Osiyo! (Hello!),

Celebrated yearly since 1953, the Cherokee National Holiday commemorates the original signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. With an exciting selection of entertainment, cultural and athletic events, it has grown into one of the largest annual festivals in Oklahoma, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors from around the world.

This annual event is a celebration of spiritual, mental and physical well-being. It is a focal point emphasizing our strong Cherokee heritage, our cultural awareness and the reuniting of our families. Thousands of Cherokees and visitors from across the United States and abroad will make the pilgrimage to the historic Cherokee Nation capital in Tahlequah this September to renew friendships and celebrate the Cherokee spirit.

Our three-day celebration is jam-packed with sports activities for all ages, from traditional games such as Cherokee marbles, the cornstalk shoot and the blowgun competition to more familiar golf and softball tournaments. Hundreds of vendor booths offer visitors the opportunity to view and purchase authentic Native American-made products and foods. Music lovers can pick and choose from gospel and bluegrass music, a toe-tapping fiddler’s competition and even music from the internationally-known, award-winning Cherokee National Youth Choir.

History buffs are invited to participate in the annual State of Sequoyah conference or to enjoy one of the walking tours offered by Cherokee Nation's Cultural Tourism department. History is made each year as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation delivers the annual State of the Nation address to the Cherokee people on the lawn of the Cherokee Nation's courthouse square.

Those with children will especially enjoy the annual parade downtown, storytelling, children's games and fun hands-on traditional crafts events. The Inter-Tribal Powwow held on the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds is always a crowd favorite, and highlights the Holiday celebration nightly as dancers from all across the United States compete for prizes and honors.

The Cherokee National Holiday is a festive time in Tahlequah; a time for family and friends. We hope it will be an event you will want to experience every Labor Day weekend.

i tse do lv i (Ya'll come!)