Fall Festival

Come celebrate Appalachia at our 50th Annual Fall Festival!

October 3-4, 2026

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Annual Fall Festival, established at the John C. Campbell Folk School in 1974, is held each year on the first full weekend in October—this year on October 3-4, 2026.

The event features four outdoor vendor areas – both juried and non-juried – for visitors to experience the stunning 270-acre campus. This year, look forward to 230+ craft vendors and 25+ food vendors, and over 50 makers demonstrating traditional and contemporary crafts across multiple locations. Each year, visitors attend from across the southern Appalachian region – including Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia – to celebrate the spirit of community and creativity. The event will feature two music and dance stages showcasing dozens of local and regional performers. In addition, the Demonstration Stage, along with three other demonstration areas, will highlight traditional skills and craft practices.

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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. Purchase early to receive the best price and avoid lines at the gate. A portion of your ticket price supports our parking volunteers and public safety partners.

Two people standing at a volunteer check-in booth with "Fall Festival" shirts, possibly related to North Carolina fall festivals.

Volunteer for this event

Follow the link below to check out the available volunteer shifts and all the great perks that come with helping out!

Perks of volunteering

  • 50th Annual Fall Festival T-shirt
  • Lunch served in the Dining Hall
  • Free admission on the day you volunteer (volunteer for 4+ hours and get in free the next day too!)

2026 Fall Festival Craft & Food Vendors!

List of Juried Vendors

Festival Barn
Martha Owen Woolens, Fain House, Roving Knitter • Fiber, Painting & Book Arts
The Original Sister Dolls Collection • Mixed Media
Lucas Hundley Woodworking • Wood
Riverwood Pottery • Clay
Alan R. Young Wildlife Artist • Painting
Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe • Fiber
Jim Norton Jewelry • Jewelry
Two Crows Farm • Fiber
Sharla Kaufman Pottery • Clay
Spring Fork Baskets • Naturals
JoEl Logiudice • Jewelry
Ceramics by Nature • Clay
Goddess Rags • Fiber
The Scarf Lady • Fiber
The Basket Lady • Naturals
Once Again Sam • Fiber
J. Mills Studio • Jewelry
Knotty Lady Rug Braiding • Fiber
MOONbow ARTworks by Jen Otey • Clay
Patti Barker • Fiber
Earthsong Fibers • Fiber
Audrey Laine Jewelry • Jewelry
Hale Fire Glass • Glass
Inheritance Leatherworks • Leather
The Kaleidoscope Within • Metal
Eastern Grey Limited • Wood
peggyepton-stitched textiles • Fiber
Denise Phillips Ceramics • Clay
Debora Crichton • Fiber
JL Merrill Metalworks • Jewelry
Smoke in the Mountain Pottery • Clay
Dark Hollow Woodworking • Wood
C. Murphy Does… • Fiber
Yoruba Indigo • Fiber
Our State Magazine
Blue Ridge Public Radio

Studio Row
LegacyHouse Clay • Clay
Frazier’s Fabrication LLC • Metal
Alchemist’s Garden Jewelry • Jewelry
Quilt Designs by Candace • Fiber
Linnea Rae Collection • Jewelry
Besom & Bone Broomworks • Fiber
Studio 37 • Mixed Media
Hilo Studios • Clay
Jeffrey Mead • Wood
Oriskany Glass Studio • Glass
Amy Brandenburg Studio • Jewelry
Green’s Hand Hewn Bowls and Spoons • Wood
Creeksong Quilts • Fiber
Moonshadow • Leather
Pine Needle Baskets by Yvonne • Fiber
Janette Franich Jewelry • Jewelry
Creative Creations • Metal
Turning Point Clay Studio • Clay
Blue Moon Elise • Consumables
Contemporary Clay Designs • Clay
Sienna Shute Pottery & Mulheron Banjos • Clay
P&C Crafts LLC • Wood
Cannonball Clay • Clay
Ironwood Forge • Metal

Studio Row Annex
Lena Grace Designs • Jewelry
Olde World Carvings • Wood
The Dawn Bird • Fiber
17 Summers • Fiber
Flora & Function • Clay
Indigo Roots Textiles • Fiber
Simply Affinity • Jewelry
Woodland Farms Pottery • Clay
Danny Ramey • Photography
Lindy Leather • Leather
Critter Ridge L.L.C. • Metal
RaBo Design • Wood
Buck Island Forge • Metal
M.Pallas Studio • Painting
Jones Pottery • Clay
Botanical Alchemist • Naturals
Michael’s Woodcrafts • Mixed Media
Colleen Williams • Clay
Coweeta Wooden Ware • Wood
Bailey N. Fritz Ceramics • Clay
Appalachian Archery • Wood
Byrd Mountain Pottery • Clay
Handmade by Courtney Elise • Jewelry
Fred Draper Photographer • Photography
Chicken Tracks Art Ranch • Mixed Media
Carverothings • Wood

Studio Row Loop
Paul Lorenzi Woodworking • Wood
Pamdora’s • Clay
Gnarley Furniture • Wood
Vagabond Fiber Arts • Fiber
Holdenbrook Knives • Metal
In The Woods Studio LLC • Clay
Mantid Makings • Fiber
Lardworks Fiber and Glass Studio • Fiber
Rambling Bear LLC • Wood
Allthingswood • Wood
Stitched • Fiber
Carney’s Unlimited Crafts • Painting
Nick Fessel Woodcrafts • Wood
Allyson Gernandt Gemstone Jewelry • Jewelry
Marshdog Folk Art • Wood
Kevin Duckett • Leather
Smoking Turtle Studio • Clay
Kim Hamby Art • Painting
EK Studio • Clay
Artistic Kindling • Wood

List of Non-Juried Vendors

Marketplace
AB Farm and Gardens • Fiber
Animal Rescue Financial Support • Nonprofit
G’s Bees Apiary • Naturals
MKC Creations • Fiber
Kat & Bird Handmade • Fiber
Country Hide Creations LLC • Leather
Loom Woven Products • Fiber
Brew Naturals • Consumables
Xee Yang • Fiber
New Found Forge • Metal
Pottery n Pine • Clay
Randy’s Funky Punk Art • Metal
Stitchpet • Fiber
Smoky Mountain Treasures • Consumables
Georgia Fire Steel • Wood
Tina’s Tie Dye • Fiber
Treasures in the Wind • Garden Arts
D&S Custom Leather • Leather
Scher Studio • Fiber
Christy’s Creations • Wood
Mainspring Conservation Trust • Nonprofit
The Bear Factory Chainsaw Carving • Wood
Papas Trinkets • Wood
Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards • Nonprofit
Amy Brewer-Davenport Art • Painting
Windows With a View by Jacquie • Painting
Rose of Sharon Herbs • Consumables
Garden Girl Grown LLC • Consumables
Scary Jerry’s Mountain Fire Hot Sauce • Food Vendor
Family Garden Farm • Food Vendor
Bless Your Hearth • Consumables
Kayla’s Crocheted Gifts • Fiber
Long Creek Woodworking • Wood
Divine Appalachia Print Co • Fiber
Welded & Wild • Jewelry
Verre Art Studio • Glass
Jones and Taylor Creations • Fiber
P&A Creations Woodworking & Sundry Art • Wood
Wild Child Clayworks • Clay
Lovingood Naturals LLC • Consumables
Chicken Fried Folk Art • Painting
Kaiaghok • Jewelry
Bloodroot Glassworks LLC • Glass
JG Jewelry Creations • Jewelry
Farm and Forge Pottery • Clay
The Bigfoot Refinery Beard Co. • Consumables
Flighty Birdhouse Lady • Mixed Media
American Indian Creations (Whitefox Stall) • Instruments
Town Mountain Farm • Naturals
Trouts Table Treats • Wood
Nature Spirit Drums • Instruments
Coleman Homestead & Heritage Tallow Shoppe • Consumables
Ard Righ Art • Leather
Berry’s Honey Farm llc • Consumables
Far Western NC Gourd Patch • Fiber
WNC Pottery Pals • Clay
Cold Mountain Toffee • Consumables
Chalk Outlines Film • Nonprofit
Callie + Boots • Fiber
Bonnie Glen Luxury Candles • Consumables
Dirt Dauber Studio • Clay
Well Seasoned Table • Consumables
SASSYSQRL • Naturals
Out Of Our Gourd • Naturals
Madlock Farms • Jewelry
Chatuge Woodsmith Company • Wood
Local Handmade Pottery • Clay
Butters Better Candy Co. • Consumables
Jim Craig Knives • Metal
Lazy Llama Home Design • Fiber
Something Southern • Clay
Soaps By Sheryl LLC • Consumables
Mariella Owens, Pottery • Clay
Mike Grannemann Woodworking • Wood
Roolya Boolya Studio • Painting & Fiber
Hats by Hunji • Fiber
Fiber Happy • Fiber
Essentials Everything • Naturals
Hummingbird Handcrafts • Wood
Mountain Man Stan Woodworking • Wood
Wreaths by “T” • Naturals
Pens by Ilania • Wood
JHutt Woodart • Wood
Elmes Trees to Treasures • Wood
6 Ponds Farm • Wood
Forever Linked Permanent Jewelry • Jewelry
Leather On My Mind • Leather
Backroads Artist • Painting
Appalachian Growers • Fiber
Hills to Hollers • Fiber
Piece by Piece Intarsia • Wood
Barred Rock Studios • Clay
Georgia Moon Soap and Candle Company • Consumables
Sylvan Heart Creations • Fiber
Emory Nolan • Painting
Doodad Mosaics & Glass • Glass
Wing Ding Constructions • Wood
Stitching Forward • Fiber
The Folk Collaborative • Naturals
The Clogging Potter • Clay
Cat Callaway • Wood
Hammered • Jewelry
Crossnore Weaving Room and Gallery • Fiber
Quilted Leaf Impression & Els Vingerling • Fiber & Clay

Woodcarving Studio

The Brasstown Carvers will host an open studio all day, offering visitors the opportunity to watch them carve and purchase their work.

Kids Cove & Olive’s Gallery
Kids Cove is located in Shady Grove, will feature a variety of activities hosted by Olive’s Porch, such as pumpkin painting, spin art, yard games, sensory cool-down, and fun craft activities for children to enjoy. Olive’s Gallery will feature craft vendors and is located in Open House.

Olive’s Gallery
Artisan of Wood JTB Maker • Mixed Media
Glassy Things By Donna • Glass
Linda Miller • Mixed Media
Treasure Chest Jewels/WildFired Glass Studio • Glass
Art of James Ryder Murphy IV • Painting
One Swell Sculptor • Clay
Jerry Remillard • Wood
Home Cooked Pottery • Clay

Kids Cove
Designs By Drew • Fiber
Magnet Threads • Fiber
Grace’s Painted Faces • Painting
Bag Lady by Stacy • Fiber
Let’s Head Out Creations • Fiber
Project Chimps • Kids Activities
Olive’s Porch (Folk School) • Kids Activities

Food Vendors

Outside Craft Shop
Serenity Coffee • Iced, Hot & Drip Coffee, Lattes, Lemonades
Twisted Ice Cream • Ice Cream, Hot Chocolate, Cappuccino
Coach Willie’s Chase The Taste • Fried Ribs, Pork Chop Sandwiches, Catfish Nuggets, Fried Smoked Sausage, Hot Dogs, Fries, Hush Puppies, Onion Rings

Studio Row 
Loaded Cow • Hand-Scooped Ice Cream

Studio Row Annex
Mimo’s Ice Cream • Handcrafted Ice Cream Scoops

Marketplace
Ledford’s Brasstown Bayou • Gumbo, Shrimp Étouffée, Red Beans & Rice, Soft Pretzels
Heyman Kettlecorn • Kettle Corn, Sodas, Water
Red’s Lemonade Stand • Lemonade, Limeade, Orangeade
My PopPops Nuts • Cinnamon Sugar Glazed Nuts, Bottled Water
Nana and Papa’s Homemade Ice Cream • Ice Cream, Milkshakes, Floats (Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, Peach, Butter Pecan)

Food Alley

Brasstown Morris Dancers • Chicken Curry, Vegetarian Curry, Salad, Cookies, Baked Goods, Coffee, Teas, Lemonade
Dragon Pit BBQ • Po’ Boys, Gumbo, Étouffée, Smoked Meats
Kokomo’s Sweets and Treats • Funnel Cakes, Deep-Fried Oreos, Cotton Candy, Candy Apples, Floats, Fried Cookie Dough
Jerries Kettle Corn • Kettle Corn, Lemonade, Boiled Peanuts, Cotton Candy
A Taste of Hawaii & Raclette • Banh Mi, Teriyaki Chicken or Beef, Raclette Sandwich, Vegetarian Fried Rice, Thai Sweet & Sour Chili Bowl
Under The Reign Lemonade • Fresh-Pressed Lemonades, Chilled Vietnamese Coffee, Fresh-Milled Cookies
Legends Steakhouse • Black Angus Burgers, Steak Kabobs, Nachos, Philly Cheesesteaks, Pulled Pork, Egg Rolls
Triple B • Hot Dogs, Bratwursts
The Lemon-Aid Station • Fresh & Frozen Lemonade, Limeade, Orangeade in 16 Flavors

Jack’s Magic Beans • Hot & Iced Coffee, Teas, Loaded Teas, Lemonade, Sodas
Clyde’s Hot Boiled Peanuts • Boiled & Roasted Peanuts, Funnel Cakes, Fried Green Tomatoes, Candy Apples, Ribbon Fries, Hot Dogs
Corndog Inc • Hand-Dipped Corndogs (Classic, Jalapeño, Veggie), Chicken & Tots, Funnel Cakes, Fresh Limeade
The Ark Food Truck • Jerk Chicken, Caribbean Rib-Tips, Shrimp or Mahi Tacos, Burgers, Bahamian Mac & Cheese, Coconut Rice
C&C Snacks • Eight Flavors of Pork Rinds
Chill & Fill • Shaved Ice, Fresh Lemonade, Funnel Cakes, Fried Oreos, Corn Dogs, Philly Cheesesteaks, Baked Potatoes
North Georgia Concessions • Waffle Dogs, Chicken & Waffles, French Fries, Sweet Waffles with Assorted Toppings
Dragon Ass Smoked BBQ • Brisket, Chicken, Turkey Legs, Ribs, Loaded Potatoes, Vinegar Slaw, Desserts
Ricks Vending & Concession • Kettle Corn, Fresh Lemonade, Rum Cakes, Hot Apple Cider (weather permitting)

Thank you to our 2026  Festival Sponsors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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!

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)

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.

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.

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 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 can I stay that's close to campus?

If you wish to stay in the area, hotels are available in Murphy, NC, and Blue Ridge and Hiawassee, GA. Our only specific recommendation is the Sunset Motel in Murphy, though it is small and will probably book up quickly. Other local options are vacation rental homes through sites such as VRBO and Airbnb.

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

Find A Vendor

Use the gallery below to explore this year’s participants and preview the work they’ll have to offer! You can search by name to find a specific vendor or browse by category to discover new artists and their work. Once you’ve found who you’d like to visit, consult our festival map to locate their booth and plan your route across our 270-acre campus.

Fall Festival: News & Stories

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Interview with Dana Bolyard: 2024 Fall Festival Quilt Banner Designer

We are excited to talk to the creator of the 2024 Fall Festival quilt banner, Dana Bolyard! A longtime Folk School quilting tradition is the creation of the Fall Festival quilt banner. Over the 48-year history of Fall Festival, different community quilters have created a handmade quilt commemorating the event each year.

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Betsy Henn Bailey: 36 Years at Fall Festival

Betsy Henn Bailey celebrates her 36th year as a Fall Festival vendor and artist. A local artist and teacher in the Brasstown and Murphy area for over 40 years, Betsy has had a great influence on art and culture in our community. The week before the 39th Annual Fall Festival I talked to Betsy about the festival, her art, and her Folk School memories.

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A Colorful Tradition: Fall Festival Banners

 Thirty-eight years ago, the very first Folk School Fall Festival was held by Open House beside the large fields. Gus and Maggie Masters, then directors of the Folk School, were enamellists who were used to selling their art at shows and festivals. So they simply brought to the Folk School and local artists a festival of our own!

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Folk School in the Beginning of June

It’s raining again, and if this were boy-scout camp, there’d be a lot of soggy tents, unroasted marshmallows, and unhappy campers.  But here at the John C. Campbell Folk School, each shower puts another bud on the lilies and another apple on the bough over at Orchard House, which will make for fine cider come the Fall Festival.  Over one hundred people have gathered to weave backpacks from straw, piece fabric into quilted jackets, build their own mountain dulcimer or learn to play one–just a few of the projects this week.

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Sunday at Fall Festival

The Sunday Morning String Band, Jan Davidson, Martha Owen, and David Liden started the day out right with some old time fiddle tunes.  This year they invited guests to the stage.  Fred Ward, a friend from England, played some tunes from old Britain on the melodion, which looks like a small accordion.  Before long they invited their youngsters, Chole Davidson, my sister Annie Fain Liden, and I to sing a family favorite –  Lazy John.

Locate & Contact

The John C. Campbell Folk School

Events & Volunteer Manager

Morgan Budzinski

1.800.FOLK.SCH (365-5724)

Mailing Address
One Folk School Road
Brasstown, NC 28902

Email Us

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