After 10 years of culinary distinction, world-class music and community celebration, Highlands Food & Wine will conclude its historic run and will not return in 2026.
Founded to bolster tourism during Highlands’ shoulder season, the four-day November festival quickly grew into a signature regional event, generating millions of dollars in economic impact over the past decade while supporting local businesses, hospitality partners and the Plateau community.
Highlands Food & Wine became known for transforming downtown Highlands into an immersive culinary and music experience. The festival brought together nationally recognized chefs, winemakers, mixologists and musicians alongside the local establishments that define the Highlands community.
“As downtown Highlands forecasts significant upcoming construction, accompanied by new directives from city leadership, the footprint and logistics required to produce Highlands Food & Wine in the way our guests and partners have come to expect have meaningfully shifted and are beyond our control,” said Jack Austin, president of Highlands Festivals Inc. “From the beginning, a world-class, intimate and elevated experience was the goal. Rather than alter that formula in ways that would compromise its character, after much thoughtful consideration, we believe it is the right time to close this chapter with gratitude and pride.”
Over its decade-long history, Highlands Food & Wine welcomed thousands of guests annually, introduced visitors to local restaurants and merchants, generated measurable tourism impact and contributed more than $238,500 to charitable partners. Beneficiaries included the Culinary Institute of America’s Louis Osteen Scholarship, The Bascom: Center for Visual Arts, Friends of Founders Park, Highlands Food Pantry, Highlands Emergency Council and numerous other regional nonprofits.
The festival’s board and organizers expressed deep appreciation for the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, chefs, beverage partners, sponsors, musicians, volunteers, crew members and community supporters who helped shape the festival’s success.
“We are incredibly proud of what Highlands Food & Wine accomplished over 10 years and the legacy it leaves behind,” Austin added. “The festival became one of the most coveted tickets in the Southeast: it became a must-stop for A-list talent and a much-anticipated annual tradition for ticketholders. It created memories, fostered friendships and showcased the very best of this community.”
- Staff Reports