The Mountain Artisans shows are famous for featuring just the biggest selection of authentic handcrafted art and craft in this area, with over 100 artisans participating in this annual event. There is a wide selection of heritage craft. Several of the old time quilters still make them one at a time just for you. Goat milk soap, pine needle baskets, white oak baskets, hand tied brooms and cotton woven rugs are hard to find and all here. Some of the most skilled doll craft, leather craft, and master jewelers around exhibit with us. Many of the gourd artists have won awards in competitions. You will understand why everyone who attends the shows just says, "Wow" when they attend and plans to come back next year!

The 2022 Cashiers Festival of Trees is a two-day, family-friendly event during Thanksgiving weekend where guests can get in the holiday spirit by viewing and bidding on decorated Christmas trees and holiday décor, enjoy a variety of holiday performances, create personalized children’s crafts, celebrate literacy on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Storytime Stage, enjoy a Build-a-Bear Experience, and shop one-of-a-kind gifts in the Gift Zone. Cashiers Festival of Trees will take place on Friday, November 25 – Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the Summit Center (370 Mitten Lane), the athletics and fine arts facility at Summit Charter School. Event times are 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. A detailed schedule of events will be available in the fall of 2022. Proceeds from the event benefit the Summit Charter School Foundation and participating area nonprofits. Learn more at summitschool.org.

Make this holiday season merry and bright - literally! Spark up some much-needed holiday cheer with the third annual Holiday Fireworks in Downtown Sylva. On Dec. 16, from 7:30 - 8:30 pm, witness the luminescent display over the town of Sylva. Get here early and enjoy holiday music while finding the perfect gift for your loved ones at our unique downtown shops, or grab dinner at one of our award-winning non-chain restaurants.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Sapphire Valley offers the area’s finest skiing facility, boasting a state-of-the-art quad lift, a learning center slope and newly expanded, multiple lane, 500-foot snow tubing run. The actual open date is weather dependent but typically around the second to third week of December. Just above 3,400 feet elevation, Sapphire Valley offers a 1,600-foot main run with a vertical drop of 200 feet and a 500-foot snow tubing run. And now, Sapphire Valley Ski Area offers a moving carpet to quickly transport you back to the top of the slopes for multiple runs throughout each 1.75 hour session.

Join us for the exciting Outhouse Races, taking place on February 18, 2023, at 3 pm in Sapphire. Crazy? Maybe. Dangerous? Perhaps. Fun? Without a doubt! You won't find Outhouse Races on Snow anywhere else in North Carolina! Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or sails across the finish line. The Outhouse Races have been named a 'Top 20' event in the Southeast for February by Southeast Tourism Society. WHAT ARE OUTHOUSE RACES? Your Homemade Outhouses can be made of wood, cardboard, plastic, or any other homemade items. There are three people to a team and outhouses are secured on a set of skis, which can be provided to you by the Sapphire Valley Ski Area. These skis are pushed by two team members, while one team member 'sits' inside. Outhouses are equipped with a seat with at least one (1) hole, and a roll of toilet paper, or alternative wiping source. The race course is a two-lane track on packed snow (or on ice), with two teams racing each other head to head over a length of approximately 120 feet (40 yards), the first 30 feet being propelled by the pushers and the last 90 feet under its own gravitational power. This event is as exciting as 'Drag Racing' if you use your imagination. Outhouses can be very simple, or as elaborate as […]

Sylva, NC’s extreme trail race How does running a seven-mile trail race with 2,770 feet of elevation gain sound? Trail runners who compete in the Assault on BlackRock trail race will summit BlackRock at 5,810 feet - and that’s just the halfway point of the race. The course weaves through the spruce forests along the spine of the Plott Balsam Mountains on challenging rocky/dirt roads and single track. The final climb to the summit ridge comprises 650 feet of elevation gain in 1/3 of a mile on steep single track. T-shirts are guaranteed to runners registered prior to 3/1/2023. Awards will be given to the overall top 3 female and male finishers and the top female and male "Masters" finishers (50+). For those looking for an additional challenge, runners who complete the BlackRock 101 Challenge will receive a belt buckle. All proceeds from this race will go to the Jackson County Public Schools Back to School Bash. The Back to School Bash will help students and families with book-bags, school supplies, sports physicals, haircuts, clothing, and other school necessities free of charge. BlackRock 101 Challenge Runners who complete the course in 101 minutes or less (1 hour 41 minutes) will earn a belt buckle.

Enjoy the Jackson County Ale Trail with Sylva’s Annual Brew Hop! Sylva's 6th annual Brew Hop to benefit the Main Street Sylva Association (a non-profit organization). Visit each of our four breweries and taste our local brews. Tickets include a souvenir glass and two, 4-oz. pours at each of the four locations. The first 150 people to sign up receive a bonus souvenir glass.

Led by a fleet of restored antique cars, followed by the many hat contestants and featuring the Easter Bunny, the parade begins in front of the Town Hall on Front Street. Get your face painted! Make a hat and come join the parade! Last-minute entrants very welcome. Awards are announced after the Parade. Ribbons are given for the Prettiest, Funniest, Largest, Smallest, Most Unusual, Most Easter-like, Best Smelling, Cutest, Most Outrageous, Best In Show and "Poofiest" hats among other unusual categories. There is even a ribbon awarded to the Best Animal in Show! Fashion your own hat, 10 am - 1:30 pm at Dogwood Crafters on Webster Street. Easter egg hunts (by age group) also start there beginning at noon. Registration for the parade starts at 11 am, with parade at 2 pm.

The Greening Up the Mountains Festival, now in its 25th year, is a heritage arts festival that celebrates the arrival of Spring through both traditional and contemporary forms of Appalachian art, music, food, and beverage which honor our community and local artisans. The festival is sponsored by both the Town of Sylva and the Main Street Sylva Association and will be held in historic downtown Sylva, North Carolina. In addition to a variety of arts, crafts, and food vendors, attendees can enjoy a 5k run, youth talent contest, beverage arts featuring local craft breweries, and live music throughout the day on two stages. The festival is rain or shine!

The evening features festival, food, music and dancing. The highlight will be a colossal fireworks display. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the live music. You’ll be up out of your seat dancing the night away! A beautiful fireworks display will light up the Cashiers night sky with red, white and blue. Donations will be collected for a community fireworks fund to preserve the legacy of this cherished community celebration.

The town's annual July 4 Fireworks in Sylva should begin at dark (generally around 9:45 p.m.) and are visible from various locations throughout downtown Sylva and the immediate surrounding areas. The Fourth of July Celebration will feature fireworks, live music (The Carolina Soul Band), food, dancing and fun in Sylva. Enjoy a full fireworks show that will light up the night sky on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. The fireworks will be shot from Sunrise Park district against the stunning Plott Balsams mountain range and will be visible from all over downtown Sylva.

The Joy Garden Tour is a biennial fundraiser benefiting The Village Green of Cashiers.  Private and semi-private tours will be held on July 14th and 15th and are all part of a Benefactor Package. The tour will be of four exquisite gardens along the historic 107 corridor and The Zachary Tolbert Heirloom Gardens. The Joy Garden Tour will include exclusive benefactor events and unique home and garden shopping. Click here for more information.  

ake a deep breath and enjoy the walk-about town of Dillsboro during the Front Street Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, July 17, 2021.  Front Street gets its name from running alongside the tracks of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad…and when a festival hits the town, the street comes alive with fine arts and crafts from local artisans and home spun musical talent.  Strewn with vibrant colors, inviting festival aromas—kettle corn, funnel cakes, fried pies—the ringing of stringed instruments, and the sound of dancing feet, the Front Street Arts and Crafts Show will provide fun for all ages!

Handmade crafts, quality folk art, live music, food, fine jewelry, Humane Society adoptions and much, much more! Visit Sapphire Valley for these great arts and craft shows located on the athletic field in the heart of Sapphire Valley.

Taking place August 25 – September 2, 2023, this year’s theme is “Historically Cashiers” and features a classic mountain retreat in The Club at High Hampton. The 2023 Showhouse is located in Chimney Top, the newest neighborhood in the prestigious Club at High Hampton. Recognized designers from the Cashiers-Highlands plateau and across the southeast will add their distinctive touches to a spacious 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home. The Showhouse is custom-built and showcases a variety of well-designed work and play spaces, such as a great room, a yoga room, a bunk and play room, and a fabulous outdoor living area featuring a porch, grill, and much more. Cashiers Designer Showhouse benefits more than a dozen educational opportunities provided each year by Cashiers Historical Society to the local community and area visitors. Special Showhouse events begin on Thursday, August 24, with an Opening Night Patron Party at Halsted House at High Hampton. Serving as the kick-off celebration for the Showhouse, this party will feature dinner and dancing and is chaired by Drew English for the second year in a row. Tickets to the Opening Night Patron Party are available through Benefactor Packages and Corporate Sponsorships. Last year, the Opening Party sold-out so early commitments are encouraged. Following the Opening Night Party, the Showhouse will be open daily to the public Friday, August 25 – Saturday, September 2. Lectures and presentations highlighting design and entertaining will be offered and a variety of shopping will be available through the event’s nine days. Highly […]

Join the fun of this Germany-inspired Autumn celebration! A series of contests - such as Musical Chairs, Trivia and a Yodel Competition - will be held throughout the day. Tickets range from $5 (General Entry) to $25 (includes specialty glass stein) and are available for purchase during the event.

Enjoy one of the top 20 events in the Southeast with live entertainment, 130+ food, and craft vendors, tons of family-friendly activities, interactive kids area, along with performances and demonstrations celebrating the Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

A great family event, the Sapphire Valley Arts & Craft Festival showcases local, handmade mountain crafts, quality folk art, live music, fine jewelry and much more! And with the resort playground located adjacent to the vendor tents, you can bring the kids and dogs and check it out! The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The annual Cherokee Indian Fair promises five days of excitement and engaging activities that will create lasting memories for visitors of all ages! From traditional stickball games and captivating competitions to authentic crafts, delectable food vendors, exhilarating rides, and games, the fair offers a diverse range of experiences for everyone. General Admission tickets are $10 Tuesday through Friday, and $20 on Saturday. Enrolled members of federally recognized tribes can show their enrollment card at the gate for complimentary entry.

Some may be sad to see summer go, but the crisp, cool fall air brings lots of fun to the mountain town of Cashiers, NC. The change of seasons calls thousands of “leaf peepers” to our area to enjoy the brilliant fall foliage. The festival is recognized as one of the "Top 20" events in the Southeast for the month of October. The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival has been an annual attraction for over 10 years and is held to celebrate the beginning of autumn in the Western North Carolina mountains. This three-day festival will take place over the long Columbus Day holiday weekend. Visitors who attend will shop for unique handcrafted treasures from more than 100 artisans and merchants throughout The Village Green’s 13+ acre park. Wood, pottery, jewelry, photography are just some of the many items that will be displayed and for sale throughout the weekend. Guests will sample a variety of food and beverages and enjoy live music on two stages during the event.

This unique historic town welcomes more than 40 vendors, including local artists, who will line Front Street to offer colorful art and demonstrate their work. Meet and talk with local artists, all the while surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the mountains as the leaves display their fall colors. Sample festival food and enjoy indoor and outdoor dining, a wine bar and a brewery. Live entertainment during the afternoon includes: 10 a.m. - JC Cloggers 11:30 a.m. - Suzie Copeland 12:30 p.m. - Suzie Copeland 2 p.m. - Twelfth Fret  

Listen to live music in Sylva's Bridge Park while dining on the best local food created by Chefs Santiago Guzzetti of Ilda and Ken Naron of Canyon Kitchen. Beer and wine will be provided by Innovation Brewing and Sante Wine Bar. You will be able to meet many of the producers at the event as you enjoy live music by Above Ground. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

This first-time, free event will bring together several organizations for a celebration along Frank Allen Road in Cashiers. The road will close from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. while festivities are held at four locations: The Village Green, Albert Carlton Cashiers Library, Cashiers-Glenville Recreation Center and the Boys and Girls Club of The Plateau. Dress in your best Halloween costume and join the fun!

Take your pick and prepare to Trick or Treat in Jackson County Townships on Tuesday, Oct. 31! Four free events will take place from 5 to 7 p.m.: Treat Street - Downtown Sylva Merchants Pumpkin Patch - Bridge Park in Sylva Trick or Treating - Dillsboro Merchants Trick or Treating - Webster Town Hall & Participating Homes      

Showcasing the work of more than 40 master potters from 13 states, this year’s WNC Pottery Festival will be held at Sylva’s Bridge Park. A variety of clay art styles will be presented. Those who purchase a ticket online will be able to enter 30 minutes early for a special event preview. The festival is juried and the lineup of potters is impressive. You won't want to miss it! This event has been named one of the “Top 20” events in the Southeast for November. The $5 ticket includes a chance in a raffle; kids under 12 admitted free. Dogs are not permitted at this festival. Click here for more information.

Turkey, cornbread dressing, pumpkin pie, football, and family time … there are so many reasons to love Thanksgiving! Did we mention pie? Each family has its own activities and traditions to look forward to. The Village Green offers a 5K Run/Walk turkey-trot, Gobble On the Green. Early packet pickup will be on Wednesday, November 22nd from 3 - 6 pm at The Village Green Lewis Hall located at 160 Frank Allen Road Cashiers, NC 28717. On this date and time, you can check in early and get your bibs and t-shirts. To ensure an on-time race start on Thursday, please check in on November 22nd. Returning this year is a Junior Warrior Course located at The Village Green Playground and is a scavenger hunt type of obstacle course for kids to join in on the festivities! No registration is necessary and the course will start at 9:30 am!

Visitors to The Village Green enjoy twinkling light displays and festive decorations from Thanksgiving Weekend until New Year’s Day. The park becomes a winter wonderland to make your spirits merry and bright. But before the Green lights up on November 24, two other events that day - Santa on the Green and the Mistletoe Market - will also help kick off the season.   Mistletoe Market Friday, November 24, 2023 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Lewis Hall This special artisan gift market takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving, in conjunction with Santa on the Green. The market will feature pottery, jewelry, handmade wreaths, homemade goodies and more! Come find that unique, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gift for the naughty and nice on your list! Admission to this event is free. Santa On the Green (By Reservation Only) Friday, November 24, 2023 2 – 5 p.m. Lewis Hall On the day after Thanksgiving, children of all ages are invited to come and tell Santa Claus their Christmas wishes. Santa visits will take place in conjunction with the Mistletoe Market. Appointment times will be made available in early November on The Village Green website. *A suggested donation of $5 per child will be collected at the door.* Cashiers Christmas Tree Lighting Friday, November 24, 2023 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The Gazebo Lawn (near the Cashiers Crossroads) This heartwarming event will feature holiday music, s'mores and cider and, of course, a spectacular light display. Santa will help light the spruce tree, and the Village Green […]

The Cashiers Festival of Trees is a two-day, family-friendly event during Thanksgiving weekend. Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying decorated Christmas trees and holiday décor, a variety of entertainment, free personalized crafts and more. Celebrate literacy on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Storytime Stage, enjoy a pop-up Build-A-Bear Workshop®, watch football games in the Gameday Lounge, and shop one-of-a-kind gifts in the Gift Zone. New this year: Jackson County's Green Energy Park will be at the Festival with their glass-blowing kiln and blacksmith with demonstrations and products for sale!   Cashiers Festival of Trees will take place on Friday, November 24 – Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the Summit Center (370 Mitten Lane), the athletics and fine arts facility at Summit Charter School. Event times are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are good for both days.    

Over a hundred regional artisans have their handmade on display for sale in this folk and heritage craft show. The show has everything from quilters to soap makers, basket makers, leather craftsmen, master jewelers and more. Started in 1987, the event has grown every year and now takes place at Western Carolina University's Ramsey Center in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Children under 12 free & free parking.

Kick-off the holidays with Christmas in Sylva, a Holiday weekend. Experience the joy of the town's holiday centerpiece as it is brought to life with twinkling Christmas lights. The event takes place downtown a the foot of the Historic Courthouse at 6:30 p.m

The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to plan and produce the Cashiers Christmas Parade! The 2023 theme is "Bright Lights, Big Christmas." The Chamber works with local businesses, organizations and residents who join together in celebration of the holiday season. Chamber staff organize the parade theme, volunteers, participating lineup, awards and live broadcast of the event from the Cashiers Crossroads. The one-mile parade route starts on Highway 107 South from Cashiers School Road and heads North towards the Cashiers Crossroads where participants are announced to the crowd. The parade then turns left to head West on US Hwy 64 and ends at the intersection of Frank Allen Road and the Cashiers Community Center. *Arrive early to park and find the perfect viewing spot!*

Organized by the Main Street Sylva Association, downtown Sylva's annual Christmas Parade takes place along Historic Main Street and offers plenty of holiday cheer along with marching bands, floats featuring community organizations and a chance to see Santa! Floats usually start at finish at Mark Watson Park after a loop through town. The start time is 3 p.m., and the parade lasts approximately one hour. For more information please call 828-586-2719 or click here.