Native American Festival

Each year in June, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area hosts a weekendlong festival celebrating the history and culture of the Native Americans who lived here before European settlers came to the region.

This educational event provides the opportunity for our visitors to experience many facets of Native American culture, particularly that of the Cherokee. This weekend-long festival features traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, traditional Native American song and dance, Cherokee storytelling and legends, Native American flute, Cherokee language workshops, and craft demonstrations and sales.

A unique feature of the Native American Culture festival is our educational/ demonstration area, located within Fort Watauga. The dance circle is located in the center of the fort, where the popular traditional dance and drum performances take place. In addition, flute music, storytelling, lectures, and so much more take place within the circle, which share native culture and history with our visitors.

For more information, contact Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area at 423-543-5808.