Between the broncos that will be busted, the bulls that will be bucking, and the rodeo clowns looking to avoid getting stomped in the head, there will be all sorts of skills competitions and top-name riders in this SRA-sanctioned event. Gates open at 6 nightly, with the rodeo starting at 8. Located at the intersection of Highways 19/441 in Cherokee. General admission tickets for both nights can be purchased with cash at Cherokee’s Chamber of Commerce or at Alan’s Jewelry & Pawn in Cherokee and Asheville locations.
Archives
Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby
Friday, August 5 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday, August 6 from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
Introduce your kids to a love of fishing at this free two-day event.
On Friday, dive into excitement at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds for zip lines, attractions, and free fishing gear for eligible participants.
Arrive at Oconaluftee Islands Park on Saturday for hours of fishing fun with $20,000 in prizes, celebrity guests, live animal exhibits, and more.
Cherokee fishing permits are available for purchase for persons 12 and older at a variety of locations listed on FishCherokee.com or at the Cherokee Welcome Center.
Pre-register August 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds.
Entry is free and includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
- February, 26
- 45
- More
35th Annual Folkmoot USA International Folk Festival
FESTIVAL DATES, JULY 19 – 29, 2018
The Folkmoot Festival calendar begins on the third Thursday each July and operates through the last Sunday of the month. Folkmoot invites performance groups from 7-9 diverse international countries along with local Cherokee and Appalachian performers each year. Audiences can expect approximately 200+ dancers and musicians to share culture through music and dance at events throughout western North Carolina – venues between the Cherokee Qualla Boundary and Hickory, North Carolina.
Weekend events are scheduled in Haywood County, including the towns of Waynesville, Canton, Maggie Valley, Clyde and Lake Junaluska.
Weekend one includes a Gala for Friends of Folkmoot, Camp Folkmoot for youth, A Parade of Nations, Many Cultures Day and the Sunday Soiree, a new event featuring contemporary folk music and dance. Weekend two includes International Festival Day and several special seated events including the Candlelight Closing at Lake Junaluska.
2018 Festival Schedule:
July 19
7:00pm-11:00pm: Gala Under the Stars! … Annual Fundraiser for Friends of Folkmoot, $175 per couple. The Gala is the kickoff event for the festival and a fundraiser for Friends of Folkmoot, sponsors and their guests. Held in Waynesville in the field adjacent to the Friendship Center, Friends of Folkmoot members will enjoy specialty foods and beverages while cultural performers take the stage under the stars for their first appearance of the festival. Join Friends of Folkmoot here: https://goo.gl/UqUN45 Facebook event page HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/215840138998760/
July 20
9:00am-3:00pm: Camp Folkmoot “Hands Around the Globe” … Dancers of all abilities ages 10 – 17 years who are inspired by dance and live music can learn international folk dance moves with cultural ambassadors, in Waynesville to perform at the Folkmoot Festival. Learn basic concepts and movements, gain an appreciation of the similarities and differences between cultures, and hear the timeless, captivating stories behind the dances of each international group. The day includes “make-and-take” cultural crafts and culminates in a short performance with the groups and community participants. Families and youth groups are encouraged to register. Snacks, lunch, and drinks will be provided. Discounts are available to groups of four or more if registered together. Tickets for this event are $30 per camper and will include lunch, snacks and supplies. https://www.facebook.com/events/130604477765947/
2:00pm-5:00pm: Opening Matinee … All groups will perform followed by cultural conversations with the audience and dance troupe members. Learn more by calling the Folkmoot Ticket Office, 828-452-2997. Groups of 20 or more receive a 20% discount, call 828-452-2997 for more information. https://www.facebook.com/events/536976076705171/
7:00pm-10:00pm: Grand Opening Extravaganza … Folkmoot’s Grand Opening performance will be held at Lake Junaluska’s Stuart Auditorium.
Learn more by calling the Folkmoot Ticket Office, 828-452-2997, or click our ticket link for online sales today. Groups of 20 or more receive a 20% discount, call 828-452-2997 for more information. https://www.facebook.com/events/392867817848292/
July 21
10:00am-11:30am: Waynesville Parade of Nations at Haywood County Courthouse … Join Folkmoot in a 35 year tradition and “meet the world” on Main Street. All international groups plus local groups will be in attendance. https://www.facebook.com/events/1346033862168562/
11:00am-4:00pm: Many Cultures Day … This outdoor event is in its second year, scheduled for immediately after the Parade of Nations in downtown Waynesville. The event features 30-vendors, youth activities hosted by community groups, ethnic food trucks, international performers, community dance lessons, and a youth performance stage with local youth fiddlers and dancers. There also will be two Cherokee stickball game demonstrations. The cost of this outdoor festival is $5 for individuals over 5 years old. https://www.facebook.com/events/844843742376680/
7:00pm-10:00pm: Haywood Community College … Folkmoot 2018 Performance! Experience the wonder of dance, music, costumes and culture in this ALL GROUP performance at Haywood Community College. Tix available here: https://goo.gl/qbKpm7 Learn more by calling the Folkmoot Ticket Office, 828-452-2997. Groups of 20 or more receive a 20% discount. https://www.facebook.com/events/816926601849141/
July 22
Cultural Conversations
Hickory Performance
5:00pm-8:00pm: Sunday Friendship Dinner … Join us for a lovely evening of conversation and sharing about world cultures with our visiting dancers and international food with the Blind Pig Supper Club! https://www.facebook.com/events/184968828987781/
July 24
3:00pm-6:00pm: Cherokee Ambassadors Day … Our friends and neighbors, the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, will share with our visiting cultural ambassadors and festival attendees the unique experience, history, and endurance of the Cherokee people. Cherokee culture and traditions are among the very richest offerings Western Carolina has to share with the world. The day includes visiting the Qualla Arts & Crafts and the Museum of the Cherokee Indians, catered lunch at the Fairgrounds, and culminates in an all-group performance and cultural exchange at Cherokee Central High School, the Chief Joyce Dugan Arts & Cultural Center. Transportation is not included. Enrolled Members of the Eastern Band are admitted at no charge. Please call Cherokee Programs Coordinator Lisa Spring Wilnoty for more information at 828-452-2997. https://www.facebook.com/events/738241626565185/
7:00pm-9:00pm: Colonial Theater in Canton … Enjoy 5 groups performing at the Colonial Theater. Learn more by calling the Folkmoot Ticket Office, 828-452-2997. Groups of 20 or more receive a 20% discount, call 828-452-2997 for more information. https://www.facebook.com/events/143412489809976/
Bearwaters Brewing Company After Party
July 25
2:00pm-4:00pm: Blue Ridge Community College in Hendersonville … Experience the wonder of dance, music, costumes and culture at this all group performance. Enjoy 10 group performances with over 200 international dancers and musicians. Learn more by calling the Folkmoot Ticket Office, 828-452-2997. Groups of 20 or more receive a 20% discount, call 828-452-2997 for more information. https://www.facebook.com/events/1791253777843503/
7:00pm-10:00pm: Maggie Valley Welcome Wagon! … Enjoy a unique performance of our international dance troupes in the performance venue of Elevated Mountain Distillery and along with it the legendary friendly welcome that is Maggie Valley! Y’all come! https://www.facebook.com/events/371326850038927/
July 26
7:00pm-10:00pm: Franklin NC @ Smoky Mountain Theater … Folkmoot 2018 comes to Franklin, North Carolina for a full company performance of our visiting dance troupes from Ghana, Italy, Czech Republic, Mexico, Thailland and Northern Cyprus and Venezuela as well as Anglo Appalachian and, as always, Cherokee dancers and musicians. https://www.facebook.com/events/1958097797596260/
July 27
2:00pm-5:00pm: Matinee at Diana Wortham Theater … Folkmoot 2018 – Full performance of all international folk dance troupes in a 2 p.m. matinee performance! (followed by a 7 p.m performance). A great chance for Asheville to experience the beauty, grace & pageantry of Folkmoot! https://www.facebook.com/events/2088739401409284/
7:00pm-10:00pm: Diana Wortham Theater … Folkmoot 2018 – Full performance of all international folk dance troupes in a 7 p.m. performance! (A 2 p.m. matinee earlier in the day). A great chance for Asheville to experience the beauty, grace & pageantry of Folkmoot! https://www.facebook.com/events/118719922339119/
July 28
10:00am-5:00pm: International Festival Day on Main Street in Waynesville … A Folkmoot Festival tradition on Main Street. Folkmoot will host artisans, food vendors and our international groups on Main Street of Waynesville. https://www.facebook.com/events/562476764106882/
7:00pm-10:00pm: Haywood Community College … Full performances from all 10 dance troupes. Always one of the most popular performances of the entire festival. Get your tickets now, before they’re gone! https://www.facebook.com/events/1614939178603907/
July 29
7:00pm-10:00pm: Candle Light Closing … One of the most beautiful and emotional of all the beautiful Folkmoot performances is the traditional closing performance of all our dance troupes, closing ceremonies and candlight good night! Not to be missed! https://www.facebook.com/events/593024167745245/
Full Schedule for the 2018 Festival Schedule coming soon. Please call 828-452-2997 for more information
- February, 26
- 503
- More
CHEROKEE: Annual 4th of July Powwow (see description for dates & times)
July 4th-6th
Experience the vibrant celebration of the 4th of July Powwow in Cherokee, NC, where tradition and culture come alive. Hosted within the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this annual event honors Indigenous heritage with captivating dance performances and colorful regalia.Join in the festivities as dancers showcase their skills in traditional competitions, accompanied by the sound of a powerful drumbeat. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Cherokee culture through storytelling, craft demonstrations, and authentic cuisine. With its lively atmosphere and deep-rooted significance, the 4th of July Powwow offers a memorable glimpse into the enduring spirit of the Cherokee people.
Grand Entries
- Friday, July 4th at 7PM
- Saturday, July 5th at 1PM and 7PM
- Sunday, July 6th at 12PM
- February, 26
- 230
- More
Cherokee Summer Carnival
Tuesday, June 6 from 5:00 pm to Saturday, June 10 at 11:00 pm
The Cherokee Summer Carnival presents family-friendly fun with a variety of vendors, food, games, karaoke, and literally dozens of carnival rides. The carnival will be open for five full days of entertainment and a summer celebration you can’t miss.
Entrance is free to the public.
Ride ticket prices:
$20 – Unlimited rides
$3–$5 – Individually purchased rides
$1–$3 – Games
- February, 26
- 66
- More
22nd Annual Cherokee Voices Festival
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 22nd 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.
- February, 26
- 53
- More
Cherokee Bluegrass Festival
Cherokee’s family bluegrass music festival takes place June 2–4, 2016 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:
Thursday, June 2 – The Marksmen, Flatt Lonesome, The Spinney Brothers, Audie Blaylock, The Gibson Brothers, & Band of Ruhks
Friday, June 3 – Cody Shuler, Marty Raybon, Little Roy & Lizzy, The Crowe Brothers, Rhonda Vincent, & Gene Watson Saturday,
June 4 – Big Country Bluegrass, Lorraine Jordan, Goldwing Express, Balsam Range, Larry Sparks, Mike Snider
Tickets can be purchased by calling 706.864.7203 or at http://www.AdamsBluegrass.com.
- February, 26
- 59
- More
Cherokee Bonfire
At the Cherokee Bonfire you can sit around a crackling fire at dusk and listen to Cherokee storytellers share stories and myths from the beginning of time. As the stories begin, sometimes accompanied by the beat of a hand drum, a sense of anticipation grows. In the background, the Oconaluftee River gently flows, and the stars begin to shine.
The setting is peaceful, but the narratives are riveting, including stories about animals, creation myths, legends, and even some ghost stories thrown into the mix. During the break, marshmallows are handed out for roasting.
“We have all kinds of stories,” says Daniel Tramper, the organizer of the Cherokee Bonfire series. “It’s a lot of unique stories that you won’t hear anywhere else.”
An Extended Season
The Cherokee Bonfire series started seven years ago as a way to bring people together to learn about Cherokee culture and history through live storytelling, music, dance, and performance.
It started as an idea to give back to the communities that visit Cherokee, says Daniel.
Over the years it has grown, but it still remains a free, family-friendly event taking place on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Oconaluftee Islands Park during the spring and fall. This year the season will be extended, due to popular demand. The 2017 Cherokee Bonfire series runs from May 26 to August 26 and then picks up again every Friday and Saturday in October. Building up to the 4th of July Powwow weekend celebrations, there will also be nightly performances from June 26th to July 1st. Note that there will be no Bonfire events in September.
Featured Tellers
Storytellers for the 2017 season include seasoned favorites like John Toineeta, pictured at above, as well as Kathi Littlejohn, and Lloyd Arneach. Sonny Ledford, Jaret Wildcat, Ernest Grant, and Will Tuschka are featured educators at the Bonfire, sharing Cherokee history and culture. Edward Sherrill, Daniel Tramper’s son, is a new storyteller joining the Bonfire circle. Mike Crowe, one of the stars of “Unto These Hills,” will be a special guest at the bonfire in October.
Keeping the Stories Alive
At the Cherokee Bonfire, the storytellers and performers work to preserve the ancient Cherokee traditions and keep them alive.
“The stories are the traditions of our people. If you don’t have the language, you don’t have the stories. That’s what makes the tribe: your language, your stories, your people, your food, your traditions,” says Daniel.
Bring a Lawnchair
There is seating for around a hundred people in the benches arranged around the bonfire, but the crowds are already at a record high for this season, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or a blanket to spread out on the grass. Water will be provided. This event is free and family-friendly.
– See more at: http://visitcherokeenc.com/blog/entry/the-cherokee-bonfire-series-returns-with-an-extended-season/#sthash.Ug5dqYRO.dpuf
- February, 26
- 70
- More
Music on the River
May 26th-Sept 2nd
Enjoy 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.
- February, 26
- 40
- More
Strawberry Festival
Sponsored by the North American Indian Women’s Association (NAIWA), the Strawberry Festival features fresh berries, delicious recipes, strawberry products, and fun activities for the whole family. Admission is free to the public. Vendor space available.
Entertainment/Event Schedule:
9 a.m.
Opening ceremony
Concession stand opens
Strawberry Legend: adult and youth
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Children’s activities
11 a.m.
Community entertainment, demonstrations, and talent show
1 p.m.
Adult and youth contests
Concession stand closed
2 p.m.
Prizes awarded
- February, 26
- 58
- More