Shawn Lane Trio
As summer winds toward its golden finale, Highlands keeps the rhythm alive with its beloved Outdoor Concert Series, offering locals and visitors alike a musical escape under the stars. Every Friday and Saturday evening from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M., the town transforms into a stage for regional talent, mountain traditions, and soulful celebration.
Friday Night Live, held in Town Square, is a tribute to the roots of Appalachian music. On August 1, the duo Ezra & Katie kicks off the month with heartfelt harmonies and acoustic charm. August 8 welcomes the McClain Family Band, whose bluegrass legacy spans generations. The following week, on August 15, the Shawn Lane Trio, featuring the Lane Brothers, brings virtuosic string work and rich vocals to the plaza. On August 22, Spare Parts Bluegrass Band returns with their signature blend of toe-tapping rhythms and mountain soul. The month closes with a flourish on August 29, as The Foxfire Boys deliver a high-energy set steeped in tradition and storytelling.
HC Oakes Band
Just a few blocks away, Saturdays on Pine at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park offers a more eclectic mix, drawing from rock, blues, and Americana. August 2 features High 5, a crowd favorite known for their upbeat covers and infectious stage presence. On August 9, the HC Oakes Band brings a soulful groove and polished musicianship to the lawn. After a brief pause on August 16 and 23 due to other park events, the series returns on August 30 with Southside Station, whose blend of Southern rock and heartfelt originals promises a memorable close to the month.
Katie & Ezra
These concerts, presented by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, are more than entertainment—they’re a celebration of community. Families spread out on picnic blankets, couples sway to the music, and children dance barefoot in the grass. Whether you’re drawn to the twang of a banjo or the pulse of a bassline, August’s lineup offers something for every ear and every heart.
So grab a lawn chair, pack a picnic, and let Highlands’ summer soundtrack carry you into the season’s final chapter. The music is free, the memories priceless—and the beat goes on.
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