They say in life, timing is everything.
While that adage applies in many aspects of our daily grind, it also applies to events going on around us.
This week, thousands of revelers will make their way to various locations around Highlands for the 2024 Food and Wine Festival, and the timing of the event could not be any better.
With arguably the most contentious election season in history now in the past, almost everyone could use a break. What better way to leave the thoughts of Tuesday’s election at the door than by eating delicious food, enjoying a drink, and relaxing to the sounds of a variety of national recording artists.
Events kick off on Thursday with the annual “Grand Tasting,” which is being held this year at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. More than a dozen of the finest chefs in the Southeast will present their culinary creations alongside high-end cocktail brands, as well as beer and wine offerings. Entertainment will come from Love Canon.
Friday will feature the festival’s most laid-back event – Truckin’ – at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Where light bites and craft cocktails from food and beverage trucks will be enjoyed while Alex Lambert and Wilder Woods provide the music.
Saturday will culminate with “The Main Event” on Main Street from noon to 3:30 p.m. The signature event will feature an oyster roast and live music by headliners Greensky Bluegrass with special guests Larry Keel and John Stickley.
The final day of the Highlands Food and Wine Festival’s run will feature “A Shot at Redemption” a mid-day event in Founders Park beginning at noon. Performances by Lee Fields, Abraham Alexander and Futurebirds will close the festival. A portion of the proceeds from Sunday’s event will be donated to the Highlands Emergency Council, Highlands Food Pantry, Beloved Asheville, the Equal Plates Project, and the Southern Smoke Foundation.
After what has been a stressful few months, lets enjoy one of the area’s biggest events and find some time to relax.