Events

• Includes VIP access to 4 signature events: The Grand Tasting, Smoke Signals, Main Event, and A Shot at Redemption
• Inclusive of all food and beverage – including beer, wine, and spirits
• Ability to pick up wristbands in advance of The Grand Tasting and other events to allow for quick entry
• Exclusive VIP “Fast Lane” entry at each event
• VIP Gift Bag with special gifts from our sponsors
• Access to VIP area at Smoke Signals with dedicated bar, exclusive food & beverage offerings, and prime stage viewing
• Access to VIP area at Main Event with dedicated bar, exclusive food & beverage offerings, and prime stage viewing

Our signature opening event, the Grand Tasting, invites you to get acquainted with our beloved Highlands-Cashiers restaurants and regional chefs as well. And the wine? It is FLOWING. Rounding out the evening, The Psycodelics will have you grooving to the beat, setting the tone for a fun-filled weekend.

Introducing Smoke Signals—think everything chargrilled and seasoned. Our chefs’ global foodways will make you nostalgic for backyard barbecues and campfire cookouts in a way you’ve never experienced before. Friday gives all the love to our beer and spirits partners, and our craft beer area is back, bigger and better than ever. Lifting our spirits even higher, Paul McDonald opens for nostalgic bluegrass Americana band Railroad Earth, sure to bring the house down.

The ONE not to miss: the Main Event! We take to the streets of Highlands, block-party style, with over 30 chefs and dozens of wines, specialty cocktails and mocktail brands, coffees, ciders and toddies galore. And don’t forget to dress to impress–The Style Watch is looking for those feeling their ‘fit and will get a little reward for their best put-together. We’re pining for the 90s and are proud to welcome HFW 2025 headliners and multi-Grammy winner The Wallflowers with opening support by Nikki Lane.

5-time Grammy Award winning (and Lifetime Achievement award winner) Blind Boys of Alabama are back to join us on the mountain, 10 years later! They’re ready to bring us the gospel truth about why Sunday Brunch in Highlands is the best, and we’re sparing no expense. Rest and relax as we treat you to a seated-and-served multi-course brunch, complete with your favorite Bloody Mary bar, except we’ll do the work for you.

Hiking, but make it Highlands Food & Wine. Partake in a guided stroll on the flat, manicured trails through the Botanical Gardens of the Highlands Biological Station with natural and sustainable wines tastings along the way. The tour will culminate at the lakeside Teaching Pavilion for a sunset toast to our beautiful town.

Enjoy an early evening of conversation, songs, fine wine and hors d’œuvre pairings with American singer-songwriter and AMA nominated Emerging Artist of the year, Nikki Lane, nestled under Skyline Lodge’s outdoor pavilion.

Pinky’s down please! Here’s your exclusive invitation to taste and learn about some of the finest caviar and roe. And lest we forget the champs, courtesy of Veuve Clicquot. Access to the home and grounds known as Hutchinson House, located just 1 block off of Main street Highlands