Best events in
Hickory

Looking for events or things to do in Hickory, NC? The city's walkable downtown core is the center of the action, where the Downtown Social District allows for a relaxed, open-container atmosphere. Beyond the nightlife, a strong tradition of community theater and annual festivals like Hickory Oktoberfest shape the local culture.

Downtown Hickory's walkable center makes it easy to hop from a craft brewery like City Walk Brewing & Distilling to an arcade bar like Dive Bar.
Catch touring musicians at The Premier or enjoy local stage productions at the historic Hickory Community Theatre.
Enjoy free outdoor concerts during the Sails Original Music Series or browse local goods at the weekly Downtown Hickory Farmers Market.

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Popular in Hickory

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Pádraig Ó Tuama & Friends

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Grace Chapel

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Coffee with Christians: Hickory

Sat, Oct 17 • 1:00 PM + 2 more

Cafe of the Day

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A Night in Velaris

Mon, Oct 26 • 8:00 PM

74 South at Moretz Mills

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Wellness on The Rocks

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

Highland Recreation Center

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North Carolina Sister Cities State Meeting

Sat, Nov 7 • 9:00 AM

Hickory Furniture Mart

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The Diocese of Charlotte Discipleship Conference

Sat, Nov 14 • 9:00 AM

Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

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TEDxCatawba 2026

Sat, Nov 21 • 9:00 AM

P.E. Monroe Auditorium

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YSA Institute

Thu, Dec 3 • 6:30 PM + 1 more

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Pádraig Ó Tuama & Friends

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Grace Chapel

Check ticket price on event

Coffee with Christians: Hickory

Sat, Oct 17 • 1:00 PM + 2 more

Cafe of the Day

Check ticket price on event

A Night in Velaris

Mon, Oct 26 • 8:00 PM

74 South at Moretz Mills

Check ticket price on event

Wellness on The Rocks

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

Highland Recreation Center

Check ticket price on event

North Carolina Sister Cities State Meeting

Sat, Nov 7 • 9:00 AM

Hickory Furniture Mart

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The Diocese of Charlotte Discipleship Conference

Sat, Nov 14 • 9:00 AM

Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

Check ticket price on event

TEDxCatawba 2026

Sat, Nov 21 • 9:00 AM

P.E. Monroe Auditorium

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YSA Institute

Thu, Dec 3 • 6:30 PM + 1 more

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Online Events

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

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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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

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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This Weekend

Women Mentoring Women Awards & Benefit Brunch

Today • 10:00 AM

Highland Recreation Center

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Pádraig Ó Tuama & Friends

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Grace Chapel

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Gather for Good: Hickory | Dinner Benefits for Laura's Wish

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM

Da Vinci's Italian Restaurant

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Women Mentoring Women Awards & Benefit Brunch

Today • 10:00 AM

Highland Recreation Center

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Pádraig Ó Tuama & Friends

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Grace Chapel

Check ticket price on event

Gather for Good: Hickory | Dinner Benefits for Laura's Wish

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM

Da Vinci's Italian Restaurant

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From nearby cities

Women Mentoring Women Awards & Benefit Brunch

Today • 10:00 AM

Highland Recreation Center

Check ticket price on event

Pádraig Ó Tuama & Friends

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Grace Chapel

Check ticket price on event

Comedy Night at Warehouse Distillery

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM

Warehouse Distillery

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A Night in Velaris

Mon, Oct 26 • 8:00 PM

74 South at Moretz Mills

Check ticket price on event

Wellness on The Rocks

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

Highland Recreation Center

Check ticket price on event

The Diocese of Charlotte Discipleship Conference

Sat, Nov 14 • 9:00 AM

Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

Check ticket price on event

TEDxCatawba 2026

Sat, Nov 21 • 9:00 AM

P.E. Monroe Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Shepherd Experience: Farm Tour with Sheep Interaction

Sat, Dec 5 • 2:00 PM

True Cut Ranch

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Women Mentoring Women Awards & Benefit Brunch

Today • 10:00 AM

Highland Recreation Center

Check ticket price on event

Pádraig Ó Tuama & Friends

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Grace Chapel

Check ticket price on event

Comedy Night at Warehouse Distillery

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM

Warehouse Distillery

Check ticket price on event

A Night in Velaris

Mon, Oct 26 • 8:00 PM

74 South at Moretz Mills

Check ticket price on event

Wellness on The Rocks

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

Highland Recreation Center

Check ticket price on event

The Diocese of Charlotte Discipleship Conference

Sat, Nov 14 • 9:00 AM

Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

Check ticket price on event

TEDxCatawba 2026

Sat, Nov 21 • 9:00 AM

P.E. Monroe Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Shepherd Experience: Farm Tour with Sheep Interaction

Sat, Dec 5 • 2:00 PM

True Cut Ranch

Check ticket price on event

Points of Interest near Hickory

Kiwanis Park

Catawba Science Center

Lowes Foods City Park

Hickory Museum Of Art

Glenn C Hilton Jr Memorial Park

Harper Househickory History Center

Frequently asked questions about Hickory

Where can I find live music events in Hickory?

The Premier is a key downtown venue for touring and regional artists. For a more casual setting, places like City Walk Brewing & Distilling and Hickory Social House often feature live music. The Sails Original Music Series also brings free concert events to Union Square.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Hickory?

Dive Bar offers retro arcade games and is family-friendly in the early evening. Lake Hickory Pub & Marina provides a scenic lakeside setting for a meal. The Downtown Hickory Farmers Market is also a great all-ages activity with local vendors and a community feel.

What is the nightlife scene like in downtown Hickory?

Downtown Hickory offers a walkable nightlife experience within its Social District. People often start with dinner, then move on to a brewery, a show at Hickory Community Theatre, or drinks at Hickory Social House. The scene is particularly lively during weekends.

Are there free events in Hickory, NC?

Yes, the Sails Original Music Series offers free outdoor concerts. Strolling through the Downtown Hickory Farmers Market is another free activity where one can enjoy the local atmosphere. Many community gatherings and annual festival events are also free to attend.

How can I find art and theater events in the area?

Look for productions at the historic Hickory Community Theatre and The Green Room Community Theatre. For visual arts, the annual Foothills Folk Art Festival showcases regional talent. These venues and events are central to the local arts scene.

Which spots host notable food and drink events?

The annual Hickory Hops festival is a major craft beer event. For a unique experience, Olde Hickory Station combines a market and taproom in a historic train depot. City Walk Brewing & Distilling also hosts events in its popular biergarten.

What's a good plan for a date night in Hickory?

Start with dinner downtown and then see a play at the Hickory Community Theatre. Alternatively, enjoy live music at The Premier or have some fun playing arcade games at Dive Bar. The walkable downtown area makes it easy to combine activities.

Does Hickory have any major annual festivals?

Hickory hosts several popular annual festivals that draw large crowds. Hickory Oktoberfest is a three-day celebration of German heritage, and Hickory Hops is a major craft beer event. The Foothills Folk Art Festival is another key annual gathering for the community.