Music fills the cool mountain air of Highlands, NC nearly every day of summer weeks. Whether you're tapping your foot at a free outdoor concert, brunching to bluegrass, enjoying a chamber music performance, or dancing at a late-night venue, there’s always a melody playing in the mountains of Highlands.
Outdoor Concert Series
Friday Night Live (Town Square)
Every Friday from mid‑May through September, Highlands bursts into song with carefully curated sets by local and traditional-folk artists like Nitrograss and Silly Ridge. These free concerts, which take place from 6-8:30pm in Town Square, pair perfectly with a delicious outdoor dining experience at Wild Thyme Gourmet and some Toasted Coconut Ice Cream from Kilwins to top it off.
Saturdays on Pine (Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park)
Similarly scheduled from May to September (6–8:30 pm), this (also free) outdoor concert series features regional bands performing classic rock, blues, beach music, and bluegrass tunes which are sure to get you dancing! Grab a pie from Highlands Pizza Place, one of our comfy Highlands Picnic Blankets and enjoy a groovy picnic on the lawn.
Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival
Running from July 5 to August 11, this refined festival brings world-class chamber ensembles—violin, cello, piano—into the Highlands Performing Arts Center and Lewis Hall in Cashiers.
HCCMF welcomes you to its 44th season with "The Old and the New," an opening performance of Paul Coletti’s Viola Quintet on July 5 at the PAC. Learn More.
Highlands PAC 2025 Summer Concert Series
The Highlands Performing Arts Center's curated summer concert series is both artistically rich and entertainingly varied. Ready to book? These shows are worth marking on your calendar!
Rodney Marsalis’ Philadelphia Big Brass - Friday, July 18, 7:30pm
One of America's premier large brass ensembles, this thrilling group blends virtuosity with versatility. Founded in New Orleans and led by Rodney Marsalis, the ensemble ranges from solo trumpet recitals to full eleven-piece brass with percussion. Find Tickets.
The Modern Gentlemen - Sunday, July 20, 4pm
This quartet features Brian and Brandon Brigham, along with Landon Beard and Todd Fournier—each formerly part of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Dubbed “the modern-day keepers of the classics,” The Modern Gentlemen seamlessly deliver timeless hits—think Motown, Beach Boys, Beatles, Queen, Bee Gees, Billy Joel, and signature Four Seasons charts—in rich, four-part harmony. Find Tickets.
Weekly Melodies & Happenings
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Bluegrass Wednesdays at The Ugly Dog Pub
Each Wednesday, the beloved Nitrograss band brings true-blue mountain vibes to The Ugly Dog starting around 6:30pm. -
Wednesdays and Sundays at Highlands Smokehouse
Enjoy Top-Tier BBQ at Highlands Smokehouse and live music on Wednesdays from 5-7pm and Sundays from 1-3pm with a rotating band list. -
Friday Night Vibes at High Country Wine and Provisions
Every Friday, High Country Wine & Provisions holds a fun, lively live music series held in their cozy tasting room and outdoor patio. Visit their Events Page to see what’s coming up. -
Bluegrass Brunch at Highlander Mountain House
Sunday mornings (10:30am–12:30pm), enjoy brunch accompanied by live bluegrass in the cozy old english tavern setting that is The Ruffed Grouse. -
Hummingbird Lounge at Old Edwards Inn
Friday & Saturday evenings from 5:30-10pm - unwind in the plush, upscale surroundings of Hummingbird Lounge with live entertainment. -
Live Music at Western Carolina Brew & Wine
Western Carolina Brew & Wine hosts live music, featuring a mix of local acoustic acts, on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a perfect stop to kick off your weekend. -
The High Dive
Also known as Highlands Dive, this late-night hotspot features Live music and DJs all summer long on select Fridays and Saturdays starting at 9pm.