Grandfather Mountain 2026 Special Events

Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has prepared an inspiring lineup of events for 2026.

This year’s calendar kicks off with a late winter sunset at the Mile High Swinging Bridge and continues on with a list of favorite annual happenings on the mountain – with some updates still to come.

“We are looking forward to a year full of exciting opportunities for our guests,” said John Caveny, vice president of conservation and education. “Whether you’ve been to the mountain a million times or are planning your first trip, we have something on our calendar that is sure to inspire exploration and education for you and your family.”

With a few exceptions, most special events are included in park admission. Additional events will be announced and posted at www.grandfather.com/event-calendar.

Back by popular demand, Grandfather is offering two sunrise experiences in 2026. This special event allows guests the rare opportunity to be in the park outside of regular operating hours and to hopefully experience a lovely sunrise from the bridge’s lofty vantage point. Tickets for the March sunrise event go on sale online at Grandfather Mountain’s website on Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. This event is an additional cost.

A fun-filled, nature-themed afternoon of music, where families and kids can groove to the sounds of nature! This is an interactive concert held in the Williams Outdoor Learning Space that celebrates the beauty of the natural world, featuring lively performances, eco-themed songs and hands-on activities that teach children about conservation.

From May 23 through May 31 (weather permitting), short, guided strolls will highlight Grandfather’s rhododendron species, blooms and the roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing daily walks are fit for guests or all ages and are wheelchair and stroller accessible, starting by the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

This popular shutterbug weekend includes presentations from top nature photographers, hands-on breakout sessions, a friendly photo contest and the rare opportunity to photograph the mountain’s spectacular scenery before and after regular business hours. Tickets for Nature Photography Weekend will go on sale on Grandfather Mountain’s website on April 9. This event is an additional cost.

Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of its resident animals with games, contests, crafts and surprises. The mountain’s habitat staff will prepare a fun-filled day for guests, as well as programs to celebrate the park’s furry and feathered inhabitants.

On Animal Enrichment Day, guests will see firsthand how the habitat staff care for the mountain’s resident animals and have a chance to experience enrichments for themselves. An enrichment is a special treat, new toy or even an unfamiliar scent given to the animals to break up their routines and help keep them active and intellectually stimulated. Visitors can participate in making enrichments for the animals, enjoy watching enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts.

Guests will enjoy the rare opportunity to visit the park before it opens to the public to witness a wonderful sunrise at the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The second sunrise event in 2026 is planned with summer foliage and blooms in mind, allowing for scenic serendipity for early risers. Tickets for the Aug. sunrise event go on sale on Grandfather Mountain’s website on June 2 at 10 a.m. This event is an additional cost.

Junior Naturalist Program activities are planned throughout the day and are provided specifically for children ages 5-12, but all ages are welcome. This year, with the opening of Yonni’s Clubhouse, guests will be able to enjoy new critters and activities – there is even a chance to meet some of the creatures up close and personal.

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists in a Citizen Science Projects as they count the passersby in the sky and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe migration daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting.

Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Participants can enjoy special scout activities, presentations and speakers. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership, and family members will receive discounted admission.

As night falls on Grandfather Mountain, guests can enjoy rare after-dark tours, fireside folklore tales and a chance to meet the park’s nocturnal residents. Tickets for Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight will go on sale on Grandfather Mountain’s website on Aug. 3. This event is an additional cost.

Back by popular demand, Grandfather is offering a sunset experience in 2026. This special event will provide guests with the rare opportunity to be in the park outside of regular operating hours and to hopefully experience a lovely sunset from the bridge’s lofty vantage point during the magic of the fall season. Tickets for the Oct. sunset event go on sale on Grandfather Mountain’s website on Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. This event is an additional cost.

From October 3 through October 11 (weather permitting), guests can enjoy short, guided walks that highlight the mountain’s fall color. The starting locations will vary day to day based on the foliage. Grandfather is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rust red oaks. During the daily rambles, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves.

Grandfather Mountain will add more events to its lineup throughout the year, including Grandfather Presents speaker series, Grandfather Glows synchronous firefly viewing events, Grandfather by Night, adult field courses and more.

Additionally, the park will host its season of daily programs that are included in park admission and host its experiences, like Behind-the-Scenes Tours and Paint with a Bear, which include an additional cost.

To learn more about 2026 events at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/event-calendar.

Above:GMSF_Sunrise and Sunset Event_Photo by Leslie Restivo_Courtesy of Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation