The Highlands Motoring Festival

A Festival With An Altitude!

The name says it all…what better place to be in the middle of June than in the cool, crisp Blue Ridge Mountains at an altitude of 4118 feet? The Highlands Motoring Festival has been recognized as THE motoring festival event in June in the Southeast. Enjoy the mountain town with a casual and sophisticated atmosphere and cool climate. Improve your Attitude by improving your Altitude (4118 ft).

June 11-14, 2020 in Highlands, NC

See 2019 Car Show Winners


Get ready to head up the mountain.

See some of the Registered Vehicles

The 12th Annual Highlands Motoring Festival

A friendly event that appeals to everyone.

The focus, of course, is the field of over 125 classic cars. Owners of their collector pieces have gone to considerable effort and expense to put these cars on the show field for all to enjoy. An eclectic field of entries will ensure that there is something for everyone.


A Local Non-Profit Festival

Powered by an all-volunteer group.

Over the years, the net proceeds have gone to many different charities. This year, REACH of Macon County, Literacy Council of Highlands, and the Community. Care Clinic have been selected as the charity partners. Spectator entry to the show field is free, but a contribution to our charities is appreciated.


June 11-14, 2020

Mark your calendar. The festival will start in:

Event Schedule

Click on the event for more details.
Expand All +

  • Day 1 - Thursday

    June 6, 2019

  • Mark your calendar to join friends, new and old, at Highlands Falls Country Club, on Thursday, June 6th, for the Monte Carlo Casino Night. The Casino night will include heavy hor d’oeuvres and drinks. Activities will include blackjack, roulette, and craps games. Participants will have a chance to win play money, and participate in auction items at the end of the evening.
    Where
    Highlands Falls Country Club

  • Day 2 - Friday

    June 7, 2019

  • One Lap of the Mountains VII is scheduled to roll on Friday morning June 7th. You are invited to join the fun as forty lucky drivers, with their passengers, drive beautiful mountain “less traveled” roads and experience the comradery the One Lappers from past years have enjoyed. One Lap of the Mountains will begin on Pine Street in Kelsey-Hutchinson Park, also site of the Saturday event, Cars in the Park. A continental breakfast will be available to all participants beginning at 7:30 AM.
    Where
    Kelsey Hutchinson Park

  • This year’s Welcome Party will include a Parade of Main Street. All vehicles and drivers are invited to participate by gathering at the Kelsey Hutchinson Park around 5:30pm. There will be a driver’s meeting at 6:00pm with the procession departing shortly after. Following the “Parade of Main Street”, the group will return to the park and join others at the Welcome Party, which will be at the High Dive watering hole, located at 476 Carolina Way (one block north of Kelsey-Hutchinson Park). Cash bar and complimentary snack will give you a start for the evening.
    Where
    Kelsey Hutchinson Park / High Dive

  • Day 3 - Saturday

    June 8, 2019

  • The 11th Annual Highlands Motoring Festival Car Show will open as follows: -Preregistered cars at 8:30am -Viewing public at 10:00am -Vehicle gate closes at 10:00am
    Where
    Kelsey Hutchinson Park

  • New this year, is Music on Pine Street. This is the same location as the Classic Car Show, held earlier in the day. At 6:00 PM, the the Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center provides a band for your relaxation and enjoyment. There is no charge for this activity. This is a chance to unwind from the day’s actions, and have time with new and old friends. Food and drink, may be brought to the event. Additionally, there are options to purchase food from vendors adjoining the park. Come and enjoy the music, have food and drink, and relax.
    Where
    Kelsey Hutchinson Park

  • Day 4 - Sunday

    June 9, 2019

  • A special version of Highlands’ Cars and Coffee, known as “Butts on the Bench”, will commence at 8:00am. The location is Wright Square on Main Street, between 1st and 2nd Street, across from “200 Main Hotel” Resort. The gathering is a time to say goodbye to new friends and renew acquaintances with old friends. Vehicles, old and new, are welcome to participate. “For sale” signs are allowed. This is a very casual gathering that usually happens every weekend in Highlands. Please plan on attending.
    Where
    Wright Square, West Main Street

Dennis Gage will be filming an episode of his TV show My Classic Car at the 2019 HMF. The show is in its 24th season and has been viewed worldwide by tens of millions of households on various automotive oriented networks.

2019 Event Brochure

Download the 2019 Event Brochure for more details about all the events.

Download the 2019 Brochure [PDF]

"One Lap of the Mountains: Exciting Drives for Car Enthusiasts" (Book)

To better accommodate all our mountain driver friends, in 2018 the Highlands Motoring Festival published “One Lap of the Mountains, Exciting Drives for Car Enthusiasts”, a route guide of mountain drives suitable for all interests.

Learn More

Send Us A Message

We will get back to you as soon as possible.