Every year railroad enthusiasts and history buffs from around America gather in Bryson City, North Carolina for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s Railfest. This year, the 12th annual weekend railroading event takes place September 13-15.
The festival offers guests a taste of railroading, food, memorabilia, storytelling, dance, music, special excursions and events that happen only once a year.
The special Wet Your Whistle Train will kick off this jam packed weekend. A new package to attend this invite only train ride is available exclusively on our website! This package is valued at $175, but is being offered at an exclusive price of $99/person!
Steam will be returning to the Bryson City Depot for the weekend festivities with the rteturn the LeHigh Valley Coal Co #75! This visiting locomotive will be the main attraction of this year’s 12th annual RailFest and will be providing special Steam train rides throughout the weekend; Saturday at 12:15pm & 2:30pm and Sunday at 1:45pm, all trains depart from Bryson City to Whittier, NC.
New this year, the visiting steam engine will be pulling our Whittier Sundown evening excursion! Departing Saturday, September 14, at 6:30pm this exciting new train will feature Heinzelmännchen Brewery beer tastings in a commemorative glass plus a delicious meal!
Saturday and Sunday festivities include an authentic Mountain Craft Fair with close to 30 area crafters and artists displaying and selling their handmade crafts, pottery and artwork. Catch the Spirit of Appalachia will present local entertainment featuring singing, dancing and mountain folk music. There will be vendors, a children’s talent contest and winner’s jamboree! Bluegrass, Old Time Mountain Music and Folk will be featured by various local bands, along with The Queen Family Band special Sunday performance!
Visit GSMR.com for more details.
For more information about top events in North Carolina take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in North Carolina