49th Annual Fall Festival & 100th Anniversary Celebration of John C. Campbell Folk School

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 year on Oct. 4 and 5. This beloved tradition is extra special as it will kick off the Folk School’s 100th Anniversary!

Online tickets are available now!
https://www.simpletix.com/e/fall-festival-oct-4-5-2025-tickets-233419

The event features three 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 29 food vendors, plus close to 75 makers demonstrating traditional and contemporary crafts across multiple locations. Each year, more than 13,000 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. Community Room, in the historic Keith House will also be open for participatory activities, inviting everyone to get hands-on with Appalachian traditions.  

We’re currently seeking volunteers to help make the festival a success, and we’d be grateful if you could help spread the word. Volunteer perks include:  

• Free admission for the day you volunteer  
• A commemorative 49th Annual Fall Festival T-shirt  
• A complimentary sack lunch  
• Volunteer roles range from greeting guests and assisting with traffic flow to supporting logistics throughout the event. Those interested can sign up online here: www.folkschool.org/festivalvolunteer  

  
To learn more about the Fall Festival and this milestone year, visit our website: https://www.folkschool.org/fallfestival