Punkin Chunkin Festival
Festival October 19 & 20, 2024
with Chili & Anything Pumpkin Cook-off October 18
If you have never seen a pumpkin fly, Punkin Chunkin is your chance. Catapults, air cannons, trebuchets and other powerful machines toss pumpkins up to several thousand feet in a battle between champion Pumpkin Chunkers. Thousands of people come every year to see this hugely popular harvest festival in Western North Carolina near Hayesville that is sponsored by the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to the pumpkin throwing, there will be pie-eating contests, live entertainment, food and craft vendors. Old Time Tractors will be on display with hay rides, as well as airplane rides. The Kidzone is always a popular place with lots of kids’ activities.
Punkin Chunkin weekend kicks off on Friday evening with the “Anything Pumpkin” and Chili Cook-off competition on the Historic Hayesville Square. Tickets will be sold on a first-come first-serve basis at the event. Please come and enjoy the music and dine out at our many restaurants located on the historic downtown.
Concerts on the Square
Fridays Nights during the Summer on the Hayesville, NC Square.
Dates will be announced in Spring 2024.
Enjoy live music at outdoor concerts on the Square in Hayesville. Bring your chair and get ready for a good time, as you enjoy cool evenings and hot tunes from a variety of regional bands. Food and drink available at 6 pm, music starts at 7 pm.
Concerts, Plays & Stories
Community Theater, Concerts and Special Events are at the Peacock Performing Arts Center. Theatrical Season offers a variety of plays staged by an outstanding regional theater company. The Songwriters Showcase brings singer-songwriters to the stage, and Main Stage Season hosts musical productions, many of them tribute bands.
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Smoky Mountain Center Performing Arts Center, John C. Campbell Folk School and local restaurants offer live music events. The Mountain Area Storytellers present Stories on the Square several evenings a year.
July 4 Parade and Freedom Festival
July 4th Parade and Freedom Festival | Time TBD
Fireworks are typically held near Chatuge Dam. Watch from your boat, the Chatuge Dam parking lot, the Clay County Recreation Area or Gibson Cove Campground.
Join us for an old-fashioned parade around the square in downtown Hayesville with family fun games following the parade. Bring your lawn chairs. Please note that the parade route has changed.
Parade entry applications need to be handed in at the Chamber of Commerce at 96 Sanderson Street or call for information at 828-389-3704.
Festival on the Square
Summer 2025
The Historic Courthouse Square in downtown Hayesville will host an array of crafters, artists and food. The Festival has become a town tradition that brings free entertainment and arts to the lawns of the Courthouse, which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Visit over 60 artisans and crafters and enjoy food and refreshments while listening to a variety of live musicians.
Cherokee Heritage Festival
September 21, 2024
This popular festival includes a variety of Cherokee crafts and their makers who demonstrate traditional native crafts. Watch as members of the Eastern Band show off their skills in basket and finger weaving, pottery sculpting, bead working, woodcarving, flint knapping, blowgun crafting, and arrow making. Their work is on view and for sale with artists there to discuss their work. The afternoon is a celebration of dancing, storytelling, and music, as well as activities for children. Tribal members cook up authentic Cherokee cuisine, such as the ever-popular fry bread with all the fixings. This is a family friendly free event.
The festival is held at the site of the outdoor Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, which features traditional Cherokee homes and displays on Cherokee culture. For festival details click here.
Tractor Parade and Agricultural Day
September 28, 2024
Come to the square in downtown Hayesville NC for the biggest parade of tractors you may have ever seen. From modern models to old-time classics, you’ll get to see them all up close. The parade starts at noon. There will be a hay maze, games for kids, a combine simulator and food and drink will be available.
Fall Festival
October 5-6, 2024
We invite you to celebrate Appalachian heritage at our Annual Fall Festival, featuring a wide variety of craftspeople, continuous live music and dance, craft demonstrations, good food, and much more!
Avoid The Lines. Get Your Tickets Today!
Admission:
Adults: $10 | Seniors 65+/Veterans: $8 | Ages 12-17: $8 | Under 12: Free
Steins & Wine Oktoberfest
October 5, 2024
Join us for the annual Steins & Wine Oktoberfest in historic downtown Hayesville. We will be featuring area beer, wine & food.
Must be 21 with a valid ID to consume alcohol.
Visit HistoricHayesvilleInc.com or HHI Centennial Exhibit for details.
Candy Cane Market
November 9-10, 2024
The Candy Cane Market is a well established and well attended market that is filled with energy and the spirit of the season. The arts and crafts are original, creative and endless. The admission is free, there are door prizes at the artisan tables and concessions are available. Plan on eating and shopping for Christmas and be ready to buy a little treasure for yourself. This event is being organized by the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church located at 1433 Highway 64 West, Hayesville NC 28904. Please contact the organizers at CandyCaneMarketClayNC@gmail.com