On Sunday, September 20, downtown Highlands will once again come alive with the joyful sounds of Highlands Porchfest, a free community music festival organized by the Highlands‑Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment.
From 1:00 to 6:00 P.M., porches, parks, storefronts, balconies, and gathering spaces throughout town will become informal stages, inviting neighbors and visitors to stroll, listen, linger, and celebrate the creative spirit of the Plateau.
This year’s festival is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with at least 15 venues planned across downtown Highlands and several additional locations still awaiting final confirmation.
Returning venues include beloved community anchors such as Founders Park, Town Square, First Presbyterian Church, Mountain Life Properties, High Dive, Highlands Smokehouse, High Country Wine and Provisions, Park on Main, Stubborn Bull, Stubborn Buddha, and Western Carolina Brew and Wine.
New additions for 2026 will bring even more variety to the day, including Town Hall, Trailborn, the Highlands Historical Society, and the balcony of First Bank.
As always, the heart of Porchfest is its music. Audiences can expect an energetic mix of genres, from folk, singer‑songwriter, country, and Latin pop to rock, jazz, steelpan, oldies, blues, and more.
The lineup will feature both familiar favorites and fresh voices. Confirmed returning artists include Andrew Wooten, Lindsay Beth Harper, Madison Owenby, Breeze Cable, Jerius Duncan, Zorki, Ernest Bonilla, and others. Newcomers such as Lillie Syracuse, Mick Mayer, and 64 & Down will add new sounds to the festival’s lively atmosphere, with more performers still to be announced.
The Highlands‑Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment is also pleased to announce The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC as this year’s Headliner Sponsor for Highlands Porchfest. Their support helps make it possible to offer this event free of charge and to welcome the entire community into an afternoon of music, connection, and downtown discovery.
A full schedule of musicians and venues will be released later this month, giving festivalgoers time to plan their route and choose their must‑hear performances. Part of the magic of Porchfest is wandering from one stop to the next and discovering something unexpected: a songwriter on a quiet porch, a jazz set in the sunshine, or a crowd gathered around a band that makes everyone pause and smile.
Porchfest would not be possible without the generosity of local venues, artists, sponsors, and volunteers. Anyone interested in helping with the event is encouraged to contact office@clehighlands.com.
Favorites Count: 0