Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of the Southern Appalachian region through interactive demonstrations, live music and hands-on activities. The festival celebrates the legacy of the many families who once lived on the lands that later became Great Smoky Mountains National Park, preserving the diverse customs and skills passed down through generations.

Visitors can engage with living historians and cultural demonstrators to learn what daily life was like in the mountains. Highlights include traditional sorghum milling, hearth cooking, apple butter making, apple cider pressing, broom making, hominy preparation and demonstrations of Cherokee culture. Seasonal activities will also showcase the crafts and customs that defined autumn in the region’s past.

No reservations are required, but visitors are reminded that a parking tag is required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes. Parking tags can be obtained in advance online or at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.