The Cherokee Gourd Artists’ Gathering presents the opportunity for gourd artists from across the United States and Canada to meet for one weekend a year to exchange ideas and collaborate on gourd art. Classes provided at this event include wood burning, carving, painting and sculpting, and range from beginner to advanced levels. Other activities include silent auction, live auction, and raffles throughout the event. The Gourd Artists’ Gathering is free to the public. Class sizes and fees vary; classes often fill up quickly.

Come on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday to see our wonderful displays of finished gourds for raffle, auction, and theme contest. On Sunday, there will still be plenty of opportunities to shop, but our large displays will be dismantled as the display gourds will have been given to the various activity winners.

Enjoy free, open-air musical performances by the river Friday and Saturday evenings in downtown Cherokee. Performances include rock n’ roll, blues, jazz, gospel and country, and are staged near local eateries, shopping, and downtown water features with room to dance along.

Amazing tales as told by the Cherokee storytellers themselves.

Imagine you’re gathered around a roaring bonfire, the occasional spark shooting high into the night sky, as a strong but gentle voice begins a story you’ve never heard. As the drama builds, you’re nearly breathless, your own heartbeat matching the occasional beat of the hand drum the storyteller uses. Drawing from a rich oral tradition dating back millennia, the Cherokee Bonfire series runs throughout the tourism season, and is an enchanting way to interact with the rich details of the Cherokee people and their stories. Get your room reserved in Cherokee, grab a blanket and someone close to you, and enjoy a cultural experience only Cherokee can offer.

The Bonfire stories crackles from 7:00–9:00 p.m. on the following dates at Oconaluftee Islands Park, on Tsali Blvd.:

Fridays & Saturdays, May 25–October 27, 2018.

Expanded schedule for the 4th of July celebrations from June 26–July 1, 2018.

There will be no Bonfire Series events in September.

Bring an acoustic instrument and join in on this old-time jam. Or just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds as others play traditional Appalachian Music. On the covered porch at the visitor center.

Cherokee’s family bluegrass music festival takes place June 7–9, 2018 with some of the brightest stars in bluegrass music. There will be live music daily from noon to 10:30 p.m. at the Happy Holiday RV Village and Campground in Cherokee. The performance lineup includes:

Schedule of performers is TBD.

Advance tickets for adults (ages 13 and older) are $35 daily, or $90 for all three days. Ticket prices at the gate are $40 daily or $95 for all three days. Advance ticket prices are valid until June 1, 2018.

Advance tickets for children (ages 7–12) are $15 daily or $45 for all three days. Ticket prices at the gate are $15 daily or $50 for all three days. 

Children under the age of 7 are admitted free with parent/guardian.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 770.864.7203 or at AdamsBluegrass.com.

Amazing tales as told by the Cherokee storytellers themselves.

Imagine you’re gathered around a roaring bonfire, the occasional spark shooting high into the night sky, as a strong but gentle voice begins a story you’ve never heard. As the drama builds, you’re nearly breathless, your own heartbeat matching the occasional beat of the hand drum the storyteller uses. Drawing from a rich oral tradition dating back millennia, the Cherokee Bonfire series runs throughout the tourism season, and is an enchanting way to interact with the rich details of the Cherokee people and their stories. Get your room reserved in Cherokee, grab a blanket and someone close to you, and enjoy a cultural experience only Cherokee can offer.

The Bonfire stories crackles from 7:00–9:00 p.m. on the following dates at Oconaluftee Islands Park, on Tsali Blvd.:

Fridays & Saturdays, May 25–October 27, 2018.

Expanded schedule for the 4th of July celebrations from June 26–July 1, 2018.

There will be no Bonfire Series events in September

The second Saturday of every month, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian offers a family-friendly fun day of free cultural activities including traditional dancing, storytelling, cultural arts demonstrations, genealogy workshops, hands-on craft workshops and more. Traditional food is available on-site, weather permitting. The Cherokee Friends offer workshops on traditional dancing and cultural arts demonstrations including wampum belt making, moccasin making, stickball stick making, wood carving, fire making, and more. Hands-on workshops are taught by members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and often include making a clay medallion or a traditional Cherokee pot stamped with wooden paddles carved with designs. Different members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians share stories and flute music. Robin Swayney, genealogist, offers workshops on genealogy for those who are interested in finding their Cherokee ancestors. Every month includes activities related to that month’s theme. For example, January, the windy month, will include workshops on how to play the Cherokee flute, blowgun demonstrations, and an outstanding panel of storytellers.

Activities are sponsored by the Museum, the North Carolina Arts Council, and the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. Regular prices apply to food and to admission to Museum exhibits.

The voices of an 11,000-year-old culture are inviting you to come out and play. Cherokee culture speaks in its most thrilling ways through dance, music, storytelling, and arts and crafts. You’re invited to hear and experience it all during the Cherokee Voices Festival, now in its 21st year. It’s free of charge and held at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council and the Museum.

There are continuous activities throughout the event, but here are a few exciting times to remember:

11 a.m. – Blowgun Contest
12 p.m. – Traditional Meal (for purchase)
3 p.m. – Warriors of AniKituhwa performance 

Join us for a prime rib dinner sponsored by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort to benefit Cherokee Cancer Support Group Operations, which aids all EBCI cancer patients and family members with financial support for treatment centers, post-mastectomy items for breast cancer survivors, and nutritional supplements. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance for $15 per plate, per person.​

Enjoy free, open-air musical performances by the river Friday and Saturday evenings in downtown Cherokee. Performances include rock n’ roll, blues, jazz, gospel and country, and are staged near local eateries, shopping, and downtown water features with room to dance along.

Amazing tales as told by the Cherokee storytellers themselves.

Imagine you’re gathered around a roaring bonfire, the occasional spark shooting high into the night sky, as a strong but gentle voice begins a story you’ve never heard. As the drama builds, you’re nearly breathless, your own heartbeat matching the occasional beat of the hand drum the storyteller uses. Drawing from a rich oral tradition dating back millennia, the Cherokee Bonfire series runs throughout the tourism season, and is an enchanting way to interact with the rich details of the Cherokee people and their stories. Get your room reserved in Cherokee, grab a blanket and someone close to you, and enjoy a cultural experience only Cherokee can offer.

The Bonfire stories crackles from 7:00–9:00 p.m. on the following dates at Oconaluftee Islands Park, on Tsali Blvd.:

Fridays & Saturdays, May 25–October 27, 2018.

Expanded schedule for the 4th of July celebrations from June 26–July 1, 2018.

There will be no Bonfire Series events in September.

Bring an acoustic instrument and join in on this old-time jam. Or just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds as others play traditional Appalachian Music. On the covered porch at the visitor center. 

Join us for the Inaugural Fire Mountain Inferno XC & Enduro Weekend! Two days of mountain bike racing on the amazing Fire Mountain trail system in Cherokee, North Carolina. All skill levels welcome.
For event and registration information click here

Enjoy free, open-air musical performances by the river Friday and Saturday evenings in downtown Cherokee. Performances include rock n’ roll, blues, jazz, gospel and country, and are staged near local eateries, shopping, and downtown water features with room to dance along.

Amazing tales as told by the Cherokee storytellers themselves.

Imagine you’re gathered around a roaring bonfire, the occasional spark shooting high into the night sky, as a strong but gentle voice begins a story you’ve never heard. As the drama builds, you’re nearly breathless, your own heartbeat matching the occasional beat of the hand drum the storyteller uses. Drawing from a rich oral tradition dating back millennia, the Cherokee Bonfire series runs throughout the tourism season, and is an enchanting way to interact with the rich details of the Cherokee people and their stories. Get your room reserved in Cherokee, grab a blanket and someone close to you, and enjoy a cultural experience only Cherokee can offer.

The Bonfire stories crackles from 7:00–9:00 p.m. on the following dates at Oconaluftee Islands Park, on Tsali Blvd.:

Fridays & Saturdays, May 25–October 27, 2018.

Expanded schedule for the 4th of July celebrations from June 26–July 1, 2018.

There will be no Bonfire Series events in September.

Amazing tales as told by the Cherokee storytellers themselves.

Imagine you’re gathered around a roaring bonfire, the occasional spark shooting high into the night sky, as a strong but gentle voice begins a story you’ve never heard. As the drama builds, you’re nearly breathless, your own heartbeat matching the occasional beat of the hand drum the storyteller uses. Drawing from a rich oral tradition dating back millennia, the Cherokee Bonfire series runs throughout the tourism season, and is an enchanting way to interact with the rich details of the Cherokee people and their stories. Get your room reserved in Cherokee, grab a blanket and someone close to you, and enjoy a cultural experience only Cherokee can offer.

The Bonfire stories crackles from 7:00–9:00 p.m. on the following dates at Oconaluftee Islands Park, on Tsali Blvd.:

Fridays & Saturdays, May 25–October 27, 2018.

Expanded schedule for the 4th of July celebrations from June 26–July 1, 2018.

There will be no Bonfire Series events in September.

Enjoy free, open-air musical performances by the river Friday and Saturday evenings in downtown Cherokee. Performances include rock n’ roll, blues, jazz, gospel and country, and are staged near local eateries, shopping, and downtown water features with room to dance along.

Tentative Event Schedule:

Friday, June 29, 2018 

5 p.m. Gates Open/Arts & Crafts/Concession Open

12–6 p.m. Registration (begins for dancers at 12 p.m.)

6:45 p.m. Drum Roll will be called

7 p.m. Presentation of Colors and Grand Entry, Intertribal, Tiny Tots, Intertribal, Junior Girls, Junior Boys, Intertribal, Golden Age Men vs Golden Age Women Special

10:30 p.m. Concludes Friday Night

Saturday, June 30, 2018

9 a.m.–12 p.m. Registration 

12 p.m. Gates Open

12:45 p.m. Drum Roll will be called

1 p.m. Grand Entry

1:30 p.m. Intertribal, Tiny Tots, Junior Girls/Junior Boys, Teen Contest, Men's/Women's Dance Contest, Intertribal, Men's Fancy vs Women's Fancy 

5 p.m. Intertribal

5:30–6:30 p.m. Supper Break

6:45 p.m. Drum Roll will be called

7 p.m. Grand Entry, Tiny Tots/Jr's, Women's Contest, Men's Contest, Hand Drum Contest, Intertribal, Men's Fancy vs Women's Fancy

10 p.m. Closing of Powwow and Fireworks

Sunday, July 1, 2018

12 p.m. Gates Open

1 p.m. Grand Entry/Tiny Tots, Intertribal, Women's Contest, Men's Contest, Special, Men's Team Dance, Women's Team Dance, Drum Contest, Ties and Runoffs, Intertribal

6 p.m. Winners Announced

Location:

Acquoni Expo Center 

1501 Acquoni Rd.
Cherokee, NC 28719