Honestly, it’s hard to run out of things to do in Highlands, NC. With its stunning natural beauty, fine dining, and luxury shopping, the Highlands is the ultimate mountain oasis. Whether you’re a native or visiting for the weekend (or permanently!), Highlands, North Carolina, has something for everyone. 

November is an exciting time in this mountain town because of the highly anticipated Highlands Food and Wine Festival. Food, wine, and live music. Need we say more? 

Caliber Fine Properties covers everything you need to know about this coveted festival that runs November 10-13, 2022. If you need a place to stay, we have you covered there, too, with our favorite local spots.

About the Highlands Food and Wine Festival

Did we mention that the Highlands Food and Wine Festival is one of our favorite things to do in Highlands, NC? This four-day adventure is one event you won’t want to miss, but you do have to be 21 years of age or older.

Experience fine wines from across the globe, sample delicious food and small plates crafted by renowned chefs, and gather on The Plateau for the exceptional lineup of musicians and artists set to hit the stage. 

Every year, artists and patrons gather at Highlands Food and Wine Festival to experience fabulous food, wine, and music. This year, the Highlands Food and Wine Festival is offering 5 signature events: 

• The Grand Tasting
• Truckin’
• A Generous Pour
• Main Event
• Sunday Shindig 

There’s something for everyone in this town, and the Highlands Food and Wine Festival is no exception. Depending on your preferences, attend one or all five!

The Highlands Food and Wine Festival Gives Back

Aside from the exquisite food, wine, and musical experiences, we love that the Highlands Food and Wine Festival gives back to the community. The Highlands Food and Wine Festival will supports two philanthropic efforts this year: the Louis Osteen Legacy Scholarship and the Friends of Founders Park organization.

In collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America, the Highlands Food and Wine Festival has announced the Louis Osteen Legacy Scholarship, designed to help students from Highlands, North Carolina, follow their culinary dreams. The Highlands Food and Wine Festival accepts donations at the event to support this scholarship. 

Additionally, the Highlands Food and Wine Festival supports Friends of Founders Park, an organization that maintains, improves, and protects Founders Park, the venue of this festival. 

Out of all the things to do in Highlands, NC, we can’t think of anything better than food, wine, and giving back!

This Year’s Lineup at the Highlands Food and Wine Festival

There are plenty of opportunities to hear great music and taste delicious food all four days. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at each event.

The Grand Tasting: Music and Food

The following offerings take place November 10th, from 7-10pm:

• Music: Lyric
• Food: Small plates from local chefs
• Drink: Wine, craft beers, and cocktails

Truckin’: Music and Food

The following offerings take place November 11th, from 12-3:30pm:

• Music: The Texas Gentleman with guest star Lilly Hiat
• Food: 6 Food trucks
• Drink: Beer, spirits, and wine

Don’t forget to check out the Truckin’ beer garden – Highway to Ale.

A Generous Pour: Music and Food

The following offerings take place November 11th, from 8-10pm:

• Music: Durand Jones & The Indications
• Food: Snack-like bites
• Drink: Wine tastings

A portion of the proceeds from this concert benefits the Louis Osteen Legacy Scholarship.

Main Event: Music and Food

The following offerings take place November 12th, from 12-3:30pm:

• Music: Old Crow Medicine Show with guests Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
• Food: Oyster roast, small plates from local chefs
• Drink: Wine tastings, craft cocktails, and local craft beers

Sunday Shindig: Music and Food

The following offerings take place November 13th, from 12-3pm:

• Music: The California Honeydrops
• Food: Small plates from local chefs
• Drink: Bloody Mary bar, prosecco, cocktails, and craft beers

Recommendations from Caliber Fine Properties

As loyal attendees of the Highlands Food and Wine Festival, Caliber Fine Properties has a few tips to help you get the most out of your experience.

1. Stop by the Main Event

If you’re considering moving to Highlands, NC, or you want to get a taste of the local scene, you can’t miss the Main Event. There’s something for everyone with local cuisine – including oysters – and craft beers and wine tastings. Nothing says Highlands like a community brought together by great food, drinks, and music.

2. Check out Philanthropic Opportunities

The Highlands Food and Wine Festival supports two great causes. Enjoy the concerts a little more knowing your ticket purchase goes toward elevating the local community through both educational and environmental opportunities.

3. Come See Us

Caliber Fine Properties will be at the Highlands Food and Music Festival. You can  find them at the Truckin’ event on November 11th – it’s by far their favorite event at the Highlands Food and Wine Festival! They’ll be hanging out with friends while enjoying incredible food, music, and craft drinks!

4. Have Fun!

Enjoy the Highlands Food and Wine Festival! It’s four consecutive days of fun with family and friends and the perfect way to get to know your neighbors.

5. Most Importat Tip: Pre-Order Your Tickets in Advance

The festival is so amazing that tickets are sold out every year. If you don’t have tickets for this year’s events, visit the Highlands Food and Wine Festival online to find out when tickets become available for 2023. We’ll see you there if you already have tickets for this year!

*Photo Credits – The Laurel Magazine*