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

Veterans Stand Down. May 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrell Sports & Recreation Complex at 1212 Birdtown Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Available resources: Medicaid enrollment, health screenings, mental health services, housing/shelter assistance, peer support, veterans benefits assistance, gear distribution, haircuts, training opportunities, crisis and recovery services, and lunch is provided. Info: Gerard Ball (828) 359-6184, samuball@ebci-nsn.gov

Community Open House for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, May 8 from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the lobby of Analenesgi at the Cherokee Indian Hospital, 1 Hospital Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Meet the child and family services team, learn about programs and services, explore resources, free giveaway. INFO: (828) 497-9163 ext 6549.

Kolanvyi Day (new date). May 9 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Kolanvyi Fields on Big Cove Rd (Just above the Cherokee Central Schools) Cherokee, NC. 28719. Stickball games, vendors, storytelling, entertainment, cornhole tournament. INFO: Butch (828) 506-8936 or Cindee (828) 736-7879.

NAIWA Strawberry Festival. May 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Featuring strawberry pancakes and strawberry shortcake and hamburgers. Vendor space available at $10 per table. To reserve a table, call Hope Pheasant (828) 736-5453

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.

40^th Anniversary of Fading Voices. May 23 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Little Snowbird 1897 Little Snowbird Rd., Robbinsville, NC. 28771. Mound Building at 11 a.m.(bring a cup or turtle shell full of dirt from home).  Celebrate Snowbird Cherokee heritage, language and community. There will be Cherokee food, music, dance, crafts and games. FREE admission.

NAIWA Blueberry Festival. Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Featuring blueberry pancakes. Vendor space available at $10 per table. To reserve a table, call Hope Pheasant (828) 736-5453

Kolanvyi Day. May 2 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Kolanvyi Fields on Big Cove Rd (Just above the Cherokee Central Schools) Cherokee, NC. 28719. Stickball games, vendors, storytelling, entertainment, cornhole tournament. INFO: Butch (828) 506-8936 or Cindee (828) 736-7879.

Cherokee Culture on display at Smoky Mountain Spring Fest. May 2 at the Stecoah Valley Center at 121 Schoolhouse Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C. Cherokee Language Session at 11 a.m. with former Teen Miss Cherokee Kyndra Postoak, former Little Miss Cherokee Rhiannon Postoak, and their younger sister, Mia Postoak. The session will introduce simple Cherokee greetings and introductions. Cherokee Crafting at 1:30 p.m. Performance by Raven Rock Dancers at 3 p.m. Info: www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/calendar

Cherokee Language Workshop with by Ogadudala Every Monday and Wednesday in May, 5pm-6pm, Museum of the Cherokee People Ken Blankenship Education Wing, TJ Holland Education Room 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719, except May 4 (Art Studio) Dreyton Long, Madison Hye Long, Elvia Walkingstick, Jack Cooper, and Meshay Long lead a free language workshop at the Museum.

 Cherokee History & Stories with Kathi Littlejohn May 4, at 5 p.m. Ken Blankenship Education Wing, TJ Holland Education Room 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719.Storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn leads this monthly informal lecture series. Free and open to the public. More information at motcp.org/events.

Big Cove to Boarding Schools: Educational Journeys of the Nick-Swayney-Bird Family May 7, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Museum of the Cherokee People Ken Blankenship Education Wing, TJ Holland Education Room. 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. David Armenti will share genealogical research about 11 ancestors from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian community, who attended either Hampton Institute’s “Indian School” (Virginia) or Carlisle Indian Industrial School (Pennsylvania). Free and open to the public. More information at motcp.org/events.

40^th Anniversary of Fading Voices. May 23 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Little Snowbird 1897 Little Snowbird Rd., Robbinsville, NC. 28771. Mound Building at 11 a.m.(bring a cup or turtle shell full of dirt from home).  Celebrate Snowbird Cherokee heritage, language and community. There will be Cherokee food, music, dance, crafts and games. FREE admission.

Statehood Day. May 31 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 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. The 1809 Blacksmith shop will be open with demonstrations going on throughout the afternoon. Come out and share the afternoon with living history in the 1800’s Dog-trot Log cabin. Learn about Cherokees in the Civil War. The acorn printing press will be doing demonstrations throughout the day. All Statehood Day activities are free, and people can also enjoy free admission to the museum. Info: (423) 884-6246

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.

Sequoyah Remembrance Day. Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 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

35th Annual Cherokee Festival. Sept. 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 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

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.)

Enrollment Committee. May 4 at 9 a.m.

Social Services Committee. May 4 at 1 p.m.

Reports to Council. May 6 at 9 a.m.

Work Session on Election Ordinance. May 6 at 1 p.m.

Dinilawigi regular session. May 7 at 8:30 a.m.

Lands Acquisition Committee. May 11 at 1 p.m.

Lands Committee. May 13 at 9 a.m.

Timber Committee. May 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Planning Board. May 18 at 1 p.m.

Health Board. May 20 at 8:30 a.m.

HIP Committee. May 20 at 1 p.m.

Qualla Housing Committee. May 21 at 8:30 a.m.

Parks & Recreation Committee. May 21 at 1 p.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

Mni Wakan Oyate Wetu Wacipi. May 2-3 at the Quentin Burdick Sports Arena in Devils Lake, N.D. Info: Kenneth Graywater (701) 381-2009, akicita@spiritlakevfw.com

Columbia University 14^th Annual Pow Wow. May 2 at Heckscher Playground Lawns, Central Park in New York, New York. MC: Victor Vegas. Info: Jebriel Wharton-Ali (jrw2235@columbia.edu

Virginia Tech 9^th Annual Spring Pow Wow. May 2 in Blacksburg, Va. Info: Mackenzie Locklear at mlocklear@vt.edu

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

6^th Annual Teton Pow Wow. May 9 at the Snow King Sports and Event Center in Jackson, Wyo. Emcees: Chico Her Many Horses, Kevin Tacan. Host Drum: Fort Peck Sioux. Local Host Drum: Little Brave. Info: Mahpiya Win Spotted Tail (307) 200-7447, mw.spottedtail@nativeamericanjumpstart.org

38^th Annual Balboa Park Pow Wow. May 9-10 in San Diego, Calif. MC: Randy Pico. Host Northern Drum: Blue Star. Host Southern Drum: Red Warrior. Info: Paula Brim (858) 442-5033, paula.brim@att.net

Cal Poly Pomona Annual Honoring Our Mothers and Mother Earth Pow Wow. May 9 at the Kellogg Arena in Pomona, Calif. MC: Walter Ahhaitty. Host Northern Drum: Bear Springs. Host Southern Drum: Sooner Nation. Info: Desiree Martinez (909) 869-4205, drmartinez2@cpp.edu

Gathering of the People Pow Wow. May 15-16 at the BSA Center in Evans, Ga. MC: Michael Anderson. Head Singer: Marvin Pair. Info: Barry Rogers (706) 678-1017, oter@nu-z.net

Western Washing University Spring Pow Wow. May 15-16 at the Carver Gymnasium in Bellingham, Wash. MC: Mike Sanchez. Host Drum: Bad Soul. Info: Hayley Abella (360) 650-3827, nasuatwwu@gmail.com

All My Relations Pow Wow. May 16-17 at Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon Campus, in Mount Vernon, Wash. MC: Randy Vendiola. Host Drum: Double Runner. Info: AllMyRelations@skagit.edu

UNACC Chief Roland Jerome Memorial Pow Wow. May 16-17 in Devens, Mass. Host Drum: Sacred Earth. Guest Drum: Humble Spirit. Info: Shauna Manning at unacc29@gmail.com

Rising Sun Pow Wow. May 16 at Mount Trashmore Park in Virginia Beach, Va. MC: Keith Colston. Host Drum: War Paint. Guest Drum: Red Clay. Info: Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation at fun@vbgov.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

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.

Peddler’s Post at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site. May 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site at 2620 South Roan St. in Johnson City, Tenn. Local artisans and merchant booths and local, historic-based demonstrators. Free admission. Info: (423) 926-3631 or info@tipton-haynes.org

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

Swain Genealogical and Historical Society meeting. May 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center at 45 East Ridge Dr. in Bryson City, N.C. Henry Chambers will get a presentation on the early settler history of western North Carolina. Conversation and refreshments will follow the presentation. This is free and open to the public.

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

“Connecting to Place: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational” art exhibition. May 16 – July 25 at The Bascom: A Center for Visual Arts at 323 Franklin Rd. in Highlands, N.C. 20 craft artists from communities across western North Carolina will be participating including EBCI Beloved Man Davy Arch. The exhibit is free and open to the public, and a reception will be held on June 11 at 5 p.m. Info: (828) 526-4949, www.thebascom.org

Rev It Up for the Vets. May 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Countryside Chevrolet 71 Cat Creek Rd., Franklin, NC. 28734. Cruise-In and Benefit for Local Veterans. Music, food, family fun. Trophies for Top 3 vehicles. INFO: (828) 524-0734

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.

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

Great Tellico History Day. June 20 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Charles Hall Museum & Heritage Center, 229 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains, TN. 37385. Cherokee Culture, Early History, Traditional Skills & Music., Free admission and parking. Handmade crafts for sale by Cherokee and Early Settler Demonstrators. Food trucks onsite INFO: charleshallmuseum@hotmail.com

Smoky Mountain Summer Fest 2026. July 25 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Sevierville Fairgrounds, 754 Old Knoxville Hwy. Sevierville, TN. 37862. Classic car shows, food trucks, live music, vendors. Free public admission. INFO: (865) 388-0099

2026 Trade Fair. Aug. 21 – 22 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, 522 W Madison Ave., Athens., TN. 37303. Crafts, music, history, food, textiles, quilting and more. INFO: (423) 745-0329.

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.