Calendar of Events

NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.

In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.

It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.

Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.

It is with a heavy heart that we must deliver the news that the Dirty Dancing Festival is pressing pause on the 2020 event in September and will resume next year. This decision has not been made lightly and has been considered by all angles. Since the announcement from Governor Roy Cooper on June 24, 2020, stating North Carolina will continue in Phase II of regulations and restrictions due to COVID-19, we are choosing to make the commitment of keeping our community, fans and participants safe and healthy during these uncertain times. The Dirty Dancing Festival will resume live on September 24 & 25, 2021!

The festival requires the year-round dedication of our volunteer committee to plan and execute the two-day movie-inspired entertainment hub for thousands of fans to attend. The mission of the Dirty Dancing Festival is to raise awareness and funds towards the two charities we hold dear to our hearts, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce. This year, we are developing ways for everyone to participate in virtual festival activities throughout 2020. Stay tuned for more information to come!

To the attendees who have already purchased tickets, you will be receiving an email from our team and Eventbrite explaining the options available to you regarding your ticket purchase. To all of you who wish to resume having the time of your life in 2021, tickets will go on sale this fall!

We thank our dedicated fans, annual participants, devoted volunteers and vendors, and loyal supporters for your continuous backing, generosity and passion for the Dirty Dancing Festival to carry on!

COVID-19 Update
At this time the 11th annual Dirty Dancing Festival is still scheduled for September 11-12, 2020 in Lake Lure, NC. The event committee is moving forward with  the planning efforts to successfully host a safe and fun event weekend  and will post news as it becomes available.
We know that there is a lot of uncertainty right now and  hope that everyone is staying safe out there. We are carefully monitoring the situation and keeping up to date with the most recent guidelines set forth as we navigate during the phases of reopening. As new updates are announced and stipulations continue to be put in place, please be aware that  the festival will take place in a modified venue setting.
We are dedicated to providing our fans, small businesses and local communities an environment to bounce back, get outside with love ones, and enjoy an experience together in celebration of our all-time-favorite movie.
We look forward to seeing you all soon!

NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.

In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.

It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.

Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.

NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.

In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.

It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.

Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.

NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.

In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.

It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.

Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.

Volunteers from the Asheville Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force, Asheville on Bikes, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and more have worked with representatives of the City of Asheville for 10 years to find out how many people are walking and bicycling in various locations around the city. You can help!

This year, in coordination with the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, we will count non-motorized users of our streets at a number of specific sites from 5-7 p.m. on one of the following dates:

*Tuesday, September 15th, OR

*Wednesday, September 16th, OR

*Thursday, September 17th.

There are also a few sites available from 7-9 a.m. on those days, and a few sites that are counted on Saturday, September 19th from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer hours are extremely valuable in this effort.  No special skills are required, but we will make sure you know how to do the count before we send you out there.  Sign up at Bike/Ped Site Registration or if you have questions, email [email protected].

If you are interested in what we have learned, you can see the 2019 report here.

NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.

In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.

It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.

Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.

Volunteers from the Asheville Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force, Asheville on Bikes, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and more have worked with representatives of the City of Asheville for 10 years to find out how many people are walking and bicycling in various locations around the city. You can help!

This year, in coordination with the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, we will count non-motorized users of our streets at a number of specific sites from 5-7 p.m. on one of the following dates:

*Tuesday, September 15th, OR

*Wednesday, September 16th, OR

*Thursday, September 17th.

There are also a few sites available from 7-9 a.m. on those days, and a few sites that are counted on Saturday, September 19th from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer hours are extremely valuable in this effort.  No special skills are required, but we will make sure you know how to do the count before we send you out there.  Sign up at Bike/Ped Site Registration or if you have questions, email [email protected].

If you are interested in what we have learned, you can see the 2019 report here.

NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.

In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.

It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.

Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.

Volunteers from the Asheville Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force, Asheville on Bikes, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and more have worked with representatives of the City of Asheville for 10 years to find out how many people are walking and bicycling in various locations around the city. You can help!

This year, in coordination with the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, we will count non-motorized users of our streets at a number of specific sites from 5-7 p.m. on one of the following dates:

*Tuesday, September 15th, OR

*Wednesday, September 16th, OR

*Thursday, September 17th.

There are also a few sites available from 7-9 a.m. on those days, and a few sites that are counted on Saturday, September 19th from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer hours are extremely valuable in this effort.  No special skills are required, but we will make sure you know how to do the count before we send you out there.  Sign up at Bike/Ped Site Registration or if you have questions, email [email protected].

If you are interested in what we have learned, you can see the 2019 report here.

NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.

In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.

It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.

Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.

Our Ideal Volunteer Tutor

The ideal volunteer tutor is someone seeking to make a one-year commitment of two hours per week to help someone else make the change of a lifetime. For our volunteer tutors, an education background is helpful, but not necessary. The most important qualities are patience, an open mind, and resourcefulness. Tutors also need to be non-judgmental and sensitive to cultural differences. A GED or high school diploma is required. Ideal tutors enjoy seeing concrete outcomes from their efforts and sharing in the life-changing successes of others. See our full tutor position description here.

NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.

In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.

It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.

Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.

Let us bring Oktoberfest to you this year! Join us, Chop Shop, and Fermenti for an Oktoberfest in a box that you can enjoy at home.

Each box includes:

– 4 Chop Shop bratwurst to cook at home

– 4 Geraldine’s buns

– A quart of German potato salad

– A jar of Lusty Monk Mustard

– A jar of Fermenti Sauerkraut

– Mini Catawba Stein

– 6-pack of White Zombie (our traditional Belgian Witbier) & a crowler of our Small Batch Marzen

– A few Oktoberfest trinkets!

Boxes must be picked up between 11am-2pm at Catawba Brewing Company South Slope location on September 19th. Let’s celebrate! Prost!

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/take-home-oktoberfest-tickets-118930732021?fbclid=IwAR0D_b6miodcF1e8Z1TncKbaD5zfRJK1_BfU8jf1Zjmmx12eLKB4Stje350

NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.

In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.

It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.

Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.