Bryson City’s 4th Annual Railfest will be held at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot Sept. 16-18. The festival offers railroad enthusiasts an opportunity to ride special excursions, view railroad memorabilia and hear the music of the rails, as well as taste railroad food, engage in storytelling, dance and music.

Friday, Sept. 16 kicks off the weekend with Motor Cars and Equipment on display, and Operation Life Saver Display and operating LLL Express Train at noon. Visitors can ride the Tallulah Falls Railroad Museum Locomotive and Caboose; and Flagg Coal Co #75 Steam Locomotive. Evening features include music performances from Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot Band and an exclusive “Wet Your Whistle” reception with an unique train ride consisting of a Heritage Locomotive and Passenger Cars. Also, the Mystery Dinner Train, departing from Dillsboro, will provide dinner and entertainment.

Saturday festivities start at 9 a.m. at the Bryson City Depot with performances by the Buckingham Lining Bar Gang and an arts and crafts from the town’s 3rd Annual Mountain Craft Fair featuring 50 craft and food vendors and held in conjunction with Railfest.

Sunday features an all day “Photo Special” ride from Dillsboro to Andrews along the western route of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The ride features a layover in Bryson City to enjoy Railfest activities and a picnic lunch.

For more information about Railfest or to make train reservations, visit www.gsmr.com or call 800.872.4681.