One of the most beautiful, poignant sounds to echo out into the ancient mountains of Western North Carolina is that of a train whistle in motion. And in downtown Bryson City, that iconic howl is heard almost daily. Most recently, it signaled the inaugural departure of the Great Smoky Mountains Music Train. 

The Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce are proud to present the 16th season of the annual “Concerts on the Creek” music series.

An acclaimed Americana/bluegrass outfit, the Darren Nicholson Band will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, June 26, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. 

Regional Americana act Somebody’s Child will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Mountain Layers Brewing Company in Bryson City.

For more than a decade, Ashley Claxton and Cola Williamson have been filling the venues of Western North Carolina with their intrepid sounds.

The 20th annual Mountaintop Art & Craft Show will be held June 27-28 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in downtown Highlands.

The annual event is a two-day, one-weekend gathering that brings over 120 artisans from the region to Highlands for demonstrations, fine art, crafts, live music, kids’ zone and more. 

Hello from Room 107 at the Skyline Lodge in Highlands. I’m here on assignment for the Bear Shadow Music Festival. But, my mind keeps drifting elsewhere. It wanders to the fact I’m not back home for the memorial service for the recent passing of my best friend. That, and the last time I stayed here was with the woman I thought that I’d spend the rest of my life with. 

The annual Front Street Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 13, in downtown Dillsboro.  

Dozens of booths lining Front Street will display handmade items from regional artists and crafters.

The monthly “Waynesville First Friday: Shop, Sip, Stroll” will take place from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 5, in downtown.

The downtown merchant corridor transforms into a lively celebration of local art, music and community. Stroll the streets, explore galleries, meet artists, enjoy live music and discover local shops and delicious restaurants. 

The “On the Lawn at Yonder” 2026 season will return with legendary singer-songwriter Ed Snodderly at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at Yonder Community Market in Franklin.

A popular annual series featuring some of the finest Americana, bluegrass, folk and alt-country artists in Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia, the gatherings have become a much-anticipated monthly event (May-October). 

With its latest album, “Out On A Limb,” Denver, Colorado-based rock-n-soul outfit The Hip Snacks are taking the leap into the national spotlight, a realm the group has quickly been pushing towards through powerful live performances and a keen musicianship guided by guitar prowess and towering vocals. 

“The more shows I’ve done, the more comfortable I’ve been and it’s just so much fun now,” said lead singer Kara Durante.

The popular “Concerts on the Creek” summer music series at Bridge Park in Sylva has once again been nominated for the prestigious USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in the category of “Best Outdoor Concert Series.”

This national recognition highlights the series’ continued impact as a beloved community event and regional attraction. Voting is now open to the public and runs through 11:59 a.m. Monday, May 11.