Cherokee North Carolina Calendar of Events
Contact us to have an event added to our Calendar
info@thesmokiemountains.com        


June 2008
6 - 8 Cherokee Gourd Festival: This event is truly unique! Featuring classes and workshops on all facets of gourd manufacture and design. All this in a fun and lively festival atmosphere.
Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, Exit 74 (Hwy 441), US Hwy 74. 800-438-1601
June 7th thru Oct 25 Music in the Mountains: Every Saturday - 6:30-8:30 pm. Regional talent is showcased in a relaxed, outdoor venue located in the heart of historic downtown Bryson City. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of great music. Swain County Tourism Development Authority, 828-488-3681, 800-867-9246.
June 13th - Aug 30th "Unto These Hills...a retelling" — “Unto These Hills” debuted on July 1, 1950 and was in instant hit. The drama has shown at the open-air Mountainside Theatre each summer since then when Kermit Hunter, a non-Native, wrote the original version as a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A new version that debuted last year adopted a Cherokee perspective of the Eastern Band’s own history and included authentic costumes, traditional dance and music and – for the first time ever – a majority of Cherokee actors. Attendance rose last season and audiences gave the revised show a standing ovation after each performance. Over the decades, more than five million people have experienced this memorable outdoor drama.

Opens 7:30 p.m. nightly except Sundays

Cherokee Contact: Cherokee Historical Association Box Office- (828) 497-2111
June 14th GSMR Fathers Day Beer Dinner Train — Evening features a special menu paired with four premium beers brewed in the Carolinas. Departs from the Dillsboro Depot at 7:30 pm

Contact/Reservations: 1-800-872-4681
 
June 14th The Cherokee Voices Festival: The very best storytellers, dancers, musicians, and craftspeople of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are represented for a day of culture and fun. Whether you want to brush up on your Cherokee or dance the day away – this event has it all! The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Exit (US 441), US Hwy 74. 828-497-3481
June 17th - 21st Summerfest Carnival: This event is designed for the child in all of us! Carnival rides, games, and all the treats you can eat – all the lights, sounds, and aromas of the midway! Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, Exit 74 (Hwy 441), US Hwy 74.
800-438-1601
June 21st Mountain Music Championship: Individual competitions in fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and band. Individual instrument competitions begin at 1:00 pm, followed by band competitions about 7:00 pm. Stecoah, Hwy 28N, West of Bryson City. 828-479-3364.
June 23rd GSMR Wines of the New World Dinner Train — A special Gourmet Dinner Train featuring the pairing of premium wines from select vineyards of the New World. Departs at 7:30pm.

Contact/Reservations: 1-800-872-4681
June 30th - July 5th Inspirations Singing in the Smokies: Join the legendary gospel group - The Inspirations - for a musical extravaganza! Celebrate your faith in a family atmosphere complete with food, local arts and crafts, a fireworks display, and of course, great music and entertainment. Inspiration Park, exit 69 from Hwy. 74 or Hwy. 19 to Hyatt Creek Road. 828-497-2060.
July 2008
July 4 - 5 Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Hotel Presents: Trace Adkins: One of country music's favorite artists visits Cherokee for a 4th of July celebration! For more information call 1-800-HARRAHS
July 4 - 6 July Pow Wow: Traditional dance, storytelling, entertainment, games, arts and crafts and more are characteristic of this anticipated annual event. A spectacular show of evening fireworks is also featured on the 4th. Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, Exit 74 (US 441), Hwy 74. 800-438-1601.
July 4th Freedom Fest: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm. An old-fashioned mountain street festival at its best! A wide range of activities including a 5K footrace, pet show, kids area, “tater” cook-off, arts and crafts, and two stages of entertainment. The day culminates with the largest fireworks display in the Smokies at 10 pm. Come join us for an unforgettable 4th of July. Swain County Chamber of Commerce, 828-488-3681, 800-867-9246.
 
July 17th - 19th Festival of Native Peoples — Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds
Contact: Cherokee Welcome Center - (800) 438-1601 — Vendors Contact: John Grant - (828) 497-4496

This year our annual gathering of tribes from throughout the Americas takes its rightful place as the finest showcase of native dance, art, and culture in the southeast. The Festival of Native Peoples is an exposition of non-competitive dance, storytelling, and song performances expressing the collected history, culture, tradition, and wisdom of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. And for 2008, juried artists and artisans will return to Cherokee to display, show, and sell their beautiful work. The Cherokee Festival of Native Peoples is a unique event that is not to be missed.

Contact: (800) 438-1601
July 25th - Aug 3rd GSMR Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine — Nine fun-filled days, Thomas fans will meet Sir Topham Hatt and ride the train pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine. 30-minute ride, entertainment, petting zoo, storytelling, play center and more.

Contact: 800-872-468