How will Cherokee affect you?
The 111th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair promises five days of excitement and engaging activities that will create lasting memories for visitors of all ages!
From traditional stickball games and captivating competitions to authentic crafts, delectable food vendors, exhilarating rides, and games. The fair offers a diverse range of experiences for everyone. See below for the full Fair Week Schedule. We can't wait to see you there!
Tuesday through Friday: General Admission is $10.00 per day.
Saturday: General Admission is $20.00.
Free Admission: Enrolled members of federally recognized tribes can show their enrollment card at the gate for complimentary entry.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Cherokee Welcome Center
Email: josilong@ebci-nsn.gov
Phone: (828) 359-6490
Lisa Frady
Email: lisafrad@ebci-nsn.gov
Phone: (828) 788-1708
Cherokee Expo Center / Old High School Site
Get Directions
1501 Acquoni Rd
Cherokee, NC 28719
5:00 PM - Games Start
Immerse yourself in the excitement of traditional stickball games at Unity Field, as skilled teams compete, showcasing athleticism and strategy. No carnival rides, just stickball. Please visit 2023 Cherokee Indian Fair Stickball for the full schedule.
3:00 PM - Parade Start*
*For a detailed timeline of the parade, please visit Cherokee Indian Fair Parade 2023.
Join the spectacle of the Annual Cherokee Indian Fair Parade, featuring vibrant floats, marching bands, and beautiful smiling faces. The parade will start from the Casino Trail/intersection, taking a left onto 19 South through downtown Cherokee, crossing the bridge turning right onto 441 North, and ending at the traffic light by the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. The parade will then turn right across the bridge, taking the roundabout up toward the Ginger Lynn Complex to disband. Vehicles will disband to the left in GLW parking, and all floats will disband taking the route behind the Ginger Welch Complex. Roads close at 10AM. For more information, reach out to Josie Long at the Cherokee Welcome Center.
Gates Open: 5:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Fairgrounds are open from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, offering attractions, food vendors, and entertainment. Main Stage events begin at 7:00 PM.
7:00 PM - Welcome/Color Guard
Opening Prayer
National Anthem/Cherokee Anthem
Introduction of Chief, Vice Chief & Tribal Council
Royalty & Guard Marshal Introductions
8:00 PM - Elem. Dancers/Singers
8:45 PM - Storytelling
10:00 PM - Robert Runningwolf Band
Gates Open: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
A day brimming with joy for children, youth, and adults, featuring stickball games, games, and activities catering to all ages. Wristbands for minors beginning at 10:00am.
8:45 AM - Baby Crawling Registration Begins
9:00 AM - Exhibit Hall Opens
10:00 AM - Kids Ride Wristband Giveaway, Baby Crawling Contest Begins, Train Ride Begins
10:15 AM - Sign ups for Contest Begins
11:00 AM - Lunch Begins
11:15 AM - Robo Cars
11:30 AM - Boys Ax Throwing/Girls Lid Toss
11:45 AM - Turtle Race
12:00 PM - Rides Open
12:15 PM - Greast Pig Contest X 3
12:30 PM - Longest Hair Contest (5-7)
12:45 PM - Longest Hair Contest (8-12)
1:00 PM - Longest Hair Contest (13-17), Scheduled Stickball Games Begin
4:00 PM - Chicken Race
5:30 PM - WCU Drumline
6:30 PM - Youth Dance Contest
7:00 PM - Teen Dance Contest
7:30 PM - Tribe Called Praise
9:30 PM - J.A.M.
10:00 PM - Exhibit Hall Closes
Gates: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Commence the day with a captivating fashion show, spotlighting both traditional and contemporary Cherokee fashion at 2:00 PM. Witness the experience and wisdom of elders and adults as they compete in stickball games, celebrating their rich journey.
8:30 AM - Pre-Reigster for Cornhole
10:00 AM - Elder's Cornhole Tournament
10:30 AM - Field Events Begins, Maybell & Alfred
11:00 AM - Ice Breaker Questions
11:00 AM - Fashion Show - Fair Main Stage
11:30 AM - Lunch/Door Prizes
12:30 PM - Door Prizes
2:00 PM - Field Events Ends, Traditional Fashion Show
2:00 PM - Scheduled Stickball Games Begin
6:30 PM - Little & Junior Miss Pageant - Fair Main Stage
7:00 PM - Caroline Freight Shakers
9:00 PM - Whisker Mountain Band
10:00 PM - Exhibit Hall Closes
Gates Open: 8:00 AM- 11:00 PM
Express heartfelt gratitude to our veterans. The fairgrounds stand as a platform to honor their sacrifices, offering a day of appreciation and fostering community unity.
8:30 AM - Veteran's Breakfast
9:00 AM - Welcomings of Veterans
10:00 AM - Veterans Walk from Saunooke's Kiosk to Fair
11:00 AM - Lunch
12:00 PM - Opening Ceremony
Presentation of Colors/Cherokee Anthem
National Anthem/Invocation
POW/MIA Ceremony
Lew Hardin Welcoming
Principal Cheif Welcoming
Gift Presentation/Special Guest
Recognition of Veterans
Guest Speakers
1:45 PM - Closing Ceremony
2:00 PM - Closing Out Morning Events
2:00 PM - Veteran's Games
2:30 PM - Scheduled Stickball Games Begin
3:30 PM - Wiregrass Band
6:30 PM - Miss Cherokee Pageant - Fair Main Stage
7:00 PM - Thompson Brothers
8:00 PM - Trial By Fire
10:00 PM - Exhibit Closes
Gates Open and Archery Sign-ups Start: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Embrace the spirit of togetherness through community-led games, spirited stickball matches, and shared festivities. This celebration of unity will continue until midnight, forging lasting bonds.
8:30 AM - Archery & Blow Gun Begins
9:00 AM - Volleyball Tournament Begins
10:00 AM - Basket Making Class (Birdtown)
11:30 AM - Traditional Dancing (Big Cove)
1:00 PM - Cast Iron Throwing (Snowbird)
2:00 PM - Axe Throwing (Wolftown), Scheduled Stickball Games Begin
3:00 PM - Ryan Perry Band
4:00 PM - Frybread Eating Contest
5:00 PM - Wood Chopping
8:00 PM - The Romantics - Fair Main Stage
9:00 PM - Starship - Fair Main Stage
10:00 PM - Exhibit Hall Closes
10:30 PM - Neal Morgan
11:00 PM - Pretty Legs
