Cherokee Blog

Many members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, including artists, dancers, and pageant royalty (including Kristina Hyatt, who is currently crowned as Miss Native American USA) traveled to Washington, D.C., from Western North Carolina to participate in the Cherokee Days Festival and celebrate Cherokee heritage, culture, language, and traditions along with members of the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. 

Schedule

This August 2nd and 3rd, bring your children to Cherokee, NC for the 18th Annual Talking Trees Trout Derby! This is free fishing event for children ages 3 to 11. Introduce your kids to the sport of fishing, while enjoying a day on the beautiful Oconaluftee River. Here are all the details you need to know about this fun and FREE event for kids.

The Cherokee powwow, July 1st - July 3rd, is the biggest powwow on the east coast, awarding winning competitors over $60,000 in prize money. If you've never been to a powwow before,  it's a unique chance to experience authentic Indian culture in a fun family-friendly event. "It's the good spirit you have in the powwow that brings everyone together," says organizer Daniel Tramper. "It's a good celebration of life." An amazing fireworks show, called the best in Western North Carolina, happens on the second day of this three day event, on Saturday, July 2nd, at sunset. 

Don’t miss the Music on the River concert series this summer in Cherokee. Every Friday and Saturday evening you can bring your whole family to a stage right on the Oconaluftee River to hear live bands play everything from blues to bluegrass to rock and roll.  

Schedule

During the Summer evenings on Friday and Saturday in Cherokee, from 7 to 9 pm, crowds gather at the Oconaluftee Island Park to sit beside a roaring fire and listen to regional storytellers and performers share traditional Cherokee tales, myths, and history, passed down through the ages. Marshmallows for roasting and beverages are provided at this free, kid-friendly event.