Cherokee Blog

Every member of the family can plan on having a good time at the Cherokee Indian Fair Tuesday, October 3, through Saturday, October 7, 2017. It’s an event that combines the familiar joy of carnival rides and games that adults may remember experiencing from their childhood, along with traditional Cherokee stickball games, crafts, and food vendors.

If you want to experience elk in Cherokee, the fall “rut” or breeding season is one of the most exciting times to visit. Between mid-September and late October, you can hear “bugling"—the distinctive call of the bulls during the mating season. We spoke to Caleb R. Hickman, PhD, Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Biologist for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, about these amazing creatures and for tips on safe viewing. 

The 14th annual Open Air Indian Art Market takes place on Saturday, August 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This special event highlights artists of the Eastern Band of Cherokee who are members of Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual. The Open Air Indian Market promotes traditional Cherokee arts and crafts and provides a special opportunity for the public to meet the makers and watch live craft demonstrations.

Calling all hikers, bikers, and runners! If you haven’t yet experienced the Cherokee Fire Mountain Trail, then you’re in for a treat. Last June, The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians officially opened the system. Free to the public, and open all day (every day), the 10.5-mile, mixed-use network provides guests with a variety of paths (seven trails in total).

Bikers from around the country are revving their engines for the Cherokee Blue Ridge Run, September 8–10, 2017. Motorcycle enthusiasts will travel to Cherokee, NC, for this family-friendly event that features concerts, games, shows, prizes, vendors, and so much more!