Community Calendar

Join 24 Foundation in celebrating 24 years of changing the course of cancer. Come ride, walk or volunteer (July 25-26) at the 24 Hours of Booty charity non-competitive cycling and walking event in Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood. Funds raised support organizations dedicated to cancer navigation and survivorship. For more information or to register, visit https://24foundation.org/

On Animal Enrichment Day, guests see firsthand how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. 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. Watch enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts. Included with admission. Activities kick off at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and adjacent Wildlife Habitats.

Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! The Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible.

This workshop is open to individuals studying for the NC Environmental Education Certification or those needing CE Credits to maintain their certification and will focus on elk in North Carolina. Hosted by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation’s own Interpretation and Education staff, this workshop will teach participants about the life history and management of elk, as well as how to incorporate activities about elk into the N.C. Curriculum. Participants will also get to meet the bull elk who call Grandfather Mountain home and what it takes to keep them healthy and happy. NC EE Certification Credit: Criteria II or III and CEU credit are available upon completion of workshop. This workshop is free to attend, although advance registration is required. Limited to 25 participants.

For nearly three decades, Jeff Corwin has been telling stories of wildlife and nature to a global audience through his many celebrated television series on ABC, NBC, Travel Channel, CNN, Food Network, Disney Channel and Discovery Networks. Jeff is currently the creator, executive producer and presenter of the groundbreaking television series Wildlife Nation, which debuted as the top-rated TV program on ABC in October 2021. Wildlife Nation explores the remarkable story of North American conservation. Join us for a discussion and “meet-and-greet.” This event has two tiers of ticket access. “VIP Reception” tickets cost $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. “Presentation” tickets are $25 for general admission and $20 for Bridge Club members.

Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! The Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible.

Participants will have up to eight hours to complete as many loops as they choose on a 5K trail course at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. Where someone wants to walk a single loop, test themselves for a few hours, or push into ultra territory, this event is about personal challenge and shared experiences rather than speed or competition. Inspired by the work of Human Powered Movement, this event leans into sustainable race practice while opening doors for new experiences in endurance sports. It's about trying hard things, together.

Junior Naturalist Program activities throughout the day will be provided specifically for children ages 5-12, but all ages are welcome! Events are included with admission. We recommend that those planning to attend purchase their tickets to the park online in advance. Guests will also be able to meet some critters up close and personal around the Wilson Center!

Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! The Naturalist Program version of Grandfather by Night includes an outdoor interpretive program about flora, fauna, folklore and other topics after sunset. This edition of the event series is accessible for those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility.

Have you ever wondered about the life cycle and ecology of the ruby-throated hummingbird (RTHU)? Now’s your chance to learn all you ever wanted to about hummingbirds. In the course, you will learn about the life cycle of hummingbirds, from migration to nesting to where they spend their winters. We will mainly focus on ruby-throated hummingbirds, but we will also discuss other species that may show up in the Carolinas. A large portion of the program will be dedicated to observing banding, which is done for research purposes. You will get to see how the banding is done and learn why it is important. All banding activity will be conducted by federal and state licensed banders. This event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Limited to 15 participants.