Calendar of events
October
• 1 – Folk School Fall Festival — 10 am-5 pm. Celebrate the rich heritage of the Appalachians at the annual Fall Festival, featuring approximately 200 crafts people. Continuous live music and dancing, craft demonstrations, good food, and much more at one of the largest festivals in the region. Admission: Adults $5, Kids 12-17 $3, under 12 free. For more information call: 828.837.2775 or 800.365.5724 www.folkschool.org.
• 1 – "Ride For Pink" Supporting the Cure! Maggie Valley Festival Grounds Maggie Valley. All the proceeds will go to support and fund mammograms in Western North Carolina. Designated motorcycle ride starts at 10 am leaving from the Festival Grounds in Maggie Valley. Registration begins at 8 am at the Festival Grounds. Gates will open for general admission at 10 am with food, music, vendors, swap meet, car show, bedazzled bra contest, chili wars between local fire departments, raffles, bike games and prizes. At 3 pm the live benefit concert will start . www.rideforpink.com.
• 1 – Macon Tracs Annual Blue Jean Ball at the Macon County Fair Grounds — Live music, dancing, entertainment, silent auction (donations are being accepted), and a great bbq dinner with fixins by Jenkins Family BBQ. Admission and dinner, $15 adult, take out available, $6 adult. 828.349.6262.
• 1-2 — USA Canoe/Kayak Slalom Nationals — The national champion-crowning races. Nantahala Outdoor Center. 888.905.7238 or www.noc.com.
• 1-29 — Music in The Mountains — Regional talent is showcased in a relaxed, outdoor venue located in the heart of historic downtown Bryson City. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of great music. Free admission. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot, Everett Street. Saturday evenings. www.greatsmokies.com
• 4 — Parade 5K Walk/Run — Cherokee Fair Grounds. 828.497.1976.
• 5 — Art and Fashion for Fur — Jorge's Pace at 1846 N.C. 107 in Cashiers from 7-10 pm. A fundraiser to benefit the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society at Jorge's Place. Hors d'oeuvres, door prizes, and silent auction. Tickets are $35 for sale in advance at Jorge's Place and the Gallery on the Green in Cashiers. For more information call 828.743.5752 or 828.743.4175.
• 4-8 — 99th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair — The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians hosts the 99th annual Cherokee Indian Fair at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds in Cherokee. Oct. 4-8. The fair offers top-notch nightly entertainment, fireworks, a carnival midway full of rides and games, craft vendors, food vendors
• 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, & 28-30 — Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Pumpkin Patch — Meet the beloved Peanuts characters, select your own pumpkin, andenjoy hay rides, live music, storytelling, hay bale maze, bouncy house, petting zoo and more! Kids, and adults, are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and to trick or treat, as well! Ticket pries include admission to the Smoky Mountains Model Trains Museum. 828.488.7000 or 800.872.4681
• 6-8 — High Country Quilt Show — Maggie Valley Town Hall. Welcome fall at the 21st Annual High Country Quilt Show at the Maggie Valley. Town Hall and Pavillion, 3987 Socco Road. Free. Visitors can enjoy great craft room and vendor area featuring fabrics; sewing machine repairs; scissors sharpening; quilting books, notions and accessories; threads for embroidery and quilting; rotary cutting mat; quilt racks; and antique sewing machines. Be sure to save some cash for our wonderful food and desserts located in the vendor area. 828.926.6003
• 8 — 28th Annual Church Street Art & Craft Show — Main Street, downtown Waynesville is transformed into an art and craft marketplace for this one-day event; widely known as one of the finest juried art shows in the region. Live mountain music & clogging, entertainment, food. 10 am-5 pm. www.downtownwaynesville.com
• 8 — Oktoberfest in Franklin — National Guard Armory. Tickets $50 each and includes authentic German food and 2 beers or 2 glasses of wine. Live band, silent auction, raffle, biergarten, games. Proceeds to benefit AMC outpatient medicine department renovation. 828.349.6884 or 828.349.6887.
• 8 — "Jammin at the Mill Pond" at Haywood Community College, Clyde. A free bluegrass event to showcase the college and it's alumni along with the Appalachian heritage that the area has to offer. Craftsmen, Bluegrass, clogging, corn shelling, corn milling, car show. 10 am-dusk at the college. 828.627.4522.
• 8 — Bethel 5K and Half Marathon — Bethel Middle School Gym at 7:30 am. Two races run simultaneously through the beautiful mountains of the Bethel area of Haywood County. www.bethelrural.org or 828.646.0303
• 8 — Highlands Civic Center Art Show — 828.526.3556
• 8 — Old Mill 1886 Fall Craft Festival — Fall Harvest Craft Festival at the Old Mill 1886. Artists from all over the Southeast will gather to demonstrate and sell their hand crafted works. Artists will include, Cherokee stone carver, wood carvers, gourd artists, blacksmith, jewelry designers, Appalachian crafters and authors. The mill is located at 3082 U.S. 441 a mile south of Cherokee. 9:30 am to 5 pm. Free. 828.497.6536.
• 8 — 16th Annual Chili Cook Off. Competition for trophies for the best chili based on judges and public vote. For more information call: 828.837.2242. Konehete Park www.Cherokeecountychamber.com
• 8 — Maple Leaf Festival — Featuring area artists and crafters, entertainment, food, and heritage and holiday exhibits, all found on the quaint – and usually quiet – Whittier Main Street. 828.497.2393.
• 8-9 — Maggie Valley October Leaves Craft Show — 9 am-5 pm. Talented artists and crafters from throughout the Southeast present a variety of unique handmade crafts and jewelry. www.maggievalleycraftshows.com
• 8-9 — 2011 WNC Outdoor Athlon — Cullasaja Park. Enjoy the day competing in tournaments, running a 5K or competing in a triathlon, learning through clinics, enjoying delicious food, listening to great music or just enjoying the great outdoors Franklin has to offer. For a complete list of activities, clinics, hikes, runs etc, visit www.outdoorathlon.com. To register for 5K and triathlon visit www.active.com.
• 7-9 — Leaf Festival of Cashiers Valley — This 2-plus day event is perfect for the entire family and will become an annual tradition for many people. From local artists demonstrations, an enchanted village for the kids, to educational demonstrations all around the valley, to entertaining musical performances, agricultural and antique shows, there is truly something for everyone. 828.743.5191
• 13-15 — Autumn Leaves Craft Show — Macon County Fair Grounds. Free admission and parking. 828.349.2324
• 14-15 — Fall Colors Fine Art Show at the Highlands Civic Center. www.artleagueofhighlands.com/
• 14-16 — 3rd Annual 'Vairs in the Valley — Friday, Oct 14, 2-9 pm at the Smokey Falls Lodge. Saturday, Oct 15, 10 am to 3:30 pm at the Eaglenest Entertainment parking lot; Sunday, Oct 16, 10 am to noon, scenic drive on the Parkway. 3rd Annual Corvair Car/Truck Show featuring all models and years (1960-1969) of one of the most unique vehicles ever built by Chevrolet. Car show admission is free. 828.626.3617 or www.ncmountaincorvairs.com
• 14-16 — Harvest Festival — 3-day event with campfire, food music, vendors, country fair and gospel singing on Sunday. Stecoah Valley Center. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com
• 14-16 — Leaf Lookers Gemboree — Macon County Community Building. Friday and Saturday, 10 am-6 pm; Sunday, noon-5 pm. Fine lewelry, rough and cut gemstones, minerals, fossils and more. Adults $3, children 12 and under free. 828.524.3161
• 14-16 — Big Rig-Antique Truck Show — Big rigs and antique trucks rumble into Cherokee for the 6th Annual Big Rigs and Antique Trucks Show, where truck enthusiasts of all types gather to show off their custom and original truck resotrations, trade stories and ideas, compete for prizes and raise money for The Hope Chest for Women, which provides educational resources and limited financial assistance to women in Western North Carolina with breast and gynecologic cancer. Acquoni Expo Center/Cherokee www.cherokee-nc.com
• 15-16 — Maggie Valley Fall Arts and Crafts Show — Maggie Valley Festival Grounds from 9 am-4 pm daily. A great selection of seasonal items, yard art, woodwork, paintings and much more. Chainsaw art demonstrations and a variety of food. Free Parking. 800.624.4431 or www.maggievalley.org
• 15 — Dillsboro Old Fashion Block Party — 5-9 pm in Downtown Dillsboro. The event will include live music, food, games for the kids, and much more. Most shops will be open late for your shopping pleasure. Bring your lawn chairs and come join us for some old-fashion fun.
• 15 — Pour Le Pink 5K Walk/Run for Breast Health at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. Funds raised will go toward maintaining HCH's state-of-the-art equipment as well as financial aid for HCH patients. The event begins at 8 am, fun walk begins at 8:15 am and is open to male/female runners and walkers, all ages. Pre-registration $20 if received by Sept. 29, and $30 thereafter. To register, become a sponsor, or for additional race details please visit www.highlandscashiershosptial.org or call 828.526.1313.
• 15 — 22nd Annual Apple Harvest Festival, Main Street, downtown Waynesville. Live mountain music and dance, craft and demonstration booths, apples, cider, fresh fried pies and other apple delicacies. 10 am- 5 pm. www.downtownwaynesville.com
• 15 – Pumpkin Painting – The Bascom. Drop in opportunity for families to paint pumpkins. Cost is $5, ages 6 and up. 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, North Carolina 28741 828.526.4949 or www.thebascom.org/
• 15 — Unaka Heritage Day 2011 — 2 pm. at the Unaka Community Center. Antique tractors and tools, hayrides, horse rides and games for kids. Face painting, musical entertainment, popcorn and drinks and smoked pork meal. New displays and programs on "Pioner Skills and Crafts" will be included this year. Fun for all so plan to attend. 828.835.8626
• 15 — Cherokee Harvest Half & 5K — Cherokee Fairgrounds, Highway 441. Half marathon fee is $40, 5k fee is $25. Registration begins at 7:30 am day of race. Or register online at cherokeeharvesthalf.com
• 15 — 21st Bryson City Chili Cook-off — Sample chili from some of the best cooks in the area. Also featuring crafts and entertainment. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Dept. 800.867.9246
• 16 — Hardlox: Asheville's Jewish Food and Heritage Festival — Jewish foods, music, dancing, crafts, a Torah booth, holiday tastings and children's activities. Every Jewish organization in the Asheville area will be represented with many providing interactive educational opportunities to learn about Jewish heritage and culture. Free. The festival is hosted by Congregation Beth HaTephila and co-sponsored by the City of Asheville. Pack Square Park, Asheville, 11 am-4 pm. 828.253.2282.
• 21 — 15th Annual Pumpkin Fest — Downtown Franklin. Hayrides from East Franklin Shopping Center from 3 pm-6 pm. After-school treats for the kids in East Franklin Shopping Center 3 pm-5 pm. Oct. 22. Street festival along Main Street with crafters, Famous Pumpkin Roll, live music all day, pie eating contest, games, costume contest and parade along with food. 9 am-4 pm. 828.524.2516 or visit www.pumpkinfestfranklin.com
• 21 — 19th Annual Smoky Mountain Fall Art & Craft Fest — Macon County Fair Grounds. Admission $2 or $1.50 with a can of food for a 2-day pass. www.franklin-chamber.com
• 21-23 — Rumble in the Rhododendron — North Carolina Fly Fishing Team, the ECBI Fish and Wildlife Management team and the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, this two man team event will be held on the 2.2 miles of catch and release water in Cherokee. There is $10,000 in prize money secured for this event. 877.433.6700.
• 22 — ColorFest, Art of the Blue Ridge — 10 am-4 pm in downtown Sylva. Over 40 local and regional fine artists will demonstrate their art form in this third annual street Art Fair. 828.631.4587
• 22 — Fall Music Festival at Tartan Hall — Variety show of regional bands. No charge but donations to CareNet will be appreciated. Jeff Stevens at 828.524.5305
• 23 — 3rd Annual Punkin Chunkin Festival. Craft and food vendors, chamber tent sales, pie-eating contest, PC round 2 finals, award ceremony. The Downtown Square & Riverwalk Development in Hayesville. www.claycounty-nc-chamber.com
• 23 — National Acrobats of the People's Republic of China — Dizzying physical display in stunning colors will delight and astound the whole family. Student discounts available. 828.225.5887 or go to AshevilleBravoConcerts.org. 87 Haywood Street Asheville. 828.255.5887
• 27 — Halloween Egg Haunt — 7-9 pm at the Jackson County Recreation Park in Cullowhee. www.jacksonnc.org or 828.293.3053.
• 29 — Dillsboro Costume Parade — 4-7 pm with parade beginning at 6 pm. Costume contest. Trick or Treat around downtown. Free movies, music and more. Vote for the spookiest shop. www.dillsboronc.com or 828.586.5700
• 29 — Pumpkin Patch at Full Spectrum Farm — 12-4 pm. 1185 Wayehutta Road, Cullowhee. Pick and carve pumpkins, make leaf rubbins and other crafts. Enjoy a campfire and celebrate fall. www.fullspectrumfarms.org or 828.293.2521
• 31 — Downtown Trick or Treat — 3:30 p.m. Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com
• 31 — Trick or Treat on the Square – Clay County, Hayesville. www.claycounty-nc-chamber.com
• 31 — Treats on the Street — Downtown Waynesville. Merchants offer treats to children, 5-7 pm. www.downtownwaynesville.com
• 31 – Halloween in the Park — Macon County Veteran's Memorial Recreational Park 828.349.2090.
• 31 — Halloween Festivities — Highlands Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a downtown treat or treat event. Main Street will close to traffic, and merchants will pass out candy.
November
• 4-6 — Fall Rod Run — What do you get when you combine the most scenic drive in North Carolina and more than 800 of the nation's hottest looking classic cars? The highly anticipated, "Cruise the Smokies" Fall Cherokee Rod Run. More than 3,000 car enthusiasts will turn out for the Southeast's premiere Rod Run at the Acquoni Expo Center. 828.497.2603.
• 4 (through Dec. 24) — Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Polar Express Train Ride — The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs Bryson City for a journey to the North Pole. Read along with the magical story and meet Santa. Enjoy holiday caroling, hot cocoa and a special treat and a memento for the children. Daily departures, times varies. Train Depot in Bryson City. 800.872.4681.
• 5 — Kickin' Asphalt Half Marathon and 5K — 7:30 am at the Konehete Park, Murphy. This is a 13.1-mile race. For more information call 828.837.2242. www.kickinasphalthalf.com
• 5 — Annual Blacksmith & Fine Craft Auction — 2-5 pm at the John C. Campbell Folk School features some of the finest artist-blacksmith work, as well as other unique, handcrafted items. For more information call 828.837.2775 or 800-365.5724 www.folkschool.org.
• 5 — WNC Pottery Festival — 10 am-4 pm in Dillsboro. The event will showcase the work of more than 40 highly skilled potters from 13 states. A variety of clay art styles will be presented. 828.631.5100
• 10-12 — Highlands 5th Annual Culinary Weekend. Highlands Country Club. www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com, 866.526.5841.
• 11 — Veteran's Parade in Downtown Franklin — 10 am, 828.524.2516, www.RenewingFranklin.com.
• 12 — Christmas Crafts from Around the World — 10 am-12 pm at the Bascom; Nov.12, 20, Dec.11 and 18 (four-week course).10 am-12 pm, $40 Bascom members; $45 non-members. 828.526.4949, ext. 100, for more information.
• 18 — The Murphy Hometown Christmas Celebration — 6 pm, Friday with a tree-llighting ceremony, music and entertainment. Shopping day will be Saturday, Nov. 19, complete with Santa strolling around town and merchants offering incentives to shoppers such as sales, snacks, etc. 828.837.6821.
• 19 — Asheville Holiday Parade — The 65th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 11 am. This year's parade theme, "Days Gone By," pays respect to the history of the community and parade.
• 19 — Dillsboro Old Fashion Block Party — 5-8 pm in downtown Dillsboro. Live music, food, games for the kids, and much more. Most shops will be open late. Bring lawn chairs and join "old fashion" fun. 828.586.4951
• 19 — Cherokee Choices 5K Walk/Run — The annual Cherokee Choices 5k Run, Walk or Roll kicks off at noon on Saturday, Nov. 19. All ages are encouraged to participate in this health-promoting event, and strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. Proceeds will go toward the Cherokee Cancer Support Group. 828.497.1976.
• 22 — Community Thanksgiving Dinner — 6 pm at Highlands Civic Center. 828.526.0542
• 24-27 — Traditional Thanksgiving & Tree Trimming — An old fashioned celebration of family and friends. Fontana Village Resort. www.fontanavillage.com
• 25 — Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Service in downtown Franklin at 7 pm. Free cider, cookies and music. 828.524.2516. www.RenewingFranklin.com
• 25 — Gingerbread House Workshop — 10 am-12 pm and 1-3 pm at Bascom. $40 per house. 828.526.4949
• 25-26 — Artisans Drive About — Artisans Drive About, 10 am-5 pm each day. Visit the artisan studios and galleries during our open house self guided drive about in Graham County. Experience the beauty of the area while discovering handmade treasures. Stecoah Valley Center 828.479.3364 www.stecoahvalleycenter.com
• 25-26 – Hard Candy Christmas Art and Craft Show — 10 am-5 pm at WCU Ramsey Center. 24th annual Hard Candy Christmas Art and Craft Show. Aunthentic crafts from the hands of 100-plus regional artisans. $3 and children under 12 fee. 828.524.3405
• 26 — Highlands Annual Christmas Tree Lighting — 6:30 pm at Highlands United Methodist Church. 828.526.2112
• 26 — Brothers in the Wind Toy Run — Cherokee Fair Grounds Ned Stamper, event coordinator, 828.736-2780
• 27 — Franklin's Christmas Parade — downtown Franklin at 3 pm. www.franklin-chamber.com
December
• 1 — Canton Christmas Parade — downtown Canton at 6 pm.
• 2-3, 9-10 — Dillsboro Lights and Luminaries — 5-9 in downtown Dillsboro. Annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song. 2,500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios. Horse and buggy rides available each night from 5-8 pm. www.visitdillsboro.org or 828.586.3891
• 2 — Mistletoe Magic Art & Craft Show — Wayne Proffitt Agricultural Center/Macon County Fairgrounds. 10 am-5 pm. Holiday art & craft Show complete with 70 unique artisans; strolling carolers, Santa and his elves; fantastic decorations and great food to help create a relaxing and festive atmosphere while shopping for that perfect gift! For additional information contact Laurie at 828.524.6630 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• 2 — Ernie Haas & Signature Sounds Christmas Tour — Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is Gospel Music's Grammy-nominated, Dove Award-winning quartet with Gold and Platinum DVDs. We combine 21st century ideas with the timeless quality of great quartets from the 1950s to take an unconventional approach to joyfully communicating God's Word. Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. www.greatmountainmusic.com
• 3 — 'Tis The Season — 11:45 am-2 pm at the Presbyterian Church in Highlands. An alternative gift market. 828.526.3175
• 3 — Hometown Christmas Parade, downtown Murphy. Crafts, food, entertainment, and parade. The events begin at 2 pm. For more information call Barbara Hughes, 828.837.6821.
• 3 — Winter Wonderland — Downtown Franklin. 828.524.2516 or www.renewingfranklin.org.
• 3 — 37th Annual Bryson City Christmas Parade — Annual Bryson City Christmas Parade. Downtown Bryson City. 800.867.9246
• 3 — Olde Mountain Christmas Parade at 11 am in Downtown Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org
• 3 — Spirit of Christmas. A true Christmas experience! Everett Street, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com
• 3 — Cherokee Christmas Parade — Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. The parade will take place in downtown Cherokee, starting by the Cherokee Bear Zoo and going down Main St. to 441 N., and then ending by the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. As part of the celebration, a Christmas Bazaar will be held from 8 am to 8 pm. There will be a band concert after the Christmas Parade on the Fairgrounds with refreshments available for sale. www.cherokee-nc.com
• 3 — Maggie Valley Christmas Parade — The parade will run through Maggie Valley via Highway 19 at 6 pm. www.visitncsmokies.com
• 4 — Fireside Sale — 10 am-5 pm. Stroll through the beautifully decorated Keith House. Cozy up to the fire in the Community Room and shop for holiday gifts made by local and regional artists. 828.837.2775 or 800.365.5724 www.folkschool.org.
• 4 — High Mountain Squares Toys for Tots Dance — Macon County Community Building 7-9 pm. 828.332.0001 or 828-369-8344. www.highmountainsquares.org
• 5 — Waynesville Christmas Parade — Downtown Waynesville on Main Street. 6 pm. www.downtownwaynesville.com
• 10 — Christmas in the Mountains — Indoor Arts and Crafts show at Stecoah Valley Center. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com
• 10 — Andrews Night Time Christmas Parade — Downtown Andrews Parade. 828.321.4377.
• 10 — A Night Before Christmas — Downtown Waynesville. A holiday tradition in downtown. Live music and caroling, Santa, old-fashioned wagon rides, storytelling, poetry, luminaries & more. Shops, galleries and restaurants remain open until 9 pm. www.downtownwaynesville.com.
• 31 — New Years Eve — Live entertainment. A New Years Eve Gala and dinner party followed by fireworks at midnight. Ring in the New Year in the Smokies. Fontana Village Resort www.fontanavillage.com.
• 31 — New Year Fireworks — Celebrate New Year's with a bang at Cherokee's Annual New Year's Eve Fireworks display, located at the Acquoni Expo Center. The festivities kick off at 8 p.m. at the Cherokee Fair Grounds. 828.554.6472
• 31 — 18th Annual New Year's Eve Possum Drop — Clay's Corner in Brasstown. Ring in the New Year with a Miss Possum Contest, bluegrass music, Little Brasstown Church Choir, the blessing, cider and good clean fun. For more information call: 828.837.3797.
• 31 — High Mountain Squares New Years Eve Dance. Macon County Community Building, 7-9 pm. 828.332.0001 or 828.369.8344. www.highmountainsquares.org
January
• 25 – The Poetry Revival – 7:30pm in the Bardo Arts Center on the campus of WCU. The three poets are Derrick Brown, Anis Mojgani and Buddy Wakefield. Tested and proven these verbal acrobats join together each year for a national tour that undeniably charges the hearts and smiles of every audience it meets. $5 www.thepoetryrevival.com
• 28 – Winter Barn Dance – The Bascom – 7pm is $5. 282.526.4949
• 29 – Soweto Gospel Choir - This program of South African Gospel also includes elements of gospel-rock, gospel-influenced secular pop, and even a bit of Mozart. Expect earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, a capella numbers and an exciting band and percussion section, with energetic dancing and vibrant, colorful costumes. This young, dynamic choir performs both traditional and contemporary music, adding its own unique feel and interpretation to both. The choir performs in 6 of South Africa's 11 official languages. "Joyful, spiritual... fresh and vibrant."- USA Today. Tickets range from $15-60 each. Student discounts available! For more details or to order tickets, call (828) 225-5887 or go to AshevilleBravoConcerts.org. 87 Haywood Street Asheville, NC.
