Traditional Native Games

Marbles

About the Event

An enjoyable team game that is played using marbles the size of billiard balls, on a field approximately 100 feet long, with five holes, placed 10 to 12 yards apart, forming an L-shape. All are welcome to join in a favorite game or watch in fun and fellowship.

The first events are qualifiers for the Traditional Native Games Championship. After the championship, Cherokee National Holiday will feature its own traditional games tournaments! All games are open to the public, with free admission for competitors and spectators.

 

Categories & Awards
  • Top three placers at each location receive a t-shirt and an invitation to compete in the Traditional Native Games Championship (only one (1) shirt per sport per qualifier)
  • Top three placers at the championship will receive a cash award:
    • 1st Place: $1,200
    • 2nd Place: $800
    • 3rd Place: $600
Divisions
  • Adult Division: Ages 15 & Over
  • Youth Division: Ages 14 & Under
Eligibility & Rules
  • A mercy rule will be implemented for the semi-finals and finals only
  • Russian billiards balls are preferred
  • Regular billiards or oversized cue balls are allowed
  • Carom, stone or steely marbles will not be permitted
Participant Information
  • Registration for all divisions will be open from 9 to 9:30 AM
  • The games will be played as a 3 vs. 3 tournament with a fourth alternate
  • Participants may bring their own marble or marbles be provided

Event Details

03/21/26
– 08/29/26
Multiple Locations
Phil King

Schedule of Events

Mar

21

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

March 21, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

Apr

18

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

April 18, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

May

2

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

May 2, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

May

16

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

May 16, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

Jun

6

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

June 6, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

Jul

18

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

July 18, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

Aug

29

Community Games Championship

Marbles Championship

August 29, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

Mar

21

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

March 21, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

Apr

18

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

April 18, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

May

2

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

May 2, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

May

16

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

May 16, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

Jun

6

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

June 6, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

Jul

18

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

July 18, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

Aug

29

Community Games Championship

Marbles Championship

August 29, 2026
10:00 AM

Registration, 9 – 9:30 AM
Youth Division, 10 AM
Adult Division, 11 AM

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