Community Calendar

Challenge yourself while drinking beer! Teams of up to 6 can compete for fantastic prizes. Join us in the taproom every Wednesday from 7-9. Bring a phone!

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration from viewing locations on Linville Peak (across the Mile High Swinging Bridge) and Half Moon Overlook (the first major overlook when entering the park). Included with admission.

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area announces Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitation at Mars Landing Galleries in Mars Hill, NC, from July 2 through September 28, 2025. The exhibit brings together the exceptional talents of 33 artists featured on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, showcasing the vibrant artistic landscape of Western North Carolina.

The artistic spirit of Southern Appalachia, deeply rooted in its stunning natural environment, will be on full display. From the intricate details of pottery to the masterful craftsmanship of woodworking, the exhibition will feature 60 pieces spanning a diverse range of traditional mediums, including fiber art, printmaking, metalworking (including jewelry), and basketry. This celebration of local artistry comes at a crucial time, as Hurricane Helene impacted many artists. Artists participating are from the central and western sections of BRNHA’s 25-county footprint, encompassing the NC mountains and the Qualla Boundary.

The southern Appalachians are world-renowned for different types of fungi, from mushrooms to lichens, and are home to more than 2,000 species. Here’s a chance to learn about the lifestyle and habitats of fungi, as well as observe many kinds of fungal fruiting bodies, including mushrooms growing at higher elevations. Participants will learn how to identify them by size, shape and color. You will also inoculate a log with shiitake mushroom mycelium to take home with you. After an interactive introduction to the fungi kingdom, which includes inoculating the logs, we’ll take a short slow stroll in search of mushrooms growing on the mountain to collect representatives of different fungal families to study back in the classroom. Through this workshop and field exploration, you’ll learn about fungal habitats, toxicology and the important roles fungi play in the forest ecosystem. The workshop is designed for beginners, but veteran foragers will also glean new insights.This event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Limited to 12 participants.

Endangered Impressions: a collection of drawings highlighting nature threatened by the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Management Plan

This is your chance to snag a masterpiece with heart! These one-of-a-kind works–created by fellow supporters– might just become your next favorite wall art and a daily reminder to stand strong for the places we all love to call home.

The online art auction will kick off at 3 pm on Sunday, August 24th, and will run until 11:45 pm on Friday, September 20th. Winners will be contacted the week of September 22nd. Don’t want to wait to take home your favorite piece? Check out the “Buy Now” options. All proceeds will benefit MountainTrue.

Art is framed in re-used frames to embrace a more sustainable approach.

Playing John Prine / Americana

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration from viewing locations on Linville Peak (across the Mile High Swinging Bridge) and Half Moon Overlook (the first major overlook when entering the park). Included with admission.

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area announces Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitation at Mars Landing Galleries in Mars Hill, NC, from July 2 through September 28, 2025. The exhibit brings together the exceptional talents of 33 artists featured on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, showcasing the vibrant artistic landscape of Western North Carolina.

The artistic spirit of Southern Appalachia, deeply rooted in its stunning natural environment, will be on full display. From the intricate details of pottery to the masterful craftsmanship of woodworking, the exhibition will feature 60 pieces spanning a diverse range of traditional mediums, including fiber art, printmaking, metalworking (including jewelry), and basketry. This celebration of local artistry comes at a crucial time, as Hurricane Helene impacted many artists. Artists participating are from the central and western sections of BRNHA’s 25-county footprint, encompassing the NC mountains and the Qualla Boundary.

Endangered Impressions: a collection of drawings highlighting nature threatened by the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Management Plan

This is your chance to snag a masterpiece with heart! These one-of-a-kind works–created by fellow supporters– might just become your next favorite wall art and a daily reminder to stand strong for the places we all love to call home.

The online art auction will kick off at 3 pm on Sunday, August 24th, and will run until 11:45 pm on Friday, September 20th. Winners will be contacted the week of September 22nd. Don’t want to wait to take home your favorite piece? Check out the “Buy Now” options. All proceeds will benefit MountainTrue.

Art is framed in re-used frames to embrace a more sustainable approach.

This craft circle will explore themes related to gender and sexuality through simple handicrafts, giving each other permission to experiment, go out on a limb, and get messy! Do you want to try out a new name or pronouns? A daring new look you’re nervous to debut? You’ve come to the right place. All are welcome and no prior art-making experience is necessary.

This month we will create two dimensional figures using collage. We'll provide materials (magazines, glue sticks, scissors, cardboard), all you need to bring is your boundless imagination to bring your lil' guy to life!

Guest facilitator Red Herring (they/them) appreciates art and words, photographs Asheville nightlife, organizes Queer Figure Drawing AVL, and collages small humanoid figures to decorate the inside of their kitchen cabinets. Red is excited to share queer crafting space at Firestorm with beginner or experienced collagists, and also looks forward to meeting the "little guys" you make.

Firestorm collective member Esme is an avid reader, a professional anarchist, and an amateur crafter. They love creating intimate containers for community members to connect at Firestorm. Drawing from their experience participating in art therapy, the process of creating—rather than the final product—will be the emphasis of the crafts she undertakes.