Community Calendar

The Lake Norman Orchestra returns to beautiful Laurel Gray Vineyards-Winery for a free admission Sunday afternoon concert featuring Halloween-theme music. The all-volunteer full orchestra will present "Thriller," "The Monster Mash," "Hotel California," music from Phantom of the Opera, and several "spooky" classical and classic music favorites. A wide variety of refreshments and food will be available during the afternoon. The orchestra is led by music director Mr. Samuel A. Kyzer.

In addition to seeing Grandfather’s mascot, Millie the Bear, escort this year’s holiday tree through the Entrance Gate and up the park road to the Wilson Center, visitors can also take part in snowflake-themed crafts while enjoying hot chocolate and candy canes. The hour-long event begins at 11 a.m. and is included with park admission. The tree, which will be harvested on Thursday, Nov. 20, is from Mountain Top Fraser Fir farm in Newland, N.C. Owner Larry Smith has previously supplied trees to the White House, North Carolina State Capitol and other prominent government buildings and residences.

Join us at Ray Evernham's AmeriCarna LIVE Car Show, November 22, for a day filled with classic cars, live music, and good vibes!

NEW DATE - AmeriCarna LIVE moves to the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving!

Ray Evernham’s 13th annual AmeriCarna LIVE car show, presented by MSC Industrial Supply Co. and Featherlite Trailers, will be held Saturday, November 22. The show, traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is moving to the weekend prior to the holiday this year. AmeriCarna LIVE is open to all styles of cars and held at Trane Technologies North American Corporate Headquarters in Davidson, NC.

100% of the proceeds from AmeriCarna LIVE will be donated to the Evernham Family - Racing for a Reason Foundation and go to support the IGNITE community centers operated by the Autism Society of North Carolina in Davidson, and Raleigh for young adults with autism.

Ticket prices remain the same for 2025:

Early-bird registration is $25/car through 11:59 p.m. on October 31.
VIP packages are available for the weekend and Saturday only.
Admission for spectators is $5. Kids 6 and under are free.
After November 1, registration increases to $30 per car.
Online registration ends at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19.
Cars can register day of the event at the front gate for $30 per car.

Day of Event (November 22) schedule:

Gates open at 7 a.m. for cars
Gates open at 9 a.m. for spectators

Interested in volunteering at the show? Other questions? Email us at stephanie@rayevernham.com.

Come together for the coolest fun run of the year! Whether you're young or old, a walker or a runner, join us as we unite to combat cancer, honor the memory of those who have fought, and celebrate the resilience of those still in the battle. This event is dedicated to the children and families who courageously face the relentless challenge of cancer every day. All proceeds will support Melanated Melon programs, helping us continue our mission of making a difference.

Celebrate the beginning of 2026 from a mile high! The New Year’s “Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge” event will provide guests with the rare opportunity to be in the park before regular operating hours and to hopefully witness a captivating sunrise from the Mile High Swinging Bridge – the first of 2026! This event costs $50 for general admission, $35 for children (ages 4-12) and $25 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Limited to 150 participants.