Native American tribes the Choctaw, Creek, Chickasaw, Seminole and Cherokee return to Cherokee for a two-day event that celebrates the revitalization of their ancient traditions. The Southeast Tribes Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 16 and 17, reuniting people from the original American Indian tribes of the Southeast on the sacred ancestral ground of the Cherokees at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.

Visitors can share in the tribes’ traditional dances, food, storytelling, stickball games, crafts demonstrations, living history encampments, a Cherokee marbles tournament, a blowgun competition and native languages. The event also includes a 5k fun run at 9 a.m. on Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. and a writers gathering Sept. 14 and 15.

Adult daily admission is $7, $3 for children 6-12 years. Children under 6 are free. Admission includes evening performances. Special group rates are available for schools on Friday. For more information, call. 828.497.3481, ext. 207, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.cherokee-nc.com.