Best events in
Highlands

Looking for events or things to do in Highlands, NC? This sophisticated mountain town blends Southern charm with a rich cultural calendar, driven by a distinct seasonal rhythm. The community's social life centers on a walkable downtown core, where evenings often flow from gallery strolls to live performances.

Stroll through the postcard-perfect downtown, where community life unfolds with recurring markets at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park and free concerts in Town Square.
Experience a range of cultural programming at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, which hosts Broadway-style productions, film screenings, and community theater.
Catch live music in a variety of settings, from weekly bluegrass nights at The Ugly Dog Pub to the intimate Americana showcases of the 'Salon Series' at Highlander Mountain House.

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Gatlinburg

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Online Events

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Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Events near Highlands

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5th Annual Barn, Boots & Brew

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM

Arabella Farm

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Return To Your Essence A Three-Day Retreat -Yoga, Art, and Nourishing Food.

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Fri, Oct 23 • 6:00 PM

Sylva First United Methodist Church

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Tue, Oct 27 • 6:00 PM

Harmony Home

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Handmade Stacking Rings Workshop

Tue, Nov 3 • 6:30 PM

Newfound Artisan, West Jordan Street, Brevard, NC, USA

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Second Chance Prom

Sat, Nov 14 • 4:00 PM

Macon County Community Building Gym

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Highlander Mountain House Salon Series with S.G. Goodman

Thu, Nov 19 • 8:30 PM

Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern

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PlanetTyrus Tour August 19, 2027 Walhalla,SC

Thu, Aug 19 • 7:30 PM

Walhalla Performing Arts Center

Check ticket price on event

5th Annual Barn, Boots & Brew

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM

Arabella Farm

Check ticket price on event

Return To Your Essence A Three-Day Retreat -Yoga, Art, and Nourishing Food.

Friday • 6:00 PM + 2 more

Clayton, GA

Check ticket price on event

Breaking Free From Anxiety: Practical Skills to Live Your Life More Fully

Fri, Oct 23 • 6:00 PM

Sylva First United Methodist Church

Check ticket price on event

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Tue, Oct 27 • 6:00 PM

Harmony Home

Check ticket price on event

Handmade Stacking Rings Workshop

Tue, Nov 3 • 6:30 PM

Newfound Artisan, West Jordan Street, Brevard, NC, USA

Check ticket price on event

Second Chance Prom

Sat, Nov 14 • 4:00 PM

Macon County Community Building Gym

Check ticket price on event

Highlander Mountain House Salon Series with S.G. Goodman

Thu, Nov 19 • 8:30 PM

Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern

Check ticket price on event

PlanetTyrus Tour August 19, 2027 Walhalla,SC

Thu, Aug 19 • 7:30 PM

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Points of Interest near Highlands

Sunset Rock Highlands Cashiers Land Trust

Frequently asked questions about Highlands

What are some free things to do in Highlands?

Highlands offers several free recurring events, especially in warmer months. Enjoy traditional mountain music during the Friday Night Live series in Town Square or visit the rotating exhibitions at The Bascom art center, which offers free admission to its galleries.

Where can I find live music events in Highlands?

Live music is a local staple, found in casual pubs and scenic outdoor venues. The Ugly Dog Pub features weekly bluegrass and karaoke nights. For a different vibe, look for the seasonal Orchard Sessions concert series at The Farm at Old Edwards.

Are there any major annual festivals in Highlands, NC?

Highlands hosts several signature annual festivals celebrating music, food, and film. The Highlands Food & Wine Festival takes over downtown each November, while the Bear Shadow Festival brings top musical acts to the mountains each spring.

How does the event scene change with the seasons?

The local event calendar is most active from spring through the fall foliage season. This period features outdoor concerts like Saturdays on Pine and the Highlands Saturday Market. The winter months offer a more tranquil pace with a focus on indoor performances.

What kinds of art events happen in Highlands?

The Bascom is a primary hub for visual art events and workshops. For performing arts, the Highlands Performing Arts Center hosts theatre from the Mountain Theatre Company and broadcasts from the MET Opera. Film lovers can attend the annual Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival.

Can I find family-friendly activities in the area?

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park is a great spot for family-friendly community events. The park hosts the Highlands Saturday Market and the Saturdays on Pine concert series. The annual Highlands Motoring Festival also includes a classic car parade on Main Street.

What's a good plan for a date night in Highlands?

A classic Highlands date night combines dining with a cultural event downtown. Start with a walk along Main Street, then attend a show at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. For a more intimate musical evening, look for the 'Salon Series' at Highlander Mountain House.

Does downtown Highlands host many events?

Downtown is the absolute center of the event scene in Highlands. The area is very walkable, with Town Square and Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park serving as public venues for free concerts, art shows, and recurring markets that are popular with residents and visitors.

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Nearby cities

Greenville

Asheville

Anderson

Hendersonville

Toccoa

Berea

Fletcher

Mills River

Gatlinburg

Murphy

Brevard

Walhalla

Sylva

Easley

Dunean

Young Harris

Clemson

Wade Hampton

Sautee Nacoochee

Seneca

Central

Powdersville

Waynesville

Bryson City

Travelers Rest

Avery Creek

Pendleton

Pickens

Helen

Canton

Greenville

Asheville

Anderson

Hendersonville

Toccoa

Berea

Fletcher

Mills River

Gatlinburg

Murphy

Brevard

Walhalla

Sylva

Easley

Dunean

Young Harris

Clemson

Wade Hampton

Sautee Nacoochee

Seneca

Central

Powdersville

Waynesville

Bryson City

Travelers Rest

Avery Creek

Pendleton

Pickens

Helen

Canton

Online Events

How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Witch hunts and real lives

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026