
Highlands Performing Arts Center
A vibrant cultural hub in Highlands, NC, showcasing professional theatre, music, and local art with a focus on community and quality.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch live shows

Highlands Performing Arts Center
Best Time
Catch live shows

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant cultural hub in Highlands, NC, showcasing professional theatre, music, and local art with a focus on community and quality.
"Great production of Matilda at the Highlands Performing Arts Center! They always put on wonderful performances here."

🎟️ Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Don't miss out! Popular musicals and concerts at the Highlands Performing Arts Center sell out quickly.
🎶 Check the Schedule
Variety of performances from musicals to art. Plan your visit around what's on!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Musical Performances
Main Stage
Experience energetic young talent in classic musical theatre productions with stunning costumes and staging.

Art Exhibitions
Gallery Space
Admire local and regional art, including vibrant acrylic paintings, often displayed within the center.

Community Events
Various Spaces
Enjoy special events like the Sharing Sunshine Project sunflower installations, adding a touch of local charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Check Performance Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Don't miss out! Popular musicals and concerts at the Highlands Performing Arts Center sell out quickly.
🎶 Check the Schedule
Variety of performances from musicals to art. Plan your visit around what's on!
✨ Enjoy the Art
Explore local art installations, often featuring vibrant paintings.
🅿️ Easy Parking Available
Visitors praise the convenient and easy parking options at the venue.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Don't miss out! Popular musicals and concerts at the Highlands Performing Arts Center sell out quickly.
🎶 Check the Schedule
Variety of performances from musicals to art. Plan your visit around what's on!
✨ Enjoy the Art
Explore local art installations, often featuring vibrant paintings.
🅿️ Easy Parking Available
Visitors praise the convenient and easy parking options at the venue.
👍 Friendly & Helpful Staff
Staff are known for being welcoming and accommodating, even offering backstage tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Highlands Performing Arts Center for its wonderful productions, beautiful venue, and excellent sound quality. The friendly and accommodating staff, coupled with easy parking, enhance the overall positive experience. Many highlight the professional and energetic talent, especially in musical theatre, making it a top-tier destination for arts and entertainment.
"Great production of Matilda at the Highlands Performing Arts Center! They always put on wonderful performances here."
D H
"Beautiful venue. Excellent sound. Easy parking."
Ann Green
"So cute, we loved seeing the show there! Great staff, they even took our little one backstage after the show for a tour since it was her first show ever!"
Rabon McKenzie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Highlands Performing Arts Center is conveniently located in downtown Highlands, NC. It's within walking distance to shops and restaurants on Main Street. Parking is available and generally considered easy by visitors.
Yes, visitors have noted that parking at the Highlands Performing Arts Center is easy and convenient.
Absolutely! The center is situated in downtown Highlands, making it easily accessible on foot from local shops and restaurants.
Travel to Highlands, NC, often involves driving. If coming from further afield, you might fly into a regional airport like Asheville (AVL) and then drive. Some visitors opt for scenic drives through the mountains.
Public transport options directly to the center might be limited. Driving or utilizing local taxi services are common ways to reach the venue.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can typically be purchased online through the official Highlands Performing Arts Center website or through their ticketing partners. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for popular events.
Ticket prices vary depending on the performance. While some community or high school productions might be more affordable, professional touring shows can be priced higher. Booking early can sometimes secure better rates.
Operating hours can vary based on performance schedules and event times. It's best to check the specific event details on their website for exact timings.
While some tickets might be available at the door, it's highly recommended to purchase them in advance, as popular shows often sell out.
Information on group discounts is usually available on the venue's ticketing page or by contacting their box office directly. It's worth inquiring if you're planning a visit with a larger party.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The center hosts a diverse range of performances, including professional musical theatre, concerts, dance, and local productions. They also feature art exhibitions.
Yes, reviews indicate that the seats are comfortable, contributing to an enjoyable viewing experience.
The venue is praised for its excellent sound system, ensuring a high-quality audio experience for all performances.
While specific accessibility details should be confirmed with the venue, performing arts centers typically strive to be accessible. It's advisable to contact them directly for detailed information on ramps, seating, and other accommodations.
Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid disturbing the artists and audience. Check the venue's specific policy or signage upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Concessions are usually available at performing arts centers, offering snacks and beverages. For a full dining experience, the surrounding downtown Highlands area offers numerous restaurants and cafes.
Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted inside the venue. It's best to consume any food or drinks before entering the performance hall.
Being in downtown Highlands, you'll find many dining options within walking distance, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants.
Many performing arts venues offer alcoholic beverages for purchase at their concessions. It's advisable to check with the venue directly for their specific offerings.
Concession menus can vary. While standard options like popcorn and soda are common, specific dietary choices might be limited. Exploring nearby restaurants would offer more variety.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography during performances is generally not allowed. However, you can usually take photos of the venue's exterior and interior common areas before or after a show.
The architecture of the center itself can be photogenic, especially the exterior. Additionally, the surrounding downtown Highlands area offers charming streetscapes and natural beauty for photos.
Professional photography, especially for commercial purposes or during events, usually requires prior permission from the venue management.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots.
Drone usage is typically regulated by local ordinances and venue policies. It's essential to check these regulations before flying a drone in the vicinity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
What truly sets it apart for families is the exceptionally friendly staff. They've been known to go the extra mile, like offering backstage tours for children after a show, making a first theatre experience truly magical. This personal touch makes the Highlands Performing Arts Center a memorable outing for families looking for quality entertainment.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Beyond the gallery spaces, the very architecture of the center can be a point of interest, with its modern design and integration of artistic elements. Keep an eye out for unique installations, like the community sunflower projects, which add an extra layer of visual delight to your visit.
🎶 Music Aficionados
The venue's excellent sound system ensures that every note is heard with clarity, making it an ideal place to appreciate live music. Whether you're interested in classical, folk, or contemporary sounds, checking the performance schedule is key to catching your favorite artists.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture and Design
Beyond its structure, the center integrates art into its environment. Vibrant acrylic paintings and other artistic installations are often featured, enhancing the visitor experience. These artistic touches, like the 'Sharing Sunshine Project' with sunflower installations, add a unique and cheerful dimension to the venue.
The venue is designed with audience comfort in mind, featuring comfortable seating and excellent sound systems. This focus on both aesthetics and functionality ensures that visitors have a memorable and enjoyable experience, whether they are attending a performance or viewing an exhibition.
Performance Variety and Quality
Beyond musicals, the center also features concerts, dance performances, and other artistic showcases. For instance, the Mark O'Connor 'An Appalachian Christmas' tour has been featured, highlighting the venue's role in bringing renowned artists to the region. This variety ensures there's something for every taste, from classic theatre to contemporary music.
The venue's commitment to high-quality production is evident in its advanced lighting and sound technology, which are seamlessly integrated with dynamic dancing and staging. This attention to technical detail, combined with the talent on stage, creates an immersive and captivating experience for the audience.
Community Engagement and Local Art
Community-focused projects, like the 'Sharing Sunshine Project' with its sunflower installations, demonstrate the center's commitment to spreading positivity and connecting with residents. These collaborations not only beautify the space but also foster a sense of shared community pride.
Furthermore, the center supports local talent through various events, including high school theatre productions. This provides valuable performance experience for young artists and offers affordable entertainment options for the community. The friendly and accommodating staff also contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, sometimes even offering special backstage tours for young attendees.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit