113th Cherokee Indian Fair Celebrates Culture, Community, and Tradition in Cherokee, North Carolina

By Cherokee 411 Staff

CHEROKEE, N.C. — The 113th Cherokee Indian Fair returns to the Qualla Boundary from Oct. 7–11, welcoming families, artists, and visitors to celebrate Cherokee culture through music, crafts, food, and community traditions.

Hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this year’s fair will take place at the Old Acquoni Expo Center and feature daily themed celebrations — Parade Day, Children’s Day, Elder’s Day, Veterans Day, and Community Day. Each day honors a unique part of Cherokee life, blending cultural pride with family-friendly fun.

Photo Courtesy: Visit Cherokee

The fair’s five-day schedule includes a parade through downtown Cherokee, performances by traditional dancers and musicians, stickball exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and a full carnival midway with rides and games. Local vendors will showcase handmade arts, beadwork, and traditional foods, continuing a fair tradition that began in 1914.

In addition to entertainment and exhibits, the event spotlights Cherokee agricultural heritage, with contests for homegrown produce, livestock, and traditional crafts. Visitors can also experience cultural demonstrations, storytelling, and food stands offering frybread, bean bread, and other Cherokee favorites.

General admission is $10 Tuesday through Friday and $20 on Saturday. Gates open daily at 10 a.m., and evening performances will continue through the night.

The Cherokee Indian Fair remains one of the longest-running Native cultural celebrations in the Southeast — a living expression of Cherokee identity and resilience.

For more details, visit VisitCherokeeNC.com.