Spring 2025 Events Calendar

APRIL

Catamount Climb Half-Marathon and 5k

April 5

The Catamount Climb Half-Marathon and 5K are hosted by Western Carolina University’s School of Health and Sciences and the Department of Campus Recreation and Wellness. The day before the event, participants must pick up their race shirts, bibs, etc. Runners aged 14 to 70+ will have the chance to win awards in their categories. Whether you sign up as a runner or come to support your friends and family, this is a great opportunity to hang out with the WCU community. For more information, visit wcu.edu/learn/departments-schools-colleges/HHS/healthsci/catamount-climb/index.aspx

Easter Concert

April 13

Celebrate Palm Sunday with a concert by the Cashiers Valley Community Chorus in Lewis Hall at Village Green, beginning at 2:30 pm at 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers. For additional information, contact Betty Morris at 828-743-5298 or visit cashiersumc.org

Highland Supper Club Wine Dinner

Series

April 17 & May 15

Dinners feature a specially curated five-course menu orchestrated by the restaurant’s Executive Chef Aaron Kulzer with an optional wine pairing highlighting some of the restaurant’s favorite wine producers from around the world. The prix fixe menu is priced at $90 per person with an optional four-course wine pairing for an extra $60 per person, but attendees will also have the option to choose from an á la carte menu. 130 Log Cabin Lane, Highlands,  TheHighlandsSupperClub.com. For menu and reservations visit OpenTable.com

Easter on the Green

April 19

Join friends and neighbors for an Easter Egg Hunt the day before Easter Sunday, beginning at 11 am on the Village Green. It is a free event for kids 11 years or younger. Bring your own basket and find the location for your age group. NIne to eleven-year-olds will be at the Gazebo Lawn. Five-to-8-year-olds will be at the playground lawn. Toddlers 4 years or younger will do their hunting inside the playground. Kids will also be able to meet and take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Parking is on Frank Allen Road and Highway 64 near the Cashiers Crossroads. 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers. villagegreencashiersnc.com

Orchard Sessions at The Farm

April 23

Half-Mile Farm at Old Edwards opens to the public with live music, light bites and a cash bar. Mike Kinnebrew opens the 2025 season with an evening of his original songs for resort guests and the general public. Enjoy a taste of Old Edwards hospitality with this rare opportunity to visit The Farm without registering as a guest. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at OldeEdwardsHospitality.com. 214 Half Mile Drive, Highlands. 855-271-7246

Salon Series at Ruffed Grouse

April 24

Live music from acclaimed musicians continues inside the Highlander Mountain House, with Memphis singer/songwriter Ben Nichols, frontman for Lucero, appearing solo. The show starts at 8:30 pm. 270 Main Street Highlands. For advance tickets, visit HighlanderMountainHouse.com.

Greening up the Mountains

April 26

The 27th annual Greening up the Mountains Festival returns to Historic Downtown Sylva from 10 am to 4 pm on Main Street and within Bridge Park. Celebrate the coming of Spring with contemporary and traditional Appalachian music and local food and beverages. As many as 150 vendors will be on-site selling arts and crafts. A 5K run is also scheduled that day. The Jackson County Transit shuttle will run from the Jackson County Justice Center and Jackson Plaza to the downtown festival area on festival day.  Rides are $1 per person.  Pets are not allowed on the shuttle, but service animals are permitted. For more information, visit greeningupthemountains@townofsylva.org. For 5K information visit

runsignup.com/Race/NCSylva/GreeningUp

TheMountains

West Fork Recreational Flow Releases

April 26 - 27

If you prefer to be more immersed in the outdoors, the Tuckaseegee River West Fork Recreational Flow Release is from 10 am to 5 pm. Observe the release from High Falls, accessed from a trailhead across from Lake Glenville Beach. This is the perfect opportunity for adventurers to see a beautiful waterfall and for experienced and equipped thrill seekers to kayak down the flowing rapids. These will be the first of seven total dam release dates in 2025. Visit  DiscoverJacksonnc.com for more information. 1966 Pine Creek Rd, Cullowhee.

MAY

Groovin’ on the Green

Fridays May 23 – August 29

Bring your blankets, chairs, friends, family, and even your dogs (on their leash) for this free, weekly concert series at the Village Green. Various popular local bands begin each show at 6 pm, no matter the weather. Bring a cooler of your drinks and food, or purchase from local vendors on site. Preferred seating with limited, reserved 10-by-10tents is available for $100 per concert. For more information about scheduled acts and tent rentals, visit VillageGreenCashiersnc.com. Parking is on Frank Allen Road and Highway 64 near the Cashiers Crossroads.

Concerts on the Creek

Fridays May 23 – August 29

Historic Downtown Sylva, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Jackson County Parks and Recreation Sponsor this concert series at Bridge Park every Friday from 7 pm to 9 pm. USA Today rated this in their Top Ten 2024 Outdoor concert series. Food trucks and local vendors are scheduled—no coolers, tents, or smoking allowed. Bring your friends, families, leashed pets, and lawn chairs for a good time. Find out more at DiscoverJackson.com. 76 Railroad Ave, Sylva.

Orchard Sessions at The Farm

May 21

Half Mile Farm continues its seasonal series with critically acclaimed country blues singer Matt Rogers. Enjoy a taste of Old Edwards hospitality with this rare opportunity to visit The Farm without registering as a guest and enjoy complimentary light bites and a cash bar. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at OldeEdwardsHospitality.com. 214 Half Mile Drive, Highlands. 855-271-7246.