Best events in
Hays

Events and things to do in Hays, NC, are deeply connected to the culture of the surrounding Wilkes County communities. The area's Appalachian heritage is on full display at large music festivals and smaller community concert series. Community life often centers around the lively downtown districts of nearby North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro, which host seasonal markets and street festivals.

The downtowns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro are hubs for recurring outdoor events, particularly from spring through fall, hosting free concert series at venues like the Carolina West Wireless Community Commons.
The region celebrates its agricultural roots and local culture with major annual events, including the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival and the celebrated MerleFest music festival.
Yadkin Valley Marketplace in North Wilkesboro is a key spot for community life, hosting a seasonal farmers' market and the monthly Concerts on the Deck series.

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Online Events

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Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Events near Hays

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Plant to Product: Culinary & Medicinal Herb Farm Tour

Wednesday • 1:00 PM

Second Wind Perennial Farms

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Milltown Get Down 2026

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Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Visitor Center

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Jack Skellington and Oogie Boogie Class

Sat, Oct 17 • 4:00 PM

111 W Depot Alley

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Dino Adventure Party Parents Night Out

Fri, Oct 23 • 6:00 PM

Elkin Recreation Center

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Sat, Oct 24 • 9:00 AM

Dobson First Baptist Daycare

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Immediate Action Combatives Seminar 11/6-8/2026 Yadkinville, NC

Fri, Nov 6 • 6:00 PM

Yadkinville

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Spread Eagle at Copperhead Road

Sat, Nov 14 • 6:00 PM

Copperhead Road

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Next Stop Comedy at C'est la Vin Wine & Provisions! - North Wilkesboro, NC

Sat, Jan 23 • 7:00 PM

C'est la Vin Wine & Provisions

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Plant to Product: Culinary & Medicinal Herb Farm Tour

Wednesday • 1:00 PM

Second Wind Perennial Farms

Check ticket price on event

Milltown Get Down 2026

Friday • 5:00 PM

Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Visitor Center

Check ticket price on event

Jack Skellington and Oogie Boogie Class

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111 W Depot Alley

Check ticket price on event

Dino Adventure Party Parents Night Out

Fri, Oct 23 • 6:00 PM

Elkin Recreation Center

Check ticket price on event

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Sat, Oct 24 • 9:00 AM

Dobson First Baptist Daycare

Check ticket price on event

Immediate Action Combatives Seminar 11/6-8/2026 Yadkinville, NC

Fri, Nov 6 • 6:00 PM

Yadkinville

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Spread Eagle at Copperhead Road

Sat, Nov 14 • 6:00 PM

Copperhead Road

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Next Stop Comedy at C'est la Vin Wine & Provisions! - North Wilkesboro, NC

Sat, Jan 23 • 7:00 PM

C'est la Vin Wine & Provisions

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Frequently asked questions about Hays

What are some free events to check out near Hays?

The area offers several free outdoor concert series in the nearby Wilkesboros. Look for the monthly Concerts in the Commons in Wilkesboro or the Concerts on the Deck series at North Wilkesboro's Yadkin Valley Marketplace during warmer months.

Where can I find live music events in the Wilkesboro area?

Live music is a cornerstone of the local culture, anchored by the annual MerleFest. For more regular programming, check out the outdoor concerts at Carolina West Wireless Community Commons or the nightclub atmosphere at Talia Bassment Club.

What's available for family-friendly events in downtown Wilkesboro?

Historic Downtown Wilkesboro is very welcoming for families with its community commons. The area hosts free concerts on its lawn, and a nearby splash pad offers a place for kids to cool off during public gatherings.

What kind of major annual festivals happen near Hays?

The region hosts large-scale annual festivals that celebrate music and local heritage. MerleFest is a nationally known music event, while the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is a massive one-day street fair in North Wilkesboro each autumn.

How is the nightlife scene in North Wilkesboro?

North Wilkesboro offers a few distinct nightlife spots for an evening out. The Talia Bassment Club hosts concerts and parties in a nightclub setting, while The Tavern at The Lost Wombat provides a more relaxed pub atmosphere.

Can I find outdoor community events in the area?

Yes, many community events take place outdoors, especially from spring through fall. The Yadkin Valley Marketplace and Carolina West Wireless Community Commons are key venues for outdoor concerts, festivals, and markets that draw local crowds.

What's the best spot for recurring community gatherings in North Wilkesboro?

Yadkin Valley Marketplace is the central hub for community life in downtown North Wilkesboro. It's home to the seasonal Wilkes County Farmers' Market and hosts monthly events like Concerts on the Deck and the Wilkes County Cruise-Ins.

Are there regular car show events?

Yes, car enthusiasts can attend the Wilkes County Cruise-Ins in downtown North Wilkesboro. This recurring event brings together classic and custom cars monthly from spring through autumn, creating a lively street-side auto show.

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Nearby cities

Winston-Salem

Mount Airy

Mooresville

Hickory

Morganton

Statesville

Damascus

Clemmons

Elkin

Denver

Wytheville

Boone

Dobson

Newton

Yadkinville

Mocksville

Icard

Galax

Blowing Rock

Pilot Mountain

Conover

North Wilkesboro

Mountain City

Banner Elk

Landis

Long View

Wilkesboro

King

Lewisville

Hudson

Winston-Salem

Mount Airy

Mooresville

Hickory

Morganton

Statesville

Damascus

Clemmons

Elkin

Denver

Wytheville

Boone

Dobson

Newton

Yadkinville

Mocksville

Icard

Galax

Blowing Rock

Pilot Mountain

Conover

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Landis

Long View

Wilkesboro

King

Lewisville

Hudson

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