August in Murphy, North Carolina brings the best of late summer — warm mountain mornings, peak produce season, marquee community festivals, and long golden evenings perfect for sitting on a patio with a cold drink. Whether you're a local, a seasonal visitor, or a remote worker enjoying the coworking scene in Cherokee County, August 2026 is packed with things to do in and around Murphy, NC.
4th Annual TomatoFEST! — Saturday, August 1
The star event of August is the 4th Annual TomatoFEST, hosted by the Cherokee Clay Food Alliance at the L&N Depot and Murphy Farmers Market in downtown Murphy. Running from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, this vibrant festival celebrates the beloved summer tomato with:
- Tomato variety tastings — sample heirloom and local varieties you won't find at the grocery store
- Live cooking demonstrations — tomato pie, homemade salsa, and more (kid-friendly demos included)
- Bloody Mary competition — local bartenders battle it out; sample and vote for just a $10 donation
- Live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, and tomato-themed kids' activities
The festival is free to attend and takes place along the Riverwalk behind the L&N Depot. It's one of downtown Murphy's most beloved community gatherings. Details at wncccfa.org/tomatofest.
Murphy First Friday Art Walk — August 7
August's First Friday Art Walk (August 7, 5:00–8:00 PM) brings downtown Murphy to life with local artists displaying on the sidewalks, live musicians performing throughout the district, interactive art experiences for kids, and shops and restaurants open late. Look for the yellow flags marking participating businesses and come hungry — the food is always fantastic.
Murphy Farmers Market — Every Saturday
August is absolute peak season at the Murphy Farmers Market (4 Railroad Street, every Saturday 9 AM–1 PM). The tables overflow with ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, watermelons, peaches, peppers, green beans, okra, and fresh herbs. This is the best time of year to eat local in Cherokee County. Stock up on jams, honey, farm eggs, and artisan baked goods while you're at it.
Live Music at Harrah's Cherokee
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, NC continues its summer concert series with major acts performing at the Events Center. Grand Funk Railroad is scheduled for August 1st — check the Harrah's Cherokee calendar for the full August lineup. Meanwhile, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River right in Murphy hosts regular entertainment and events.
John C. Campbell Folk School — Centennial Sounds
The Centennial Sounds concert series at the Folk School in Brasstown keeps rolling through August with Monday evening performances in the festival barn. Celebrating 100 years of folk arts and culture, these intimate concerts showcase Appalachian and traditional music in one of the most charming venues in Western NC. Lineup and tickets at folkschool.org/sounds.
Summer's Last Splash — Water Adventures
Make the most of the warm water before fall arrives:
- Lake Hiwassee — Swimming, boating, paddleboarding, and fishing on 6,090 acres of mountain lake. August water temperatures are at their warmest.
- Hiwassee & Valley Rivers — Easy Class I–II floating, tubing, and kayaking. Local outfitters can arrange half-day and full-day trips.
- Nantahala Outdoor Center — Whitewater rafting, zip lining, and paddleboarding packages in Bryson City. August weekdays tend to be less crowded.
- Appalachia Lake — For solitude seekers: no developed recreation areas means you'll have this gorgeous lake nearly to yourself.
Back-to-School & End-of-Summer Events
As August winds down, Cherokee County communities come together for back-to-school events, supply drives, and end-of-summer celebrations. Keep an eye on the Cherokee Scout events page for the latest local happenings.
Hiking Before the Leaves Turn
August is your last chance to hike in full summer conditions before the foliage season begins:
- Piney Knob Trails — 15 miles of mountain biking and hiking singletrack. Hit the trails early to beat the afternoon heat.
- Fires Creek area — Waterfalls, swimming holes, and wildflower-lined trails in the Nantahala National Forest.
- Brasstown Bald (30 min in Blairsville, GA) — Hike to Georgia's highest point for panoramic views. On clear August days, you can see four states.
- Murphy River Walk — The 4-mile greenway is especially beautiful in the golden light of late summer afternoons.
Nearby Day Trips
- Qualla Arts & Crafts Open Air Market in Cherokee — August 24th features Native American artisans, crafts, and cultural demonstrations.
- Blue Ridge, GA — Scenic railway, Mercier Orchards (early apples arrive in August!), and downtown shopping and dining.
- Hayesville, NC — Catch a production at the Licklog Players community theater and enjoy dinner on the shores of Lake Chatuge.