The Cherokee Bonfire

Gather around a crackling fire in Cherokee, NC, and hear stories from the beginning of time. The Cherokee Bonfire is back! This event series is free and open to the public, only this year it’s bigger than ever, with more days added to the season. 

As the evening begins to cool, hear mesmerizing stories of creation, as well as myths, legends—and sometimes ghost stories, for good measure. The Cherokee tellers wear period dress from the 17th century, and share tales passed down through the generations. During the break, marshmallows are handed out for roasting and you can get yours as toasty as you like.

Over the years, the Cherokee Bonfire has become a beloved family-friendly event, and is the perfect way to kick off your weekend in Cherokee. This year, we’re excited to announce that additional days have been added to the series each week. After all, more bonfires and more stories equals more fun! 

Guests are encouraged to ask the storytellers questions and soak up wisdom from these cultural experts. Some tellers are well-versed in Cherokee history and share stories passed down from their ancestors. Others share the wisdom of  Cherokee outdoor survival skills, and demonstrate different tools and techniques used. Some tellers use music and dance to tell their stories, and share the historical significance of their performances.