Nanty Fest

Description

Join fellow paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts as we celebrate the final Upper Nantahala and Cascade water releases of the year. Back on campus, the vibe is lively with our much-loved new and used boat sales from the Outfitter’s Store and the Paddling School. Also, enjoy the sounds of live music, explore unique finds from artisan vendors, and treat yourself to delicious local food and refreshing beverages. Whether you’re here for the rapids, boat sales, or revelry, there’s something for everyone!

Water Releases – All weekend long!

Nanty Fest Shuttle Services

Make the most of the final river releases of the season with NOC’s hassle-free shuttle options all weekend long!

Saturday & Sunday Shuttles

• $10 Shuttle to the Put-In: Running from the Adventure Deck straight to the Beechertown put-in.

• Free Upper Cascades Shuttles: From the Beechertown put-in up to the upper section of the Cascades, available 10am–4pm.

• Cascade Laps Shuttle: A free service looping from the pull-off at PB&J Rapid back up to the River Road drop-off—perfect for stacking laps on the Cascades.

Capture the Action
Relive the stoke with professional photos and videos of your runs on both the Upper Cascades and the Falls. Check out the link below after the event to snag your shots.  Photos & Videos

Skip the parking hassle and focus on the fun—NOC has your shuttles and memories covered for Nanty Fest!

Boat Sale Bonanza 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Explore campus-wide deals on new and used boats from the Outfitter’s Store and Paddling School! With sales happening all over, take a stroll through the NOC campus and take in the festival vibes. You’ll find the Demo Boat Sales set up in two prime locations: the Outfitter’s Store parking lot and the Paddling School parking lot. You never know where your next boat might be waiting!

Splashy news: Demo boats for sale are available to preview online at nocoutfitters.com but these special deals are available for purchase on-site only during the weekend of Nanty Fest.

Paddlesport Vendor Village

This year we’ve got some of your favorite brands hanging out riverside: Jackson Kayak, Pyranha Kayaks, Kokopelli Packrafts, Aqua Bound, and Werner Paddles. Their representatives will be on hand to showcase new products, share insights, and connect with paddlers of all levels. Learn from industry professionals and experience firsthand what’s shaping the future of paddlesports.

Free Clinics with Jackson Kayak

12:30–1:30 p.m: Strokes and Concepts Clinic with Jackson Kayak
Meet at the Jackson Kayak Flag at the Founder’s Bridge concrete bridge (behind Slow Joe’s) with your kayak, paddle, and gear. Beginner and Intermediate friendly session paddling below the falls, focusing on ferrying, attainments, eddy catching, and downriver strokes.

2:30–3:30 p.m: Breaking Down the Falls Clinic with Jackson Kayak
Meet at the Jackson Kayak Flag at the Founder’s Bridge concrete bridge (behind the Slow Joe’s) at 2:00 p.m. OR at the concrete bridge above the falls at 2:30 p.m. with your kayak, paddle and gear. This clinic covers catching eddies, perfecting peel-outs, exploring new lines when running The Falls, group dynamics, and river-running safety techniques.

Artisan Market 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The local artisan market is a vibrant showcase of local goods, crafts, and art. Come explore unique, handcrafted treasures from talented regional artisans.

Live Music 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Enjoy free live music all day Saturday at Nanty Fest featuring Log Noggins and Whitewater Bluegrass Co on the main stage!

Macon Faces, free Face Painting & Henna 12-4pm in the Backyard

Macon Faces has been bringing color and joy to local WNC festivals and parties for years, and they’re a longtime partner of NOC! With dozens of fun face painting and henna design options for both kids and adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Round Up Campaign in honor of the 1-year Anniversary of Hurricane Helene