The John C. Campbell Folk School’s 47th annual Fall Festival returns this year on Saturday, October 7, and Sunday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. A premiere destination since 1974, the Folk School’s Fall Festival attracts thousands from across the region to the school’s scenic Brasstown, North Carolina campus for an extraordinary celebration of Appalachian craft, culture, and heritage.   

Festivalgoers will stroll several wooded paths, visiting a wide variety of fine craft exhibitors showcasing quality works for sale. Talented artisans will demonstrate traditional and contemporary crafts for appreciative audiences throughout the day on our Demonstrator’s Stage and in some studios. Spirited music and dance performances will fill the air with delightful energy continuously over the weekend on two stages. Regional artists will share old-time, bluegrass, folk, and roots music, and dancers will entertain the crowds with clogging and Morris performances.  

We will have over 20 food vendors, including the Folk School’s famed barbecue, so come hungry! Kids activities, including hands-on crafts and face painting from the Cherokee County Arts Council, will also be available. 

The Fall Festival Banner, a colorful tradition celebrating the school’s rich history and enlivening future, is made by quilter and beloved instructor Annie Smith this year. Fall Festival commemorative t-shirts and items will be available to purchase from the school’s Craft Shop. 

The Fall Festival offers plentiful free parking along with a free on-campus shuttle bus and handicapped golf carts. The festival can be challenging for pets because of the crowds and the heat. We encourage those who bring their pets to seek out water stations, keep their pet on a leash, clean up after your pet, and be respectful of attendees. Handicapped parking is available in the Keith House gravel lot. The John C. Campbell Folk School is only two hours from Asheville, Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Knoxville and a day’s drive for half of the residents of the U.S.  

Online tickets are now available for purchase at folkschool.simpletix.com. Regular admission tickets are $12 for adults (18 and up), $10 for ages 12-17, $10 for Seniors (65+) and veterans, and free for children 12 and under. Single-day and multi-day flex passes will be available. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the festival gates with cash only. ATMs are available on campus.  

Interested in volunteering? Visit folkschool.org/volunteer and fill out a volunteer application. Fall Festival volunteers work in approximately 2-2.5-hour time slots based on their availability and preferences. There are many opportunities across the festival, and a position for everyone! Volunteer applications are due Friday, September 16. 

For complete event details, visit folkschool.org/fallfestival or call 1-800-365-5724. We look forward to seeing you there!