What to do in Highlands NC and Cashiers NC

Local farmers bring late‑season produce, meats, baked goods, and handcrafted items to the Highlands and Cashiers markets throughout September and October, offering a rich harvest as cooler weather arrives.

Hudson Library and the Albert Carlton‑Cashiers Community Library offer full September calendars, from Kids Zone and Story Time to yoga, movies, Mahjong, music jams, and weekly creative programs — showing how local libraries continue to thrive as gathering places for learning and connection.

Free Friday and Saturday concerts bring bluegrass, folk, Motown, rock, and dance favorites to Town Square and Kelsey‑Hutchinson Founders Park from
6:00–8:30 P.M. throughout September.

Flower Artistry Takes Flight: The Sky Valley Garden Club hosts its annual Dahlias by the Lake gala on September 15 from 5:30–7:30 P.M. at the Sky Valley Country Club, raising funds for city beautification and scholarships supporting local horticulture and environmental science students.

The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival returns October 9–11 with more than 100 artisans, live music, great food, and peak fall color at The Village Green.

HUMC hosts its annual Craft Bazaar on October 3, offering handmade goods, baked treats, and a hot dog lunch that supports local ministries and the
Gordon Center for Children.

The Church of the Good Shepherd hosts the Blessing of the Animals on October 3 at 10:00 A.M., welcoming pets and their people for a morning of community, compassion, and support for the Cashiers‑Highlands Humane Society.

Mountaintop Rotary hosts its 3rd Annual Highlands Pickleball on the Plateau tournament September 25–27 at Highlands Recreation Park, raising funds for local youth programs through a lively weekend of play.

Highlands Porchfest brings free live music to downtown on September 20, with performances across town and a diverse lineup of returning and new artists.