As the temperature drops in Western North Carolina, the fun only heats up. The holiday season here is filled with events and activities aimed to celebrate the best way we know how — with friends, family and visitors alike. 

Americana/bluegrass act the Darren Nicholson Band will hit the stage for a special intimate performance at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley. 

Rising singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alma Russ will hit the stage at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Frog Level Brewing Company in Waynesville. 

The recent “Rock for Relief: A WNC Flood Benefit Festival” was able to garner more than $32,000 in its one-day musical extravaganza. 

FIND Outdoors is presenting “Pickin’ for Pisgah,” a benefit concert featuring the Pisgah Pickers, on Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Cradle of Forestry. The concert will start at 5 p.m., bringing together music lovers for a night of bluegrass and community support, with all proceeds benefiting the FIND Outdoors Hurricane Helene Relief Fund. 

When it comes to bluegrass guitar pickin’-n-grinnin’ — hell, acoustic guitar playing, in general — one name high atop the mountain of whirlwind notes and pure musical talent is Larry Keel. 

It was nearing midnight last Saturday when I found myself in a circle of friends in the small, cozy sitting nook between the front door and the bar counter of The Scotsman in Waynesville. 

Americana/folk singer-songwriter Woolybooger will perform at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Mountain Layers Brewing in Bryson City.

The Haywood Community Band will present “Songs of America” honoring our veterans at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Haywood Community College’s Hemlock Auditorium in Clyde.

The Western Carolina University Mountain Heritage Center will present “Echoes Across the Smokies: A Night of Bluegrass, Ballads, and Tall Tales” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at WCU’s Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee.