The Cherokee Nation is holding a big celebration this weekend.
The 71st annual Cherokee National Holiday is coming up this Friday through Sunday in Tahlequah. According to the Nation, the event typically draws more than 100,000 visitors from across the country and features cultural activities as well as some new events. For the first time, the tribe will present a two-day bluegrass and folk-themed concert at One Fire Field on Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the music.
Other events include longtime favorites, like traditional games, sporting events such as softball, stickball, 3-on-3 basketball, horseshoe pitching tournament, golf, the Holiday Veterans 5K and Fun Run, as well as cornhole and fishing tournaments and much more. The Inter-Tribal Powwow, which brings in many visitors every year, will return on Friday and Saturday at the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds, where dancers will go head-to-head in competition for top honors and over $35,000 in prize money. A full schedule is available here.
