Food Inspired Events and Great Causes

They come for the food. It’s been that way forever. Today, Highlands enjoys the fruits of a vital restaurant ecosystem, from homey mom-and-pop places to dining experiences that have, literally, drawn devotees from around the world.  

This helps to explain the reality of multiple annual events celebrating a variety of foods for great causes. 

Low Country Boil

The Low Country Shrimp Boil benefits Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. The park is just one block from Main Street and serves as a venue for concerts, ice skating, arts and crafts, farmers market, nonprofit fundraisers, and festivals. For the last 100 years, Highlands has enjoyed a vibrant set of South Carolinians who join us every summer to escape the heat. These are the people who oversee this event, and they ensure that this is an authentic Low Country culinary event. Join in the celebration on Saturday, July 15, 2023 to support our Park. Tickets can be purchased at www.foundersparkhighlands.org and The Dry Sink on Main Street.

Wags, Whiskers, and Whiskey

 If every dog has its day, well, it turns out that every local dog (and cat) has its own glorious party. There will be plenty of wags, whiskers and whiskey at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club the evening of Saturday, June 24, 2023 to benefit the shelter pets at the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.  

They won’t let the proverbial cat-out-of-the-bag about the details but the dogs told us the evening will include dinner, a live and silent auction, and not only fundraising for the animals but plenty of "fun-raising" for the people who love them! Check chhumanesociety.org for announcement details or call 828-743-5752 for more information.

Empty Bowls 

Hosted by International Friendship Center to raise funds for their Food Pantry program here in Highlands, Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and food insecurity. This event pairs potters and other craftspeople with concerned citizens. Typically, after sharing a simple meal of soup and bread, served in handmade bowls, guests are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. Help protect against food insecurity. The event will be Sunday, September 24, 2023. More details can be found at www.internationalfriendshipcenter.org or by calling 828-526-0890.

Oyster Fest

Join Old Edwards Inn Sunday, September 24, 2023, for Oyster Fest, an annual Old Edwards tradition with creative cocktails, oysters, live music and lawn games. For more information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com. 

Highlands on the Half Shell

Join Highlands Biological Station on Sunday, October 1, 2023. for an annual fundraiser event supporting Highlands Biological Station. Guests can enjoy a Cajun-style event with oysters, jambalaya and gumbo. For more information, visit highlandsbiolobical.org or call 828-526-2623.

Highlands Food and Wine

An annual event full of food, fun, music, drinks and more. Highlands Food and Wine Festival will be November 9 -12, 2023.This event is organized by Highlands Festivals, Inc. and Eleven Events. For more information, visit highlandsfoodandwine.com or email info@highlandsfestivalsinc.org.