The 111th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair promises five days of excitement and engaging activities that will create lasting memories for visitors of all ages!

From traditional stickball games and captivating competitions to authentic crafts, delectable food vendors, exhilarating rides, and games. The fair offers a diverse range of experiences for everyone. See below for the full Fair Week Schedule. We can’t wait to see you there!

Fair Week Schedule

Monday – Fair Week Stick Off

5:00 PM – Games Start
Immerse yourself in the excitement of traditional stickball games at Unity Field, as skilled teams compete, showcasing athleticism and strategy. No carnival rides, just stickball. Please visit 2023 Cherokee Indian Fair Stickball for the full schedule.

 Tuesday – Parade Day

3:00 PM – Parade Start*
*For a detailed timeline of the parade, please visit Cherokee Indian Fair Parade 2023.

Join the spectacle of the Annual Cherokee Indian Fair Parade, featuring vibrant floats, marching bands, and beautiful smiling faces. The parade will start from the Casino Trail/intersection, taking a left onto 19 South through downtown Cherokee, crossing the bridge turning right onto 441 North, and ending at the traffic light by the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. The parade will then turn right across the bridge, taking the roundabout up toward the Ginger Lynn Complex to disband. Vehicles will disband to the left in GLW parking, and all floats will disband taking the route behind the Ginger Welch Complex. Roads close at 10AM. For more information, reach out to Josie Long at the Cherokee Welcome Center.

Gates Open: 5:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Fairgrounds are open from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, offering attractions, food vendors, and entertainment. Main Stage events begin at 7:00 PM.

7:00 PM – Welcome/Color Guard
Opening Prayer
National Anthem/Cherokee Anthem
Introduction of Chief, Vice Chief & Tribal Council
Royalty & Guard Marshal Introductions

8:00 PM – Elem. Dancers/Singers

8:45 PM – Storytelling

10:00 PM – Robert Runningwolf Band

 Wednesday – Children’s Day

Gates Open: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
A day brimming with joy for children, youth, and adults, featuring stickball games, games, and activities catering to all ages. Wristbands for minors beginning at 10:00am.

8:45 AM – Baby Crawling Registration Begins

9:00 AM – Exhibit Hall Opens

10:00 AM – Kids Ride Wristband Giveaway, Baby Crawling Contest Begins, Train Ride Begins

10:15 AM – Sign ups for Contest Begins

11:00 AM – Lunch Begins

11:15 AM – Robo Cars

11:30 AM – Boys Ax Throwing/Girls Lid Toss

11:45 AM – Turtle Race

12:00 PM – Rides Open

12:15 PM – Greast Pig Contest X 3

12:30 PM – Longest Hair Contest (5-7)

12:45 PM – Longest Hair Contest (8-12)

1:00 PM – Longest Hair Contest (13-17), Scheduled Stickball Games Begin

4:00 PM – Chicken Race

5:30 PM – WCU Drumline

6:30 PM – Youth Dance Contest

7:00 PM – Teen Dance Contest

7:30 PM – Tribe Called Praise

9:30 PM – J.A.M.

10:00 PM – Exhibit Hall Closes

Thursday – Elder’s Day

Gates: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Commence the day with a captivating fashion show, spotlighting both traditional and contemporary Cherokee fashion at 2:00 PM. Witness the experience and wisdom of elders and adults as they compete in stickball games, celebrating their rich journey.

8:30 AM – Pre-Reigster for Cornhole

10:00 AM – Elder’s Cornhole Tournament

10:30 AM – Field Events Begins, Maybell & Alfred

11:00 AM – Ice Breaker Questions

11:00 AM – Fashion Show – Fair Main Stage

11:30 AM – Lunch/Door Prizes

12:30 PM – Door Prizes

2:00 PM – Field Events Ends, Traditional Fashion Show

2:00 PM – Scheduled Stickball Games Begin

6:30 PM – Little & Junior Miss Pageant – Fair Main Stage

7:00 PM – Caroline Freight Shakers

9:00 PM – Whisker Mountain Band

10:00 PM – Exhibit Hall Closes

Friday – Veterans Day

Gates Open: 8:00 AM- 11:00 PM
Express heartfelt gratitude to our veterans. The fairgrounds stand as a platform to honor their sacrifices, offering a day of appreciation and fostering community unity.

8:30 AM – Veteran’s Breakfast

9:00 AM – Welcomings of Veterans

10:00 AM – Veterans Walk from Saunooke’s Kiosk to Fair

11:00 AM – Lunch

12:00 PM – Opening Ceremony
Presentation of Colors/Cherokee Anthem
National Anthem/Invocation
POW/MIA Ceremony
Lew Hardin Welcoming
Principal Cheif Welcoming
Gift Presentation/Special Guest
Recognition of Veterans
Guest Speakers

1:45 PM – Closing Ceremony

2:00 PM – Closing Out Morning Events

2:00 PM – Veteran’s Games

2:30 PM – Scheduled Stickball Games Begin

3:30 PM – Wiregrass Band

6:30 PM – Miss Cherokee Pageant – Fair Main Stage

7:00 PM – Thompson Brothers

8:00 PM – Trial By Fire

10:00 PM – Exhibit Closes

Saturday – Community Day

Gates Open and Archery Sign-ups Start: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Embrace the spirit of togetherness through community-led games, spirited stickball matches, and shared festivities. This celebration of unity will continue until midnight, forging lasting bonds.

8:30 AM – Archery & Blow Gun Begins

9:00 AM – Volleyball Tournament Begins

10:00 AM – Basket Making Class (Birdtown)

11:30 AM – Traditional Dancing (Big Cove)

1:00 PM – Cast Iron Throwing (Snowbird)

2:00 PM – Axe Throwing (Wolftown), Scheduled Stickball Games Begin

3:00 PM – Ryan Perry Band

4:00 PM – Frybread Eating Contest

5:00 PM – Wood Chopping

8:00 PM – The Romantics – Fair Main Stage

9:00 PM – Starship – Fair Main Stage

10:00 PM – Exhibit Hall Closes

10:30 PM – Neal Morgan

11:00 PM – Pretty Legs