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August 1st, 2026
Join us as we explore the
BUILDING BLOCKS
of
Appalachian Culture
With Special Guests
Darrell Benton • Sharon Benton • Farmer Jonny • Sharon Oldham • William Wright • Ian Rutter
It’s easy to reduce the Smokies to scenic views and roadside nostalgia.
Instead, come discover the true building blocks of Appalachia: through food, music, farming, families, and this sacred place. Don't just witness the heritage—live it.
The table is set. Secure your All Inclusive or Saturday day pass today.
What To Expect....
All inclusive ticket holders enjoy the full programming below for Saturday, August 1st 2026:
9:00 AM - Doors Open & Welcome & Coffee
Check in, grab a warm cup of coffee, and get ready for a day of mountain heritage.
9:30 AM - Conversation with "The Sharons"
Learn more about modern Appalachian cuisine through our newest concept "Sharon's Half-Day Cafe."
10:15 AM - The Building Blocks of Appalachian Culture
Meet the Creators: Ian Rutter, William Wright, Chef Jeff Carter, and Farmer Jonny.
10:30 AM - Seminar Classes
Rotate through all three workshops! The Forgotten Stalks (Farmer Jonny), Culture Through Food (Chef Jeff Carter), and Art in Nature (Ian Rutter).
12:45 PM - Lunch by the Fire
Featuring Guest Chef Hrant Arakelian of LYRA.
1:15 pm - Sounds of the Mountains
An acoustic exploration with William Wright.
2:30 pm - Intermission + Explore
Take a break, stretch your legs, and explore the beautiful grounds of Dancing Bear Lodge.
6:00 pm - Community Picnic Dinner
Crafted by Chef Jeff Carter & the Appalachian Bistro team.
7:15 pm - Concert Begins
Live on the lawn with Redd and the Paper Flowers.
Stay & Play
All-Inclusive Lodging Packages
Make Dancing Bear Lodge your home base for the weekend. Your stay includes your cabin for Friday and Saturday night, all-access to the entire weekend's programming, concert, and all your meals - starting with Friday night dinner, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and wrapping up with Sunday morning breakfast options.
Tickets are transferable but non-refundable.
Single Occupancy
$750 +tax
Double Occupancy
$980 +tax
Quad Occupancy
$1,640 +tax
Choose Your Adventure
Saturday Passes
Just coming up for the day? Build your perfect Saturday with our programming-only Homecoming day passes.
Tickets are transferable but non-refundable.
The Full Saturday (Best Value!)
$135pp. +tax
Spend the whole day with us! This ticket includes all daytime workshops, the evening concert, and full dining—covering your breakfast, lunch, and the Buffet Picnic Dinner. (9am-2pm, 6pm-9pm)
Concert & dinner
$75pp. +tax
A Live on the Lawn special community picnic evening featuring Redd and the Paper Flowers alongside Chef Jeff's Appalachian Harvest buffet. (6pm-9pm)
Daytime Workshops
$65pp. +tax
(9am-2pm)
