The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC invites residents and visitors to celebrate the rich traditions of the mountains during the Highlands Heritage Jamboree on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
This free community event brings together live music, mountain dance, local history, and great food for an afternoon and evening that highlights the heritage and culture that continue to shape Highlands today.
The festivities begin at 1pm with the beloved Highlands Bagpipers, whose stirring performance has become a local tradition. Throughout the afternoon, the Highlands Historical Society will present a historic moonshine display, giving a glimpse into one of the area’s colorful chapters of mountain history.
From 1:30 to 3:30pm, audiences can enjoy an energetic performance by the U.S. Fleet Forces Navy Band: Four-Star Edition. Known for their versatility and stage presence, the group performs everything from classic favorites to today’s rock, pop, country, and hip-hop hits.
At 3:30pm the popular Foxfire Boys will perform bluegrass mountain music. At 4pm, Highlands Smokehouse will serve its signature barbecue while guests can also enjoy a moonshine tasting, adding another authentic taste of Appalachian heritage to the afternoon.
The celebration concludes with the Darren Nicholson Band taking the main stage from 5 to 7:30 pm. Blending bluegrass, western swing, classic country, folk, and gospel, the band delivers an authentic mountain sound with Brady Wallen, Sarah Griffin, Avery Welter, Darren Nicholson, and acclaimed fiddler Aynsley Porchak. A special guest square dance caller will round out the evening, inviting everyone to join in the fun.
“The Highlands Heritage Jamboree is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the traditions that make our mountain community so special,” said Johanna Fein, Executive Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.
Admission is free. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a family-friendly afternoon filled with music and mountain hospitality.
For more information, visit visithighlandsnc.com or contact the Highlands Welcome Center at 828-526-5841.
