Adventure Anderson

Sheep Shearing
2026-04-24 09:00 - 2026-05-01 15:00 (America/New_York) | Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Hwy., Clinton, 37716, United States
The Museum of Appalachia, a Smithsonian Affiliate, invites the community to celebrate the arrival of spring and the rich cultural heritage of the region with their annual Sheep Shearing Days, Friday, April 24, and Friday, May 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Guests will have the opportunity to witness every step of the wool-making process and learn first-hand how pioneers turned fleece into woven goods. Sheep shearing is the centerpiece of an event that includes a host of pioneer demonstrations, including sheep herding, dollmaking, basketmaking, coopering, wood carving, chair caning, and dozens more. Interactive activities for kids include spelling bees, painting, an animal meet-and-greet, shape-note singing, old-fashioned games, storytelling, and more.
The event will also feature live music, a variety of food options, and a tour of the museum itself, which features three dozen historic log structures, exhibit halls brimming with thousands of authentic Appalachian artifacts, working gardens, and farm animals.
Tickets for Sheep Shearing Days are available at museumofappalachia.org. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children, with free entry for Museum members. There is no charge for parking.
School groups, homeschool organizations, and groups of 20 or more are encouraged to reserve their spots by emailing bookings@museumofappalachia.org or calling 865-494-7680.

Barn Dance
2026-06-19 18:00 - 22:00
The Museum’s signature fundraising event features wagon rides, a sumptuous Southern dinner, traditional bluegrass and old-time musical entertainment, Appalachian square dancing, and live and silent auctions. Join in the Museum’s efforts to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of Appalachian culture while enjoying an unforgettable evening.

Independence Day Anvil Shoot Celebration
2026-07-03 09:00 - 2026-07-04 17:00
While most Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, the Museum of Appalachia marks the occasion with an old- fashioned “anvil shoot”. Every 4th of July, the Museum uses gunpowder to launch a 200-pound anvil hundreds of feet into the air! Anvil shoots were once a common way for pioneers to commemorate holidays, elections, and other special occasions. The anvil shoot is the centerpiece of an all-day celebration that includes a national bell-ringing ceremony, flag procession, live music, and demonstrations from blacksmiths, spinners, weavers, sawmillers, woodworkers, and more.
Anvil shoots will occur every hour between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets will be available for purchase at museumofappalachia.org.

Fall Heritage Days
2026-10-22 05:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-23 05:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-29 05:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-30 05:00 - 13:00
The Museum will host a family-friendly event; a day to step back in time enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of pioneer Southern Appalachian traditions and old-time demonstrations of the fall harvest season.
Guests will enjoy a hayride, traditional music, a tractor exhibition, and old-time demonstrations such as blacksmithing, sorghum and apple butter making, sawmilling, and leatherworking. There are plenty of safe seasonal activities for children including an animal education and petting area, a hay maze, or for an additional charge, they can pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch or choose one to paint and take home.
School groups and homeschool groups, e-mail courtneybeard@museumofappalachia.org to reserve your spot.

Candlelight Christmas
2026-12-11 - 2026-12-12
Experience the serenity of an Appalachian Christmas at the Museum of Appalachia! The centerpiece of this holiday event is an evening tour of the Museum’s pioneer village. The cabins will be adorned with old-fashioned Christmas decorations and festively lit for the occasion. Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy live music, traditional dancing, and Christmas storytelling, along with a wide range of demonstrations and activities, including blacksmithing, apple butter making, popcorn stringing, holiday arts & crafts for kids, and farm and wildlife education featuring live animal meet & greets. Families can sip sassafras tea, visit with Santa Claus, and browse the Holiday Market, featuring handmade gifts, baked goods, and the works and wares of local artisans—perfect for last-minute shopping.
The Museum Restaurant will be open throughout the event, serving hearty soups, hot meals, and other cozy seasonal favorites, while the Gift Shop will offer an array of regional crafts, books, and holiday merchandise.
Candlelight Christmas runs each evening from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets and more information are available now at museumofappalachia.org.
