Summer weekends in the mountains are practically made for wandering through art and craft festivals, a cool drink in hand, live music playing in the background, and discovering treasures you never knew you needed. Lucky for us, one of the Highlands‑Cashiers area’s favorite summertime traditions is back again– the Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Festival.
This beloved festival returns for three separate weekends this year, giving visitors plenty of chances to join the fun. Mark your calendars now for June 13–14, August 1–2, both held at the Athletic Field, and October 3–4, the only indoor show, held inside the Sapphire Valley Community Center. Festival hours run from 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. each day. Rain or shine, the festival goes on.
One of the best things about this event is that it truly has something for everyone. Admission is free, parking is free, and the atmosphere is welcoming. Families can enjoy games and activities for the kids while adults browse booth after booth of handmade artwork and crafts. Add live music and tasty food, and you’ve got the recipe for a pretty perfect day.
What keeps people coming back year after year is the incredible variety of talented artisans gathered under one roof. Many exhibitors are local artists from right here in the Highlands‑Cashiers community, while others travel from throughout the Southeast to participate in this well‑loved event. The festival is a wonderful reminder of just how much creativity and craftsmanship can be found in our mountain towns.
You never know what perfect treasure you will find – maybe it’s a rustic piece of mountain décor for your porch, a colorful painting for the living room, or an early Christmas gift you’ll be glad you picked up months ahead of time. That’s part of the charm of this festival: you come for the fun and leave with memories, inspiration, and usually a few bags in hand.
So gather your friends, bring the family, and make plans now to spend the day exploring the Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Festival. Between the music, the food, the shopping, and the friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this festival has become a favorite tradition for locals and visitors alike.
Proceeds benefit the Cashiers‑Highlands Humane Society.
For more information, please contact Sapphire Valley Resorts at (828) 743-7663.
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