Events in Old Fort NC

Below you will find a list of fun events in Old Fort, North Carolina. Planning a visit? See our guide to the 10 must-do activities in Old Fort for what to do, where to eat, and where to stay between events. 

Pioneer Day

This fun-filled 3-day event includes Revolutionary and Civil War re-enactments as well as blacksmithing, gun making, apple butter making, weaving and spinning, and woodcarving demonstrations. Kids can enjoy pony and wagon rides as well as a handful of games for the whole family.

Celebrate Old Fort’s outdoor adventures and railroad heritage at the annual Trails & Trains Festival, featuring guided hikes, sunrise yoga, trail races, Rhythm & Rails bluegrass night, train exhibits, a duck race, local art, and family-friendly fun!

Fireworks Celebration
July 4

Don’t miss the fantastic annual fireworks display!

Jerdon Mountain Challenge
       July

Enjoy backcountry mountain biking at its finest on a 26-mile course that doesn’t have you riding in circles. Celebrate with a huge after party on the picturesque Gateway Museum grounds.

Annual off Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell
July

The Off Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell is a 60 mile mostly off road Bicycle route with 10,500 feet of climbing. From Old Fort, you climb up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and just below Mt. Mitchell on beautiful Forest Service roads and unbelievable North Carolina single track. The "enduro" section will be included with registration fees and applicable for all participants in the event.

Pisgah Enduro
August

Racers will board buses and will be shuttled to (near) the top of the hill at Ridgecrest. The first timed section will be Rattlesnake from the helipad to the ball fields at Ridgecrest. Racers will then ride at a casual pace to the Kitsuma trail. The second timed section will start at the Young’s Ridge trail sign and will end at the Old Fort picnic area. Racers will then ride at a casual pace to Star Gap. The third timed section will be Star Gap trail to Jarred Creek. There will be three rest areas along the way fully stocked with food and water.

The 1st Annual Old Fort Harvest Festival took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Mauney Memorial Park. Celebrating handmade traditions, this juried market will showcase Appalachian artists and the beautiful fall colors. Expect signature fall sweet treats like candy apples, hot cider, and pastries, along with live music, food, pumpkins, and family-friendly fun!

Old Fort Christmas Parade

The second Saturday of December marks the annual Christmas Parade in Old Fort. The festive parade is often accompanied by a Christmas Open House at the Mountain Gateway Museum, which offers hot cocoa and craft-making. Local businesses typically join in with specials as well. 

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