Highlands, NC, is a four-season vacation destination with plenty of exciting events to elevate your stay. Whether you are interested in fly-fishing tournaments, live music festivals, food and wine events, or classic cars, there are Highlands NC events for every interest. Many of our events are held at Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park, just a short distance from our Walk to Town properties. Book your North Carolina getaway with Highlands Vacation Rentals and check out the region’s top events:
May: 3 River Fly Fishing Festival
Sign up for the 3 River Fly Fishing Festival in Highlands and join the tournament to benefit the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund. Gather your team and choose from over 2,200 miles of public waters for an epic fishing weekend!
May: Bear Shadow Festival
Plan your visit during the spring and listen to world-class music acts in the mountains during the Bear Shadow Festival. This two-day festival includes at least eight artists, beer tents, food vendors, and more!
June: Highlands Motoring Festival
Classic car lovers flock to Highlands every spring for the annual Motoring Festival. Events include driving tours, parades, galas, and car shows.
June & August: Mountaintop Arts & Craft Festival
The Mountaintop Arts & Craft Festival is held twice a year, at the end of June and August. This free event features regional art and craft vendors, live music, and food.
July: Independence Day
Celebrate the 4th of July in Highlands by attending patriotic events around town. Kick off the day with a baseball game and end it with dazzling fireworks in downtown Highlands!
July-August: Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival
Witness world-class chamber musicians perform all summer during the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. Purchase tickets for the Saturday and Monday concerts at Highlands Performing Arts Center.
September: Dahlia Festival
Celebrate the beauty of the dahlia flower during the annual Dahlia Festival. Marvel at fresh dahlias at the Single Bloom competition, see vignettes throughout town and listen to live entertainment.
November: Highlands Food & Wine
Attend Highlands Food & Wine, the most popular event of the year! Celebrate four days of delectable food, wine, spirits, craft beer, and live music.
December: Holiday Events
Visit Highlands for the holiday season and attend festive events. Light Up the Park and Santa in Highlands kicks off the season, followed by the Old Mountain Christmas Parade at the end of December.
Highlands Vacation Rentals near Local Events
Elevate your mountain getaway and plan your vacation around annual Highlands, NC, events with Highlands Vacation Rentals. Browse our collection of over 100 vacation rentals in Highlands and enjoy amenities like wifi, basic kitchenware, linens, and a starter set of amenities. Please contact us at 828-526-9999 for help booking your North Carolina mountain retreat!
