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Mountain Madness Weekend
Starts: 08/28/2026 - Ends: 08/30/2026
We're celebrating the culture of the Great Smoky Mountain region with a weekend filled with fun events! Enjoy games, activities, and contests full of rustic fun and goofy challenges that are perfect for all ages. Dress up in your best hillbilly attire, embrace the silliness, and take part in family-friendly competitions. It's a weekend of lighthearted chaos, mountain-inspired fun, and memories that will last long after the weekend ends!
Book today!
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America Turns 250!
Starts: 01/01/2026 - Ends: 12/31/2026
We can't think of a better way to celebrate America turning 250 than enjoying one of America's favorite pastimes - Camping!
America will be celebrating 250 years in 2026 with events, media features and lots of memory sharing.
Be part of the fun and create lasting memories during this milestone year in America's history at Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday!
Book Your Stay Now!
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Harrah's Cherokee Resort Event Center Events
Starts: 01/01/2026 - Ends: 09/19/2026
The Harrah's Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, North Carolina, is one of the premier entertainment destinations in the Smoky Mountains. This state-of-the-art venue hosts an exciting lineup of concerts, comedy shows, sporting events, and live performances featuring top national and international artists. With comfortable seating, world-class acoustics, and a vibrant casino resort atmosphere, it's the perfect place to experience unforgettable entertainment.
- Apr 25: Styx (7:30 PM)
- May 1: ZZ Top (9:00 PM)
- May 8: The Yacht Rock Revue (9:00 PM)
- May 16: Earth, Wind & Fire (7:30 PM)
- May 22: Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence (9:00 PM)
- May 29: Jodeci (9:00 PM)
- Jun 5: Matt Mathews: Boujee On A Budget (9:00 PM)
- Jun 19: Morgan Jay: The Goofy Guy Tour (9:00 PM)
- July 10: Gladys Knight (8:00 PM)
- Aug 1: Grand Funk Railroad (7:30 PM)
- Sept 4: Melissa Etheridge (9:00 PM)
- Sept 19: Travis Tritt (7:30 PM)
Book your stay now!
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Cherokee Bluegrass Festival
Starts: 06/04/2026 - Ends: 06/06/2026
Get ready for a weekend of toe-tapping bluegrass music and unforgettable memories at the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival, proudly presented by Classic Promotions. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, this beloved annual event brings together bluegrass fans from all over for three days of live performances, jam sessions, and family fun.The festival will feature host band Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, along with an exciting lineup of talented performers that capture the heart and soul of traditional bluegrass. Attendees can enjoy a lively jam tent, delicious food vendors, and a big tent with plenty of seating, ensuring everyone has a great view and a comfortable place to relax. A convenient shuttle service from parking areas makes getting to the festival easy, and the family-friendly atmosphere welcomes guests of all ages to join in the celebration.Experience authentic mountain music, friendly faces, and the warm spirit of community — where the music never stops and memories are made!
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Halloween Weekend #1
Starts: 10/02/2026 - Ends: 10/04/2026
Welcome to our favorite time of the year! We will be going around to all the campsites to trick or treat, we will be planting our magic pumpkin seeds, and we will enjoy our scary haunted house! Finally, we will have an amazing Halloween party! We will judge who has the best costume, decorated site, and pumpkins!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Celebrating America's 250th
Starts: 07/03/2026 - Ends: 07/05/2026
Join us as we celebrate America's 250th and the Fourth of July with a festive weekend full of red, white, and blue fun! Enjoy patriotic crafts, tasty snacks, and campground recreation for the whole family as we honor this special milestone and Independence Day together. It's the perfect way to celebrate summer, family, and country at the campground.
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
Book now for this historic weekend before we fill up!
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Let's Glow Crazy Weekend
Starts: 06/12/2026 - Ends: 06/14/2026
Join us for Let's Glow Crazy Weekend and dance the night away with glow sticks, glow hats, and face painting with glow paint that lights up the night! Enjoy snacks, crafts, and games for all ages as the campground comes alive after dark. It's a glowing good time you won't want to miss!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Memorial Day Weekend
Starts: 05/22/2026 - Ends: 05/24/2026
All of the outdoor fun kicks off during this popular camping weekend as we celebrate America's 250th! Join us for a weekend filled with crafts, games, and family-friendly fun for all ages. To wrap up the evening, gather around the fire pit for sweet s'mores and great memories under the stars—it's the perfect way to celebrate this special milestone together.
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Halloween Weekend #2
Starts: 10/08/2026 - Ends: 10/10/2026
Welcome to our favorite time of the year! We will be going around to all the campsites to trick or treat, we will be planting our magic pumpkin seeds, and we will enjoy our scary haunted house! Finally, we will have an amazing Halloween party! We will judge who has the best costume, decorated site, and pumpkins!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Halloween Weekend #3
Starts: 10/15/2026 - Ends: 10/17/2026
Welcome to our favorite time of the year! We will be going around to all the campsites to trick or treat, we will be planting our magic pumpkin seeds, and we will enjoy our scary haunted house! Finally, we will have an amazing Halloween party! We will judge who has the best costume, decorated site, and pumpkins!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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What a Mess! Weekend
Starts: 06/05/2026 - Ends: 06/07/2026
Get ready for the messiest, wildest, most laughter-filled weekend of the season! What a Mess! Weekend is all about diving into chaos—in the best way possible. Splash around during water games, get colorful with tie-dye, and jump into a mountain of bubbles at our epic foam party. Kids (and kids at heart!) can also enjoy a variety of other messy activities designed for pure, silly fun. Wear clothes you don't mind getting messy… because things are about to get wonderfully wild!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Blast from the Past Weekend
Starts: 06/19/2026 - Ends: 06/21/2026
Travel through time during our Blast from the Past Weekend, where the best of the 70s, 80s, and 90s comes back to life! Break out your retro outfits—think disco vibes, neon colors, and grunge gear—and get ready to groove to the greatest hits from each decade. Enjoy themed games, music, and activities that celebrate the styles and sounds that defined a generation. It's all about nostalgia, fun, and unforgettable throwback moments. Dress up, dance on, and let the good times roll!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Halloween Weekend #5
Starts: 10/30/2026 - Ends: 10/31/2026
Welcome to our favorite time of the year! We will be going around to all the campsites to trick or treat, we will be planting our magic pumpkin seeds, and we will enjoy our scary haunted house! Finally, we will have an amazing Halloween party! We will judge who has the best costume, decorated site, and pumpkins!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Friendsgiving Potluck
Starts: 11/26/2026 - Ends: 11/26/2026
We are so excited to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family and friends! We will provide the meat and you can bring the side dishes!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Halloween Weekend #4
Starts: 10/22/2026 - Ends: 10/24/2026
Welcome to our favorite time of the year! We will be going around to all the campsites to trick or treat, we will be planting our magic pumpkin seeds, and we will enjoy our scary haunted house! Finally, we will have an amazing Halloween party! We will judge who has the best costume, decorated site, and pumpkins!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Mini Carnival Weekend
Starts: 08/14/2026 - Ends: 08/16/2026
Stay with us at Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA and experience our Mini Carnival! Enjoy a fun-filled stay with crafts, tasty snacks, and campground recreation for all ages. It's a weekend packed with classic carnival-style fun and family-friendly memories you won't want to miss!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Labor Day Weekend
Starts: 09/04/2026 - Ends: 09/06/2026
America's 250th gives us even more reason to celebrate this Labor Day with our campers! Join the fun as we kick things off with a festive golf cart parade—be sure to decorate your cart, because the best one will win a prize. Keep the creativity going with our RV site decorating contest, where the most decked-out RV will also take home a prize. Throughout the weekend, enjoy crafts, snacks, and family-friendly activities for all ages. It's a patriotic celebration full of spirit, friendly competition, and campground fun you won't want to miss!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Hawaiian Party Weekend
Starts: 07/17/2026 - Ends: 07/19/2026
Lounge island-style at our beautiful outdoor pool during our Hawaiian Party Weekend! Enjoy tropical vibes as we listen to a live band or DJ, play fun themed games, and savor delicious bites from local food trucks. Cool off with ice-cold snow cones, relax under the sun, and soak in all the laid-back aloha energy of this festive weekend!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Wet and Wild Water Weekend
Starts: 07/10/2026 - Ends: 07/12/2026
Dive into one of the coolest weekends of the season! Wet & Wild Water Weekend is packed with splash-filled fun for all ages. Bring your water guns for epic water battles, cool off with pool games, and get soaked in bubbles at our high-energy foam party. It's the ultimate weekend for beating the heat, laughing nonstop, and making unforgettable summer memories. Come ready to get drenched!
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Pool Wars Weekend
Starts: 08/07/2026 - Ends: 08/09/2026
Get ready to make a splash at our Pool Wars Weekend! Compete in epic water balloon battles, gear up with water guns, and show off your skills in fun, friendly competitions. Cool off in the pool, laugh with friends and family, and enjoy a weekend full of soaked, silly fun for all ages. Bring your water gear and get ready to dive into the ultimate watery adventure!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Back 2 School Weekend
Starts: 08/21/2026 - Ends: 08/23/2026
It's Back To School season! We will have some fun to relax from the first week of school. We will start with back to school bingo! Followed by some back to school crafts/activities. Then end the night with some s'mores around the fire pit with our families!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Country Themed Weekend
Starts: 07/24/2026 - Ends: 07/26/2026
Dust off your boots and get ready for a toe-tappin' good time during our Country-Themed Weekend! Join us for classic country fun, outdoor games, and down-home vibes all weekend long. The highlight of the event is a live performance by the incredible Arbor North, bringing high-energy country music that's perfect for dancing, singing along, and enjoying a summer night under the stars.Grab your cowboy hats, gather your friends, and come enjoy a weekend full of country charm, great music, and unforgettable memories!
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Fiesta Weekend
Starts: 05/29/2026 - Ends: 05/31/2026
Get ready to spice up your stay with our vibrant Fiesta Weekend! Enjoy a festive lineup of crafts, recreation activities, and family-friendly fun for all ages. From hands-on projects to lively games and campground activities, it's a colorful weekend full of energy, laughter, and great memories you won't want to miss.
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Tail of the Dragon Events
Starts: 03/01/2026 - Ends: 10/31/2026
The Tail of the Dragon is a legendary destination that welcomes everyone—from small families and friend groups to large car and motorcycle rallies. Known for its 318 curves in 11 miles, it's a bucket-list experience for driving enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Over the years, it has become a gathering place where unforgettable memories are made on one of America's most iconic roads.Events hosted at the Tail of the Dragon are planned and organized by private individuals or groups, with the Dragon serving as a centralized location and online listing hub for participants. These events range from motorcycle rallies and sports car meetups to classic car cruises, Jeep gatherings, club rides, charity events, photography meetups, and enthusiast weekends. Whether you're attending a small group ride or a large-scale rally, there's always something exciting happening along this world-famous stretch of road.
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Bigfoot's Birthday Bash
Starts: 07/31/2026 - Ends: 08/02/2026
Happy birthday, Bigfoot! Help us celebrate one of the Smoky Mountain's most legendary citizens. Enjoy some yummy food, music, and ice cream as we celebrate Bigfoot! We will even have a meet and greet with the big guy himself!
Subject to change. Some activities require a small purchase.
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Memorial Day Trout Tournament
Starts: 05/23/2026 - Ends: 05/24/2026
Get ready for a thrilling weekend at the Annual EBCI Memorial Day Fish Tournament in Cherokee, where anglers compete for a share of $10,000 in cash prizes. This two-day tagged fish event invites participants of all experience levels to put their skills to the test in the clear, scenic waters of Cherokee.From strategy to patience and precision, it's the ultimate challenge for fishing enthusiasts—set against a backdrop of natural beauty and community excitement.
Book Your Stay!
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Eastern Band Cherokee Annual Pow Wow
Starts: 07/03/2026 - Ends: 07/05/2026
Celebrate Independence Day with a powerful cultural experience at the 4th of July Powwow in Cherokee, North Carolina. Held on the Qualla Boundary by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this annual gathering brings Indigenous traditions to life through vibrant dance, music, and storytelling.Watch skilled dancers compete in traditional categories, dressed in striking, handcrafted regalia, all moving to the steady rhythm of the drum. Beyond the arena, explore cultural demonstrations, browse handmade crafts, and enjoy authentic Native cuisine.With its energy, color, and deep cultural roots, the 4th of July Powwow offers a meaningful and unforgettable way to connect with Cherokee heritage.
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Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama
Starts: 05/30/2026 - Ends: 08/22/2026
Watch Cherokee history come to life under the stars at Mountainside Theatre! "Unto These Hills" is one of America's most compelling outdoor dramas, telling the tragic and inspiring story of the Cherokee people. This unforgettable theatrical experience takes audiences on a journey from the years before the Trail of Tears to the resilience of the Cherokee Nation today. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Smoky Mountains this performance honors traditional Cherokee values while embracing a modern perspective.
Closed Sundays
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4th of July Fireworks
Starts: 07/04/2026 - Ends: 07/04/2026
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians invite you to celebrate America's independence at their Annual 4th of July Fireworks Show.
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Tim Hill Memorial Trout Tournament
Starts: 07/11/2026 - Ends: 07/12/2026
This tournament honors Tim Hill, a long-time employee at our trout hatchery, who sadly passed too soon. Cherokee's Fisheries & Wildlife Management Division created this fun and lucrative tournament in his name several years ago.
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Cherokee Bike Festival
Starts: 05/15/2026 - Ends: 05/17/2026
Get ready for an action-packed weekend in the heart of Cherokee Nation, where racing, music, and community come together. Whether you're an experienced rider or just enjoy the excitement of the sport, there's something for everyone—from Enduro and Cross-Country races to an adrenaline-pumping BMX competition.Bring the whole family and take part in a high-energy festival filled with adventure, culture, and celebration you won't want to miss.
Book Your Stay!
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Qualla Country Trout Tournament
Starts: 08/29/2026 - Ends: 08/30/2026
Experience the excitement of the Qualla Country Trout Tournament in Cherokee, North Carolina—a premier fishing event set in the heart of the Qualla Boundary. Anglers of all ages and skill levels are invited to cast their lines in pursuit of tagged trout and the chance to win impressive cash prizes.Held in the crystal-clear, stocked waters managed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this tournament combines the thrill of competition with the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. Whether you're competing or cheering from the banks, it's a weekend filled with outdoor adventure, community spirit, and unforgettable moments.
Book Your Stay!
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7 Clans Rodeo
Starts: 05/23/2026 - Ends: 05/24/2026
Saddle up for an unforgettable experience at the 7 Clans Rodeo in Cherokee, North Carolina. This high-energy event brings the spirit of the West to the heart of the Qualla Boundary, featuring thrilling competitions like bull riding, barrel racing, and bronc riding.Hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the rodeo blends adrenaline-pumping action with rich cultural pride. Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with family-friendly entertainment, local vendors, and plenty of excitement for all ages.Book Your Stay!