Qualla-Ween in Cherokee, NC

Celebrate Halloween all month long with multiple activities in the cultural district of Cherokee, NC!

Fear as a Teacher

The Museum of the Cherokee People

October 1st - 31st

9am to 5pm

In Cherokee stories, fear isn’t just a warning—it’s wisdom. Cherokee legends use fear not to scare, but to teach. In Fear as a Teacher, discover how traditional stories and haunting imagery pass down values, protect our people, and preserve culture. The exhibit features original Cherokee artwork and oral history, reimagined through visual storytelling

Fear as a Teacher is appropriate for all ages and included with museum admission. www.motcp.org

Legendary Fears: Spearfinger Awakening

Oconaluftee Indian Village

October 15-17, 22-24, 29-31

7pm to 10pm

Something has awakened Spearfinger from her grave. Now, she has called the others from the darkness. Ancient creatures once whispered about around the fire are stirring again, summoned from the shadows to join her. This October, Cherokee, Cherokee's darkest legends come alive. Encounter them after dark at Oconaluftee Indian Village.

Not recommended for children under 10.

Legendary Fears: The Sgili (Ghost) Hunt

Mountainside Theatre

October 15-17, 22-24, 29-31

7pm to 10pm

"Sgili" is the Cherokee catch-all word for things like ghosts, witches, and the paranormal. Guests will have the opportunity to explore Mountainside Theatre after dark and conduct their own paranormal investigations. Guides will be stationed throughout the theatre to share some of the unexplained things our staff members have experienced over the years. Not recommended for children under 10.

Cherokee Art Heist

Downtown Cherokee

October 30 & 31

9am - 3pm

There has been an art heist and we need your help to solve the case! Death of a Sgili, an original piece of EBCI artist John Henry Gloyne, has disappeared from the Museum of Cherokee People. We're looking for private investigators to track down the missing artwork, uncover the clues, and recover the missing painting. Pick up your case file at the Summer Hut outside the Museum to begin your investigation. Detectives will make their way through Cherokee, visiting participating businesses to interview suspects, hunt for clues, and piece together the evidence. Follow the trail, solve the mystery, and see if you can identify the thief and recover the missing painting!

Cherokee Art Heist is a simulated crime-solving game designed for all ages. Free to participate.

Shape Shifters

Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual

DIY activities - October 30, 9am to 3pm

DIY activities & Open Air Market - October 31, 9am to 3pm

Costume Contest Kids- October 31, 11-1 pm

Two days of hands-on crafts and activities. Get your hands messy in the best way at Shape Sifters, a hands-on Halloween-inspired craft event for all ages! Make spooky, stylish, and totally fun creations at Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual. Activities include tie-dye, gourds, salt scrubs, and iron-on patches. Bring your creativity and maybe a little courage as you learn about the Cherokee legend of the Shape Shifters.

Appropriate for all ages and free to participate