The summer tourism season has been ramping up over recent weeks, but the big waves will begin over the next three weekends.
On Saturday and Sunday the Bear Shadow Music Festival returns to Scaly Mountain for a two-day showcase of music, food, and cocktails. The festival, which takes place at Winfield Farm, was moved back from its traditional April date to May in hopes of better weather. If the forecast holds up (low 60’s and sunny both days), the move may end up looking like a brilliant choice.
Headlining the festival this year is the Grammy-winning duo Black Pumas. Also featured will be JJ Grey and Mofro, Futurebirds, American Aquarium, White Denim and Grace Bowers.
If you are in the mood for music, but are unable to make it to Bear Shadow, there will be live music all around next weekend as “High Style” makes its return to the Highlands scene. The three-day event kicks off on Friday, May 17 with a “Friday Night Live” concert featuring local favorites Silly Ridge. The show, in Wright Square on Main Street will start at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Saturday, May 18 will bring out local artisans, crafters, and musicians at a number of locations around town as Highlands businesses put their best foot forward with sales and other promotions. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. and culminate with a “Saturdays on Pine” free concert by Continental Divide at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park at 6 p.m.
High Style ends on Sunday with a ticketed “Pancake and Prosecco” breakfast at The Bascom.
The Groovin’ on the Green concert series in Cashiers will kick off with a performance by the Darren Nicholson Band at 6 p.m. on May 24. The series will also feature a performance on the final day of May by Kevin Daniel and The Bottom Line.
The final weekend of May will mark the unofficial start of Summer over the Memorial Day holiday and there is no shortage of entertainment options available. There will be free concerts Friday and Saturday nights, the Laurel Garden Club plant sale will take over the town baseball field on Saturday, May 25 – the same day that the Highlands Historical Society Museum opens for the 2024 season.
There is a lot to do in Highlands and Cashiers over the next few weeks, get out and enjoy ushering in the summer.