Porchfest Highlands 2024

A walking tour of Highlands with live music all along the way

By KATHRYN SMITH

Celebrating its fourth year, the Highlands, NC orchfest returns on September 15th. It is a unique and delightful Sunday afternoon of strolling the town and enjoying live music in front of local businesses. This organic national tradition, born in 2007 in Ithaca, NY, has now spread its charm to our town. The brainchild of Lesley Greene and Gretchen Hildreth, it was designed to bring community and music together. Over the years, the festival in Ithica has grown from just 20 venues to over 100, and it is a great idea that has been embraced by towns across the country and even in several Canadian towns and cities.

Bringing the concept of Porchfest to Highlands was proposed to the Center for Life Enrichment (CLE) by then-new board member Karen Hunt.  Having recently moved to Highlands from Napa Valley, she brought experience from organizing a similar event there. She was confident that the CLE board, staff, and volunteers would be successful in their first year.

The CLE board was enthusiastic about Karen's proposal, quickly organized committees, and set timelines and goals to ensure a flawless event.  The main difference between other Porchfest music events across the country and the Highlands area is that our main street is concentrated with businesses rather than residential homes for front porch hosting. The CLE team decided to make the Highlands Porchfest unique by placing musicians in front of local commercial entities rather than setting up in residential areas. Highlands Porchfest attendees walk, bike, or drive from storefront to storefront, sampling music at each hosting venue. 

September is the perfect time of year for this outdoor stroll. Leaf change has begun, and moderate temperatures ensure a comfortable afternoon of great music, plenty of food at local restaurants and the opportunity to enjoy neighbors and visitors in a relaxed atmosphere. Families have a great time stretching their legs and letting the kids dance and play in our fine autumn weather. Everyone looks forward to seeing friends and family and meeting visitors at this growing annual tradition.

This year, CLE has 15 confirmed hosting venues. They include Highlander Mountain House, Highlands Sotheby's Real Estate, Park on Main Hotel, High Country Wine and Provisions, Art Highlands Gallery, Mountain Life Realty, the First Presbyterian Church, Highlands Smokehouse, Highlands Wine Shoppe, The Bascom, High Dive, the Ugly Dog, Stubborn Bull, Town Square and Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

The Highlands Porchfest Music Committee, with a robust list of musicians interested in performing, carefully reviews each submission to ensure the best fit for our festival. This meticulous selection process guarantees a high-quality musical experience for our attendees. The complete set of musicians will be publicly announced in mid-August on our website, https://www.highlandsporchfest.com/ and on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Get ready for a musical journey like no other!

Highlands Porchfest is a free event open to all, so the generosity of local supporters plays a crucial role in its success. CLE relies on sponsorships and donations from the business community and individuals to cover the necessary expenses for an event of this scale. They express gratitude for the unwavering support from the community and encourage all who attend to mention their thanks to the large group of sponsors who make it possible. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, all donations are tax-deductible and integral to presenting a first-class festival to the community. Your support makes this event possible, and they value every participant.

CLE has served the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau communities for over 30 years. They hope you will join them this year at Highlands Porchfest and visit The Center for Life Enrichment throughout the year to learn more about the many workshops, lectures and programs that include diverse topics such as art, history, gardening, politics and current affairs, music, sports, technology, cooking, fine wine and other evolving ideas that benefit all residents and visitors.

Need more details? Visit highlandporchfest.com or call the CLE office at 828-526-8811.