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

NAIWA will be selling Indian Tacos. Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. until gone during Qualla-Ween at Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc. in Cherokee, N.C. $10 each

October Health Screen. Oct. 22 from 5 p.m. – 7p.m. at the Big Y Gym 2641 Wrights Creek Rd., Cherokee, NC 28719. Theme: Breast Cancer awareness and self screening. Also BP checks and BMI checks, Resources and Mammo scheduling. With Trudy Crowe, FNP.

Homecoming 2026. Oct. 25 starting at 10:30 a.m. at Yellowhill Baptist Church, 297 Yellowhill Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Fellowship dinner following services. Preaching by Bro. Sam Steele. Various Singers. Everyone welcome.

National First Responders Appreciation Day. Oct. 26 from 11 a.m – 2 p.m. at Acquoni Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall 722 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Squads on and off duty are invited to drop in for a meal.

Trunk or Treat. Oct.. 26 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Donald “Kool-aid” Queen Gym 27 Long Branch Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. FREE to all, treat bags provided INFO: (828)359-4823.

Halloween Event. Oct. 26 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Tsali Care Center 267 Tsali Care Way, Cherokee, NC. 28719. A family friendly trick or treating with the residents of Tsali Care. Trick or treat bags provided upon entry. INFO: (828) 497-5048

Kolanvyi Halloween Fest. Oct. 27 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Big Cove Gym 8715 Big Cove Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Games, food and lots of fun. Everyone welcome. Costume contest starts at 6:30 p.m.

Yellowhill Halloween Party. Oct. 29 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Yellowhill Community Building 918 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Fun games, prizes, cake walk, candy & drinks and more.

Scare-okee. Oct. 29 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Acquoni Expo Center 1501 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. A night of Halloween magic featuring trick or treating, food trucks, music and spooky fun for all ages.

Towstring  Trunk or Treat. Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. Towstring Commuity Building 1216 Towstring Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Costume Contest, bring your favorite spooky side dish, and cake walk.

Happy Holiday RV Village Trunk or Treat. Oct. 30 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Happy Holiday RV Village, 1553 Wolfetown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Open to the public. INFO: (828)497-9204.

Qualla-ween. Beginning Oct. 1 – 31 at various locations: Museum of the Cherokee People 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Mountainside Theatre 688 Drama Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Oconaluftee Indian Village 226 Indian Village Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Qualla Arts & Crafts 645 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Legendary Fears: The Sgili(Ghost) Hunt, Legendary fears: Spearfinger’s Awakening, Fear as a teacher Exhibit, Shape Shifters, Cherokee Art Heist. INFO: Following Qualla-ween on Facebook.

Prevention Partnership Event. Nov. 10 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Acquoni Expo Center, 1501 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC 28719. Giveaways, prizes, FREE car seat checks, children’s activities, food truck and community vendors, see community service vehicles in person.

11^th Annual Speak to the Mountain. Nov 11 – Nov. 15 nightly at 7 p.m. Sunday morning at 11 a.m. New Song Church 3548 Wolfetown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. INFO: newsongcherokee@gmail.com

Turkey Strut 5K. Nov. 21 registration at 11 a.m., race begins at 12 p.m. Kituwah Mound 3831 Ela Rd, Bryson City, NC. 28713. Sponsored by Cherokee Choices. INFO: (828)359-6784.

ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏂᏬᏂᏍᎩ ᏗᏓᏅᏓᏗᏍᏗ ᎢᎦ  tsalagi aniwonisgi didandadisdi iga (Cherokee Speakers Memorial Day) ceremony. Nov 24 at 10 a.m. at the Cherokee Speakers Place. Join to honor and remember the Cherokee speakers whose voices, wisdom, and dedication have helped preserve and sustain language for future generations.

Resilient Family Adventure. Dec. 1 from 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Cherokee Choices 806 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Resilience adventure for the whole family. Activity stations with nature inspired arts, crafts and stories. Food & fun. INFO: robibail@ebci-nsn.gov

NAIWA Christmas Bazaar. Dec. 10-11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Pam Taylor Painttown Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Indian Dinners w/drink will be available for $15 on Thursday, Dec. 10 and soup/chili/cornbread on Friday. Tables are $10/each. Info: Lucille Wolfe (828) 736-5285

Cherokee Heritage Day. Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m at New Echota State Historic Site 1211 Chatsworth Hwy NE., Calhoun, GA. 30701. Cherokee Language Repertory Choir, Cherokee Artist Demonstrations, Cherokee Vendors, Ranger Demonstrations, Food Vendors, raffle and silent auction. INFO: (706) 624-1321

Junalauksa Wreath Laying Ceremony. Nov. 5 starting at 11 a.m. Junaluska gravesite 151 Boring St., Robbinsville, NC. 28771. INFO: kaylrock@ebci-nsn.gov or angejump@ebci-nsn.gov.

6^th Annual Cherokee Winter Social. Jan. 30, 2027 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrel Sports and Recreation Complex 1212 Birdtown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. MC: Catcuce Tiger. Everyone welcome. Traditional dress encouraged. All Cherokee Dance groups welcome, bring your rattles and drums. Nikki’s Frybread will be set up. INFO: CHEROKEEWINTERSOCIAL@GMAIL.COM

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.)

Work Session on Res. No. 294 (Disbursement of TABCC Funding). Oct. 15 at 9 a.m.

Work Session on Ord. No. 251 (Spousal Inheritance of Possessory Holdings). Oct. 15 at 10 a.m.

Work Session on Ord. No. 212 (Public Nuisance). Oct 15 at 11 a.m.

Work Session on Golf Board. Oct. 15 at 1 p.m.

Work Session on Ord. No. 252 (Establish the Committee of Aging and Disability). Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.

Roads Commission. Oct. 19 at 9 a.m.

Timber Committee. Oct. 19 at 10:30 a.m.

Planning Board. Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.

Health Board. Oct. 21 at 8:30 a.m.

Work Session on Cherokee Language Program. Oct. 21 at 1 p.m.

Concerts and Shows

Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Live. Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Live Tickets Aug 14, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Travis Tritt. Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Travis Tritt Tickets Sep 19, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Mike Epps. Oct. 2 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Mike Epps Tickets Oct 02, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Promotions and Other Events

Chambers Farm Intertribal Pow Wow. Oct. 23-25 in Fort McCoy, Fla. MC: Rick Bird. Host Drum: Gray Cloud. Info: ChambersFarm2025@gmail.com

Halloween Round Dance. Oct. 24 at Wichita Community Building in Anadarko, Okla. MC: Jason Lightfoot. Head Singers: JR Ross, John Hamilton, Tristian Raw. Info: (405) 394-1203 or (405) 638-1817

North Texas Pow Wow. Oct. 24 at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas. MC: Marty Thurman. Host Northern Drum: White Eagle. Host Southern Drum: Wild Band of Comanches. Info: info@indigcommunity.org

Manito Ahbee Pow Wow. Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Info: (204) 956-1849, info@manitoahbee.com

14^th Annual Gitchi Gami Veterans Pow Wow. Nov. 6 in Ashland, Wisc. Info: Joseph Corbine (715) 682-7089, jcorbine@sdak12.net

Choctaw Pow Wow. Nov. 6-8 at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, Okla. Emcees: Howie Thomson, Marty Thurman. Info: powwow@choctawnation.com

Sacred Path X The Autry Museum Pow Wow. Nov. 7 at the Autry Museum in Los Angeles, Calif. Info: powwwow@sacredpath.org

San Carlos Apache Tribe Veteran’s Pow Wow. Nov. 7-8 at San Carlos High School in Peridot, Ariz. Emcees: Chris Dinehdahl, Erny Zah. Host Northern Drum: Ho-Chunk Station. Host Southern Drum: Cozad. Info: Kodee Goseyun (928) 475-1794, kodee.goseyun@scat-nsn.gov

Veterans Gourd Dance and Pow Wow. Nov. 7 at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle, Wash. MC: Arli Neskahi. Host Drum: Quahada. Info: Benjamin Bryer (206) 450-0969, veterans@unitedindians.org

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.

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

Cherohala Skyway Festival. Oct. 24 from 10a.m. – 5 p.m.  by the Charles Hall Museum 122 Bank St., Tellico Plains, TN. 37385. Special Josh Graves music tribute. Free admission. Handmade items from many talented crafters and artisans! Vendors offer everything from paintings and photographs, pottery, floral arrangements, wood crafts and turnings, doll clothes, dolls, toys, jewelry, candles, soap, and decorative accessories. Lots of kids activities. Food trucks onsite.  INFO: (423)253-8000

Cherokee Heritage Day. Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m at New Echota State Historic Site 1211 Chatsworth Hwy NE., Calhoun, GA. 30701. Cherokee Language Repertory Choir, Cherokee Artist Demonstrations, Cherokee Vendors, Ranger Demonstrations, Food Vendors, raffle and silent auction. INFO: (706) 624-1321

Holiday Herbal Class. Oct. 24at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center 123 Crowmwell Dr., Townsend, NC. 37882. INFO: (865) 448-0044.

Forest Bathing Guided Walk Oct. 30. From 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. meet at  Oconaluftee Visitor Center 1194 Newfound Gap Rd Cherokee, NC. 28719. Walk along the Kephart Prong Trail on the North Carolina side of the park near Bryson City and Cherokee, slow down and reconnect with nature this immersive experience is designed to highlight the restorative benefits of spending time in the forest.  .  INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Halloween Trick or Treat Farm Tours. Oct. 31 space is limited, get a ticket to reserve your spot. Winchester Alapaca Farm  386 Walker Rd., Waynesville, NC. 28786. Trick or treaters 12 and under will receive lots of treats along our guided Halloween farm tour. Pet and feed the animals, wear your costume. Treat bags provided. INFO: (828) 246-9486.

Bryson City Trick or Treat Downtown. Oct. 31 from 4 p.m. – 7p.m. Bryson City Downtown, Everett Street. Bryson City, NC. 28713. Trick or treat at local businesses, leashed dogs welcome, fun for the whole family.

Grandma Gatewood’s Walk Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the Great Smokies Welcome Center 7929 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy Townsend, Tenn.  37882. Explores the inspiring story of the first woman to solo hike the Appalachian Trail in 1955. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.or

21^st Annual Pottery Festival. Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Bridge Park 76 Railroad Ave., Sylva, NC. 28779. Throwing and firing demonstrations. INFO: (800)962-1911 or WNCPotteryFestival.com

Aunt Liddy Monologue Nov. 12  from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the Great Smokies Welcome Center 7929 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy Townsend, Tenn.  37882. Introduces audiences to Lydia Kear Whaley, a midwife, healer and Civil War widow who lived in Sugarlands from 1840 to 1926. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

SCC Holiday Market. Nov. 14 from 1 0 a.m. – 4 p.m. at SCC Swain Center 60 Almond School Rd., Bryson City, NC. 28713.

Holiday Herbal Class. Nov. 20 at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center 123 Crowmwell Dr., Townsend, NC. 37882. INFO: (865) 448-0044.

Holiday in the Smokies. Nov. 20 and Nov. 21 10 a.m – 6 p.m. Sevierville Fairgrounds 754 Old Knoxville Hwy., Sevierville, TN. 37862. Craft vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, holiday vendors, Santa Claus noon – 5 p.m. both days. INFO: (865)388-0099.

Regal Raptors & Short-eared Owls  Nov. 30  from 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Cades Cove Orientation Shelter, Cades Cove Loop Rd. Townsend, Tenn. 37782.  experience an evening of “owl-ology” where participants will learn about these remarkable birds of prey. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org