Attending a weekend outdoor concert in Highlands is a must do while visiting. It's the perfect opportunity to relax outside with friends and family and enjoy some fresh mountain air. This guide will give you all the info you need to know so you can attend our Outdoor Concert Series, starting May 17, like a pro!
Step #1:
Plan ahead. Plan ahead by figuring out which night you want to attend, who’s performing and what time, so you will be ready when the weekend rolls around! The Outdoor Concert Series are held on Friday and Saturday nights at two different locations. Friday Night Live concerts are always held in the Town Square. The Town Square is on Main Street in the plaza between Kilwin's and Wild Thyme. Saturdays on Pine concerts are held in Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street. Check out our events page to see who’s performing when and where.
Step #2:
Check the weather. Highlands is a temperate rainforest so that means…lots of rain—and our elevation of 4118 means cool summer nights so make sure to check the weather before attending an outdoor concert. You may need to pack a raincoat and umbrella or wear a cozy sweater to enjoy an outdoor concert comfortably.
Step #3:
Arrive early and come prepared. Arriving early will ensure that you can find a great parking spot and a great place to watch the performance. Saturdays on Pine concerts are the perfect concerts to bring a blanket or fold up chairs and relax in the grass. On Friday nights, make sure you bring foldable chairs—or arrive early to ensure you can grab a table and chairs!
Step #4:
Bring snacks and drinks. There are lots of great places in town to pop in and quickly grab some concert snacks for you and your gang. Or—if snacks won’t cut it, get dinner to go from one of our nearby restaurants. Some popular spots with great concert grub are Highlands Pizza Place, or The Secret Garden and Fresser’s Eatery, which are conveniently located next to Kelsey-Hutchinson Park.
Step #5:
Have fun! The last but most important step to attend an outdoor concert like a pro, is to have fun! Enjoy some weekend music with your friends and family at the Height of Happiness.
You can find the schedule of our outdoor concerts below or on our events calendar. Or stop by The Welcome Center at 108 Main Street to pick up a copy of our Outdoor Concert Series Brochure.
2024 Outdoor Concert Series
From May into October, the vibrant tunes of live music fill the air in downtown Highlands every Friday and Saturday night. Shows both nights are free and take
place from 6 - 8:30 p.m.
“Friday Night Live” showcases traditional mountain music and exceptional local talent on Main Street’s Town Square. The Friday night concerts are part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina, an initiative of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership and the N.C. Arts Council that works to sustain the rich music traditions of the region.
The Friday Night Live season schedule is as follows:
May 17 – Silly Ridge (High Style event weekend)
May 24 – McClain Family Band
May 31 – Byrds & Crows
June 7 – The Foxfire Boys
June 14 – Spare Parts Bluegrass Band
June 21 – Curtis Blackwell Band
June 28 – Johnny Webb Band
July 5 – Nitrograss
July 12 – Silly Ridge
July 19 – Leadfoot Lily
July 26 – Kettle
August 2 – Ezra & Katie
August 9 – ABC Combo
August 16 – Steady Hand String Band
August 23 – Southern Highland Band
August 30 – Spare Parts Bluegrass Band
September 6 – Johnny Webb Band
September 13 – Silly Ridge
September 20 – Curtis Blackwell Band
September 27 - Nitrograss
October 4 – Zorki
October 11 – The Foxfire Boys
“Saturdays on Pine” features a variety of popular, regional bands and musicians at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
The “Saturdays on Pine” season schedule is as follows:
May 18 – Continental Divide (High Style event weekend)
May 25 – Southside Station
June 1 – High 5
June 8 – Bill Mattocks
June 15 – Back Porch Orchestra
June 22 – The HC Oakes Band
July 6 – Blaze the City
July 13 – Dive Bar Divas
July 20 – LazrLuvr
July 27- The Breakfast Club
August 3 – The Holiday Band
August 10 – Will Thompson Band
August 31 – Full Circle
September 7 – Steel Toe Stiletto
September 14 – High 5
September 21 – The Boomers
September 28 – Kayla McKinney
October 15 – Thirsty Horses
October 12 – Nu Blue