Community Calendar

The hardy settlers who made these mountains home were resourceful and made what they needed from what was at hand, and what was at hand was wood. We will examine the types of things Appalachian people have made for themselves from the forests around them like chairs, bowls, spoons, tool handles and more. We will also observe the tools they used to make these items. After taking a walk through the forest which was the pioneer’s lumber yard, where we will identify trees and some of their uses, we will focus on a hands-on project – each participant will make an example of that ubiquitous piece of pioneer woodcraft, the hook. Made from a small, forked tree branch, often of rhododendron, these hooks were found in homes, barns and outbuildings to hang cloths, tools, horse harness and more on the wall in an organized fashion. Tickets for this event go on sale online on Grandfather Mountain’s website June 12 at 10 a.m. Advance registration required.

Join our intercultural summer day camps where children 6-12 years old explore music creation, international dance, music instrument building, and other forms of art in a joyful and supportive environment. Each child receives personal attention and a meaningful creative experience.

Join our intercultural summer day camps where children 6-12 years old explore music creation, international dance, music instrument building, and other forms of art in a joyful and supportive environment. Each child receives personal attention and a meaningful creative experience.

Join Mattie Decker, a certified forest therapy guide, for a relaxing 2 to 2.5-hour stroll through the forest at Grandfather Mountain. Through a series of invitations, you will have the opportunity to focus on being present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer. Forest bathing walks invite guests to spend time in nature in a way that invites healing for us, as well as our fraught ecosystems, and our community. Registration opens online on June 22 at 10 a.m.

Calling all radio enthusiasts — join us for our 2026 annual Hamfest!

Whether you're into ham radio, GMRS, CB, or just love a good swap meet, there's something for everyone!

Sweepstakes on the hour beginning at 9am
Boneyard/Swap meet
Indoor & Outdoor Vendors
Kids Programs/ STEM Activities
VE Testing – Free (Donations welcome!)
Food & Drinks with Local Food Trucks onsite!
Handicapped parking available

BEETLES Professional Learning Sessions are active experiences crafted to encourage instructors to look at different specific aspects of research-based science pedagogy and to inspire shifts in instructors’ thinking about their own teaching and learning. This session will cover the “Making Observations and Promoting Discussion Sessions” where we will learn how we can help learners make careful observations while encouraging wonder and curiosity and how productive talk leads to deep learning. This workshop qualifies for Criteria I or II in the EE Certification Program. CEU renewal credits are available. This workshop is free to attend, although advance registration is required. Tickets for this event go online on Grandfather Mountain’s website June 29 at 10 a.m.

Join us for Songwriting Monday! On the First Monday of each month between February and October, join renowned instructor Lauren Hayworth for this class aimed at both beginner and intermediate level students at the Watauga Arts Council in Boone, NC.

Students will explore song structure and fundamentals, as well as learn basic music theory. Techniques for creating effective lyrics will also be explored with writing prompts. Some knowledge of music (especially on a chord-based instrument like guitar, piano, or ukulele) is helpful, but NOT required. Singing ability is useful but not required.

Students are encouraged to bring their own notebooks and instruments.

Join us for Songwriting Monday! On the First Monday of each month between February and October, join renowned instructor Lauren Hayworth for this class aimed at both beginner and intermediate level students at the Watauga Arts Council in Boone, NC.

Students will explore song structure and fundamentals, as well as learn basic music theory. Techniques for creating effective lyrics will also be explored with writing prompts. Some knowledge of music (especially on a chord-based instrument like guitar, piano, or ukulele) is helpful, but NOT required. Singing ability is useful but not required.

Students are encouraged to bring their own notebooks and instruments.

Writers are encouraged to meet at Mountains Branch Library in Lake Lure on the third Thursday of every month at 10:30am to share their work and offer feedback and ideas with other writers! No registration is needed.

Writers are encouraged to meet at Mountains Branch Library in Lake Lure on the third Thursday of every month at 10:30am to share their work and offer feedback and ideas with other writers! No registration is needed.