Social Events Fall 2026

OCTOBER

Ongoing

Trivia Night w/DJRealBill

Each Thursday night, grab your crew and head to the Highlands Dive for Trivia Night hosted by DJRealBill. Eat, drink, and put your knowledge to the test. Trivia starts at 7 pm for both teams and individual players.

Ongoing

Karaoke Night at the Ugly Dog Pub

On Friday nights, DJRealBill heads over to the Ugly Dog Pub in Highlands, where you can join in the fun starting at 9:30 pm. Come prepared to sing your favorite tune, or simply grab a drink, relax, and enjoy the spectacle.

Ongoing on Saturdays

Highlands Farmers Market

October 3, 10, 17, and 24 represent the last four Saturdays of the Highlands Farmers Market in 2026. Come on out to Kelsey Hutchison Founders Park from 8 am –12pm and get your naturally grown meat, fresh dairy items and eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, honey, pickles, and fresh baked goods, and much more.

Ongoing

Locally Grown on The Green

On Wednesdays 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.

October 3

Riverkeeper screening

Presented by Garden & Gun Magazine, this screening presents the award-winning documentary that follows 2024 Champion of Conservation Dr. Jackie Echols in her efforts to restore Atlanta’s South River. The film, which premiered at the 2026 Atlanta Film Festival and received the Georgia Feature Award, examines the lasting impacts of industrial pollution and the pursuit of clean, accessible waterways for the predominantly Black, working-class communities along the river. The film begins at 2 pm, followed by a Q&A session with director Jason Goldman and Dr. Echols.

October 3 – 4

Sapphire Valley Arts & Crafts Festival

Join your friends and neighbors at the Sapphire Valley Community Center to shop for handmade local crafts, quality folk art, fine jewelry, and more. Live music and on-site food round out the fun from 10 am to 4 pm.

October 4

Highlands on the Half-Shell

Join Highlands Biological Foundation on Sunday, October 4, from 4 to 7 pm for an outdoor Cajun-inspired celebration in the heart of Highlands. Set in the cozy Valentine Meadow at the Highlands Biological Station, this festive evening features a feast of Southern coastal flavors served up with community spirit and mountain charm.

October 9

The Barricade Boys at Highlands Performing Arts Center

Direct from London, these four dazzling performers are taking the world by storm with their electrifying show that will have you tapping your feet, belting out your favorite tunes, and grinning from ear to ear. From the heart-wrenching emotion of Les Misérables to the toe-tapping harmonies of the Jersey Boys, The Barricade Boys will take you on a musical journey like no other. The show starts at 7:30 pm. Get your tickets at the box office or visit highlandsperformingarts.com

October 9 – 10

15th Annual Fall Pottery Show

Now in its fifteenth year, The Bascom’s seasonal pottery show highlights the skill and creativity of studio members, whose work is created and fired on-site in the ceramic studio. Purchases from the show benefit both the individual artists and The Bascom’s Creative Community Initiative.

October 9 – 11

Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival

It’s our favorite time of the year in Cashiers! Celebrate the vibrant colors of fall at The Village Green in Cashiers. This popular annual festival brings together 100 talented artisans showcasing their handcrafted woodwork, pottery, jewelry, and much more. Explore unique creations and purchase one-of-a-kind items all weekend long. In addition to the artisan displays, enjoy delicious local food and drinks, live music, and activities for kids.

October 15

Chili Cook-Off

Presented by Landmark Realty Group and the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, this annual tradition offers delicious chili and friendly competition. Ten community cooks and four professional chefs will compete for Best in Show, Judges' Choice, and Community Choice bragging rights from 5 to 7 pm at Lewis Hall in Cashiers.

October 31

Halloween on Main

Costumes not required, but definitely encouraged! Come on down to Main Street in Highlands and celebrate Halloween with an evening of trick-or-treating, hot dogs, hot chocolate, and live music. Entertainment will include performances by 64 and Down and High 5, along with music from DJ Mike Murphy.

NOVEMBER

November 5

Women in Business

Networking Event

Held at One Wicker Cheese from 5 to 6:30 pm, this is your chance to mingle, share stories and support each other in a relaxed and empowering atmosphere. Please RSVP by emailing businessservices @highlandschamber.org

November 14

Fall Fête at Half-Mile Farm

Diners will enjoy an intimate autumn evening, featuring a thoughtfully curated feast by the Old Edwards culinary team featuring Chef Craig Richards. The evening is sure to serve up a celebration of seasonal flavors, luxury hospitality, and cozy mountain charm from 6 to 9 pm. Your ticket includes drinks, dinner, a shuttle, and gratuity. Call 855-271-7246 for more information.

November 21

Mark O'Connor's Appalachian Christmas

Make sure to attend this local favorite at the Performing Arts Center in Highlands! Kick off your holiday season on Saturday, November 21, with Mark O’Connor and Maggie O’Connor as they perform their renowned Christmas spectacular. Get your tickets at the box office or visit highlandsperformingarts.com

November 26

Gobble on The Green

Meet up with friends and neighbors at The Village Green in Cashiers for a little friendly competition on Thanksgiving morning! Everyone can participate in the 5k walk or run, and kids will enjoy the Warrior Course at The Village Green playground. Race registration begins at 7:15 am.

November 27

Candlelight Celtic

Candlelight Celtic brings classic Irish tunes, songs, and stories to audiences across North America. Surrounded by the soft, warm glow of over 1000 candles, the audience is immersed in an enchanting atmosphere, filled with the soul-stirring melodies of Ireland. Get your tickets at the box office or visit highlandsperformingarts.com

November 27

Lights on The Green

From Thanksgiving weekend through early February, The Village Green in Cashiers transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring twinkling lights and festive decorations to brighten your holiday season. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held from 5 to 7 pm, with the trees officially lighting up around 5:45.

November 28

Small Business Saturday

Holiday Stroll

Support our local businesses with an afternoon of holiday activities around Highlands. Stop by participating businesses for the Cookie Crawl, enjoy live music, get your face painted at The Bascom, enjoy story time at Hudson Library, try to catch the strolling quartet around town, and watch the ice carving at Town Square.