Event Calendar for April-May 2024
03 Apr 2024
Looking to fill your social calendar? We’ve got the rundown on what to do and explore.
ON-GOING
The Bascom’s Annual Emergence Exhibit
Running until April 27
Come enjoy The Bascom’s Southeastern Studio Programs Annual Emergence Exhibit. One of the Bascom’s most highly anticipated and visited annual exhibits featuring the artwork of emerging artists and their instructors from colleges and universities all over the southeast. The Bascom, 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC. Free.
Walker Tuft’s Satellites and Salamanders IV Exhibit
Running to May 11
Come to The Bascom to enjoy this thought-provoking exhibit. Tuft explores the intricate tapestry of their legacies as a queer white artist from the southern US. This exhibition turns a pair of satellites that measure the earth’s melting ice into an escape pod, climbing wall and vertical forest. Orbiting around these satellites, cut text works, sculptures and films invite visitors to consider our interconnected histories and cultures. The Bascom, 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC. Free.
Happ’s Place Concert Series
Every Friday and Saturday night
Enjoy dinner and live music every Friday and Saturday night at Happ’s Place. Local legends and far away surprises to delight all while eating the delectable cuisine. These promise to be nights to remember. Happ’s Place, 5914 State Route 107, Glenville.
Highlander Mountain House
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
Wine Wednesdays—Enjoy ½ off select bottles of wine with purchase of an entrée. Locals receive 20% off. Burgers & Blues every Thursday--$20 burgers and select draft beer with live blues music. Bluegrass Brunch every Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Locals receive 20% off. Highlander Mountain House, 270 Main Street, Highlands.
Bluegrass Wednesdays with Nitrograss at The Ugly Dog Pub
Every Wednesday night
Come and enjoy dinner and music with beloved bluegrass band Nitrograss. Seating starts at 6 p.m. Music from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Ugly Dog Pub, 294 S. 4th Street, Highlands.
Thursday Night Trivia at The High Dive
Every Thursday night
Test your trivia skills at Highland’s funkiest watering hole. The High Dive opens at 4 p.m. Trivia begins at 7:30 p.m. Thirsty Thursday includes pints for $3.50 and pitchers for $12. The High Dive, 476 Carolina Way, Highlands. 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Appalachian Writer’s Roundtable
Every 3rd Thursday
Are you a writer, poet, journalist or just someone who likes putting words on paper? Then this group is for you! Meetings in the Regional Room at the iconic City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Enjoy a new discussion topic every month on the craft and art of writing, covering character creation, plot, setting, grammar, syntax and much more. Sponsored by the North Carolina Writer’s Network. 5 p.m. City Lights Bookstore, 3 E. Jackson Street, Sylva, North Carolina. Free and open to public.
Mah Jongg Games at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library
Every Monday
Come join a friendly game of Mah Jongg every Monday at the Cashiers Library. Players of all levels welcome. Sponsored by Friends of the Library. For more information, call or text Charlene at 828.508.1404. Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, 249 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers. Mondays at 1 p.m. Open and free to the public although a $2 donation is appreciated.
Locally Grown on the Green Farmers Market
Every Wednesday, beginning May 1
Choose the food less traveled at The Green Market, Cashiers’ farm stand market for local growers. Fill your basket with naturally raised meat and dairy items, fresh eggs, jams, pickles, freshly baked bread, delicious granola and fresh cut flowers. Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Village Green Commons, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers. Free.
Highland’s Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday, beginning in April
Come enjoy a morning at the market. Select from a wide array of fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, plants and other locally sourced products. 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, 411 Pine Street, Highlands. Free.
APRIL
Great Art on Screen (GAOS) at the Highlands PAC
April 5
Titan: The Empire of Color. Winning over popes and emperors with his iconic revolutionary works, Titan became an icon of the Renaissance. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit highlandsperformingarts.com. Show at 5:30 p.m. Tickets $15.
Salon Series at Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern: Lillie Mae
April 18
Come enjoy Lillie Mae, beloved master musician and tunesmith. This riveting solo acoustic performance in the cozy Ruffed Grouse Tavern is certain to delight. Music will begin around 9 p.m., but you should grab your seat no later than 8:30 p.m. as space fills quickly. To purchase tickets, visit www.highlandermountainhouse.com. Highlander Mountain House, 270 Main Street, Highlands. Tickets $25.
MET Opera at the Highlands PAC
April 20 & May 11
La Rodine (April 20) Puccini’s bittersweet love story makes a rare MET appearance with soprano Angel Blue starring as the French courtesan Magda, opposite tenor Jonathan Tetelman.
Madame Butterfly (May 11) Three extraordinary sopranos—Aleksandra Kurzak, Eleonora Buratto and Asmik Grigorian (in her highly anticipated MET debut)—tackle the demanding role of Cio-Cio-San, the loyal geisha at the heart of Puccini’s devastating tragedy. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit highlandsperformingarts.com. Shows at 12:55 p.m. Highlands Performing Arts Center, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands. Tickets $22.
The Orchard Sessions Concert Series at The Farm at Old Edwards
April 18 and May 30
Mike Kennebrew (April 18): Settle into the magical setting of The Orchard to enjoy acclaimed singer-songwriter Mike Kinnebrew. A local favorite, Kinnebrew creates passionate stories through song and will leave you wanting more; Highbeams (May 30): This incredibly talented trio of brothers and best friends have lit up stages across the southeast. Come enjoy the emotive, high-energy performances of Adam Pendlington, Ian Pendlington and Stephen Quinn. The Farm at Old Edwards, 336 Arnold Road, Highlands. 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets available for purchase online at www.oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions. $25 for hotel guests/members & $40 for the public. Light bites and cash bar available.
Climate Justice Summit at The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center
April 28 to May 3
Be part of the solution by attending the Climate Justice Summit at the Mountain Retreat & Learning Center in Scaly Mountain, just 15 minutes west of downtown Highlands. A diverse set of leaders, activists, artists, educators and facilitators in the areas of environmental justice, climate science, public policy and community organizing will lead discussions. MRLC is located at 3872 Dillard Road, Highlands. To learn more, visit their website at www.themountainrlc.org.
MAY
MOJO & The Bayou Gypsies
May 4
A vibrant musical ensemble hailing from the cultural heartland of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. At the helm is MOJO, a charismatic and talented musician deeply rooted in the rich musical traditions of the region. The band’s sonic tapestry is a captivating fusion of zydeco, Cajun and their own unique musical flair. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit highlandsperformingarts.com. Show at 7:30 p.m. Highlands Performing Arts Center, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands. Tickets go on sale to non-members April 1.
Always a Bridesmaid at the PAC
May 9 – 17, various days & times
In this hilarious comedic romp, four friends have sworn to keep the promise they made on the night of their Senior Prom: to be in each other’s weddings—no matter what. More than 30 years later, these Southern friends-for-life are still making “the long walk” for each other, determined to honor that vow. Written by Jones Hope Wooten. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit highlandsperformingarts.com. Highlands Performing Arts Center, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands. Tickets $25/person or $35/table.
Bear Shadow Music Festival
May 11 & 12
Do not miss out on this one-of-a-kind festival. In its fourth year, Bear Shadow has become one of the most celebrated events on the plateau. Ticket prices vary depending on the type and number of activities you are interested in. To see all offerings or to purchase tickets, visit www.BearShadowNC.com. Multiple events, including yoga flow classes and hikes, will be held throughout Highlands. The Base Camp, which includes the main musical stage, is at Winfield Farm, 250 Winfield Farm Road, Scaly Mountain, 10 minutes from downtown Highlands.
Friday Night Live
Fridays through October beginning May 17
Presented by Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands, NC, these concerts are not to be missed. Bring your favorite lawn chair and a picnic basket and enjoy traditional mountain music. 5/17-Silly Ridge and 5/24-The McLain Family Band. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Highlands Town Square on Main Street in downtown Highlands. Free.
Saturdays on Pine Concert Series
Saturdays through October beginning May 18
Presented by Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands, NC, these concerts are not to be missed. Bring a lawn chair, your favorite treats, and your dancing shoes! On May 18, the series will feature Continental Divide. 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, 411 Pine Street, Highlands. Free.
Groovin on the Green
May 24 & 31
Cashiers Groovin on the Green is back! On May 24: Come enjoy the Darren Nicholson Band. These Grammy-award-winning Appalachian musicians will surely keep you on your feet! On May 31: Come enjoy Kevin Daniel and The Bottom Line, a radio and TV ready band with enough darkness to please fans of Jason Isbell and Langhorne Slim. Admission is free with the opportunity to purchase a 10X10 tent space (tent provided) to support The Village Green. The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.
