2026 Tickets Are On Sale Now! Secure Your Seat.
Tickets for the Great Smoky Mountains Music Train are officially on sale—now’s the time to lock in your seat for this one-of-a-kind moving music experience.
Early pricing won’t last:
$139 — February 12 through March 31
$149 — April 1 through April 30
$159 — May 1 through event dates
The earlier you buy, the more you save. To make your purchase smooth and stress-free, follow the steps below.
Create Your Ticketing Profile: Set up your Front Gate Tickets account in advance. Click “Sign In” and create a profile using your email or connect through Facebook.
Move Quickly at Checkout: Once you add tickets to your cart, you’ll have 10 minutes to complete your purchase. Review ticket options ahead of time so you’re ready to check out fast.
If tickets appear “unavailable,” they may be in someone else’s cart—not sold out. Tickets are only gone once marked “Sold Out.” Because of time-outs or declined cards, inventory can return, so keep refreshing for another chance.
Please note: There is a limit of 10 tickets per household per day.
Don’t wait—prices increase soon, and availability is limited. Secure your tickets today and get ready to ride.
The Inaugural Artist Lineup Is Here!
The Great Smoky Mountains Music Train is set to make its debut on June 5 & 6, 2026, featuring a dynamic lineup of six Appalachian-style artists. Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers, Dr. Bacon, Martha Spencer & Wonderland Band, Andrew Scotchie, Ashley Heath, and the Alex Ball Duo will perform as the historic train hugs the shores of Lake Fontana and winds its way along the scenic Nantahala River.
Each artist will perform simultaneously as attendees dance their way from car to car, enjoying six unique musical atmospheres, stunning mountain views, and beer and wine from onboard bars. Friday and Saturday nights will feature the same lineup of musicians, though organizers emphasize that each evening will deliver its own energy, crowd dynamic, and unforgettable musical moments.
Four enclosed vintage coaches provide seating with room to dance, while two open-air gondola cars—fully roofed with open sides—are dedicated to high-energy band performances and dancing. Two additional coaches offer quiet space for conversation and relaxation. Sound systems are installed in each music car to ensure an immersive experience throughout the train. Beer and wine will be available for purchase onboard in the concession car, with restrooms accessible throughout the train, including one wheelchair-accessible restroom.
The round-trip experience lasts approximately three and a half hours, with boarding beginning at 6:30 pm, departure at 7:00 pm sharp, and a return around 10:00 pm, including a short intermission midway through the ride. The train begins and ends each night at the Bryson City Depot.
Make the Most of Your Great Smoky Mountains Music Train Experience
Your journey doesn’t end when the music stops. The Great Smoky Mountains Music Train takes you into the heart of Bryson City and the surrounding Smokies—one of the most scenic and adventure-filled regions in the Southeast. Whether you’re arriving early, staying late, or building a full getaway around the event, there’s no shortage of ways to explore.
From outdoor adventures and iconic train excursions to local attractions, culture, and relaxation, Bryson City offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable music weekend. Bryson City provides unmatched access to trails, waterfalls, rivers, and wildlife.
Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Music Train, paddle Fontana Lake, tackle the Nantahala River, or explore a walkable downtown filled with local shops and eateries. Just an hour west of Asheville and three hours north of Atlanta, Bryson City is an easy escape that feels worlds away.