Dancing on the Square in Robbinsville
Thanks to excellent muscians and a sprinkling of cornmeal, Robbinsville Courthouse Square in Graham County transforms into a community dance hall each Friday night from late Spring through late Summer. The annual Dancing on the Square carries on a Southern Appalachian tradition stretching back generations. Dancing in the Square has been going strong for more than two decades. Locals and visitors gather to clog, flat foot, two step, and line dance under mountain skies. It is a welcoming environment so don't worry if you think you can't dance!
This year the series highlights two special America 250 celebrations honoring 250 years of mountain music and dance traditions.
Robbinsville is a small town surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest and neighboring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This area has pristine rivers and lakes, ancient forests, and plenty of local traditions to experience.
America 250 Square Dance Nights
2026 is the 250th anniversary the signing of America's Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. The two America 250 Square Dance Nights during Dancing on the Square in 2026 will feature Grammy-nominated bluegrass musician and WNC native Darren Nicholson. Those dates are June 19 and August 28. Renowned Appalachian dance caller Heidi Kulas will guide dancers on June 19th. Both nights include teaching, welcoming dancers of every skill level. "You don't need to know a single step to come out and join in. If you can walk, you can square dance. The caller will walk you through every figure. By the end of the first tune, everyone's a dancer," say organizers of similar events.
Hours, Location, Dates
- All Dancing on the Square in Robbinsville performances run 7:30-10 pm.
- The address is Robbinsville Courthouse Square at 12 Court Street.
- Rain moves events to the Graham County Community Building at 196 Knight Street.
- Admission is free.
- Waters and solda are sold on-site.
- Bathrooms, which are wheelchair accessible, are located in the courthouse.
Arrive early and enjoy dinner right on the square at Lynn's Place restaurant or have drinks at Kin Cafe & Bar. You are also welcome to bring a picnic or takeout. Nearby options for takeout include The Dragon Pit, Phoenix Food Truck, and Sweetwater Grill.
Lineup
2026 Full Season Lineup
- May 15: Betty Vaughn & The Rick Morris Band
- May 22: Tim Austin (Special Line Dance Night)
- May 29: Bill Pruett's Carolina Bluegrass Band
- June 5: Robert RunningWolfe
- June 12: Steve Jordan Band
- June 19: Darren Nicholson & The Shedhouse Trio (Special America 250 with Live Square Dance Caller)
- June 26: Mandy Millsaps & GraceSky Revival
- July 10: The Sundown Band (Special Oldies Night)
- July 17: Kevin Tuck & Tuckaseegee
- July 24: Betty Vaughn & The Rick Morris Band
- July 31: Johnny Webb Band
- August 7: Tim Austin (Special Line Dance Night)
- August 14: Steve Jordan Band
- August 21: Bill Pruett
- August 28: Darren Nicholson Band (Special America 250 with Live Square Dance Caller)
Plan Your Trip to Robbinsville, NC
Graham County Lodging Graham County Things to Do
Fontana Lake & Dam
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, enjoy fishing, boating, camping and swimming in this beautiful lake. Drive or walk across the highest dam east of the Rockies and stop by the Visitor Center…
Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
Tucked away in small village near Fontana Lake and Nantahala River is an amazing gallery that showcases the work of 180+ area artists and hosts a great summer concert series. Many…
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
(2 miles loop, easy) See an old growth cove hardwood forest with 400-year old towering poplar trees. Near Lake Santeetlah in the Nantahala National Forest, it is about 100 miles west of Asheville…
Yellow Creek Falls
Hike just a third of a mile to reach this 50-ft. waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest near Robbinsville and Lake Santeetlah. It's a great summer swimming hole, too!
History of Community Dances
Community square dancing grew from Old World dance forms reshaped through cultural mixing in the New World into a uniquely American tradition that has flourished in these mountains for two centuries. To prepare for a dance, organizers place bleachers line the courthouse square, sprinkle cornmeal on the pavement (to make it easier for shoes to slide), and dancers of all styles fill the streets. Dancing honors Scottish, English, Irish, Cherokee, and African heritage that is woven into Appalachian culture.
For more ideas of things to do in Robbinsville and Graham County, check out the links below or contact the Graham County tourism office. If you enjoy dance or just want to experience more Appalachian culture, read about the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in Asheville and Mountain Heritage Days at Western Carolina University near Sylva. Both are great festivals to attend during summer and fall.
