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Jul 3

July 4th Weekend

Adventure
Food and Drink
Live Music

  • Date & Time

    July 3, 9:00 AM – July 5, 2026, 8:00 PM

  • Location

    Nantahala Outdoor Center

A group of guests in America-themed outfits at the Nantahala Outdoor Center pose in front of a rafting bus with a dog.

Description

Celebrate July 4th Weekend at NOC!

Ring in Independence Day at the Nantahala Outdoor Center! Enjoy a weekend of live music, a special July Fourth Artisan Market, and food & drink from River’s End Restaurant, Big Wesser, and Slow Joe’s Donut Bus. Don’t miss the watermelon eating contest at 2pm for some festive summer fun! Beat the heat with adventure activities like whitewater rafting, ziplining, and kayaking & paddleboarding on Fontana Lake.

Make it a mountain getaway with our Stay & Play Package! Save 10% on activities and photos when you stay steps from the action at our Adventure Resort. We have cabins and rooms to suit every guest and group, and happily host dogs in select units. Please call 866-336-1037 before booking if traveling with your pet.

Watermelon Eating Contest

Join us at 2pm for a sweet slice of summertime fun at our watermelon eating contest! We’ll kick things off with a kids’ competition for ages 14 and under, followed by an adults’ round for ages 15 and up. Contestants will race to finish their watermelon the fastest! Winners in each category will take home a fun prize, so come hungry and ready to compete.

July 4th Weekend Live Music Schedule

Friday, July 3rd
5-8 pm Leather Britches
Saturday, July 4th
1-4 pm Michael Corwin
5-8 pm Beer and Loathing
Sunday, July 5th
5-8 pm Shane Meade Duo

Special Deals & Packages

Save 10%

Stay & Play Discount

Adventure at your doorstep! Stay in NOC lodging and save 10% on outdoor activities at our 500-acre Nantahala Adventure Resort and outposts. Choose from bungalows, cabins, and more!
See Relevant Trips Book Your Trip!
Save 10%

Second Activity Discount

More adventure, more savings! Save an extra 10% when you book a second qualifying activity at our Nantahala River adventure campus.
See Relevant Trips Call to Book

Adventure Activities

Lodging at the Nantahala Outdoor Center

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