October 18-19, 2024
Experience the quintessential showcase of traditional mountain life at the annual Harvest Festival at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, located near Fontana Lake and Robbinsville. Enjoy the best of Appalachian dance, music, food, arts, and crafts in a beautiful setting in Nantahala National Forest. Also, visit several nearby contemporary artists in their studios.
The weekend kicks off on Friday evening 6-8 PM with storytelling by the campfire, marshmallow roast, and food/cocoa for sale. Admission is free on Friday night.
On Saturday, the festival runs from 10 AM until 5 PM, with local artists offering their handmade crafts and foods for sale. Watch demonstrations of corn-grinding, apple cider pressing, and log cutting. Don’t miss Double 00 Farm Animals Fainting Goats. Bring your chair and enjoy mountain music and dance from the main stage. The Pumpkin Design Competition is new this year, and remember to check out the Quilt Show in the gym. Admission is $5/adult and free for students through 12th grade. Parking is free.
While you are there, be sure to go inside to browse the impressive Stecoah Artisans Gallery with a big variety of art from 180 local artists. They can also direct you to nearby artist studios to visit. Read more!
Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is housed in a renovated schoolhouse in the tiny village of Stecoah. It is about a half-hour west of Bryson City via US-74 West and NC-28 North (heading toward Fontana Dam). They are about 15 minutes from Robbinsville. Address for GPS: 121 Schoolhouse Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771
