NOC Festivals & Events 2012

2012 will be NOC's biggest year yet for special events.

To celebrate our 40th anniversary, we're broadening our scope and hosting several high-profile local, national, and international level competitions. Don't miss out on exciting new events, such as the Adventure Travel Film Festival and the 2012 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup, as well as live music, dancing, prizes, expos, sales, and activities throughout the year! 

All events take place at NOC's Nantahala Resort, unless otherwise specified. Visit this page often, as details continue to evolve throughout the year. Call 888.905.7238 for more info. Print a calendar of events!

NOC Events are Sponsored By:

2012 Event Details Coming Soon!

	NRC Glacier Breaker February 25, 2012 The season opener for slalom and wildwater racing in the US. Come watch great whitewater athletes kick off the paddling year!
	Bank of America US Open March 24-25, 2012 Top paddlers compete in this American Classic before heading to the US Olympic Team Trials. Don't miss this chance to watch them on the Nantahala!
AT Founder's Bridge Festival April 6-7 2012 NOC celebrates the Appalachian Trail with live music, trail-focused speakers, book signings, wilderness survival workshops, and presentations by industry representatives.
	NOC Freestyle Shootout & Demo Days April 20-22, 2012 The Southeast's biggest freestyle kayaking competition, held on the new 2013 Wave teams up with the Southeast's best preseason gear sale.
	NOC's Watershed Week April 21-29, 2012 NOC teams up with the NC Science Festival and Asheville's RiverLink for a weeklong celebration of science, nature, and protecting our fragile river ecosystems. Find out how you can get involved!
Smoky Mountain Relay April 20-21, 2012 Join NOC as we support an epic running adventure! This 205 mile relay race for teams of 12 runners begins in North Mills River, NC and finishes at NOC.
Adventure Travel Film Festival May 4-6 2012 Join us for three days and 16 films that will warm the heart of any adventurer.
World Kayak Hometown Throwdown Round 1 May 5, 2012 USAFK's Hometown Throwdown comes to the Nantahala. Come try out the newly constructed 2013. All ability levels are welcome!
NOC's Duck n' Run May 12, 2012 The 3rd annual Duck n' Run is sure to be even more fun than the last. Come Join us for this seriously silly biathlon on the Nantahala River and along NOC's Flint Ridge Trail.
Rock and Raft Music Series Saturdays in June The Rock and Raft  music series will heat up your summer: get great deals on afternoon raft trips, and stay to enjoy a cool Asheville-based band every Saturday in June. NOC Celebrates 40 Years June 9, 2012 Join us to celebrate a great 40 years on and off the water. The day's festivities will include a raft race on the Nantahala, live music, BBQ, words from NOC's founders, and a video screening. Nantahala River Raft Race June 9, 2012 Teams of four compete for the right to claim "Fastest on the Nantahala." Join us for this innaugural event!
NOC Celebrates Olympic Day June 16, 2012 Youth activities and clinics on the Nantahala River alongside past and present Olympians, followed by a friendly Citizen's Slalom on the Nantahala Bridge Gates.
	GalasportUSA Canoe Club Challenge  Round 1 June 16, 2012 Everybody is welcome to participate in these social, beginner-friendly races on the Nantahala Bridge Gates. Meet friends, get your heart rate up, and improve your kayaking to boot.
World Kayak Hometown Throwdown Round 2 June 17, 2012 USAFK's Hometown Throwdown comes to the Nantahala. Come try out the newly constructed 2013. All ability levels are welcome!
	NOC's Sizzling 4th of July June 30-July 4, 2012 When summer gets HOT, make a splash in the Nanty! NOC's mid-season sale offers the biggest selection at the best prices while live music and events round out the holiday weekend.
GalasportUSA Canoe Club Challenge Round 2 July 21, 2012 Everybody is welcome to participate in these social, beginner-friendly races on the Nantahala Bridge Gates. Meet friends, get your heart rate up, and improve your kayaking to boot.
World Kayak Hometown Throwdown Round 3 July 22, 2012 USAFK's Hometown Throwdown comes to the Nantahala. Come try out the newly constructed 2013. All ability levels are welcome!
	Camp Cup Challenge July 23-24, 2012 NOC invites local and national summer camps to compete on the Nantahala. The weekend will feature slalom and downriver competitions for some of the area's best young paddlers.
GalasportUSA Canoe Club Challenge Round 3 August 18, 2012 Everybody is welcome to participate in these social, beginner-friendly races on the Nantahala Bridge Gates. Meet friends, get your heart rate up, and improve your kayaking to boot.
World Kayak Hometown Throwdown Round 4 August 19, 2012 USAFK's Hometown Throwdown comes to the Nantahala. Come try out the newly constructed 2013. All ability levels are welcome!
Blue Ridge Breakaway August 18, 2012 An adrenaline-pumping ride through county lanes and scenic byways in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This event offers four routes for riders of different skill levels.
2012 ICF Canoe Freestyle  World Cup #2  August 28-30, 2012 The world's best freestyle kayak athletes compete in the second event of the 2012 World Cup on the Pigeon River.
2012 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup Final September 7-9, 2012 The world's best freestyle kayak athletes come to the Nantahala for three days of competition on the new 2013 Wave!
	Guest Appreciation Festival September 28-30, 2012 Don't miss the granddaddy of all gear sales. This party brings together outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes to catch up, catch a few eddies, and score some sweet deals on new and used gear.
ACA  Open Canoe Slalom Nationals October 5-7, 2012 America's top canoers compete on the Nantahala to decide who will be this year's the National Champion. Bring your family and friends and put your name in the hat!
	NOCtoberfest October 6-30, 2012 This year, NOC celebrates fall with a month-long series of events, including a Haunted House, Hay Rides, traditional Beer Garden, and, of course, the famous Pumpkin Pursuit!

Off-site Events and Venues

Visit NOC at the following festivals and events!  

• Tsali Frosty Foot Trail Race - January 7, 2012, Tsali National Forest Recreation Area, NC - NOC is a proud sponsor of the 2012 Tsali Frosty Foot trail race featuring an 8k, 30k and 50k.  Join in on the fun and test your limits on this world-famous and technical yet serene trail system along the shoreline of Fontana Lake in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Register today online!
• WCU's Valley of the Lillies Half Marathon & 5k - March 25, 2012, Cullowhee, NC - Team NOC is headed to Western Carolina's campus to enjoy a scenic course featuring rolling hills along the Tuckasegee River.