Autumn 2023
Our complete event calendar may be found here.
Dazzling Dahlia Festival
September 9 - 10, 2023
Downtown Highlands becomes the backdrop for a series of vignettes displaying exquisite dahlias and native plants grown here on our mountain plateau. It's a great opportunity to walk the town, enjoy the cool mountain air and take in floral art from Highlands' finest gardeners. Visitors can even vote for their favorite display!
This event is presented by the Highlands Historical Society and supported by a grant from Visit Highlands, NC.
For more information, visit highlandshistory.com.
Highlands, NC Porchfest
Sunday, September 17, 2023
1 - 6 p.m.
Experience talented musicians at about a dozen locations in downtown Highlands. Relax and enjoy some of the best local music in intimate settings that are quintessentially Highlands. This free, live music event is in its third year.
This event is presented by the Center for Life Enrichment and supported by a grant from Visit Highlands, NC.
For more information, visit highlandsporchfest.com.
Highlands Heritage Jamboree
Saturday, October 14, 2023
3:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Highlands Heritage Jamboree celebrates and honors the town’s history with traditional music, dancing and more in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park from 4 - 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 14.
This event is brought to you by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.
For more information, call the Highlands Welcome Center, 828-526-2112, or email events@highlandschamber.org.
Halloween on Main
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
6 - 8 p.m.
Creating a safe, fun experience for ghosts and goblins of all ages, Highlands’ Main Street (from Second to Fifth Streets) will be open to pedestrians for Halloween on Main from 6 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31. Participating merchants will distribute candy, some of which is purchased by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC and delivered to them by the Interact Club.
Musical performances include the Foxfire Boys in front of Reeves Hardware, High Five in front of Berkshire Hathaway and DJ Mike Murphy next to Kilwins.
The Kid’s Zone will be on Fourth Street with an inflatable slide and an obstacle course, provided by the Highlands School PTO and a kid friendly Haunted House manned by the Highlands Police Department. Popcorn will be provided by the Highlands School Booster Club, hot chocolate and apple cider will be distributed by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Plateau and volunteers from both rotary organizations, Mountain Top and Highlands, will grill and give away hot dogs. Additional food and drink will be supplied by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, and all civic/nonprofit organizations will collect donations to be used in the community for their respective causes as they manage distribution of the items.
“Halloween on Main is an event where residents, businesses, and visitors of all ages come together." says McHan. “It is a cherished tradition here in Highlands and one we plan to continue year after year.’
This event is brought to you by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.
For more information, call the Highlands Welcome Center at 828-526-2112 or email events@highlandschamber.org.
Highlands Food & Wine
November 9 - 12, 2023
Highlands Food & Wine welcomes generations of festival-goers to the plateau November 9-12, 2023. Enjoy an Elevation Celebration with four days of culinary delights paired with delectable wines, spirits, craft beers, and exciting alcohol-free beverages, all to the tune of world-renowned musical performers. We look forward to seeing new and familiar faces with full hearts (and plates and glasses). Must be 21 and older to attend.
This event is presented by Highlands Festivals, Inc. and produced by Eleven Events with sponsorship support from the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.
