2025 Highlands Food & Wine Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highlands Food & Wine 21 and up?
All Highlands Food & Wine events are 21+. Valid ID is required at all events. You will not be allowed into the festival if we cannot verify your age. Anyone under 21 will be stopped at the gate and refused entry. Passes will not be refunded.
Is this a kid-friendly event?
No, kids are not permitted at Highlands Food & Wine Festival since it is a 21+ event. Please don’t bring infants, small children in child carriers, or strollers as they will not be permitted entry.
Is Highlands Food & Wine a non-profit?
Highlands Food & Wine is the property of Highlands Festivals, Inc, a 501(c)3 organization that produces the annual Highlands Food & Wine and Bear Shadow festivals in Highlands, NC. The organization is dedicated to promoting Highlands, NC as an inspiring place to live and visit by producing world-class events that showcase, enhance, and contribute to the region’s vibrant culinary, visual, and performing arts establishments. These events contribute funds and resources that directly benefit and strengthen our community.
What is the festival doing to help the environment?
Highlands Food & Wine is committed to preserving the pristine beauty of our community and promoting good environmental practices. We are proud to continue implementing a recycling and composting program to divert waste created by our weekend celebration from landfills and work toward plastic-free events. Since 2016, we have diverted over 25,000 lbs of recycled and compostable waste.
Attire
“Mountain Chic” or “Resort Casual.” Grand Tasting (Thursday) and Shot at Redemption (Sunday) are indoor events. Smoke Signals and the Main Event are OUTDOORS and rain or shine. Please be up to date on the weather forecast and dress appropriately. We also recommend comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Rules and restrictions
- No one under the age of 21 is permitted
- Please no pets (only service animals are permitted)
- No outside food or alcohol will be permitted in the events
- Chairs are not permitted at events unless stated otherwise
- Complimentary water will be provided
- No smoking or vaping of any kind
- Please drink responsibly. Anyone that the festival crew deems as inebriated will be asked by security to leave the event. There will be law enforcement at each event.
Weather
Grand Tasting (Thursday) and Shot at Redemption (Sunday) are indoor events. Smoke Signals and the Main Event are OUTDOORS. All events are rain or shine. Please be up to date on the weather forecast and dress appropriately. We recommend comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Parking
There is limited parking throughout downtown Highlands and at the events. Please consider carpooling or walking to events, if possible. Please respect businesses that have reserved parking for their patrons by not parking there during business hours.
What to bring
- Government-issued photo ID
- Barcoded event tickets
- Cash or credit card for merchandise
- Proper attire for forecasted weather (gloves, hats, rain gear)
What not to bring
- Pets
- Outside food or drink
- Chairs
- Illegal drugs
- Children under the age of 21
- Smoking or vaping products of any kind
- Bad weather or bad vibes
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can only be purchased via the festival website. We cannot guarantee any ticket purchased outside the Flicket ticketing system.
What if I give or sell my tickets to someone else?
You are allowed to sell or purchase tickets from someone else. Please note the festival cannot verify any purchases outside the Flicket ticketing system. You do not have to have the ticket in your name, only a copy or image (including screenshots) of the ticket and barcode.
Can I purchase a ticket for a friend/as a gift?
Sure! Please include their email address to allow them to receive all important information.
Can I receive a refund if I bought a ticket and cannot attend the event?
Highlands Food & Wine has a no-refund, no-exchange policy.
Where do I pick up my tickets/wristbands?
All fans will be able to pick up wristbands before the events starting Wednesday, November 12 at the HFW Production office – Old BOA Building, 424 Pine Street, Highlands, NC 28741
**Please note, only the purchaser of the tickets can pick up wristbands. If you cannot pick up wristbands early, you can simply present your tickets at the event gate for entry.
What do I need to get into the event?
You need your ticket barcode or a wristband. After receiving your event wristband, you must wear your wristband for the duration of the event. VIP Weekender ticket holders must wear Weekender wristbands for the duration of the festival.
What if I lose or cut off my wristband?
Treat your wristband like cash—lost, stolen, tampered with, and/or confiscated wristbands will not be replaced. They are not transferable.
Wristbands must be worn at all times. Individuals not wearing a wristband will not be allowed entry, with no exceptions.
Do not lose your wristband—these are not replaceable. The plastic security lock on the wristband is a one-way lock. Do not play with this lock to tighten the band too much.
How do I put on my wristband?
Box Office or gate staff will help you with your wristband. The plastic security lock on the wristband is a one-way lock. Do not play with this lock to tighten the band too much.
Re-entry
Your wristband allows you to come and go as you please to the events. You must have the specific event wristband on to enter/re-enter. Beverages may not leave the boundaries of any event.
What if I still need more information?
For up-to-the-moment event updates and event details, please join the email list here and opt in to receive text alerts by texting HFW to (828) 202-8911.
For specific questions, contact the festival at info@highlandsfoodandwine.com.
