Cruise the Smokies Spring Rod Run

Sponsored by the North American Indian Women’s Association (NAIWA), the Strawberry Festival features fresh berries, delicious recipes, strawberry products, and fun activities for the whole family. Admission is free to the public. 

We cordially invite you to the Cherokee Welcome Center on May 28, where we’ll be saying sgi, or "thank you" with Cherokee craftspeople, face painting, traditional dancing, clogging, authentic storytelling, and music. There wil be food trucks onsite for your enjoyment as well.

Admission to the event is free.

In the event of rain, the event will be rescheduled to a later date.

The most fun you can have on four hooves.

The Seven Clans Rodeo is thundering across the prairies, over the Great Smokies, and riding into town for your entertainment. Sponsored by the Southern Rodeo Association, this is a big-money rodeo with professional cowboys competing for $1,200. 

Events include Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc riding, Bareback, Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, Tie Down Roping, and Bull Riding. It’s two days full of skills competitions and fun for everyone—unless you’re one of the riders holding on for dear life. 

Don’t miss it.

Tickets at the Wecome Center and Alan's Pawn & Jewelry:
Kids (3 years old and under): Free
Kids (4-11 years old): $8-10
Adults (12 years old+): $13-15

Amazing tales as told by the Cherokee storytellers themselves.

Imagine you’re gathered around a roaring bonfire, the occasional spark shooting high into the night sky, as a strong but gentle voice begins a story you’ve never heard. As the drama builds, you’re nearly breathless, your own heartbeat matching the occasional beat of the hand drum the storyteller uses. Drawing from a rich oral tradition dating back millennia, the Cherokee Bonfire runs throughout the tourism season, and is an enchanting way to interact with the rich details of the Cherokee people and their stories. Get your room reserved in Cherokee, grab a blanket and someone close to you, and enjoy a cultural experience only Cherokee can offer.

The Bonfire stories crackles from 7:00–9:00 p.m. on the following dates at Oconaluftee Islands Park, on Tsali Blvd.:

May 28-30 and then Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, June 1–October 31, 2022.