Fall Festival

Come celebrate Appalachia at our Annual Fall Festival!

October 2-3, 2027

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 upcoming year, it will be held on October 2-3, 2027.

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.

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, Hotdogs, Hamburgers, Italian sausage, and Bratwurst, and Hot Apple Cider (weather permitting)

Schedule of Music and Dance Performers

Saturday, October 3

Festival Barn Stage
10:20 Folk School Cloggers
11:00 Appalachian St. Andrews Pipes & Drums
11:10 Cherokee Language Repertory Choir
12:00 Julie Nelms & Sonny Reighard
1:05 Chloe & Jan Davidson Band
1:55 Speeches & Acknowledgements
2:15 Junior Appalachian Musicians Band
2:50 Brasstown Morris Dancers
3:35 The Four O’ Clocks Trio

Craft Shop Stage Located in Shady Grove
10:15 Géraud Barralon • French Music
11:20 Virginia Mattox • Ukulele Songs
12:00 1-Trick Pony Acoustic Trio • Roots
12:40 Rusty Rooster String Band • Old Time
1:20 Jacob Goins • Melodic Soundscapes
2:30 Toni Cherub • Folk Harp
3:25 Kaylee V. Todd • Folk & Ballads
4:05 Smokerise Recorder Ensemble • Instrumentals

Jam Pavilion
11:00 Intro to Shape-Note Singing
11:30 Christian Harmony Singing
2:00 Intro to Shape-Note Singing
2:30 Sacred Harp Singing

Sunday, October 4

Festival Barn Stage
10:00 Sunday Morning String Band • Old Time
10:30 Folk School Cloggers
11:10 Granny’s Mason Jar
12:00 Hickory Stand • Classic Acoustic Country
1:00 Rick, Bruce, & Johnny • Bluegrassish
1:35 Little Brasstown Baptist Choir
2:05 Brasstown Morris Dancers
2:55 The Mammals • Americana
Special Recognition
4:00 Irons in the Fire • Americana

Craft Shop Stage Located in Shady Grove
10:15 Nelson Thomas
11:10 Paddy’s Return • Celtic
12:00 Appalachian Storytelling
1:35 Beansidhe • Celtic
2:30 Heidi Holton • Blues
3:15 Red Wine Jam • Folk

Jam Pavilion
10:00 Acoustic Social Jam • BYO Instrument or Borrow one!
11:00 Play & Sing Along • Skirvin Family Band
12:30 Folk School Songbook • Steve & Mary
2:00 Song Swap Jam • Jim & Marci Wilcox

Demonstration Schedule

Saturday, October 3

Unique Offerings – Enameling Studio
11-11:45 Grains & Bread • Jon McDonald
12-12:45 Broom Making • Max Hendry
1-1:45 Jewelry • Kristin Wilder
2-2:45 Storytelling • Mountain Storytellers
3-3:45 Pottery • Sienna Shute

Woodworking – Woodworking Studio Porch
11-11:45 Woodturning • Guy Griswold
12-12:45 Woodworking • Jeffery Wyatt
1-1:45 Woodturning • Bob Henrickson
2-2:45 Wood Carving • Jim Carey
3-4:45 Woodturning • Mitch Jones

Fiber Arts – Davidson Hall Gravel Lot
Rotating Demonstrations starting at 10 a.m
Spinning, Weaving, Indigo Dyeing, Felt Making, Needle Felting, Knitting, Dolls, Carding and more

Blacksmithing – Clay Spencer Blacksmithing Shop
Rotating Demonstrations starting at 11 a.m
Rusty Osborne, Mark Sperry, Herb Gravitt and Robert Burns

Brasstown Carvers – Woodcarving Studio
Rotating Demonstrations All-day, starting at 10 a.m.
Carvings available for purchase.

Sunday, October 4

Unique Offerings – Enameling Studio
11-11:45 Pottery • Brant Barnes
12-12:45 Enameling • Paul Roche
1-1:45 Broom Making • Bev Larson
2-2:45 Storytelling • Mountain Storytellers
3-3:45 Pottery • Karen Barnes

Woodworking – Woodworking Studio Porch
11-11:45 Woodturning • Mark Taylor
12-12:45 Woodturning • Christine Smith
1-1:45 Woodturning • Jeffrey Wyatt
2-2:45 Timber Framing • Joel Cimmaron
3-4:45 Chair Seats • Rebecca Juliette-Deux

Fiber Arts – Davidson Hall Gravel Lot
Rotating Demonstrations starting at 10 a.m
Spinning, Weaving, Indigo Dyeing, Felt Making, Needle Felting, Knitting, Dolls, Carding and more

Blacksmithing – Clay Spencer Blacksmithing Shop
Rotating Demonstrations starting at 11 a.m
Rusty Osborne, Mark Sperry and John Ziegler

Brasstown Carvers – Woodcarving Studio
Rotating Demonstrations All-day, starting at 10 a.m.
Carvings available for purchase.

2027 Fall Festival Sponsorship

Sponsor outreach for Fall Festival begins February 1, 2027. If you have questions about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us using the contact form below.

2027 Vendor Applications

Vendor applications open on February 22, 2027. Please check back for a link to the vendor application. If you have questions about becoming a vendor at the Fall Festival, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.

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?

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Auxiliary and Tri-County Community College will manage our parking. Look for uniformed volunteers at the entrance for directions into the lot, and then follow instructions from volunteers wearing safety vests.

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.

Where will the craft demonstrations be located?

Craft demonstrations are taking place at multiple locations across campus. 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, Blacksmith Shop and the Log Cabin Museum.

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 by Olive’s Porch, including spin art, and an array of yard games for children to enjoy for a flat fee.

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 [Saturday only], and a shuttle will run in the fields to bring people to the gates. These shuttles will not be wheelchair accessible. There will be three accessibility shuttles [golf carts] transporting guests from parking areas to gates.

Is the Fall Festival Wheelchair/walker Accessible?

We have an almost a 300-acre campus. We do have accessible parking areas, but our trails are unpaved, which may be difficult for wheelchair users and walkers. Accessibility shuttles will be running throughout the 2-day festival, transporting passengers from parking areas to gates, etc. Volunteers can radio for pick up at the designated stops.

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 Craft Shop, and near our Fiber Arts building. An additional ATM is located in Lower Keith.

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 year’s 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, Oct. 3 from 1-6 p.m.

Early check-in will not be allowed as we will still have students on-site before 1 p.m. You will have to wait even if you arrive early.

Volunteer Check-In
Volunteer check-in will be located at a booth near the Craft Shop. Please check in to pick up your t-shirt and meal ticket before reporting for your assignment. Make sure you arrive 30 minutes early for this check-in step.

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 the 2026 Fall Festival vendors! You can search by name to find a specific vendor or browse by category to discover new artists and their work.

Our Fall Festival is essentially a multifaceted arts and music showcase that draws hundreds of passionate artisans and performers. Hundreds of fine craftspeople will showcase distinctive crafts that range from quirky to elegant. Local and regional musicians and dancers, including some talented family groups, will bring a delightful energy to our Folk School campus.
The Fall Festival presents a wonderful opportunity to share treasured Appalachian culture, crafts, and music with our region’s residents and visitors. When planning each year’s event, we always look for ways to broaden our connection to our Folk School community. This year, we’ll celebrate our 47th anniversary, and we’re excited to offer several new elements we think everyone will enjoy.
"I attended an artisan bread class around 1999 and have come back for Fall Festival several times. I hope to attend another class in the near future. I love the school grounds and everything that the school stands for."
Michael Dresdner

Fall Festival: News & Stories

Quilting 50 Years of Fall Festival with Lee Chappell Monroe

Posted:

September 21, 2026

Quilting 50 Years of Fall Festival with Lee Chappell Monroe

The 50th Annual Fall Festival...

A colorful quilt with various patchwork patterns, including flowers, geometric shapes, and a "100th Anniversary" message.

Posted:

September 24, 2025

Stitched Together: A Community Quilt for the Fall Festival

The 100th Anniversary Fall Festival...

Posted:

September 29, 2024

Helene Update: Fall Festival Community Donations

Updated: 3:00 p.m. - October...

A vibrant garden filled with blooming orange and yellow flowers.

Posted:

September 26, 2024

Fall Festival Stewardship and Sustainability with Linda Chapley

Linda Chapley has been a...

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.

Posted:

September 25, 2024

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.

A person is smiling on the left, and another holds a quilt on the right, featuring "47th Annual John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival."

Posted:

September 29, 2023

Quilt Mapping the Folk School: An Interview With Annie Smith, Fall Festival Banner Designer 2023

We're thrilled that Annie Smith...

Good to Be Together: An Interview with Zak Foster, Fall Festival Banner Designer 2022

Posted:

September 7, 2022

Good to Be Together: An Interview with Zak Foster, Fall Festival Banner Designer 2022

"Good to Be Together" CP:...

A person is standing outside "The Artist's Common" at 81 Tennessee St., holding an art piece, with a sign about Murphy Art Walk.

Posted:

October 4, 2012

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.
…

A bustling indoor craft market with colorful quilts.

Posted:

September 20, 2011

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!
…

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. ...

Posted:

June 8, 2010

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.
…

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. ...

Posted:

October 8, 2009

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.
…