Celebrating the Best of Fall

Written By: Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC | Issue: October 2024 | Photograph By: Susan Renfro

As the cool days of autumn begin to sweep across the mountains and the leaves begin to change, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, is pleased to provide a vibrant lineup of October events designed to celebrate the season’s beauty while offering residents and visitors a chance to connect with the community and the rich cultural heritage of Highlands.

Outdoor Concert Series

The popular Outdoor Concert Series will wrap up this October with performances that promise to be as dynamic as the fall colors. Live music can be enjoyed at two locations Town Square on Fridays and Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturdays, both from 6-8:30pm. The month’s lineup includes Zorki (October 4), Thirsty Horses (October 5), The Foxfire Boys (October 11) and concludes with Nu Blu (October 12) with a special performance from 5:00 to 7:30 P.M. as part of the Highlands Heritage Jamboree.

Pop-Up Pipers – Saturday, October 5

Since May, the Highlands Bagpipers have graced various downtown locations with their stirring performances. Their series finale will be held at Highlands Presbyterian Church from 4:30 to 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 5.

Highlands Heritage Jamboree – Saturday, October 12

Now in its third year, the Highlands Heritage Jamboree returns to celebrate and honor the town’s rich history. This event will take place on Saturday, October 12, featuring traditional music, dancing, and more. Attendees can look forward to a lively mix of bluegrass, clogging, and bagpipe performances as well as moonshine and barbecue.

Performances at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park include the Highlands Bagpipers (3:30-4:00 P.M.), Bailey Mountain Cloggers, a championship dance team from Mars Hill University (4:00-5:00 P.M.) and Nu Blu (5:00-7:30 P.M.).

The Jamboree promises an afternoon filled with bluegrass, clogging, and bagpipe performances, along with moonshine and barbecue, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Halloween on Main – Thursday, October 31

As the month draws to a close, Highlands’ Main Street will transform into a festive pedestrian zone for “Halloween on Main” from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 31. This family-friendly event invites ghosts and goblins of all ages to enjoy a safe and fun-filled evening. Participating merchants, supported by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, with help from the Interact Club, will hand out candy.

Entertainment will include ABC Combo performing in front of The Park on Main, High Five playing in front of Berkshire Hathaway and DJ Mike Murphy spinning tunes mid-way on Main Street.

Attendees can also warm up with hot chocolate and hot dogs, courtesy of Highlands Cashiers Hospital and Fidelia Eckerd Living Center and volunteers from the Highlands and Mountaintop rotaries.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information visit highlandschamber.org.