Turkey Shoots at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove) in Cherokee, N.C. Good fun, great prizes, great benefits.

• April 4 at 3 pm., fundraiser for medical expenses for Keniethea and Mario Esquivel
• April 18 at 3 p.m., fundraiser for Big Cove Free Labor

Egg-cellent 5K fun run and egg hunt. April 4 starting at 9a.m. Cherokee High School 86 Elk Crossing Ln., Cherokee, NC. 28719. support the Junior Class at Cherokee High School and help fund this year’s prom. Along the 3.1-mile course, runners will find color-coded eggs hidden throughout each mile. Participants may collect one egg per color — so keep your eyes open and choose wisely! Eggs may contain candy, small prizes, or a few “egg-stra” special surprises.Whether you’re racing for time or just out for a fun jog with friends, this event is designed to be family-friendly, festive, and just the right amount of competitive. Come ready to run, have fun, and make an egg-cellent difference for our Juniors. INFO: runsignup.com/race/nc/Cherokee/eggcellent5kfunrun.

Cheroke Childrens Home BINGO Fundraiser. April 11 doors open at 5 p.m. games start at 5:30 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrel Sports & Recreation Center, 1212 Birdtown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Concessions available. All proceeds go to the Cherokee Childrens Home. INFO: Sharon Dills (828) 507-7720

Get Real & Heal. Now – April 10. Mon. Wed. & Fridays at 10 a.m. at the Cherokee Fitness Complex 810 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. FREE 12 week group exercise program for patients who have had a cancer diagnosis. Info: Sherri.Watterson@Cherokeehospital.org

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance(VITA) Now – April 15, Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. call for an appointment (828) 359-6001.

Super Hero Walk/ Ride. April 4 from 10:15 a.m. – 2 p.m. meet at the Museum of the Cherokee People parking lot 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Everyone is invited to join PHHS family Safety and community partners for an afternoon dedicated to raising awareness and providing education about child abuse. Walk, Bike or ride! Motorcycles, side by sides and cars are welcome to join. Activities to follow at Unity Field. INFO: Amy Nations (828) 359-1520.

Indoor Yard Sale. April 18 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center 1416 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. INNFO: Virginia (828) 788-8659 or Dakota (828) 7336-8092.

Spring Garden Fair. April 24 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center 1416 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Featuring seeds, plants, yard art, education, and a re-purpose it contest for youth ages 5-17. Garden kits will be given away from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.(must show enrollment card). NAIWA will be serving sausage biscuits and Indian dinners. INFO: Lucille (828) 736-5285, Mariah (828) 788-3071 or email Carmaleta at carmaleta@msn.com

Spring Rod Run. April 24- 25 Old Cherokee High School Site, 1501 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Thousands in Cash Giveaways, Early Bird Show and Shine Thursday after Lunch, Tool Box and Cooler Scooter Raffles, 50/50, Cruise Thru the Great Smokies National Park, Participant Meal, Valve Cover Racing, Model Car Contest, Vendors, Swap Meet, Food Vendors, Home Built Trophies, and More! Pre-Register before April 10 and be entered for a huge cash prize. Info: Cherokeerodders.com

Visitors Celebration Day. May 16 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Cherokee Welcome Center 498 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC.28719. Traditional dancing, music, arts & crafts, storytelling, stickball demonstrations, food trucks and more. INFO (828) 359-6490.

Cherokee Singers Gathering. April 15 and April 22. from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Wolftown Community Building, 12 Burgess Dr., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Space is limited. EBCI singers and dancers of all ages are invited to join, each gathering will focus on different social dances. INFO: Cherokee Winter Social on Facebook.

Annual Kituwah Celebration. June 6 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Kituwah Mound 3831 Ela Rd., Bryson City, NC. 28713. Social dances, entertainment, stickball demonstrations, food, community gathering. Call (828) 359-6406 to be a vendor, artisan, farmer, crafter or demonstrator.

NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.

Qualla Boundary Historical Society. meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Yellowhill Community Building 918 Acquoni Rd. Cherokee, NC. 28719. Eeryone is welcome to attend the meetings, can join and be a member. The Society is organized to promote, preserve, and educate members of the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), residents of the Qualla Boundary, and others so interested in Cherokee culture, history, arts and crafts, and genealogy/family histories. Follow on Facebook: Qualla Boundary Historical Society. 

(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)

Dinilawigi Regular Session. April 2 at 8:30 a.m.

HIP Committee. April 8 at 8:30 a.m.

Lands Committee. April 9 at 9 a.m.

Parks & Rec. Committee. April 9 at 1 p.m.

Lands Acquisition Committee. April 13 at 1 p.m.

Health Board. April 15 at 8:30 a.m.

Qualla Housing Committee. April 16 at 8:30 a.m.

Roads Commission. April 20 at 9 a.m.

Timber Committee. April 20 at 10:30 a.m.

Planning Board. April 20 at 1 p.m.

Lands Committee. April 23 at 9 a.m.

Concerts and Shows

Three Dog Night concert. March 27 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Three Dog Night Tickets Mar 27, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Santana concert on his “The Oneness Tour”. April 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Santana: Oneness Tour 2026 Tickets Apr 04, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Warren Zeiders concert. April 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Warren Zeiders World Tour 2026 Tickets Apr 10, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Styx concert. April 25 at 7:30 p.m. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Styx Tickets Apr 25, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

ZZ Top concert. May 1 at 9 p.m. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: ZZ Top Tickets May 01, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Yacht Rock Revue soft-rock party band concert. May 8 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Yacht Rock Revue – PRIMETIME Presented by CANN Tickets May 08, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Earth, Wind, and Fire concert. May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Earth, Wind & Fire Tickets May 16, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Jeff Dunham comedy show. May 22 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence Tickets May 22, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Jodeci concert. May 29 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Jodeci Tickets May 29, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Matt Mathews concert on his “Boujee On A Budget Tour”. June 5 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Matt Mathews: Boujee On A Budget Tickets Jun 05, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest – Announcing pre-sale Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. 

• Finals live in the Event Center June 13 I Ages 21+ I Winner competes in world semifinals in Graceland this August
• Preliminary rounds held at Myst Bar June 12
• Elvis Tribute Artist will be greeting guests throughout property all weekend long
• Friday, June 12
  • 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Elvis cameos/meet & greets on property
  • 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Ultimate Elvis Contest Rounds 1 & 2 on Myst Bar stage
•  Saturday, June 13
  • 1 p.m.: Ultimate Elvis Contest Round 3 on Myst Bar Stage
  • 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Elvis cameos/meet & greets on property
  • 7:30 p.m.to 9 p.m.: Ultimate Elvis Contest Finals in Event Center
• Tickets available via Ticketmaster (page will go live Feb. 16) I presale code TMELVIS26 I On sale 10 a.m. Feb.

Morgan Jay on his “The Goofy Guy Tour”. June 19 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Morgan Jay: The Goofy Guy Tour Tickets Jun 19, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Grand Funk Railroad on its “Still Shinin’ On Tour”. Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Grand Funk Railroad: Still Shinin’ On Tour Tickets Aug 01, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Promotions and Other Events

• Round trip airfare for two
• Ground transportation to and from airport and hotel
• Hotel accommodations for two
• Two tickets to a Braves Spring Training game on March 14 in North Port, FL

28^th Annual A.I.L.Y.C. Spring Pow Wow. April 4 at the McCurtain County Sports Complex in Broken Bow, Okla. MC: Michael Loman. Host Northern Drum: Little Eagle. Host Southern Drum: Southern Pine. Info: Faith Jacob (580) 306-5692, fhparra@bbisdapp.org, or Brad Willis (580) 236-9537, zerosmoke42@gmail.com

Colorado College Native American Student Union Annual Pow Wow. April 4 at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colo. MC: Leo Chico Her Many Horses. Host Northenr Drum: Mile High. Host Southern Drum: Leading Arrow. Info: Debbie Howell at dhowell@coloradocollege.edu

Yellowhorse Pow Wow Celebration. April 4-5 at The Common aka Founders Hall in Collegedale, Tenn. MC: Jamie Oxendine. Host Drums: Rattlesnake Mountain, The Wild Bunch. Info: Tammera Hicks (423) 240-7270, Naservices.org@gmail.com

Rocky Mountain College Pow Wow. April 4 at the Metra Park Montana Pavilion in Billings, Mont. Emcees: Jerome White Hip and Leonard Bends. Host Drum: Wolf Bear. Info: Ja’Zell Pease (406) 657-1090, nao@rocky.edu

MSUB Pow Wow. April 10-11 at MSU Billings PE Building in Billings, Mont. MC: Ruben Littlehead. Host Drum: Bad War Cloud. Info: https://msubillings.edu/powwow

NCIPA 32^nd Annual Pow Wow and Art Market. April 10-12 at Northside Aztlan Community Center in Fort Collins, Colo. Emcees: Corky Old Horn, Zach Rockwell. Host Northern Drum: Meskwaki Nation. Host Southern Drum: Bad Medicine. Info: ncipa.pw@gmail.com

5^th Annual Pow Wow of Arts and Culture. April 11 at Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, Del. MC: Keith Colston. Host Drum: Red Blanket. Info: Iz Balleto (302) 351-8552, lballeto@delart.org

35^th Annual Cherokee County Mother’s Day Pow Wow & Indian Festival. May 9-10 at Boling Park in Canton, Ga. MC: Ray Silva. Host Drum: Red Boys. Info: (770) 735-6275, rollingthunder34@ymail.com, or visit www.rthunder.com

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410

Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788

Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C.  For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.

MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi

Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org

The Great Vigil of Easter. April 4 at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church18 Jackson St., Sylva, N.C. 28779. The Great Vigil of Easter is the first celebration of Easter and is one of the most beautiful and ancient services in the Christian tradition. They begin in darkness with the lighting of a fire outside. The fire is used to light a large Paschal candle, celebrating the victory of love and life over hatred and death. Through scripture, prayer, and song we remember God’s saving work throughout history, renew our baptismal covenant, and celebrate the first Eucharist of Easter. This powerful and joyful service moves from darkness into light as we proclaim together: Alleluia! Christ is risen! All are welcome to this special night of celebration. Desserts will follow. Info: (828) 586-8358

Easter Sunday, April 5 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church18 Jackson St., Sylva, N.C. 28779. Join for a joyful Easter Sunday celebration as they gather to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the power of God’s resurrecting love in our world. The service will include Holy Eucharist, special music, prayer, and the celebration of new life. They’ll also attempt to sing Handel’s Halleluja Chorus. Following the service, children are invited to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt on the church grounds. All are welcome. Info: (828) 586-8358

Appalachian True Heritage Festival. April 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Downtown Historic Waynesville, NC. 28786. A day of activities celebrating Appalachian heritage, including a vendor market for handmade art and heritage craft demonstrations. INFO: www.visitwaynesvillenc.com

5^th Annual Fiber Fair. April 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days. At the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center 123 Cromwell Dr., Townsend, TN. 37882. A celebration of time-honored craftsmanship where wool is spun, skills are shared, and fiber art lovers can browse to their heart’s content. Over two days, more than 20 vendors will fill the Heritage Center’s historic grounds. Throughout the weekend, experienced fiber artists will demonstrate traditional techniques and lead hands-on workshops rooted in Appalachian tradition. Local spinners and weavers will also be onsite, showcasing the enduring skills that shaped many aspects of mountain life. Info: (865) 448-0044 online at: gsmheritagecenter.org

Greening up the Mountains. April 25 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Downtown Sylva, NC. 28779. Greening Up the Mountains Festival, now in its 28th year, is a heritage arts festival that celebrates the arrival of Spring and Earth Day through both traditional and contemporary forms of Appalachian art, music, food, and beverage which honor our community and local artisans. The festival is sponsored by both the Town of Sylva and the Main Street Sylva Association and will be held in Historic Downtown Sylva, North Carolina. The Greening Up The Mountains Festival enjoys crowds of upwards of 12,000 attendees and has 150 vendor booth spaces. In addition to a variety of arts, crafts, and food vendors, attendees can enjoy a 5k run, beverage arts featuring local craft breweries, and live music throughout the day. INFO: Greeningupthemountains.com

150^th Anniversary Celebration. April 26 at 4:30 p.m. at the Shelton House 49 Shelton St., Waynesville, NC. 28786. Enjoy an evening craft, music, food and history. Guest Speaker Ron Rash. INFO: www.shelton-house.org/events.

Forest Bathing Guided Walk. April 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Mingus Mill Parking Lot in Cherokee, N.C. Join certified guide Debby Singleton for a therapeutic stroll to experience the restorative benefits of the forest. This is a Smokies Life Branch Out event. Cost: For Park Keepers, $45; to join and attend, $85 (Park Keeper basic membership $40+ event registration $45). Info: https://SmokiesLife.org/branch-out-events, or email: membership@smokieslife.org

Stampede in the Smokies. May 1 and 2 gates open at 6 p.m. action begins at 8 p.m. at the Great Smoky Mountains Event Park 113 Hyatt Creek Rd., Bryson City, NC. 28713 To enter text (864) 784 – 4110 by April 28. Info: rodeoroadshow.rodeoticket.com/stampede-in-the-smokies/rodeo-information.

Kids Take over the Museum. May 4 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  At the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center 123 Cromwell Dr., Townsend, TN. 37882. There is no shortage of activities for your young crafter or artist, get their hands and minds busy on basket weaving, blacksmithing, and pottery making.  Over 25 demonstrations, on-site vendors and special events are lined up for this huge day at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Visitors play loads of games that were popular choices for kids on the mountain homestead. Plus, representatives from the Museum of the Cherokee will be on hand to share their cultural heritage.  Info: (865) 448-0044 online at: gsmheritagecenter.org

Forest Bathing Guided Walk. April 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Mingus Mill Parking Lot in Cherokee, N.C. Join certified guide Debby Singleton for a therapeutic stroll to experience the restorative benefits of the forest. This is a Smokies Life Branch Out event. Cost: For Park Keepers, $45; to join and attend, $85 (Park Keeper basic membership $40+ event registration $45). Info: https://SmokiesLife.org/branch-out-events, or email: membership@smokieslife.org

First Annual Spring Men’s Retreat. May 9 – 10 at Camp Living Waters1510 W Dep Creek Rd., Bryson City, NC. 28713. All men, all churches, all invited. Speaker Jonathan Frady. FREE, signs up are now open. INFO: Foreman bradley (423) 579-2807 or Eddie Morrow (828) 507-2271.

High Elevation Birds & Blooms. May 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Thomas Divide Trailhead in Bryson City, N.C. Starting at an elevation of 4,650 feet, stroll through a northern hardwoods forest and observe the birds and blooms that call the high peaks home. This is a Smokies Life Branch Out event. Cost: For Park Keepers, $45; to join and attend, $85 (Park Keeper basic membership $40+ event registration $45). Info: https://SmokiesLife.org/branch-out-events, or email: membership@smokieslife.org

Living History. May 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days. At Sam Houston School House 3650 Old Sam Houston School Rd., Maryville, TN. 37804. Vendors, food truck, kettle corn, re-enactors and so much more! INFO: (865) 983-1550.

Statehood Day. May 31 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum  576 HWY 360 Vonore, Tenn. 37885. Celebration of Tennessee Statehood Day . On June 1, 1796, Congress approved the admission of Tennessee as the sixteenth state of the Union. Our 1809 Blacksmith shop will be open with demonstrations going on throughout the afternoon. Come out and share the afternoon with living history in our 1800’s Dog-trot Log cabin. Learn about Cherokee’s in the Civil War. The museum is named for Sequoyah, a Cherokee, who could not read or write in any language, who perfected a system for reading and writing the Cherokee language so that the nation and its heritage would live forever. This year is the bicentennial of Sequoyah finishing his syllabary. Our acorn printing press will be doing demonstrations throughout the day. All Statehood Day activities are free and also enjoy free admission to the museum. INFO: (423) 884-6246

Intro to Night Sky Photography Webinar. June 2 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn the fundamentals of astrophotography, including gear essentials, composition and camera settings, and ways to help reduce light pollution in your area. This is a Smokies Life Branch Out event. Cost: For Park Keepers, $45; to join and attend, $85 (Park Keeper basic membership $40+ event registration $45). Info: https://SmokiesLife.org/branch-out-events, or email: membership@smokieslife.org

Sequoyah Remembrance Day. Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum  576 HWY 360 Vonore, Tenn. 37885. Come by and learn about the amazing history of Sequoyah! At the museum dedicated to the life and story of Sequoyah, creator of the Cherokee written language. INFO: (423) 884-6246

35^th Annual Cherokee Festival. Sept. 12 & 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum  576 HWY 360 Vonore, Tenn. 37885. Cherokee Arts and crafts demonstrations, Cherokee storytelling, flute playing, Cherokee dances, name written in Cherokee, genealogy help, craft vendors and food vendors.  INFO: (423) 884-6246

Join our Local Advisory Council. Help shape the future of mentorship on the Qualla Boundary. Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Western North Carolina. Seeking community leaders, parents, retirees, business owners and residents to join the local advisory council. Contact Brandon Fouts email brandonF@bbswnc.org  or call (828) 347-6097.