WARTBURG, Tenn. (WOKI) – Families from across East Tennessee are invited to step back in time and celebrate Appalachian culture during the 45th Annual Heritage Day at Frozen Head State Park on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The free festival will take place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. EDT at the historic Stonecipher Kelly Homeplace, located at 141 Beech Fork Road in Wartburg.
The annual event showcases the traditions, music, crafts, and history of the Appalachian and Cumberland Mountain regions. Visitors can enjoy live performances featuring old-time and bluegrass music while exploring a variety of traditional craft demonstrations and activities.
Scheduled demonstrations include:
- Cider pressing
- Shingle making
- Cast iron cooking
- Crosscut sawing
- Basket making
- Broom making
- Blacksmithing
- Weaving
The event will also feature arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, hayrides, pumpkin painting, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
A new attraction this year will be a sheep-herding demonstration presented by Blue Ridge Border Collies. Returning favorites include displays from the Smoky Mountain Model A Club and games and exhibitions from the Tennessee Association of Vintage Baseball.
Jacob Ingram, manager of Frozen Head State Park, said Heritage Day has become a treasured community tradition over the past four decades.
“Heritage Day is a beloved tradition in our community, and we’ve been fortunate to share this day with visitors and guests from across the state and country for more than four decades,” Ingram said. “These experiences and stories bring our community together and help preserve the heritage that defines the Appalachian region.”
Park officials encourage visitors to make a full day of their trip by exploring the park’s scenic attractions, including the Lookout Tower Observation Deck, which offers panoramic mountain views, and nearby waterfalls such as Debord Falls and Emory Gap Falls.
Event Information
What: 45th Annual Heritage Day
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
Where: Stonecipher Kelly Homeplace, 141 Beech Fork Road, Wartburg, TN 37887
Admission: Free
