Hayesville NC is a tiny mountain town (0.64 sq miles, population under 500) located near the northern shores of Lake Chatuge, which straddles the NC/GA border.
Established in the 1860s, the town was named after 19th-century politician George Hayes, who helped the Cherokee people resist deportation and enabled some Cherokee communities to remain after the Trail of Tears.
So it’s not too surprising that the town is rich with history, including the Spikebuck Town Mound & Village Site, the remains of an earthwork platform mound built around 1000 CE by the South Appalachian Mississippian culture.
What is surprising is how much culture the small town and surrounding area has to offer, both Appalachian and Cherokee.
At the center of it all is the Peacock Performing Arts Center, a community gem that offers an exceptional array of theatrical productions, live concerts (from musicians spanning myriad genres), educational programs, and special events.
Read on for our guide to the Peacock, including some venue history and a look at highlights of their 2025 season.
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Peacock Performing Arts Center Info
ADDRESS: 301 Church Street, Hayesville NC, 28904
PHONE: (828) 389-ARTS
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: Varies by event
ADMISSION: Varies by event
DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM DOWNTOWN HAYESVILLE
From the Hayesville Town Hall, head east on Sanderson St, take a left onto Herbert St, and then another quick left onto Church St.
The Peacock will be on the left in 0.3 miles. It’s an 8-minute walk, or a 2-minute drive.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM HIAWASSEE GA
From Downtown Hiawassee, take US-76 W/N Main St for approximately 4.6 miles, then turn right on GA-17 N/GA-515 E, which will take you across the border into North Carolina.
Continue onto NC-69 N for 3.8 miles, and when you reach the traffic circle take the 3rd exit onto US-64 BUS W.
In a 1/2-mile, continue straight onto Main Street, then make a left on Church St. The Peacock will be on the left in 0.2 miles.
Peacock Performing Arts Center History
The Peacock Performing Arts Center was founded in the early 1980s by Lilith Lidseen, a local resident and passionate patron of the arts, who named it after the beautiful birds she loved and raised.
Sadly, she didn’t live long enough to see the facility completed in 1986, but her desire to preserve, promote, and participate in the performing arts left an indelible influence on the town of Hayesville.
The non-profit Lilith Lidseen Performing Arts Foundation (a registered 501c3 organization) was created in 2007 to manage and maintain the Peacock.
During their first season of producing shows, they offered two community theatre productions, eight live music concerts, and three “Songwriters Showcase” events.
But their offerings have expanded considerably since then.
In 2025, they’ll be offering 50 nights of diverse entertainment, a summer performing arts camp for kids, benefit concerts, and other special events (including the inaugural Peacock Rhythm & Arts Festival).
For information on volunteer opportunities at the Peacock, complete their Volunteer Application Form, contact the office at (828)389-2787, or email [email protected].
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Peacock 2025 Events
With 250 comfortable seats, top-notch sound and lighting design, and a diverse array of performances, there’s always something for Peacock PAC patrons to enjoy.
The theater typically hosts four theatrical productions per year, plus a wide range of concerts and special events, ensuring you’ll find something fun to see and do almost every weekend.
Here’s an overview of their remaining 2025 events…
Special Events
Peacock Rhythm & Arts Festival (May 24)- This inaugural festival promises to be an incredible day of blues, soul, art, and community.
Bands performing will include award-winning blues/soul group the Jesse Williams Band, funky jams from the Tyler Neal Band (former guitarist for Col. Bruce Hampton), acoustic folk & blues from Scott Low & The Southern Bouillon, and GA-bred roots music artist Andy Johnson.
Music will begin inside the theater at 1PM and go until 10PM, and anyone with a wristband can come and go as they please. There will also be an arts market and food vendors outside all day, with drinks available at the lobby concession booth.
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Theatrical Productions
Kiss Me, Kate (July 18-27)- Based on William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Show, this timeless Broadway classic earned the very first Tony Award ever given for Best Musical.
Thankfully it’s not faithful to Shakespeare’s verse: Here, The Taming of the Shrew is a play within the play, but the same plot is happening backstage between actors starring in a modern-day production.
Add a few gangsters, mistaken identities, comedy routines, witty repartee, and memorable tunes, and you have one of the most popular shows in Broadway history.
Wrong Window! (October 3-12)- Written by Billy Van Zandt & Jane Milmore, this hilarious whodunit is a comedic tribute to Master of Horror Alfred Hitchcock, inspired by his classic thriller, Rear Window.
The story follows an on-again/off-again New York couple, who believe they saw their cross-courtyard neighbor killing his wife. When the bumbling du0 sneak into their neighbor’s apartment, hilarity ensues.
With multiple door-slammings, body-snatchings, a frantic flashlight chase scene, this crazy farce is sure to prove knee-slapper, especially for those who love a good murder mystery.
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Concerts & Songwriters Showcases
Songwriters Showcases (May 31, June 28, Aug 9, Sept 13, Oct 18)- Local favorite Rob Tiger hosts a platform for up & coming singer-songwriters to perform their own creations, with each show featuring 3 talented artists. This engaging event has become a beloved tradition at the Peacock, offering an affordable evening of awesome entertainment.
Tell Me Lies- Fleetwood Mac Tribute (June 7)- Experience all your favorite Fleetwood Mac classics, such as “Go Your Own Way,” “Don’t Stop,” “Rhiannon,” “Landslide,” and many more.
The Fine Colombians- Steely Dan Tribute (June 14)- This tribute to Steely Dan brings the funky grooves, jazz sensibility and sharp lyrics of Donald Fagan and Walter Becker’s classics to life.
TRIBUTE: A Celebration of the Allman Brothers Band (Aug 1)- This 8-piece Atlanta-based band offers a joyous celebration of Macon GA legends the Allman Brothers, faithfully recreating the music of these classic rock titans.
Harvest Moon: Crosby Stills Nash & Young Tribute (Aug 2)- An earnest homage to one of the most beloved bands of the Woodstock generation, Harvest Moon’s 4-part vocal harmonies bring the music of CSN&Y to life beautifully.
The Petty Hearts: Tom Petty Tribute (Aug 15)- This nationally touring Tom Petty tribute band offers note-for-note renditions of his best songs, from early classics like “Breakdown” and “Refugee” to deeper cuts from his extensive catalogue.
Beer For My Horses: Toby Keith Tribute (Aug 16)- Get ready to sing your heart out to all of your favorite Toby Keith classics, like “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “American Soldier,” “Beer for My Horses,” “I Love This Bar,” and more.
Firecracker Jazz Band (Sept 6)- Based in Asheville NC, this electrifying ensemble breathes new life into traditional jazz music, and has played prestigious music venues ranging from the Bonnaroo Festival to the Kennedy Center.
Johnny Folsom 4: Johnny Cash Tribute (Oct 24)- With a baritone that’s a dead ringer for the Man in Black, David Burney leads this talented quartet through a sizzling set of Johnny Cash classics, like “A Boy Named Sue” and “Ring of Fire.”
Interstellar Echoes: Pink Floyd Tribute (Nov 8)- Pink Floyd is one of our favorite bands, and Interstellar Echoes offers an immersive live experience that includes dazzling lights and faithful takes on some of their most beloved tracks.
Christmas with the King: Elvis Presley Tribute (Dec 5)- Elvis impersonator Travis Ledoyt has opened for legends like Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, so don’t miss your chance to see what some people say is “The World’s Best Young Elvis!”
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Scribes On Stage Series
An Evening of Appalachian Tales (Aug 23)- Tapping into an Appalachian oral tradition that dates back centuries, this evening will focus on the themes of “Magic, Music & Moonshine.” Local storytellers will spin entertaining yarns with a Southern twist, engaging audiences with homespun humor and charm.
Stage Fright! Ghost Stories (Oct 25)- If you love Appalachian Folklore about creepy creatures like the Mothman, Bigfoot, or the Bell Witch, this show is perfect for you. And with the theme of “Spooky Screams & Silly Scenes,” it’s guaranteed to be appropriate for audiences of all ages. –by Bret Love; photos provided by the Peacock Performing Arts Center
