September 2026 Social Events

FEATURED EVENT

29th Cashiers Designer Showhouse

August 28 – September 5

For nearly three decades, this beloved event has welcomed thousands of guests to the Cashiers area to tour an extraordinary home brought to life by some of the South’s most talented designers. Plus, throughout the event’s 9 days, visitors enjoy a curated collection of renowned vendors offering distinctive lifestyle items, including apparel, home décor, antiques, and unique gifts at Vendor Village at The Village Green. An Opening Night Party kicks off the festivities the evening of August 27, and several other workshops, lectures, and opportunities to mingle round out the annual celebration of style. Visit cashiershistoricalsociety.org for the complete list of vendors and a schedule of events.

AUGUST

Ongoing

Locally Grown on the Green

Each Wednesday, May through October, you can shop fresh and local from 11 am to 3 pm. Local vendors bring ethically raised meats and dairy, farm-fresh eggs, artisanal jams, savory pickles, fresh-baked breads, handmade soaps, flowers, and so much more. Meet the Western North Carolina farmers who produce food for your table, and taste the difference that fresh ingredients make for your meals.

August 6

Boots & Bourbon

Head on over to Chimney Pond Farm in Glenville to support a worthy cause, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina. From 5:30 to 8 pm, enjoy craft beers, bourbon tastings, and live music from talented local youth musicians. A delicious southern-style dinner and an auction will round out the evening. Purchase tickets here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/boobou202/event/bootsbourbon2026.

August 6

Community Barn Dance

Celebrate the rich traditions of Appalachian dance at The Bascom from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Jackson Grimm’s Old Time Machine will provide toe-tapping tunes, and Old Time Country Dance Caller Harrison Keely will lead attendees through an authentic country dance experience.

August 7 – 9

Cashiers 48th Annual Antique Show

From 9 am on Friday to 4 pm on Sunday, shop a wide array of silver, jewelry, fine porcelain, majolica-cut glass, pottery, American and European furniture, Oriental rugs, art, and much more at The Village Green in Cashiers. Part of the proceeds go to our local rescue squad.

August 12-30

Showstoppers

Join the cast and crew of Mountain Theatre Company for a fast-paced celebration of iconic movie-musical moments! In what is described as a “multimedia spectacular,” the show will feature tunes from West Side Story and Dreamgirls to Singin’ in the Rain, Chicago, Mamma Mia!, and more. Bring the whole family for what is sure to be an inspiring evening of dazzling costumes, energetic choreography, and unforgettable performances by world-class performers. Purchase tickets at mountaintheatre.com.

August 15

Film Screening: The Gardener

Join other film enthusiasts at the Performing Arts Center in Highlands for a screening of The Gardener at 4 pm. Afterward, visit the garden where the film was shot and participate in a Q&A session with the director.

August 16

Film Screening

Meet up at The Village Green in Cashiers for a screening of 2025 Best Feature Film winner, Never Not Yours. Then, discuss the film with the directors afterward. Screening begins at 2 pm.

August 14

The Wandering Hours at Groovin’ on The Green

Head on over to The Village Green in Cashiers for an original take on traditional American string music, combining old-time, early bluegrass, and folk into a dancey and lyrically deep band that always entertains fans of string music and first-time listeners. Held from 6 to 8:30 pm, all Groovin’ on The Green events are free to the public, but donations support The Village Green, a nonprofit park system. Food and beverage vendors will be on site, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

August 21

Paws & Boots

Come one, come all for an evening of boots, bites, and big-hearted giving in support of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society from 5 to 10 pm in Cullowhee. Buy tickets at chhumanesociety.org/pawsandboots.

August 22

20th Annual Nashville Songwriters' Round

Support our local Blue Ridge School & Early College by attending this fun-filled night featuring performances by acclaimed Nashville songwriters. This year, Rivers Rutherford & Friends will be performing. Go to https://www.brsfoundation.com/songwriters-round for more information and ticket purchase.

August 28

On Broadway

In this latest installment of the MTC Benefit Concert Series, Mountain Theatre Company voices perform your favorite Broadway hits, stripped back to their core and performed with nothing but raw talent and honest storytelling. 100% of proceeds benefiting the Community Club fund. Join the MTC at the Performing Arts Center at 7 pm for a night that is sure to inspire you. Purchase tickets at mountaintheatre.com.

SEPTEMBER

September 4

McIntosh and the Lionhearts at Groovin’ on The Green

An area-favorite band returns to share their complex compositions on home, love, and the challenges of manhood, all in a tight, rolling groove from 6 to 8:30 pm. Groovin’ on The Green events are free to the public, but donations support The Village Green, a nonprofit park system. Food and beverage vendors will be on site, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

September 6

Brookings Bash

Join Brookings Anglers for an evening of music, community, and purpose, benefiting Transylvania Habitat for Humanity. Upstream Rebellion, Jammy Buffet, and Clay Street Unit will be performing, with food and beverage vendors on site. Bring a camping chair or blanket to enjoy festivities on the lawn. Tickets are $75 for adults and $25 for kids.

September 10

Fall Exhibition Reception

From 5 to 6:30 pm, the Fall Exhibition Reception at The Bascom opens the autumn season, featuring Voices of Influence: Celebrating the Impact of Women in Art, TRACES: Jo Sandman from the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, and Ceramic Artists of The Bascom Clay Symposium featuring Andrew Godfrey Shaw, Alexander Thierry, and Tiffany Thomas. Meet the artists and curators of these exhibits and connect with fellow art aficionados.

September 10 – 12

Dazzling Dahlia Festival

The Dazzling Dahlia Festival presents a vibrant celebration of horticulture, art, and community. Rooted in the Plateau’s long-standing appreciation for gardens and creative expression, the festival brings together growers, artists, and visitors for a shared exploration of form, color, and seasonal abundance. Visit thebascom.org for a schedule of events.

September 13

34th Annual Bel Canto Recital

Don’t miss this annual benefit performance featuring international opera stars at the Performing Arts Center in Highlands. The evening begins at 4 pm with arias from favorite operas along with popular songs from Broadway shows and continues with a gala dinner celebrating the artists at Highlands Country Club. For more information, visit thebascom.org.

September 15

Village Nature Series: Appalachian Wonders and Phenomenal Ecological Connections by Luke Cannon

Come enjoy a fascinating exploration of the remarkable lives and complex relationships of our common and not-so-common Appalachian wildlife. Held from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at The Village Green in Cashiers, the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust co-sponsors this lecture series. Free to the public.

September 17 – 20

Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival

Highlands–Cashiers Film Festival is an annual event that brings together filmmakers, media artists, and audiences from around the world to celebrate storytelling in all its forms. Get your passes at www.highlandscashiersfilmfestival.com.

September 20

Porchfest

There’s truly something for everyone at Porchfest as more than 40 live performers regale audiences at more than a dozen venues throughout Highlands, sharing tunes from just about every musical genre. A kids' area keeps the little ones entertained, and a raffle offers everyone a chance to go home a winner. Presented by the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment, the event is free for all to attend.

September 21 - 26

Mountain Heritage Days

Mountain Heritage Days at Western Carolina University celebrates the rich traditions, stories, and culture of Appalachia. The beloved festival continues to evolve while staying true to its roots, offering visitors an immersive experience filled with music, crafts, food, demonstrations, and cultural programming. Visitors can also explore artisan crafts, shape-note singing, wood carving, basket weaving, antique farm engines, and a demonstration area showcasing traditional Appalachian skills.

September 22

Youth Nature Series: Animal Tracks and Skulls by Topher Stephens

From 4 to 5 pm at The Village Green, kids will get up close with the amazing creatures of Western North Carolina by examining real skulls and track casts of local mammals like black bears, bobcats, and foxes. This event is free for all.

September 26

16th Annual Bascom Clay Symposium

This event brings together ceramic artists Alexander Thierry, Andrew Shaw, and Tiffany Thomas to explore how imagery, pattern, and material process shape meaning, memory, and expression in ceramic work. Held from 10 am to 4 pm at The Bascom in Highlands.

September 26

Highlands Heritage Jamboree

Join your friends and neighbors at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park in Highlands for a day of live music, mountain dance, local history, barbecue, and moonshine tastings. Held from 1 pm to 7:30 pm, this event is sure to inspire you with authentic Appalachian spirit.