 using the original towers. The cables, floor boards and side rails were all replaced using galvanized steel. One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not have to be painted. Now, Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to hang out over the gorge to paint the span. It was redesigned by Sutton, Kennerly & Associates Engineering of Asheville, N.C., and rebuilt by Taylor & Murphy Construction Company of Asheville. The cost of rebuilding was $300,000.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
PUBLIC ART IN THE PARK self-guided tour
Oct 4 all-day
Greenville SC

The beauty of the waterfalls and gardens is enhanced by the graceful lines of the Liberty Bridge’s architecture and the appealing stonework throughout the park. But that is only the beginning. Several pieces of public art can be found within and around the park. Inside the park you’ll find:

  • The sculpture “Rose Crystal Tower,” created by internationally-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, was commissioned by the Wyche Sculpture Committee, comprised of Wyche family members and friends, to honor Harriet Wyche, whom the garden was named for. Wyche was a life-long Greenville resident and community volunteer, who was instrumental in establishing Falls Park, and played a critical role in its continued development over many decades.
  • A commissioned sculpture by internationally-recognized artist Bryan Hunt, is found at the Main Street entrance to Falls Park. This unique sculpture, Falls Lake Falls, is the second in an edition of 3 (the original is in Tokyo ) and the only piece of its kind on this continent.
  • Evoking much thought and discussion, “Untitled 2002-2003” by Joel Shapiro is also commonly referred to as the dancing or running sculpture. It is located across the river from the main entrance, at the Wyche, Burgess, Freeman and Parham overlook.
  • “Sunflower Fountain,” created by Ed Zeigler, Charles Gunning and Robert Brown, can be found in Pedrick’s Garden. Named for Pedrick Lowrey, one of the principal fundraiser for the park, the fountain is cast bronze and patterned after the center radiating spirals of a sunflower, which was Pedrick’s favorite flower.

Interested in more information about public art? View the Public Art Walking Tour

Read more
Categories: Art & Craft Tours
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Mile High Swinging Bridge
Oct 5 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

One of the top highlights and memories of visits to Grandfather Mountain nature park is walking across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Since 1952, visitors have “oohed” and “aahed” at the bridge’s 360-degree panoramic views. America’s highest suspension footbridge gives easy access to the spectacular views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet.

The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation (hence the name!). To reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge, drive the two-mile, winding scenic road up the mountain to the summit parking area by the Top Shop. Climb 50 stairs adjacent to the parking area or inside the Top Shop to reach the short pathway to the bridge. Also, an elevator in the Top Shop takes you to the third floor for a level walk to the bridge.

Top Shop

Located adjacent to the Bridge, the Top Shop features a gift shop, snacks, restrooms, elevator and second-floor exhibition area. Also get the latest park information and trail maps. Read more.

Accessibility

Inside the Top Shop, an elevator makes the Mile High Swinging Bridge accessible to people with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs. From the Top Shop, there is a paved 50-yard path to the bridge. Read more about our accessibility.

Tickets & Hours

Walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in your Grandfather Mountain admission ticket that includes many other things to do in our nature park. Buy tickets online and book a reservation time to enter the park. You do not need a separate reservation for the bridge. It’s open, weather permitting, every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See hours.

More to Explore

Before or after visiting the Mile High Swinging Bridge, allow time to enjoy other parts of the mountain: wildlife habitats, Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, restaurant, hiking trails, roadside overlooks, picnic areas and more. See more Things to Do.

Nearby Hiking Trails

Trailheads to many of the Grandfather Mountain hiking trails are located near the Swinging Bridge. In fact, the 0.4 mile Bridge Trail takes you beneath the bridge, starting from the Black Rock parking area just below the summit. For details on our nearby trails, go to our Hiking Guide.

Bridge Tips & Tidbits

  • Does it really swing? Very little — unlike the original one. Today’s bridge is made of steel and reinforced with cables and springs. It has railings on the sides to ensure safety.
  • We suggest you wear rubber-soled shoes and walk with care when crossing the rocks on the far side of the bridge.
  • If heights give you pause, you can still enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain views from the ground before you reach the bridge and even from the parking area.
  • Due to periodic extreme weather conditions at the bridge, it closes when there is area lightning, high wind or icy conditions.
  • The official U.S. Weather Service Reporting Station atop the Mile High Swinging Bridge has provided daily weather observations since 1955. The temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in the flatlands you see below. It’s also one of the windiest locations in North Carolina, with a 124-mph record set in winter 2019. Learn more about our weather.
  • Pets are allowed on the bridge if well behaved and on a leash.
  • Photographs and videos to remember your visit are encouraged. Be mindful of sharp drop-offs along the Linville Peak ridge. Drones are not allowed. See our photography policies.
  • The Singing Bridge? When the wind blows, the Mile High Swinging Bridge “sings” in the same way as a harmonica.
  • In April through October, join Grandfather’s expert naturalists by the Bridge for Interpretive Talks about the our unique weather, climate, flora and fauna. Read more.
  • Need driving directions? The address for Grandfather Mountain’s entrance gate is 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (click link for Google Maps). There are no shuttles, so you must have your own vehicle to explore our nature park. No RVs longer than 28 feet in length or hinged vehicles are allowed through the Entrance Gate. See detailed directions.
  • To see much more info, see our Plan Your Visit section.

Mile High Swinging Bridge History

Former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker coined the name “Mile High Swinging Bridge” at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet). The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway.

The original 1952 bridge was designed by Charles Hartmann Jr. of Greensboro, N.C. It was fabricated in Greensboro and then reassembled on top of the Mountain. Erecting the bridge took three weeks, a process slowed by inclement weather created by a hurricane off the North Carolina coast. Cost was $15,000. It was dedicated on Sept. 2, 1952 by North Carolina Gov. William B. Umstead.

The bridge was rebuilt in 1999 using the original towers. The cables, floor boards and side rails were all replaced using galvanized steel. One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not have to be painted. Now, Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to hang out over the gorge to paint the span. It was redesigned by Sutton, Kennerly & Associates Engineering of Asheville, N.C., and rebuilt by Taylor & Murphy Construction Company of Asheville. The cost of rebuilding was $300,000.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
PUBLIC ART IN THE PARK self-guided tour
Oct 5 all-day
Greenville SC

The beauty of the waterfalls and gardens is enhanced by the graceful lines of the Liberty Bridge’s architecture and the appealing stonework throughout the park. But that is only the beginning. Several pieces of public art can be found within and around the park. Inside the park you’ll find:

  • The sculpture “Rose Crystal Tower,” created by internationally-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, was commissioned by the Wyche Sculpture Committee, comprised of Wyche family members and friends, to honor Harriet Wyche, whom the garden was named for. Wyche was a life-long Greenville resident and community volunteer, who was instrumental in establishing Falls Park, and played a critical role in its continued development over many decades.
  • A commissioned sculpture by internationally-recognized artist Bryan Hunt, is found at the Main Street entrance to Falls Park. This unique sculpture, Falls Lake Falls, is the second in an edition of 3 (the original is in Tokyo ) and the only piece of its kind on this continent.
  • Evoking much thought and discussion, “Untitled 2002-2003” by Joel Shapiro is also commonly referred to as the dancing or running sculpture. It is located across the river from the main entrance, at the Wyche, Burgess, Freeman and Parham overlook.
  • “Sunflower Fountain,” created by Ed Zeigler, Charles Gunning and Robert Brown, can be found in Pedrick’s Garden. Named for Pedrick Lowrey, one of the principal fundraiser for the park, the fountain is cast bronze and patterned after the center radiating spirals of a sunflower, which was Pedrick’s favorite flower.

Interested in more information about public art? View the Public Art Walking Tour

Read more
Categories: Art & Craft Tours
Fiesta! 3rd Annual Unity health on Main 5K race
Oct 5 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Conestee Park

Olé! Get ready to Fiesta your way to a healthier you at the 3rd Annual Unity Health on Main Fiesta 5K Run/Walk! 🪅‍

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at 8:30 AM and join the Fiesta fun at Conestee Park (840 Mauldin Rd, Greenville, SC).

Lace-up your sneakers and get ready to move to the rhythm of a healthy lifestyle! This year’s theme is all about celebrating community, wellness, and a touch of fiesta flair.

Why join the Fiesta?
Support a GREAT cause: Your participation helps Unity Health on Main, a non-profit community health center, provide affordable and compassionate healthcare to all in Downtown Greenville. ❤️
Run or walk for all levels: Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual walker, this event is for you!
Fiesta Fun: Expect a vibrant atmosphere with music, refreshments, and activities for the whole family.
Prizes and awards: Show off your Fiesta spirit by wearing BRIGHT COLORS and competing for top finishes in various categories.
Register today and join the Fiesta for a fun and meaningful morning. Remember, we rely on community support, so your participation makes a real difference!

Read more
Categories: Health & Wellness Sports
Greenville State Farmers Market
Oct 5 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Greenville State Farmers Market

Admission and parking are free

The Greenville State Farmers Market includes retail sheds and farmer stalls that offer a wide variety of locally grown products and specialty goods. Both quality and variety are standards for the volume of products offered for sale at the Greenville State Farmers Market. Market operations continue Monday – Saturday all year long, ceasing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Find information about upcoming events and what’s in season at our market’s Facebook page.

From its beginning as a tailgate produce market along the Court Street curbside in the heart of downtown, the Greenville Farmers Market has been an integral part of the community. When the need for more space and better facilities was recognized, the Greenville County Marketing Commission helped relocate the market to its present location on June 1, 1949. The Greenville Market continued to operate under the oversight of the Greenville County Marketing Commission until 1980 when by mutual agreement, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture assumed operations of the facility. After selling part of the market property in 2017, the Greenville State Farmers market now operates solely as a retail market on approximately 4 acres and continues its proud heritage of service to the Piedmont region of South Carolina.

The retail market includes a major produce vendor and horticultural vendor year-round. Market operations continue daily, ceasing only for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Retail hours are 8 am through 6 pm, Monday through Saturday. The market is closed on Sunday.

Small Vendor Saturdays operates from April through December and consists of local farmers and vendors who rent tables in the daily sales area to offer their products.

A privately-owned restaurant is also located onsite.

The market also sponsors two festivals each year:

Piedmont Plant & Flower Festival  |  April/May

  • Gardening plants from across the state, gardening advice clinics
  • Aquaculture products (koi fish and pond items)
  • Natural soil additives and worm castings
  • Lawn & garden accessories (yard ornaments, garden tools, etc.)

AutumFest at the Market  |  September/October

  • Reminds the public that there are Fall products still available at the Market
  • Apples, pumpkins, squash, gourds, etc.
  • Mums, pansies, and other Fall plants
Read more
Categories: Farmers Market
Hub City Farmer’s Market
Oct 5 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hub City Farmer's Market

Every Saturday April through December 9, vendors provide local, seasonal products at Northside Harvest Park.

Once signed up for SNAP, you can double up to $40 each Saturday, and we’ll give you an extra $15 for fruits and vegetables! Learn more about how to turn $40 into $95 by clicking here.

Read more
Categories: Farmers Market
Landrum Farmers Market
Oct 5 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Landrum Farmers Market

Our mission is to provide our community with access to fresh, locally grown and produced food, while supporting sustainable agriculture practices and promoting the economic viability of small-scale farmers and producers. We strive to create a vibrant gathering place where customers can connect with farmers, artisans, and other members of the local food system, and where education, community building, and healthy living are fostered.

Read more
Categories: Farmers Market
South Pleasantburg Nursery Fall Family Fest
Oct 5 @ 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
South Pleasantburg Nursery

🍂 Join us for the South Pleasantburg Nursery Fall Family Fest! 🍂
🎉 Date: Saturday, October 5 | Time: 8 AM – 3 PM
📍 Location: South Pleasantburg Nursery 1135 S. Pleasantburg Drive Greenville, SC 29605
🌟 Free Admission! Bring the whole family for a day full of fun and festive activities, including:
🐐 Petting Zoo
🎨 Crafts
🍔 Delicious Food
🎉 Face Painting
🎁 Special Offers and More!
Don’t miss out on this charming fall event—celebrate the season with us! 🌻🎃 #FallFamilyFest #SouthPleasantburgNursery #FamilyFun #yeahthatgreenville #fallevent

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Categories: Art & Craft Community Family Fun Festivals Food & Drink Garden Garden Events Outdoors
TD Saturday Market
Oct 5 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Main Street at McBee Avenue

On Saturday mornings from the beginning of May until the end of October, two blocks of downtown Greenville’s Main Street are transformed into a bustling farmers’ market. The market features over 75 vendors selling the season’s freshest produce and the area’s most original and high quality crafts.  Each week thousands of people flock to the TD Saturday Market for locally-sourced products where all food must be grown or produced within 100 miles of Greenville and crafters are highly-encouraged to use locally-sourced supplies.

There is something undeniably special about Greenville’s TD Saturday Market. We invite you to join us Saturday mornings to experience it for yourself!

Read more
Categories: Art & Craft Community Farmers Market
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

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Categories: Family Fun Hike Hiking Outdoors
Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a challenging and rewarding horticultural activity, in which ordinary plants are grown in an extraordinary way. Through rigorously applied cultivation techniques, trees, shrubs, vines and even herbaceous plants are kept in a miniaturized state, developed into artistic shapes and then displayed in special containers.

What makes the Arboretum’s bonsai endeavor unique among all other public collections in the United States? Regional Interpretation. Visitors will find the Arboretum’s bonsai collection of more than 100 specimens carefully cultivated with a Southern Appalachian accent. The collection draws inspiration from the traditional roots of bonsai, but takes the form of a contemporary, Southern Appalachian influenced American garden. Plantings in the landscape include species and cultivars of American, European and Asian origin.

 

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Established in October 2005, The North Carolina Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a world renowned garden that displays up to 50 bonsai specimens at a time. Represented are traditional Asian bonsai subjects such as Japanese maple and Chinese elm, tropical plants such as willow-leaf fig and bougainvillea, and American species such as bald cypress and limber pine. Of particular importance are the plants native to the Blue Ridge region, such as American hornbeam and eastern white pine, which enable the Arboretum to bring the thousand-year tradition of bonsai home to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Interpretive signage throughout the garden conveys information about the art and history of bonsai, and the Arboretum’s own creative approach to it.

 

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

  • Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
  • Garden Open Year Round
  • Parking Fees
    • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
    • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
    • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
    • Members: Free

    Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

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Categories: Family Fun Garden Garden Events Outdoors
Volunteer with Meals on Wheels
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am
Meals on Wheels- Greenville

Bring hope to the homebound.

DELIVERY VOLUNTEERS

INDIVIDUAL
VOLUNTEERS

No matter what your schedule is like, we can find a route for you—whether you want to deliver daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or just occasionally. Ready to deliver? Fill out an application today!

FILL OUT AN APPLICATION

ROUTE
SUBSTITUTES

Sometimes our scheduled volunteers are unable to make their routes due to illness or other commitments. If you are interested in becoming a substitute, sign up for emails to get notifications on open routes!

SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS

ROUTE
PARTNERS

We have nearly 150 Route Partners who deliver meals regularly to our homebound clients. Learn more about this program now!

GET YOUR GROUP INVOLVED

OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Meal Packaging

MEAL PACKAGING

We need volunteers to pack nearly 1,500 meals every Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until approximately 10:00 a.m. The food is prepared by our kitchen staff and set-up in an assembly line for packaging.

Pet Food Packaging

PET FOOD PACKAGING

Meals on Wheels also strives to help the pets of the homebound in Greenville. We need volunteers to package dog and cat food for monthly distribution and to organize pet food drives.

Greeting

MEAL DISTRIBUTION

Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10:30 until 12 pm to greet in-coming volunteers, hand out route sheets and answer questions.

Special Events

SPECIAL EVENTS

Our annual events are great fundraising opportunities. They’re also a lot of fun, whether you get involved as a participant, committee member, volunteer or corporate sponsor.

FILL OUT A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

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Categories: Community Volunteers
Eliada Fall Festival and Corn Maze
Oct 5 @ 10:00 am
Eliada Home- Parc Building

Eliada’s 2024 Fall Festival & Corn Maze will be open from Friday, September 20th through Sunday, October 27th on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Fridays: 3 pm – 7 pm | Saturdays: 10 am – 7 pm | Sundays: 10 am – 6 pm

Come out and bring the family, friends, and neighbors too. Come out to enjoy the following events and have a great time.

Corn Cannons
Spider Climber
Custom Corn Maze
Lawn Games
Hay Rides
Pumpkins for purchase of all shapes and sizes!
Food Trucks and so much MORE! See you there!

100% of the proceeds benefit the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids!

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Categories: Family Fun Festivals Food & Drink
Festifall- 32nd Annual Colonial & Revolutionary War Weekend
Oct 5 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Walnut Grove Plantation

Step back in time to experience the colonial and revolutionary spirit. Experience life in 1781 during the American Revolutionary War with live demonstrations of cannon fire, cooking, spinning, camp life, 18th century music and more!

Children’s activities happening throughout the day, including candle dipping, quill writing, tin punching, tricorn hats, horn books and sweet bags. Saturday 10/5 10:00-5:00, Sunday 10/6 10:00-4:00. Tickets are good for the entire weekend’s activities!

 

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Categories: Festivals
Guided Trail Walk
Oct 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

  • Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
  • Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
  • Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
  • Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
Read more
Categories: Education Hike Outdoors
Yoga + Beer
Oct 5 @ 10:45 am – 11:45 am
New Groove Artisan Brewery

Join Jimmy & Carrie Caldwell for a relaxing yoga flow at New Groove Artisan Brewery in Boiling Springs, SC! Afterward, stick around for beer and lunch.

$5 for the class instructors

BYO Mat for the class

Grab your friends and get your flow on with Yoga & Beer at New Groove in Boiling Springs, SC!

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Categories: Food & Drink Yoga
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Oct 5 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

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Categories: Family Fun Featured Outdoors
Tuckasegee River Excursion
Oct 5 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small-town life in Western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4-hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City. Please refer to the map below for a layout of Dillsboro.

Itinerary

Below is an outline of this train’s excursion. Please refer to this train’s schedule for exact departure times.

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 30m Arrive at Dillsboro, NC
1h 30m—2h 50m Layover
2h 50m Depart Dillsboro, NC
4h 00m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity

Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change with

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Categories: Family Fun
The Mountaintop
Oct 5 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. retires to the Lorraine Motel after delivering a history-altering “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech and encounters Camae, a mysterious maid with some surprising news. When Camae reveals her true identity Dr. King must reflect on his legacy and the challenges facing the civil rights movement, which lays bare the leader’s profound humanity.  Hailed as “a thrilling, wild, provocative flight of magical realism…as audacious as it is inventive” by the Associated Press, Katori Hall’s Olivier Award-winning drama reimagines what Dr. King’s last night on Earth could have been.

*Adult language and content. Parental discretion is advised.

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Categories: Theatre