The Summer Carnival will feature bright lights, rides, cotton candy, and caramel apples! Fun for the whole family!

Join us over three days as dancers from across the country come to Cherokee to compete in Traditional, Jingle, Grass, and Fancy Dancing styles. 
 

Schedule of Events

*Subject to change.
 

Friday, June 30th

• Noon - Registration Begins
• 5pm until close - Arts & Crafts/Concessions Opens
• 7:30pm - Grand Entry
• 7:30pm until close - Exhibitions and Points Start
  • Tony Tots Exhibition
  • Juniors' Exhibition
  • Teen Exhibition
  • Adults' Exhibition
  • Senior Exhibition

Saturday, July 1st

• 9am to 12pm - Registration/Gates open to the public
• 1pm - Grand Entry
• 1:30pm to 5pm - Contests and Exhibitions
  • Tiny Tot Contest
  • Senior Contest (men/women)
  • Intertribal
  • Junior Girls Contest
  • Junior Boys Contest
  • Intertribal
  • Teen Girls Contest
  • Teen Boys Contest
  • Adult Men Exhibition
  • Adult Women Exhibition
• 5pm to 6:30pm - Supper Break
• 6:45pm - Drum Roll Call
• 7pm - Grand Entry
• 6pm to 10pm - Contests and Exhibitions
  • Tiny Tot Exhibition
  • Senior Exhibition (men/women)
  • Special Contests
  • Junior Girls Exhibition
  • Junior Boys Exhibition
  • Intertribal
  • Teen Girls Exhibition
  • Teen Boys Exhibition
  • Women Northern Traditional Contest
  • Women Southern Traditional Contest
  • Women Jingle Contest
  • Women Fancy Contest
  • Men Northern Traditional Contest
  • Men Straight Contest
  • Men Grass Contest
  • Men Fancy Contest
• 10pm - 47th Annual 4th of July Fireworks

​
Sunday, July 2nd

• 1pm to 6pm - Special Contests, Tie Breaks, and Intertribal Dances
• 6pm - Winners Are Called

Cherokee history isn’t just the past. In Oconaluftee Indian Village, it’s alive, well, and amazing.

As you enter the soft trails of the village, it’s no longer the 21st century: you’re immediately transported to the 1760s. You won’t need your robotic-voiced GPS here. The faint tang of wood smoke wafts by as you are led by a Cherokee cultural expert on an interactive journey through Cherokee lifestyle and history. Your guide will show you the way through the winding paths, flanked with traditional Cherokee dwellings, work areas, and sacred ritual sites. Delight in cultural dances amid the swaying oaks and sycamores. As you wander, interact with villagers as they hull canoes, sculpt pottery and masks, weave baskets, and fashion beadwork. Watch as a village prepares for war. Be amazed by a blowgun demonstration. Oconaluftee Indian Village is much more than just a place; it’s living history. 
 

WHERE:
288 Drama Road, Cherokee, NC 

DATES:
Tuesday through Saturday
Ending October 28th, 2023

TIMES:
9:30am to 4:30pm
Guided tours leave every 15 minutes

PRICES:
Adult tickets start at $25
Child tickets start at $15
Children 5 and under are free

For group sales, call 828-497-2111 x205 or email GroupsAndTouring@CherokeeAdventure.com

"Music by the River" Returns for a Summer of Family Fun!
 

6/16 - Thompson Brothers

This talented acoustic duo will surely captivate you with their soulful melodies and exceptional musicianship.

6/23 - Eastern Blue Band

Expect a soul-sitrring blues performance and prepare to be moved by their electrifying music and heartfelt lyrics that transcend genre boundaries.

6/24 - Tribe Called Praise

Prepare for an uplifting gospel experience that will inspire and uplift the spirits of all in attendance.

6/30 - Runningwolf Band

Experience a unique blend of country and blues. Their infectious energy and unforgettable tunes are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on music enthusiasts of all kinds.
 

Unto These Hills is performed under the stars at Mountainside Theatre each summer. As you enjoy the fresh air in our 2100 seat amphitheater, it's easy to get lost in the Cherokee story of struggling and uplifting triumph. Experience the power of Cherokee performing arts in a live production certain to move you.

Purchase tickets.