Event Calendar for October-November 2025

OCTOBER

Live Bluegrass Every Wednesday

October 1 – November 26

Head over to the Ugly Dog Pub in downtown Highlands to soak up some live bluegrass tunes each Wednesday evening this fall. In addition to authentic mountain sounds, you’ll savor a varied pub menu, a myriad of brews, and house-made cocktails. The fun starts at 6 pm. The Ugly Dog Public House is located at 294 S 4th St, Highlands. Check the schedule and menu at TheUglyDogPub.com.

Carolina Concert Series at Trailborn

October 2

David Cheatham brings Smoky Mountain history to life through his "Folk Mountain Jam" music. The mix of covers and original songs generally has a bluegrass/"newgrass" feel, but also frequently spans genres to feature jam band music and reggae. Free, from 6 pm – 9 pm at Trailborn Highlands, 96 Log Cabin Lane, trailborn.com.

Wool Felting Class

October 2 – 3

Participants will learn two forms of wool felting, combining to make one beautiful sunset dragonfly artwork. Expand your crafting expertise and meet new friends during your session, led by award-winning fiber artist Kim Keelor, from 10 am to 1 pm. Price is $275 per person. Contact BMitchell@TheBascom.org or call (828) 526-4949. Located at The Bascom - A Center for the Visual Arts, 323 Franklin Road, Highlands.

Pop Up Pipers - Bagpipes around Town

October 4

Visit downtown Highlands and catch a glimpse of the Highlands Bagpipers as they "pop up" around town. Location to be determined. Just follow your ears to find them! Presented By Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands NC.

Highlands Farmer’s Market

October 4 – 25

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of an authentic mountain farmer’s market. The Highlands Farmer's Market is held on Saturdays, April through October, in Kelsey-Hutchinson Park on Pine Street in Highlands. Shop the wide array of fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, plants, and other locally sourced products from 8 am to 12:30 pm.

Paint (By Numbers) & Sip

October 4 – 25

What makes a guided crafting experience even more fun? A few glasses of wine, of course! Indulge weekly on Saturdays from 12 pm to 3 pm in the lobby of Trailborn Highlands, 96 Log Cabin Lane. Price: $50, with all materials included. Contact (828) 482-178 or  MarandaHerrick@TrailbornHighlands.com.

Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival

October 10 – 12

A long-standing tradition of locals and visitors alike, this free annual festival celebrates the breathtaking colors of autumn in the mountains. Over 100 artisans converge on The Village Green to showcase their wares, ranging from pottery and handcrafted woodwork to oil paintings, jewelry, and more. Live music, youth activities, and a variety of food and drink contribute to a fun, festive ambiance. The festival runs from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday. The Village Green is located at 160 Frank Allen Rd, Cashiers.

Youth Village Nature Series

October 14

Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust presents this informative talk by Brian Bockhahn. Come learn all about common spiders of North Carolina. It’s creepy crawly fun for all ages! For times and more information, visit hcltnc.org/community-events

Sculpting Class

October 23 – 26

Spread your sculpting wings through this 4-day intensive workshop with Candice Methe and Christine Kosiba. Participants will learn and utilize a variety of expert techniques to creatively capture the beauty of avian wildlife. Price: $725. Hosted by The Bascom ~ A Center for Visual Arts, 323 Franklin Road, Highlands. Contact (828) 526 - 4949 or BMitchell@TheBascom.org.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Street

October 25

The Village Green presents the third annual Halloween Block Party along Frank Allen Road in Cashiers. The Albert Carlton Cashiers Library, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Cashiers-Glenville Rec Center, the Boys and Girls Club of The Plateau, and numerous local businesses host a variety of fun and festive Halloween activities, creating a free spook-tacular experience for the entire community! Join the fun from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Folk Songs and Foliage on

Satulah Mountain

October 25

Join the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust on Satulah Mountain for an afternoon of banjos, ballads, and botany. Come to learn and stay to have fun! For times and more information, visit hcltnc.org/community-events

Halloween on Main

October 31

Stroll Main Street in Highlands, and see if you can spot ghosts, goblins, and ghouls! Participating local businesses will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, while live music sets the scene. For more information, email events@highlandschamber.org, call (828) 526-5841, or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

NOVEMBER

Holiday Market

November 4 – December 27

Each week from Tuesday through Saturday, browse this unique shopping experience at The Bascom. Local and regional artists present their handmade works from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, visit theBascom.org

Highlands Food & Wine

November 13 – 16

An annual celebration of the culinary arts, with plenty of live music and camaraderie spread across four days of events. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the local-favorite festival, with four signature events, plus three brand new experiences, spread over four delightful days. For more information, visit highlandsfoodandwine.com

Farm Harvest Dinner and Barn Dance

November 14

Feast on a delicious harvest from local farms, Sunburst Trout Farm, and Anson Mills. Then clap your hands and stomp your feet to the rousing tunes of Back Porch Orchestra. Held at The Farm at Old Edwards from 6 pm til 10 pm, it’s sure to be an unforgettable, authentic southern experience. Price: $270 with gratuity included. For more information, call 855-421-2919.

Fall’s Finest Dinner

November 15

Joining the culinary teams of Old Edwards and Half-Mile Farm, Chef Terry Koval of The Deer and The Dove in Atlanta presents a November celebration dinner. Dishes will be thoughtfully paired with wines from the Old Edwards sommelier team, and live music will add to the festive atmosphere. Price: $270 with gratuity included. The event will be held at Half-Mile Farm, 214 Half Mile Drive, Highlands. For more information, call 855-421-2919.

Gobble on The Green

November 27

Work off your turkey and dressing at the annual Thanksgiving Day 5k run/walk in The Village Green in Cashiers. Held from 9 am to 11 am and open to everyone, this fun event creates a special tradition for residents of our mountain village. Youngsters will also enjoy the 4th Annual Junior Warrior Course (free). Registration for the run/walk: $35. Visit villagegreencashiersnc.com

Gingerbread Workshop

November 28

Bakers, artists, and lovers of sweet treats meet up for a friendly gingerbread competition at The Bascom in Highlands. A buffet of confections is provided, so let your imagination run wild! Winners will be determined by popular vote. For more information, call 828-526-4949 or visit TheBascom.org

Mistletoe Market

November 28

Held from 10 am to 5 pm at Lewis Hall on The Village Green in Cashiers, the Mistletoe Market offers a unique Black Friday shopping experience in our small town. Browse handmade items from local artisan vendors and find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Bring the kids to visit Santa between 1 pm and 4 pm.

Cashiers Festival of Trees

November 28 – 29

The Summit Charter School campus transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring a dazzling display of decorated trees, creative gift baskets, and stunning wreaths. Kids will love the free holiday crafts, scavenger hunts, and raffle prizes, while grown-ups can tackle holiday shopping in the Gift Zone. Sports fans can catch the big games in the lively Gameday Lounge, and everyone will want to stop by the Pop-up Teddy Bear Workshop, hosted by O.P. Taylor’s and Design South Builders. This year brings even more excitement with a mouthwatering lineup of food trucks and an expanded list of local vendors to browse. Plus, don’t miss the live glassblowing and blacksmith demonstrations from Jackson County Green Energy Park. Admission is just $5 for adults, and kids 18 and under get in free, making this a must-attend event for the whole community. Ticket Link: summitschool.org

Lights on the Green

November 28

Head to The Village Green in Cashiers between 5 pm and 7 pm for the town’s official Tree Lighting Ceremony. Each year from Thanksgiving weekend to early February, our beautiful park transforms into a festive winter wonderland. Enjoy a romantic stroll or bring the whole family to enjoy holiday cheer.

Nashville Noel

November 28

Delight your senses and fill your heart with Christmas spirit! The Performing Arts Center in Highlands presents a festive country music extravaganza featuring joyful performances of your favorite holiday carols. Purchase tickets at: boxoffice@highlandsperformingarts.com

Light up the Park and Santa in Highlands

November 29

Gather with friends and family at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in Highlands. Sip hot chocolate, nibble on a candy cane, listen to a reading of the Christmas story, and sing carols. Then, Santa arrives to light up the park and kick off the holiday season in Highlands! Experience the magic from 6 pm to 8 pm.