It’s that time of year when warmer weather blows in and you’re eager to get outside for some fresh air and fun activities. After a long cold winter Carolina Outfitters whitewater rafting is ready for some sunny days! How about you? We’ve put together a list of 2023 spring festivals near the Nantahala River for your enjoyment. Check them out after an awesome whitewater rafting trip. All 2023 spring festivals near the Nantahala River are within a 30 minute drive. You can enjoy a whitewater raft trip and the festivals in one day! Below are a few of our favorite 2023 spring festivals near Nantahala.
Annual Easter Eggstravaganza at Darnell Farms – April 8, 2023
Every year Darnell Farms hosts an Easter egg hunt on their farm. People from Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee drive to Bryson City, NC to enjoy this event. Check with Darnell Farms for a schedule of events. Please note, if there is inclement weather on Saturday, April 8th, they will have a makeup day the following Saturday, April 15th, same hours.
Greening up the Mountains – April 22, 2023
Greening up the Mountains is held every spring in historic downtown Sylva, NC. It is just 20 minutes from Bryson City, NC and about 30 minutes from the Nantahala River. It’s a celebration of the arrival of spring and traditional and contemporary forms of Appalachian art, music, food, and beverage. The event hosts 175 vendors, a 5k race, craft breweries, live music, and more.
Spring Craft & More Fling – May 6, 2023
The North Carolina Cooperative Extensions, Swain Soil & Water Conservation District, and The Swain County Agricultural Fair are hosting the Spring Craft & More Fling at the Great Smoky Mountains Event Park at Hyatt Creek in western North Carolina. This agricultural fair will include artists, non-profits, antique dealers, and more.
Spring Festival BBQ & Art Show – May 6, 2023
The Bryson City Wine Market will hold a spring festival & art show along with smoked BBQ with side dishes for lunch (with your donation) on May 6, 2023. Enjoy wine tasting, a silent auction, live music, and local artists booths.
Strawberry Jam at Darnell Farms – May 20-21, 2023
If you love strawberries, this event is right up your alley. Darnell Farms throws an annual Strawberry Jam the third week in May to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring and summer. There will be vendors, food trucks, live music, U-pick strawberries and much more. Come join Darnell Farms for some strawberry shortcake on May 20-21, 2023!
Airing of the Quilts – Dillsboro – May 6, 2023
Airing of the Quilts is a celebration of the Appalachian women who handcraft quilts, keeping their heritage alive. Traditionally, when spring awakens, ushering in warmer weather, the Appalachian women would hang their quilts on the line or across porch rails. This ritual was to air out the quilts after sleeping under them through a long cold winter. On May 6, 2023, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, you can stop by the Appalachian Women’s Museum in Dillsboro, NC and see all these beautiful handmade quilts sewn by area women. It’s a free event, but they welcome donations. Appalachian Women’s Museum
Andrews Spring Fling – April 22, 2023
On April 22, 2023 the Town of Andrews, NC will hold a street fair and nature expo. Spring Fling takes place on Main Street from Fairview Rd. to Cherry St. where you can shop local vendors and visit downtown breweries, wineries, restaurants, and more. The Spring Fling will hold seminars to learn and raise awareness about local culture and nature and its importance. Enjoy food courts, entertainment, a kid’s zone, and more. Plus, a Doxie Derby!
Murphy Spring Festival – May 6, 2023
Murphy, North Carolina holds its spring festival downtown the first Saturday in May on Tennessee Street. Enjoy an array of live music, craft beer, wine, food trucks, artists, craft vendors, bounce houses and kids’ activities on May 6, 2023 from 11am‑7pm.
Spring in the mountains is calling your name, so get on the road and enjoy some area spring festivals and a white water rafting trip. Book Now for an awesome trip down the Nantahala River with Carolina Outfitters– the best white water adventure in western North Carolina, then head out to get a taste of mountain culture.
