The 15th annual Greening Up the Mountains festival will take place April 28 on Main and Mill streets in historic downtown Sylva.

The event begins with a 5K run at 9 a.m., while festival hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The free festival celebrates the arrival of spring in the mountains, when the greening leaves work their way up the Great Smoky Mountains. It also celebrates the greening of the environment, with info about sustainable living and presentations by environmental groups.

Traditional heritage crafts will be featured throughout the festival, while three music stages feature local bands, heritage dancers and a youth talent show. Musical acts set to perform include: The Freight Hoppers, John-Luke Carter, Tennessee Jed, The Suite C, Marshall Ballew, Sugar Barnes and Dave Magill, Positive Mental Attitude, Ian Moore & the Moolah Temple Men’s Auxiliary, Total War, Dan River Drifters and Noonday Sun.

Greening Up the Mountains is one of Jackson County’s largest annual events, drawing more than 10,000 visitors each year.

828.586.2719 or www.downtownsylva.org.