Calendar of Events
Keep up to date and enjoy the events happenings in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Jackson County North Carolina.
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February 2022
Black Violin
Black Violin is composed of classically trained violist and violinist Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus who combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom”. The band released their major-label debut Stereotypes (featuring Black Thought of The Roots and MC Pharoahe Monch) on Universal Music which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and #4 on the Billboard R&B Chart. NPR took note and declared “their music will keep classical…
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Outhouse Races
Join us for the exciting Outhouse Races, taking place on February 19, 2022, at 3 pm in Sapphire. Crazy? Maybe. Dangerous? Perhaps. Fun? Without a doubt! You won't find Outhouse Races on Snow anywhere else in North Carolina! Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or sails across the finish line. The Outhouse Races have…
Find out more »March 2022
Peking Acrobats
For the last thirty-two years, the Peking Acrobats have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs and display their technical prowess at such arts as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. The Peking Acrobats are often accompanied by live musicians who skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments; the time-honored Chinese music coalesces with high-tech special effects and awe-inspiring acrobatic feats, creating an exuberant entertainment event with the festive pageantry of a…
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Assault on Blackrock
Sylva, NC’s extreme trail race The twelfth annual Assault on BlackRock trail race has been set for Saturday, March 19, 2022. Register here. How does running a seven-mile trail race with 2,770 feet of elevation gain sound? Trail runners who compete in the Assault on BlackRock trail race will summit BlackRock at 5,810 feet - and that’s just the halfway point of the race. The course weaves through the spruce forests along the spine of the Plott Balsam Mountains on…
Find out more »Cherokee’s Annual Opening Day Fishing Tournament
For 2022, Cherokee's fishing season “opening day” will be March 26, and there are 20,000 reasons to get excited about it. Our Opening Day Fishing Tournament requires a $15 entry fee and a $17 two-day fishing permit to compete for $20,000 in tagged fish. You’ll be competing in the rivers on the Qualla Boundary (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters). Tagged fish will be specially stocked for this event, and when you catch one, you redeem it for cash prizes ranging from…
Find out more »April 2022
West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2021 are April 2 -3, June 4, July 16, July 23, Aug. 6 & 20. Information on Glenville Dam releases and the whitewater conditions can be found here. Access to the High Falls trail is directly…
Find out more »West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2021 are April 2 -3, June 4, July 16, July 23, Aug. 6 & 20. Information on Glenville Dam releases and the whitewater conditions can be found here. Access to the High Falls trail is directly…
Find out more »Catamount Climb Half Marathon & 5K
The 2022 Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K will be hosted on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC along the banks of the Tuckasegee River. The 5K course is completely on campus and navigates through the heart of campus with moderate elevation change. The half marathon course starts on campus and then heads off-campus for a few miles before returning back to campus for the finish line. The Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K (formerly known as…
Find out more »Sylva’s Brew Hop
Beginning on April 9th, Sylva's annual Brew Hop is back! In honor of NC Beer Month, join City Lights Café, Balsam Falls Brewing, Innovation Brewing, Nantahala Brewing Sylva Outpost, Lazy Hiker Sylva Taproom, and The Cut Cocktail Lounge for the Sylva Brew Hop. Tickets include a souvenir glass and several tastings. We encourage folks to take advantage of our awesome restaurants in Downtown Sylva during and after the Sylva Brew Hop.
Find out more »The Easter Hat Parade
Led by a fleet of restored antique cars, followed by the many hat contestants and featuring the Easter Bunny, the parade begins in front of the Town Hall on Front Street. Get your face painted! Make a hat and come join the parade! Last-minute entrants very welcome. Awards are announced after the Parade. Ribbons are given for the Prettiest, Funniest, Largest, Smallest, Most Unusual, Most Easter-like, Best Smelling, Cutest, Most Outrageous, Best In Show and "Poofiest" hats among other unusual…
Find out more »Fire Mountain Inferno
Can you handle the heat? Find out at this year's Fire Mountain Inferno! One of the most exciting riding events in the NC Mountains, the Fire Mountain Inferno offers cross-country racing for all levels of experience as well as intense enduro-racing throughout the Fire Mountain Trail system in Cherokee, NC. More than just a race, this event offers various vendors and food trucks for everyone to enjoy. Registration Now open online Photo courtesy EBCI Destination Marketing
Find out more »Greening up the Mountains
The Greening Up the Mountains Festival, now in its 25th year, is a heritage arts festival that celebrates the arrival of Spring 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. In addition to a variety of arts, crafts, and food vendors, attendees…
Find out more »May 2022
Hook, Line & Drinker Festival
The annual Hook, Line & Drinker Festival will be held at the Bridge Park in Sylva, N.C. This "Top 20 Event in the Southeast" is organized by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and celebrates being the home of the N.C. Trout Capital and the WNC Fly Fishing Trail. The festival features fly fishing guides and vendors; craft breweries; music by two of the region's most popular bands; food trucks; and children's activities. The $5.00 admission fee includes a free…
Find out more »Memorial Day Fishing Tournament – Cherokee
Spend the long weekend with the boys: rainbow, brook, golden, and brown.
Find out more »Spring Fling Art & Craft Walk
Enjoy the artisan village of Dillsboro to the fullest during the Spring Fling Art & Craft Walk.
Find out more »June 2022
West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2021 are April 2 -3, June 4, July 16, July 23, Aug. 6 & 20. Information on Glenville Dam releases and the whitewater conditions can be found here. Access to the High Falls trail is directly…
Find out more »July 2022
Downtown Sylva Fourth of July Fireworks
The town's annual July 4 Fireworks in Sylva should begin at dark (generally around 9:45 p.m.) and are visible from various locations throughout downtown Sylva and the immediate surrounding areas. The Fourth of July Celebration will feature fireworks, live music, food, dancing and fun in Sylva. Enjoy a full fireworks show that will light up the night sky on Sunday, July 4, 2021. The fireworks will be shot from Sunrise Park district against the stunning Plott Balsams mountain range and…
Find out more »Front Street Arts and Crafts Show
ake a deep breath and enjoy the walk-about town of Dillsboro during the Front Street Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, July 17, 2021. Front Street gets its name from running alongside the tracks of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad…and when a festival hits the town, the street comes alive with fine arts and crafts from local artisans and home spun musical talent. Strewn with vibrant colors, inviting festival aromas—kettle corn, funnel cakes, fried pies—the ringing of stringed instruments, and the sound of dancing feet, the Front Street Arts and Crafts Show will provide fun for all ages!
Find out more »West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2021 are April 2 -3, June 4, July 16, July 23, Aug. 6 & 20. Information on Glenville Dam releases and the whitewater conditions can be found here. Access to the High Falls trail is directly…
Find out more »West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2021 are April 2 -3, June 4, July 16, July 23, Aug. 6 & 20. Information on Glenville Dam releases and the whitewater conditions can be found here. Access to the High Falls trail is directly…
Find out more »August 2022
West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2021 are April 2 -3, June 4, July 16, July 23, Aug. 6 & 20. Information on Glenville Dam releases and the whitewater conditions can be found here. Access to the High Falls trail is directly…
Find out more »West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2021 are April 2 -3, June 4, July 16, July 23, Aug. 6 & 20. Information on Glenville Dam releases and the whitewater conditions can be found here. Access to the High Falls trail is directly…
Find out more »The Qualla Country Trout Tournament
The Qualla Country Trout Tournament brings the best of fishing and some friendly competition for all anglers.
Find out more »October 2022
Colorfest! Arts & Crafts Walk
This unique historic town welcomes visitors to enjoy this year's Arts & Crafts Walk. Although the event has been changed a little this year, attendees will still enjoy meeting and talking with local artists and learning about their work. All the while surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the mountains.
Find out more »December 2022
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Journey back to the days of yesteryear. 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 as shopkeepers provide holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Enjoy live music while the children will experience a socially distant and safe visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event will take place the first two Friday and Saturdays of December.
Find out more »Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Journey back to the days of yesteryear. 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 as shopkeepers provide holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Enjoy live music while the children will experience a socially distant and safe visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event will take place the first two Friday and Saturdays of December.
Find out more »Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Journey back to the days of yesteryear. 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 as shopkeepers provide holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Enjoy live music while the children will experience a socially distant and safe visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event will take place the first two Friday and Saturdays of December.
Find out more »Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Journey back to the days of yesteryear. 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 as shopkeepers provide holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Enjoy live music while the children will experience a socially distant and safe visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event will take place the first two Friday and Saturdays of December.
Find out more »