This Western North Carolina outdoor festival has used gear, paddling and live music

Whitewater Falls surrounded by colorful autumn foliage in Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

Looking for something to do outside in the Southeast this weekend? The Nantahala Outdoor Center is holding its Haunted Guest Appreciation Festival in the Nantahala Gorge near Bryson City, North Carolina.

The end-of-season celebration runs Friday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 25, with used outdoor gear, paddling events, live music and more.

What to expect at the Nantahala Outdoor Center festival

The festival includes a used gear market with more than 20 vendors selling boats, life jackets, hiking boots and bike gear. There’s also an artisan market, paddling events and food and drink specials.

This year’s Halloween theme includes a “Used Gear Graveyard” and “Witchy Artisan Market.”

The used gear and artisan markets run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and reopen at 8 a.m. Sunday. Live music is free Friday and Saturday.

For more information, check the Nantahala Outdoor Center’s festival page.

More things to do outside this weekend

Traveling somewhere else? Camp & Country has 10 outdoor picks from around the country for Oct. 24–25, including fall hikes, festivals and other seasonal events.

Check out our full guide and interactive map to find something to do outside this weekend.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.

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Filed under: Explore · Southeast · This Weekend Outside
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