Events in Sylva today

An American Red Cross blood drive is open to all blood donors. Registration is available online through the American Red Cross, or participants can check with Pastor Scott at church to sign up. Volunteers are appreciated.

Storyteller and guide Kathi Littlejohn (EBCI) presents a relaxed monthly talk highlighting important Cherokee places, notable people, and related themes in the Museum of the Cherokee People's TJ Holland Education Room in Cherokee, North Carolina. Each session focuses on a different topic, offering a fresh perspective on Cherokee history and culture. Littlejohn has shared Cherokee stories for more than 40 years at events, festivals, and schools, and for the past five years she has led Cherokee history tours to culturally and historically significant sites across Western North Carolina. Her recordings include Cherokee Legends, Volumes I, II, and III, along with Cherokee Stories of the Supernatural, available at select gift shops. She also created a YouTube series titled Cherokee History and Stories, What Happened Here?

Grace, a Carolina farm girl in her early twenties, has long imagined the moment when Mr. Right would place a Princess Cut diamond on her finger. After fifteen months with Stewart and a special plan in the works, everything takes an unexpected turn, and the heartbreak that follows sets her on a journey, supported by her father, to learn what genuine love really requires. Marking the film’s 10th anniversary, Mountain Cross presents Princess Cut back on the big screen at the Smoky Mountain Cinema, with a suggested donation of $10 at the door.

Kei Ito presents a site-responsive installation that pushes photography beyond the camera, blending sound, photochemical approaches, and transformed materials into an immersive experience. Rooted in his family history as a third-generation survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, the work examines memory, conflict, and the unseen forces that shape both people and the environment. The installation invites thoughtful reflection on cycles of violence, personal sacrifice, and the delicate possibility of healing. Exhibitions and events at the WCU Fine Art Museum are free and open to the public.

Nashville songwriting duo Brian Ashley Jones and Melanie Jean return to Cataloochee Ranch for an evening featuring original songs heard in film and television, along with classic country and classic rock favorites.

Celebrate service at a special 250th-themed Veterans Appreciation Dinner featuring a classic chicken meal with all the fixings, guest speakers, and a raffle. The gathering takes place in the Heritage Room Dining Hall at the Department on Aging. Seating is reserved, and reservations can be made by calling 828-631-2231.

Designed for infants and babies at any stage, this class nurtures early motor development in a warm, playful setting. It focuses on building essential movements like rolling, crawling, and taking those first steps, with plenty of encouragement throughout.

In the fellowship hall at ESBC, this community gathering has two parts. It begins with assembling holiday blessing bags, with requested donations that may include protein items, breakfast or fruit bars, peanut butter cracker packs, personal care supplies, socks and hats, packaged hand warmers, small toys that are new or gently used, lip balm, small water bottles, washcloths, candy, Christmas cards, and other basic camping essentials. After the packing session, a talk will focus on grief, resentments, and hang ups.

This annual Fall Festival brings the community together with food, fun, music, firetrucks, and fellowship. It features music from local group Low Tide Band, Red’s Lemonade, supper, and a variety of games. Children can race through an inflatable obstacle course, and everyone can take firetruck tours, watch firefighter demonstrations, and try for raffle prizes. Proceeds support the department’s mission to keep the community safe.

Rooted in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, country artist Kristen Toole takes the stage with her band The Tooleshed to perform a mix of country classics, 90s country, contemporary country, and her own original songs. Regular regional performers, they share a broad slice of the genre in a welcoming, down-to-earth show.