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

• April 18 at 3 p.m., Big Cove Free Labor Fundraiser. This shoot is in conjunction with the Annual Big Cove Free BBQ and Potluck at 2 p.m. – prior to the shoot. All Free Labor and friends are invited. Bring a side dish if inclined.
• April 25 at 3 p.m., Deb West Senior Center Fundraiser for EBCI Senior Trip. Good food will also be available at this shoot.

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.

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

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

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.

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.)

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

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

Northwest Indian College Traditions Coastal Jam & Pow Wow. April 17-18 at the NWI Health & Wellness Center in Bellingham, Wash. MC: Michael Vendiola. Host Drum: The Northmen. Info: nwicpowwow@nwic.edu

Duke University Pow Wow. April 18 in the Penn Pavilion on the campus of Duke University in Durham, N.C. MC: Keith Colston. Host Drums: Young Water, War Paint. Info: Monique Rochon or Shavonne Ross (919) 660-2820 or dukepowwow@duke.edu

First Nations University of Canada Spring Celebration Pow Wow. April 18-19 at The Brandt Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Emcees: Clifton Goodwill, Jackson Tahuka, Sanford Strongarm. Info: Bonnie Rockthunder (204) 292-3253, springpowwow@fnuniv.ca

Sherman Indian High School 40^th Annual Youth Pow Wow. April 18 at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, Calif. MC: Kelly Looking Horse. Host Northern Drum: White Cloud. Host Southern Drum: Red Warrior. Info: Daniel Iyotte (951) 515-0588, daniel.iyotte@bie.edu

Cal State University Dominguez Hills Spring Native Gathering and Pow Wow. April 18 at the Cal State Domiguez Hills Sculpture Garden in Carson, Calif. Host Northern Drum: The Shooters. Host Southern Drum: Shakeytown. Info: Ambyr Hardy (562) 685-3213, ahardy@csuhd.edu

18^th Annual Rio Rancho Public Schools Pow Wow. April 18 at Rio Rancho High School in Rio Rancho, N.M. Info: Suzanne.nguyen@rrps.net

Villanova University 2^nd Annual Pow Wow. April 18 at Villanova University in Villanova, Pa. MC: Jeff Pegram. Host Drums: Young Blood, Old Sound. Info: Autumn Coard (631) 644-6771, arayne3430@gmail.com

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.