28 Jul Our 50th Annual Fall Festival Returns on October 3 and 4, 2026!
The John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival returns this year on October 3 and 4, bringing visitors from across the Southern Appalachian region to celebrate the spirit of community and creativity. This fall, experience the Folk School’s stunning 270-acre campus as you browse outdoor vendors for artisan finds and enjoy live craft demonstrations. The event will feature two music and dance stages, showcasing dozens of local and regional performers.
The Fall Festival offers plentiful free parking and an 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.
Regular admission tickets are $15 for adults (18 and up), $12 for ages 12-17, Seniors (65+), and veterans, and free for children 12 and under. Tickets purchased in advance are $12 for adults (18 and up), $10 for ages 12-17, Seniors (65+), and veterans. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the festival gates. Fall Festival commemorative t-shirts and items will be available to purchase from the school’s Craft Shop.
Interested in volunteering? Volunteer roles range from greeting guests and assisting with traffic to supporting logistics throughout the event. Volunteer perks include free admission the day you volunteer, a commemorative Fall Festival t-shirt and a complimentary sack lunch. Learn more about volunteering at https://www.folkschool.org/events/fall-festival/.
For complete event details, visit www.folkschool.org/fallfestival or call 1-800-365-5724. We look forward to seeing you there!
Ticket Information
Advance Admission – Online Ticket:
Adults:$12 | Seniors 65+/Veterans/Ages 12-17: $10 | Under 12: Free
At The Gate Admission:
Adults:$15 | Seniors 65+/Veterans/Ages 12-17: $12 | Under 12: Free
Notice: Online ticketing includes sales tax and additional processing fees. Cash sales, including sales tax, will be available at the gate during the festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a free booth at Fall Festival because I am a non profit?
All vendors selling items or services for profit or fundraising must pay the designated booth fee for Fall Festival in the area where they are assigned. This includes individuals, organizations, and nonprofits.
Nonprofit status does not exempt a vendor from the fee if funds are being collected. Booth fees help cover event costs and ensure fairness for all participants.
Informational-only booths (with no sales or solicitations) may be eligible for a fee waiver, subject to approval.
Is the Fall Festival rain or shine?
Yes! In case of a heavy down pour we will relocate our Craft Shop music stage over to Davidson Hall and our demonstration stage into Keith House Community Room!
What is Parking like for the Fall Festival?
Tri County Early College Athletics Association will be managing our parking this year. Your donations will help support their athletics program—please consider contributing!
Is it free?
Yes, parking is free and located in our big field around campus.
On Saturday only there will be parking available at Little Brasstown Baptist Church with a shuttle running to campus on a loop.
Accessible Parking
Accessible Parking will be available in the gravel lot across from the Keith House and in the fields with spots reserved closest to the entry gates. Please present a valid accessible parking permit to the attendants for access.
Are pets allowed at Fall Festival?
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. If your dog is not on a leash, you will be asked to leave the Festival.
Are there any alternate routes to Fall Festival ?
The following roads lead to the Folk School:
Old Hwy 64 West (Coming from Murphy, Peachtree, Andrews, Warne, Hayesville, Young Harris, Hiawassee)
Settawig Road to Old Hwy 64 West (Coming from Hayesville)
Hiawassee Street to Harshaw Road (Coming from Tennessee, Ranger, Murphy)
Hwy 129N to Martins Creek Road to Brasstown Road (Coming from North Georgia, Bellview, Martins Creek)
Will the craft shop be open? 
The Craft Shop is open this year and they are selling t-shirts in a tent just outside, right by the dining hall’s Famous Folk School BBQ table.
Where will the craft shop demonstrations be located?
Craft demonstrations are taking place at five separate locations. Demonstrations will be located on a stage to the left of the Enameling Studio, inside the Woodcarving Studio, outside of the Davidson Hall Wet Room, the Woodworking porch, and Blacksmithing Shop.
Where can we look for Fall Festival merchandise?
There will be a tent located outside of the Craft Shop with Fall Festival t-shirts, sweatshirts and other logo items!
What is the firearm policy at the Fall Festival?
For the safety and comfort of all attendees, firearms are not allowed on the premises (Pursuant to North Carolina Statutes 14-415.11) at the John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a welcoming and family-friendly environment for everyone.
Where can I find the Brasstown Carvers?
They will be inside the Woodcarving Studio all day demonstrating and selling their work!
Will there be Kids’ Activities?
The Kids Zone is located in Shady Grove and features a variety of activities hosted by local nonprofits. “Keep on Walking” will offer pumpkin painting, spin art, and an array of yard games for children to enjoy for a flat fee. No cost options will be provided by First United Methodist Montessori Pre-School, the Cherokee County Arts Council and Parents as Teachers of Cherokee and Clay Counties.
Where will on campus accessibility locations be?
Parking
Accessible Parking will be available in the gravel lot across from the Keith House and in the fields with spots reserved closest to the entry gates. Please present a valid accessible parking permit to the attendants for access.
Bathrooms
Accessible bathrooms are located in the Keith House circle
Access into buildings?
There will be no building access for this event except for the Woodcarving Studio and The Log Cabin Museum which has a ramp entrance.
Shuttles?
Shuttles will run from Little Brasstown to campus in a loop and a shuttle will run in the fields to bring people to the gates. these shuttles will not be wheelchair accessible
Is the Fall Festival Wheelchair/walker Accessible?
We are almost a 300 acre campus. We do have reserved accessible parking but our trails are unpaved which could be difficult for wheel chair/walkers. We will also have a few accessibility carts that will be available.
Where will bathrooms be at Fall Festival?
We will have portalets available on campus for festival goers. They will be located near the Festival Barn, across from Davidson Hall, Studio Row Annex handicap accessible bathrooms are here, next to Bidstrup and behind our Woodworking studio.
Where are ATMs located?
We will have two ATMS located outside of the Craftshop, and near our Fiber Arts building!
Questions about Vendor & Volunteer Check in?
Vendor Check-In
Vendors will receive an email with their vendor check in location. Please check in to grab your booth sign and other important information for this years Fall Festival. Check in locations will be based on booth locations and located in the Keith House circle, Festival Barn, Craft Shop Info Booth and Marketplace Info Booth.
Check in will begin on Friday, October 3rd @1pm and go until 6pm.
Early check-in will not be allowed as we will still have students onsite before 1pm. You will have to wait even if you arrive early.
Volunteer Check-In
We will have two volunteer check in locations this year! Please check in to grab your t-shirt and meal ticket before reporting to your assignment. Make sure you arrive 30 minutes early for this new check-in step. Volunteers’ check-in will be located at a booth near the Craft Shop and at a booth in Marketplace right after you enter the Garden Gate. Your check in gate will be assigned when you receive your volunteer confirmation email.
Have a Question we didn't answer here?
For any further questions please contact our Event and Volunteer Manager!
Morgan Budzinski
Mbudzinski@folkschool.org
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