May 2nd & 3rd, 2025
A free event to celebrate Hot Springs, NC and the Appalachian Trail!
Live music, vendors, duck race, cornhole tournament, and more!
A reopening of Hot Springs, NC
As you might have heard, our town took devastating damage from flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, but nothing will wash away our spirit!Â
Dedicated volunteers are clearing the trails and businesses are pushing forward, bringing our town back to life. The heart of our community beats stronger than ever!
On May 2nd and 3rd, we invite everyone—Appalachian Trail hikers, volunteers, families, people who love Hot Springs and have visited over the years, along with our hardworking neighbors—to come together and celebrate how far we’ve come!
100% of festival proceeds will be donated to Rebuild Hot Springs Area.
What to expect
Live Music
Saturday: 12:00pm-4:00pmÂ
Hot Springs Resort & Spa Grounds
Musical performances from Pierce Edens & Kevin Reese, 75 Single Wide, Ashley Heath, and The Cinners.
Duck Race
Saturday: 4:30pm
Bridge St. on the Spring Creek
Do you think your rubber ducky has what it takes to be the first across the finish line? Enter our 50/50 raffle now to find out! Locations to purchase your ticket coming soon.
Food & Vendors
Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Hot Springs Resort & Spa Grounds
Enjoy delicious food, browse unique arts & crafts, and browse exhibits from local nonprofits and outdoor gear companies. It’s the perfect way to support the community while discovering something new.
Special Activities
Don’t miss these events
Volunteer Day!
Friday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Downtown Hot Springs, NC
Sign up for Volunteer Day in downtown Hot Springs. We’ll be working together to clean up, restore, and beautify our town, and we’d love your help. Whether you can lend a hand for an hour or the whole day, every bit makes a difference.
Appalachian Campfire: Ballads and Stories
Friday: 7:30pm
Big Pillow Brewery
Gather around for an evening of haunting ballads, rich mountain tales, and the crackle of a warm fire. Experience the magic of Appalachian tradition as gifted singers and storytellers share the songs and legends passed down through generations.
Welcome from Mayor Abby Norton and Town Council
Saturday: 10:30am
Hot Springs Resort & Spa Grounds
Join Mayor Abby Norton and the Hot Springs Town Council for a “ribbon-cutting” of sorts. The doors are open, the lights are on, and Hot Springs is ready to welcome you home!
Community Folk Dance
Saturday: 11:00am
Hot Springs Resort & Spa Grounds
Put your dancing shoes on for a lively Community Folk Dance led by Charley Harvey! Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just curious to see what it’s all about, this interactive demonstration is a great way to experience the joy of folk dancing.Â
Cornhole Tournament
Saturday: 11:00am
Hot Springs Resort & Spa Grounds
Do you have what it takes to dominate the boards? Grab a partner and get ready to toss! Join us for our Cornhole Tournament where the best teams will walk away with cash prizes and the title of cornhole champions. $30 entry fee per team.
Hiker Fashion Show
Friday: 9:30pm
Hot Springs Resort & Spa Campground
From mismatched rain gear to vintage fleece finds, this is a night of fun, laughter, and trail-inspired couture. Strut your stuff, cheer on your fellow hikers, and see who takes home the title of Best Dressed on the AT!
Town Night!
Saturday: 5:00pm-?
Downtown Hot Springs
Throw on your town shirt and hit the streets for Town Night, a special evening dedicated to supporting our local businesses as they reopen their doors after the storm.
Hiker Brunch
Sunday: 10:30am
Vaste Riviere Outpost
Fill your plate with delicious food, swap trail stories over hot coffee, and enjoy a relaxing morning before hitting the next stretch. This is your chance to refuel and recharge after the weekend.
New name, same great festival!
Since 1998, Trailfest has been a cherished tradition in Hot Springs, NC. As the first town Appalachian Trail hikers reach on their journey, we love nothing more than celebrating those adventurers with music, delicious food, and fun & games. But this year, the celebration goes beyond the trail—it’s about community, resilience, and the spirit of rebuilding together. That is why we are calling this weekend Town & Trail Fest!
Giving back to our community
100% of proceeds from Town & Trail Festival will be donated to Rebuild Hot Springs Area (RHSA), a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit assisting residents, workers, local business owners, and community organizations in their recovery.