Folk School Expects Large Crowds for 50th Fall Festival; Officials Urge Extra Travel Time

Staff Report

BRASSTOWN, N.C. — Organizers of the John C. Campbell Folk School’s 50th annual Fall Festival are advising visitors to allow extra travel time this weekend as thousands of people head to the 270-acre campus for the two-day event.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4, rain or shine, at 1 Folk School Road. Officials say they expect a large turnout, with previous years drawing more than 10,000 visitors from across the southern Appalachians.

The school is recommending alternate routes to ease congestion on the main approaches to campus:

• Old Highway 64 West for travelers coming from Murphy, Peachtree, Andrews, Warne, Hayesville, Young Harris or Hiawassee.

• Settawig Road to Old Highway 64 for visitors coming from Hayesville.

• Hiawassee Street to Harshaw Road for those coming from Tennessee, Ranger or Murphy.

• Highway 129 North to Martins Creek Road to Brasstown Road for travelers coming from North Georgia, Bellview or Martins Creek.

Parking will be in the field, with additional parking available Saturday only at Little Brasstown Church. Accessible parking is in the dedicated gravel lot across from Keith House. Free parking, an on-campus shuttle and handicapped transport will be available.

The festival features more than 230 craft vendors, more than 25 food vendors and more than 50 makers demonstrating traditional and contemporary crafts. Two music and dance stages will present dozens of local and regional performers. The event, first held in 1974, is staged on the first full weekend in October.

Advance tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 65 and older, veterans and ages 12-17, and free for children under 12. Gate prices are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, veterans and ages 12-17. Tickets are available at folkschool.org/events/fall-festival/ and at the gates. Commemorative T-shirts and other items will be sold in the school’s Craft Shop.

Details, schedules and tickets are at folkschool.org/events/fall-festival/.