Description

Get ready for a night of magic and blacksmithing at Forge After Dark! 

• Watch Master Blacksmiths at Work
• Live Music
• Live Blacksmithing Demos
• Family-Friendly Fun
• Sip on Hot Chocolate and Cider
• See Auction Prep in Action

The John C. Campbell Folk School will host its annual Forge After Dark event and Forging for the Future live auction on Nov. 7-8, 2025, as part of its yearlong centennial celebration. 

The weekend kicks off on Friday, Nov. 7, with Forge After Dark, an evening gathering from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Clay Spencer Blacksmith Shop on the Folk School campus. Visitors can watch master blacksmiths at work, enjoy live music and refreshments, purchase raffle tickets and experience the vibrant atmosphere of collaborative craftmaking. A documentary about legendary Clay Spencer will be shown during the evening. As the sun sets, enjoy tunes from the The Appalachian Son band at 7 p.m., followed by Clover-Lynn at 8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, the school will host its annual fine craft auction and raffle, with a public preview from noon to 2 p.m. followed by the live auction from 2 to 4 p.m. Online previews of select items will also be shared. Auction items will include freshly forged pieces from the previous evening as well as a curated collection of works donated by Folk School instructors, students and staff, with a special focus on artists celebrating the Folk School’s centennial. Proceeds will support the Folk School’s educational programming, studio upkeep and scholarship funds.  

The Forge After Dark event and auction are part of a full calendar of events marking the Folk School’s 100th anniversary. More details can be found at www.folkschool.org/100.