The Cherokee Nation will celebrate the 72nd annual Cherokee National Holiday over multiple weekends in August, including longstanding cultural favorites as well as new events, such as a youth livestock show and the second annual two-night concert at One Fire Field.
The Cherokee National Holiday typically draws more than 100,000 visitors from across the country. Main Holiday activities will be held Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 in Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation.
“The Holiday commemorates the signing of the Cherokee Nation Constitution in 1839, which re-established the tribe’s government after forced removal. This is a time to celebrate cultural resilience and unity while honoring our Cherokee ancestors,” Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “We invite everyone to come and celebrate with us and enjoy the variety of events.”
Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner will look back at the past year and look ahead to the future during the State of the Nation event in historic downtown Tahlequah at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion.
The tribe will also present for the second time the Dalalapalooza live music concert at One Fire Field. The concert will feature a variety of folk, bluegrass, country, rock and pop music, and will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30 and Saturday, Aug. 31.
Artists performing include Agalisiga (Big Chuj) Mackey, Klondike5 String Band, Sister Stone, Amber Watson & Friends, Cody Brewer, and King Cabbage Brass Band. Concert goers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Other events include longtime favorites like traditional games, sporting events such as softball and stickball, quilt show and art show, golf, the Holiday Veterans 5K and Fun Run, as well as cornhole and fishing tournaments, and much more.
The Inter-Tribal Powwow will return Aug. 3031 at the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds, where dancers will go head-to-head in competition for top honors and over $35,000 in prize money.
“Celebrating the Cherokee National Holiday is an unforgettable experience for all who join. Whether they attend or participate in the powwow, the parade, one of the many traditional games played or any of the other events, everyone will have a great time,” Deputy Chief Warner said.
“I’m thankful we are able to celebrate the Cherokee Nation Constitution in such a big way every year and I always look forward to it.”
Other annual events include the Cherokee National Holiday parade, which will be in downtown Tahlequah on Saturday, Aug. 31.
Chief Hoskin, Deputy Chief Warner and members of the Council of the Cherokee Nation will join together for the annual State of the Nation following the parade at 11 a.m. at the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion.
State of the Nation will be live streamed on the Cherokee Nation Facebook page for those who cannot make it in person.
More than 160 food and craft vendors are expected to attend multiple Cherokee National Holiday celebrations this year.
Follow the official Cherokee National Holiday Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/cherokeenationalholiday to keep up with the latest news and announcements.
For additional information on events, call 918-822-2427 or email, holiday@cherokee.org.
