The Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment (CLE) will host its annual Highlands Porchfest music festival from 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, in Highlands. 

Americana/bluegrass act Appalachian Smoke will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Swain Arts Center in Bryson City. 

The Natti Love Joys will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Sylva.

A roots-rock-reggae band that has been playing live since 2003, the group consists of husband and wife duo Anthony “Jatti” Allen and Sonia “Marla” Allen (formerly Sonia Abel). 

The 25th Annual Sorghum Festival will allow visitors to have the opportunity to observe sorghum cane being processed into molasses using a mule-powered mill on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Haywood Community College will hold the second annual Dahlia Ridge Trail Run on Saturday, Sept. 14. This 5K is a timed, family-friendly walk/run event open to all levels of runners, walkers and hikers.

Celebrate the change of seasons with your friends and neighbors at a farm-to-table dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville. 

A cherished gathering of locals and visitors alike, “Art After Dark” will continue its 2024 season from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, in downtown Waynesville. 

Classic rock icons ZZ Top will perform at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

Formed in 1969 in Houston, ZZ Top is a legendary rock band known for its distinctive blend of blues, rock, and boogie.

Appalachian/indie act Jackson Grimm & The Bull Moose Party will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at The Scotsman in Waynesville. 

Haywood County rock/country act Outlaw Whiskey will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Unplugged Pub in Bryson City.