Cherokee Hosts Qualla Arts and Crafts Open Air Indian Art Market this Weekend

August 29, 2015     Qualla Arts and Crafts Open Air Indian Art Market    Where our family traditions become your family heirlooms: the Open Air Indian Art Market showcases traditional, handmade Cherokee arts and crafts. 

Come to shop for authentic and unique gifts but stay for the music, food, storytelling, and craft demonstrations. This outdoor event is held in the Cultural District of Cherokee next to Oconaluftee Islands Park. A traditional Cherokee meal will be for available for purchase.

Learn more about local events and attractions on the Cherokee NC Visitor Guide. 

 

Cherokee hosts the 8th Annual Festival of Native Peoples

July 13 - 14   8th Annual Festival of Native Peoples  in Cherokee.   The Festival of Native Peoples earned a spot in the top 20 events of the Southeast Tourism Society in 2009. Performer and exhibits includes  pole flyers, dancers, singing, storytelling and art. Members of indigenous tribes from across North and South America captivate audiences with their traditional and contemporary dance, song and celebration. In addition to the unique displays of Native cultures from across the continents, visit the Art Market to barter or buy your favorite handmade Native art.

Learn more about Cherokee Indian heritage and local attractions on the Cherokee NC Visitor Guide

Oconaluftee Indian Village Opens this week in Cherokee NC

May 1      Oconaluftee Indian Village Opens for the Season   The Oconaluftee Indian Village opens for the 2012 season with self guided tours, authentic children's costumes, guided tours, and the Time of War. The Village Re-creates an authentic 18th-century Indian community. Cherokee artisans and guides demonstrate and explain the arts and crafts and the lifestyle and culture of their ancestors. Replicas of Cherokee homes, council house and squareground of the 1750 period.  
 

Get local information on the Cherokee NC Visitor Guide

NC Halloween Events: Haunted Indian Village in Cherokee

Now through October 31 - The Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee NC  is transformed for a week of fright and fun as zombies, ghosts and goblins visit Native America via the Qualla Boundary. Bring your family for a scare at the Haunted Indian Village. Evenings beginning at 7 PM...and IF YOU DARE - walk the haunted trail. If you survive the thrilling exploration of  mysteries and tricks along  the trail, you will be treated to Cherokee storytellers sharing actually Cherokee legends as everyone gathers around the bonfire.

October 28 - Illusions & Mind Games  - Mystery, magic and fun comes to the Mountainside Theatre as three of the area’s top illusionists and mentalists will astonish guests with amazing tricks and treats. Beginning at 8:00 PM, it is mind blowing, startling fun for the entire family


October 29  - Cherokee Monster Ball is a Halloween Part full of good old-fashioned fun, but with a twist  as Cherokee celebrates the harvest with a monster bash at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. The Exhibit Hall will be decked out in honor the season. Party-goers will be treated to a live band, costume contest, games and special foods from 8 PM to 11 PM

Get a link for the Haunter Indian Village and more 

Cherokee NC events, lodging and visitor information HERE

NC Fall Leaf Season Event: 99th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair

October 4 - 8    99th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair    This annual events is held at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds.  The fair offers topnotch nightly musical entertainment, fireworks, a carnival midway full of rides and games, craft vendors, food vendors including some featuring traditional Cherokee food, and an exhibit hall displaying the Eastern Band enrolled members traditional and contemporary arts and crafts.
The Fair kicks off on Oct 4 with a colorful parade, opening ceremony and traditional dances. Evening entertainment is offer by the Drifters, the Little Miss Pageant and Cherokee Idol. Each day of the Fair features a different theme: Children's Day, Elder's Day, Veteran's Day and Community Day.
This year’s concert line-up packs a blues, beach, country, rap, bluegrass, funk and rock punch including the original Drifters, Litefoot, Raymond Fairchild - Hoss Howard Band, Hero - Mother's Finest,  with the ever-popular Charlie Daniels Band headlining Saturday night’s concert.

The fair began nearly 100 years ago as a way for members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee to showcase their arts and crafts and invite neighboring communities to the Qualla Boundary, the tribe’s traditional homeland. Today the Fair has grown into a major Cherokee event for both Eastern Band Members and visitors while  its original focus remains — to showcase the Cherokees’ remarkable culture and heritage.

Click here for more information, Lodging and links for Cherokee NC and this event.

CHerokee Hosts 6th Annual Southeastern Tribes Celebration

Sept 16-17   6th Annual Southeastern Tribes Cultural Arts Celebration - The original tribes of the southeast come together for a two day reunion of dancing, food, storytelling, living history, arts and crafts demonstrations, stickball, blowguns, and running. Adults $7 all-day pass; children ages 6-12 $3; Children 5 and under free. EBCI members free with enrollment card. The Celebration will be held at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, Hwy 441 Cherokee NC.