Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area Calendar of Events
Traditional Arts Workshops are by registration only and must be pre-paid.
Call (423) 543-5808 for more information.
History at Home
May – August
A creative mix of historical and natural programs presented throughout the summer by our seasonal interpretive staff. Please call for weekly schedules.
Saturdays 10am – noon
The Fife & Drum Corps performs at historical events, dedications, and parades. This group is open to anyone ages 12 & up. Musical experience is welcome but not necessary. Just come with a willingness to learn! Meet our volunteer coordinator John Large at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center for Saturday practices.
Fine Arts Show with the Watauga Valley Art League
Month of July
Opening Reception: Sunday, June 27 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Stop by the museum at Sycamore Shoals to view the beautiful artwork of the Watauga Valley Art League. Local artists display their talents during the entire month of July. Museum hours: 8:00 – 4:30 Monday through Saturday, 1:00 – 4:30 Sunday.
An 18th Century Independence Celebration & Muster
Saturday, July 3 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, July 4 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Experience the 4th of July, 18th century-style! What did colonists think about a new nation? Be a guest in Fort Watauga as news of Independence arrives to the colonial frontier. Walk among historical characters and hear their varied reactions to the Declaration, from fear of war to the hope of a brighter future.
Homespun Storytelling Guild
Tuesday, July 6 6-8 pm
Dedicated to preserving stories, tales, and folklore in a relaxed and informal setting. Come and hone your skills in the age-old art of storytelling. The guild will meet at the Carter Mansion on Broad Street Extension. Come join us as we “continue the front porch tradition, one story at a time.”
Workshop: Step-By-Step Oil Paint Instructor: Kay Braswell
Saturday, July 10 9am – 4pm
Cost: $50 (includes supplies) Limit: 15 Minimum: 6
Discover oil on canvas through wet-on-wet painting techniques. Beginners are welcome—learn Bob Ross techniques for painting—or come to improve the skills you already possess.
Tuesday, July 13 9:30 am – 1 pm
This gathering of spinners and fiber artists is open to anyone interested in the art of spinning. Join us at 9:30 am on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals - Our 32nd Year!
Thursday – Saturday, July 15 - 17, 22 - 24, & 29 - 31 7:30 pm
Tennessee’s official outdoor drama, presented by local performers against the backdrop of Fort Watauga. See the Revolution as told by the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled on Cherokee lands. These settlers formed an independent government, made treaties with the Cherokee, defended their homes, and fought a British army at the epic battle of King’s Mountain. Bleacher seating is available in the Amphitheater. Sponsored by Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Admissions Charge.
Workshop: Mandolin for Beginners Instructor: Vicki Shell
Saturday, July 17 10 am – 12 pm
Cost: To Be Announced Limit: Special Minimum: Special
Learn the basics of this popular and historic instrument. This class is intended primarily for students who already own a mandolin; however, a limited number of mandolins are available for
students who do not. Please let us know if you will be bringing your own mandolin to this class when you sign up.
Sunday, July 18 2 pm – 4 pm
Shape note singing is an early musical tradition in which various shapes represented each note of the do-re-mi scale. We invite you to join The Old Fields Singers—listen or sing along—and make this rich tradition your own.
Workshop: Step-By-Step Oil Paint Instructor: Kay Braswell
Saturday, July 24 9am – 4pm
Cost: $50 (includes supplies) Limit: 15 Minimum: 6
Discover oil on canvas through wet-on-wet painting techniques. Beginners are welcome—learn Bob Ross techniques for painting—or come to improve the skills you already possess.
Park offices will be closed all state holidays.
For more information or to register for workshops, contact:
1651 West Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 543-5808
www.tnstateparks.com/SycamoreShoals/