The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s 11th Annual RailFest will be held the weekend of Sept. 15 and 16 in Bryson City. The festival offers guests a taste of railroading, food, memorabilia, storytelling, dance, music, special excursions and events.

“Steam” will be returning to the Bryson City Depot for the festivities. Also making a return is “The Little Engine That Could” and Lehigh Valley Coal Co. #126. The two engines will be partnering up to provide Caboose train rides throughout the weekend. All trains depart from Bryson City to Whittier on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., and on Sunday at 1:45 p.m.

A small selection of historical motorcars will be featured. The track cars were formerly used on railroads to inspect track and carry track gangs and their tools to work zones.

The festival will include an authentic mountain craft fair with 30 area crafters and artists displaying and selling their handmade crafts, pottery and artwork. Catch the Spirit of Appalachia will present local entertainment featuring singing, dancing and mountain folk music. There will be vendors, a children’s talent contest and winner’s jamboree, with luegrass, old time mountain music and folk performed by various local bands

Festivites downtown are free but to ride the train adult tickets start at $35 and $17.50 for Children (2-12). 

828.488.7024 or www.GSMR.com.