CNO National Holidays

THE 63rd CHEROKEE NATIONAL HOLIDAY, TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA SEPT 4-6, 2015

The Cherokee National Holiday is a celebration of Cherokee heritage, cultural awareness, and reuniting of families. Thousands of Cherokees and visitors from across the United States and abroad make the pilgrimage to the historic Cherokee Nation capital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to renew friendships and celebrate the Cherokee spirit. The holiday has been observed annually since 1953 to commemorate the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution.

With an exciting array of entertainment, cultural and athletic events, it has grown into one of the largest festivals in Oklahoma, attracting more than 100,000 visitors from across the world.

This multi-day celebration is jam-packed with sports activities for all ages, from traditional games such as Cherokee marbles, the cornstalk shoot and blowgun competition to the more familiar golf and softball tournaments.

Hundreds of vendors and crafts people set up booths where visitors may view and purchase authentic Native American-made products and foods.

Music lovers will enjoy many events, including gospel and bluegrass music, a toe-tapping fiddler’s contest and a concert from the award-winning Cherokee National Youth Choir.