Cherokee Blog

To mark the beginning of the growing season, the second annual Spring Garden Fair will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 7–8. Free and open to the public, this event will offer vendors, demonstrations, classes, educational materials, door prizes, and much more.

Within the 30 miles of Cherokee’s privately stocked freestone streams, participants in the 2017 Memorial Day Trout Tournament will be able to compete for cash prizes. The competition will take place from Friday, May 26, to Sunday, May 28.

(Artist, Suzi Nonn of Naturally Yours)

In 2002, beloved gourd artist Jerry Lewis of California founded the first Gourd Gathering in Cherokee, NC, as an opportunity for fellow craftspeople to meet and share their methods. Over the years, it became known as a “reunion” among guests. When Jerry passed away, new coordinators stepped up to ensure that the event carried on and was successful.

Today, the annual Gourd Gathering at Cherokee continues to bring people from all over the country together. The next event will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 1–4, 2017. Entry is free, while classes vary in costs.

Artists and enthusiasts alike may see gourds in a whole new light. Gourd artists meet for four days to exchange ideas...

More than a dozen acclaimed musicians from all over the world will converge in Cherokee, North Carolina, June 8–10 for the 2017 Cherokee Bluegrass Festival. It won’t just be adults having all the fun. Children are also encouraged to attend.

Gather around the Cherokee Bonfire and listen to unique stories told by Cherokee tellers at the Oconaluftee Island Park on Friday and Saturday from 7 to 9 pm during the spring and fall. This free, family-friendly outdoor event series takes place at the Oconaluftee Island Park in a beautiful, natural setting under the stars. It's a beloved Cherokee tradition, and not to be missed!