Winter 2025 Events Calendar

ONGOING

Studio Alive – The Bascom Art Center

Mondays Throughout the Year Except Holidays

Get inspired with a generous community of artists and coaches. Each week, from 10 am – 1 pm Cindy Vickery and Penny Bradley open The Bascom to anyone interested in working alongside fellow artists interested in life work (live models.) All ages and skill levels are welcome. Arrive by 9:30 to set up your space. Minors are invited when models are clothed. For more information, contact Cindy Vickery cvickery@thebascom.org

Ice Skating in the Park

Through March 2

Enjoy Highland’s annual winter outing at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. The $8 entry fee includes complimentary skates. Coffee and hot chocolate are available. The rink is open Thursday from 3:30 to 8, Friday from 3:30 to 10, Saturday from 1 to 10 and Sunday from 1 to 5. Contact Lester Norris, Highlands Parks & Recreation for additional information or to schedule a private party on Mondays and Tuesdays.

411 Pine Street, Highlands 828-526-3556

Bluegrass Brunch at Highlander Mountain House

Every Sunday

Enjoy live music and delicious food in the Ruffed Grouse Tavern from 10:30 – 1. Reservations are recommended. For information and reservations, visit highlandermountainhouse.com/offers-and-events/. 270 Main Street, Highlands. 828-526-2590

Blues Thursdays at Highlander Mountain House

Every Thursday Evening

Live music, food and libations from 6 – 9. Reservations recommended: $5 cover charge. For information and reservations, visit highlandermountainhouse.com/

offers-and-events. 270 Main Street, Highlands. 828-526-2590

FEBRUARY

Birding Basics 

February 7

Julie Thomson, Education Specialist at Highlands Nature Center, will teach you birding techniques and tips. She will also share details about how to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count (February 14–17, 2025).

Whiteside Brewing

Friday Feb 14

The 2nd Annual Winter Beer Fest will be held from 4 to 8. Passes include eight tasters from six local breweries and a special Whiteside Brewing Winter Fest Brew, a souvenir tasting glass, a commemorative sticker, entry into the raffle drawing, a complimentary keepsake photo by MemBrant Photography and Live Music by Hammock Theory. The event is free, but passes are required for tastings. The regular menu will be available. For passes, visit Eventbrite.com. 128 NC Hwy 107, Cashiers 828-743-6000

Micas Mountain Kitchen

Friday Feb 14

Live music to celebrate the holiday with Geoff McBride and Scott Baker. From 6:30 – 9:30. For more information visit micas.restaurant.com. 25 Logan Creek Trail, Sapphire, NC 28774. 828-743-5740.

2025 Placemakers Academy Garden Design Immersion Program

Feb 20 – May 15

In this weekly eco-conscious and elegant garden design course, you will create your own home landscape plan step-by-step with local legend Mary Palmer Dargen and Arielle McIntyre. Learn how to map your site like a professional, choose the right plants and gain an understanding of classical art elements and design principles in landscaping. Meetings are primarily live Zoom but are also recorded for students’ convenience. A small class size ensures everyone gets the one-on-one attention that guarantees success. See page 46 and explore the course map and learn more about this 10-week program at Explore - The Placemakers Academy.

Trailborn Highlands Carolina Concert Series

February 20 and March 20

Trailborn Highlands presents award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa McKinney, a finalist at the International Blues Competition in Memphis, Tennessee. From 6 – 9, Shows are free, so arrive early for best seating. 96 Log Cabin Lane, Highlands. 828-482-1581

Cashiers Historical Society Presents - Affrilachia: Testimonies

February 26

Meet Photographer and documentarian Chris Akula Berry at the Albert-Carlton Cashiers Community Library at 3 p.m. His stunning visual history was published last November to critical acclaim. He will discuss his creative process, share intimate stories about his subjects and their historical communities, and show images from the book. The author will sign books made available for sale at this special presentation. 249 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers. For more information, visit cashiershistoricalsociety.org/events

MARCH

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

March 13 – 16

Brevard College hosts a long weekend featuring 21 of the best and most popular documentaries curated from the Annual Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival in Canada. The festival attracts filmmakers and outdoor enthusiasts documenting adventure, resilience and dedication to mountain culture worldwide. For over twenty years, this festival has returned to Western Carolina, compliments of Brevard College’s School of Wilderness Leadership & Experiential Education. The program runs for about two and a half hours with an intermission. Each day, a new set of seven films is featured. For tickets and more information, see page 35 or visit brevard.edu/banff-mountain-film-festival.

Mah Jong

Every Monday at 1 pm

Join a friendly Mah Jong game at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Library. We welcome players of all levels for an afternoon of friendly play and banter. Seating is limited. Contact Charlene to ensure your spot. 828-508-1404. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Storytime

Every Wednesday at 10:30 am

Join Miss Paige for pre-K Storytime to read stories, play games, sing songs, and do crafts and activities at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Library. 249 Frank Allen Road.  828- 743-0215

Dementia Caregivers Support Group Meetings

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 3 pm

Join a welcoming group of people who understand what you are going through. We come together to offer each other support, resources, and a listening ear. Albert Carlton-Cashiers LIbrary 249 Frank Allen Road.  828- 743-0215. For more information contact Chris at christiejefferson22@yahoo.com or 772-473-1088

Family Storytime

Every Thursday at 10:40 am

Join us for a weekly Storytime for children up to age 5. We will read picture books, sing fun songs, and move with the music at the Highlands Hudson Library.