Traditional Native Games

Stickball

About the Event

Cherokees proudly demonstrate the versatility of stickball, “The Little Brother of War,” through a wide variety of events at Cherokee National Holiday. 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. Cherokee National Holiday will also feature its own traditional games tournament, exhibition and social games! All games are open to the public, with free admission for spectators.

Categories & Awards

Stickball Shootout Qualifiers & Championship

  • 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: $250
    • 2nd Place: $150
    • 3rd Place: $100

Inter-Tribal Stickball Tournament

  • 1st Place: $2,000
  • 2nd Place: $1,200
  • 3rd Place: $800
Divisions

Stickball Shootout Qualifiers & Championship

  • Men’s Division: Ages 14 & Over
  • Women’s Division: Ages 14 & Over
  • Youth Division: Ages 13 & Under

Inter-Tribal Stickball Tournament

  • 12 vs. 12 Co-Ed
    • 20-person roster (eight men, four women)

Stickball Exhibition

  • Men’s Division: Ages 14 & Over
  • Women’s Division: Ages 14 & Over
  • Youth Division: Ages 13 & Under

Stickball Social Game

Eligibility & Rules
  • All calls final by head referee
  • All players must sign a waiver before playing
  • No richochet points allowed
  • No swinging or throwing sticks
  • No blindside, bodyslams, horsecollars or tackling below the waist
  • No points for tapping pole, points for shots only
  • No fighting or verbal arguments
Participant Information

Stickball Shootout Qualifiers & Championship

  • All games are open to the public, with free admission
  • Participants must supply their own sticks and equipment
  • Double elimination bracket shootout for each division

Inter-Tribal Stickball Tournament

  • Participants must supply their own sticks and equipment
  • Registration coming soon

Stickball Exhibition

  • Participants must supply their own sticks and equipment
  • Red and black shirts will be provided

Stickball Social Game

  • Participants must supply their own sticks and equipment

 

Event Details

03/21/26
– 09/05/26
Multiple Locations
Joshua Mouse

joshua-mouse@cherokee.org

214.799.5343

Schedule of Events

Schedule of Events

  • Awards
  • Food & Beverages
  • Free Admission
  • Information
  • Must-See Event
  • Registration
  • Restrooms
  • Shopping
  • Shuttle
  • Watch Live
  • Water Refill Station

Mar

21

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

March 21, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

Apr

18

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

April 18, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

May

2

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

May 2, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

May

16

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

May 16, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

Jun

6

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

June 6, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

Jul

18

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

July 18, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

Aug

29

Tournament

Inter-Tribal Stickball Tournament

August 29, 2026
Coming Soon

12 vs. 12 Co-Ed, 20-person roster (eight men, four women): TBD

Sep

5

Community Games Championship

Stickball Shootout Championship

September 5, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

Mar

21

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

March 21, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

Apr

18

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

April 18, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

May

2

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

May 2, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

May

16

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

May 16, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

Jun

6

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

June 6, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

Jul

18

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

July 18, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

Aug

29

Tournament

Inter-Tribal Stickball Tournament

August 29, 2026
Coming Soon

12 vs. 12 Co-Ed, 20-person roster (eight men, four women): TBD

Sep

5

Community Games Championship

Stickball Shootout Championship

September 5, 2026
11:00 AM

Youth division will play first at 11 AM.

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