Hickory Buzz

Sidetracked Weekly Pinball Tournament
2026-01-12 18:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | SideTracked Brewery, 609 S Green St Suite 100, Morganton, NC, 28655, United States
Event:

Come out to our Weekly Pinball Tournaments held every Monday at 630pm!
Events are IFPA sanctioned and are Target Matchplay Format. A $10 buy-in covers all your tournament pinball play and practice. There will be a cash prize to the top 2 spots! New and inexperienced players are encouraged to attend! It’s just a bunch of nerds pressing buttons after all

Financial Peace University (FPU)
2026-01-12 19:00 - 20:00 | See Description, United States
Financial Peace University is a 9-week personal finance course designed to help individuals and couples take control of their money and build a clear plan for their financial future.
What is it
A structured, step-by-step course that covers budgeting, paying off debt, building emergency savings, understanding insurance, and planning for long-term financial goals using practical, easy-to-follow principles.
Who it’s for
This course is for anyone who wants to:

Feel more confident and organized with their finances

Reduce financial stress and uncertainty

Create a realistic plan for their money

Build strong financial habits for the future

No prior financial knowledge is required.
How long is it

9 weeks

Meets once per week (virtual)

Cost

$99.99 per household

Includes full access to Financial Peace University materials

Led by Carmela Church, Personal Finance Coach
Includes 30 minutes of group coaching each week, plus 1 free 30-minute Money Clarity Call per household.

Trivia Night at Romeo & Brewliet!
2026-01-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Romeo & Brewliet Tap Room & Pour House, 2016 N Center St, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Join us every Monday from 6-7 pm for Trivia Night hosted by Ryan Beale at Romeo & Brewliet Tap Room & Pour House! Test your knowledge, enjoy great drinks, and try to win! 25% off all self-pour taps!

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Story Time Kickoff
2026-01-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Patrick Beaver Library, 375 3rd St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Reading is crucial for a child’s development, especially in the first 1000 days of life, helping to build vocabulary and language skills. Attend this special story time as we kick off the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading challenge, where kids age 0-5 count the number of books they read and earn prizes along the way, and families will learn tools for developing early literacy skills.
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Pre-K Craft & Storytime - Grape Kids Class
2026-01-13 10:30 - 11:00 | Painted Grape, 1366 US-321, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Event:

Now Free but Registration Required. Each week we will have a craft & story time. We will read a classic, yet age-appropriate story followed by a craft.
We will remain open until 5pm with Open Studio hours for you to do other paid crafts and activities.

Strength & Balance Class
2026-01-13 11:00 - 11:45 | Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Fitness Plus, 810 Fairgrove Church Road SE, Hickory, NC, 28602, United States
About:

Strength & Balance Class is a low impact fitness class for anyone wanting to improve their balance, coordination, and overall strength.

Polar Express PJ Party Adventure - Hosted by Kilty Pleasure Tours
2026-01-13 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-01-14 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-01-15 16:00 - 19:00 | See Description, United States
All aboard for Hickory’s most magical holiday experience! Kids ages 5–10 are invited to slip into their coziest pajamas and hop on the Nessie bus for a festive Polar Express–themed scavenger hunt filled with wonder, treats, and hands-on fun.
This 3-hour adventure includes four charming stops: an obstacle course at Samurai Institute, a hot chocolate and cookie game station at 3 Little Chicks Bakery, ornament decorating at Azalea Design, and a sweet reward of popcorn from Tastebuds.
Perfect for small groups, birthday celebrations, or a holiday outing with friends, each party includes 5–8 children and 2–3 parents for $350.
Tours run Nov. 24–Jan. 31 with weekday, weekend, and evening options.
Available Times:
Mon–Fri: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Give your kids a Christmas memory they’ll never forget—filled with adventure, Golden Tickets, and holiday magic.
📧 Email Karen@kiltypleasuretours.com for more details or you can book your date on https://forms.gle/b84pgCoN1FyKkK548

Taproom Trivia at Schwarzbär Ale Haus
2026-01-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Schwarzbär Ale Haus & Biergarten, 305 1st Ave. S, Conover, NC, 28613, United States
Get Quizzical with Courtney Austin during Taproom Trivia tonight at 6:30pm every Tuesday! Winners are determined by a point system at the end, with prizes awarded to the top three teams (limit 4 players per team, so the rest of us have a chance)! Get here early so you don’t miss the first round!

It’s Train Station Tuesday, with $2.50 Coors Banquet and prizes every time the train rolls through!

Snow Much To Create! - Cardinal Berries Canvas Paint & Sip Class
2026-01-13 18:30 - 21:00 | Painted Grape, 1366 US-321, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Winter days are colder, but our studio is the perfect warm and creative escape! Join us for an Adult Canvas Paint & Sip Class and enjoy a relaxing evening of painting, sipping, and creating something beautiful. No experience needed.

January Adult Canvas Specials: Save $10 OFF all month long!12×16 Canvas: Now $25 (normally $35)16×20 Canvas: Now $30 (normally $40)
It’s the perfect way to unwind, try something new, or enjoy a night out with friends. Choose from winter landscapes, cozy scenes, bright florals, and more. There’s Snow Much to Create this season!Each in-studio class includes: Step-by-step guidance from our instructor Your choice of canvas size: 12″x16″, or 16″x20″ All painting materials provided Freedom to choose your colors and personalize your winter masterpiece A fun, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for beginners or seasoned artistsBring your favorite beverage to enjoy during class Plus, enjoy a selection of tasty treats available in the studio!Let your creativity shine merry and bright as you create a winter wonderland on canvas! Grab your spot, settle in with a drink, and let the creativity flow. We can’t wait to paint with you!
Pre-registration is required, head to PaintedGrapeNC.com/hickory-calendar to secure your spot!

B Chord Live Corn Hole
2026-01-13 18:30 - 23:00 | B Chord Live, 47 Duke St., Granite Falls, NC, 28630, United States
Event:
Every Tuesday – All are Welcome! Bags fly at 6:30pm. B Chord Live has a large warehouse space open for Corn Hole! $1 Wings, 30+ taps, full bar and food menus. Live music and live corn hole every Tuesday at B Chord Live!

B Chord Live Acoustic Open Jam
2026-01-13 19:00 - 22:00 | B Chord Live, 47 Duke St., Granite Falls, NC, 28630, United States
Event:
Starting at 7pm, the B Chord Tuesday night jam brings a myriad of ages, talent and instruments! Bring your instrument and join the circle to play some tunes with fellow pickers! Or stop in for a bite and drink and enjoy the live music in Granite Falls!

Karaoke Night at Romeo & Brewliet
2026-01-13 19:00 - 23:00 | Romeo & Brewliet Tap Room & Pour House, 2016 N Center St, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Sing your heart out at Karaoke Night every Tuesday from 7-10 pm at Romeo & Brewliet Tap Room & Pour House! Grab the mic, enjoy great drinks, and let’s make it a fun night! PLUS enjoy food from our rotating food trucks!

Queensrÿche
2026-01-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Newton Performing Arts Center, 60 West 6th Street, Newton, NC, 28658, United States
Tickets: $85-$95
Doors Open – 6:30 pm
Show Starts – 7:30 pm
Queensrÿche first burst onto the music scene in 1982 with the release of their self-titled 4 song EP “Queensrÿche”. They very quickly gained international recognition and performed to sold out audiences around the world. With the follow up first full length album “The Warning” in 1984, and the ground breaking 1986 release of “Rage For Order”, Queensrÿche continued to prove their worldwide dominance as one of the most respected and creative bands of the 80’s. In 1988 the band turned out yet another monumental album “Operation: Mindcrime”, which would go on to become one of the TOP 10 best selling concepts records of all time, and set the stage for continued sold out performances around the world. With the release of the critically acclaimed and commercially successful “Empire” in 1991, the band earned multiple Grammy Award nominations and won the MTV “viewers choice” award for the #1 chart topping hit “Silent Lucidity”. During the next ten years, the band continued to release albums and tour the world to sold out audiences. Queensrÿche has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and have continued to break new ground and push their creative process.

Morganton Wednesday Mini Market
2026-01-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Morganton Wednesday Mini Market, 111 North Green Street, Morganton, NC, 28655, United States
Event:
Morganton’s open-air farmers markets offer the best locally grown products in the area. By visiting the Market and supporting your local growers, you reduce your carbon footprint. Plenty of variety can be found right here at your back door! The Morganton Farmers Market is a cash-only market with only a few vendors set up to accept debit/credit cards. Are you a shopper using SNAP, WIC, or Senior Vouchers? Be sure to stop by J&J Farms’ booth to receive your shopping tokens.

About:
The Wednesday Mini-Market is located at 111 North Green Street, at the corner of Green Street and Avery Avenue. From I-40, take Exit 105, make a right turn and follow South Sterling Street approximately 2.5 miles under the railroad tracks and past the historic courthouse (to your left). The Mini-Market will be on the next corner on the left!

The ART Table Lunch Break
2026-01-14 11:30 - 12:30 | Valley Hills Mall, 1960 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC, 28602, United States
Event:
Hickory Museum of Art would like to invite you to join us every Wednesday at 11:30 AM for lunch and an informal conversation with artist Jim Wojtowicz about art, creativity, and more at HMA’s On the Go satellite location at Valley Hills Mall. Whether you’re an artist or not, Jim’s engaging and informative approach fosters a relaxed environment where participants discover new ideas and perspectives about art and creativity.
Stop by the food court or bring a packed lunch from home and join us at The ART Table to enjoy this FREE midweek break from routine that’s filled with inspiration and creativity. We look forward to seeing you there!

Bead Mosaics with Beth Riddle
2026-01-14 15:30 - 17:00 | Burke Arts Council, 506 S. Sterling Street, Morganton, NC, 28655, United States
Bead Mosaics for Ages: 7–11 with Beth Riddle
Students will learn how to design and create beautifully beaded mosaic pictures in frames.

Dates: Wednesdays, 1/14 & 1/21
Time: 3:30 – 5PM
Price: $30 Members / $35 Non-members

Silent Book Club
2026-01-14 17:00 - 19:00 | MoonJoy Meadery, 902 West Ave NW, Lenoir, NC, 28645, United States
Event:

5-5:30: Grab a snack, a drink, cozy up.
5:30-6:30: Silent reading
6:30-7: chat with other readers or keep reading silently—totally up to you.

Wine Down Wednesdays: Movie Edition at Romeo & Brewliet
2026-01-14 17:00 - 23:00 | Romeo & Brewliet Tap Room & Pour House, 2016 N Center St, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Wine Down Wednesdays: Movie Edition at Romeo & Brewliet Unwind in the middle of the week with a cozy movie night, fall vibes, and the best drink deals in town!
Join us every Wednesday as we dim the lights, pour the wine, and play your favorite feel-good movies. Whether you’re coming with friends, a date, or flying solo, it’s the perfect midweek reset.
Weekly Movie ShowingEach week features a different movie—rom-coms, classics, and must-watch favorites.Check our page for this week’s featured film!
Drink Special:Half Off Bottles of Wine & Bubbles all night long.
Start Time:Movies begin at 7:00 PM (unless otherwise noted).
Location:Romeo & Brewliet Taproom2016 N Center St, Hickory, NC 28601
Come sip, relax, and enjoy a cozy night out. See you Wednesday!

Winter Bourbon Tastings
2026-01-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Lake Hickory Pub and Marina, 6706 Limbaugh Ln, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Winter Bourbon Tastings Are Here! We’re excited to announce our Winter Bourbon Tasting schedule at Lake Hickory Pub and Marina! Spots are limited, so be sure to register online to secure your seat. These tastings fill up fast and you won’t want to miss out!
Limited to 20 people!

Snow Much To Create! - Snowman Night Canvas Paint & Sip Class
2026-01-14 18:30 - 21:00 | Painted Grape, 1366 US-321, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States

Lake Hickory Shag Club
2026-01-14 18:30 - 22:30 | Pour Choices Bottle Shop, 208 N College Ave, Newton, NC, 28658, United States
Event:
Lake Hickory Shag Club was organized in March 1987 by Ann Sigmon and Jim Dingler. Both were lovers of shag dancing and wanted to share this love and experience with others in the Hickory area. Since then, shaggers and “beginning” shaggers have gathered at the VFW in Hickory, NC, home of the club, for dancing and fellowship. Membership has averaged around 100 people each year for the past several years.

$30 Thursday - Tattoos
2026-01-15 12:00 - 21:00 | Tattoo Factory of Hickory, 724 1st Ave SW, Hickory, NC, 28602, United States
$30 THURSDAYS!!! – 100’s of tattoo designs to choose from for only $30!!! – (Designs are 3-4 times larger than our “tiny tattoo” designs!) – WALKINS WELCOME!!! – Sorry, no appointments for this event.

Bethlehem Farmers Market
2026-01-15 16:00 - 19:00 | Mt. Bethel Methodist Church, 9042 NC Hwy 127, Taylorsville, NC, 28681, United States
Event:
The Bethlehem location of the Alexander County Farmers Market is at Mt. Bethel Methodist Church. There is nothing like buying fresh produce, homemade sweets, or handmade crafts from your local vendors! If you GROW IT, MAKE IT, or BAKE IT… please BRING IT!

L.A.T.E. Night Thursday | Ink Outside the Lines: Printmaking Night
2026-01-15 17:00 - 19:00 | DASH Home + Kitchen, 228 Union Square NW #B, Hickory, 28601, United States
Join us for a relaxed and creative Printmaking Night where you’ll get hands-on with three exciting techniques: mono-prints, collagraphs, and Gelli printing. Experiment with textures, layers, and color as you create one-of-a-kind prints—no prior experience needed. All materials will be provided, and you’re free to explore, play, and make something uniquely yours in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
DASH will have wine for purchase, mingle with fellow enthusiasts, and create something uniquely yours.
$25; Members $20 (Space is limited)
Contact Karla @ kstarnes@hickoryart.org to register!

Traveling Taste Buds with Chef Lara: Italy
2026-01-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Burke Arts Council, 506 S. Sterling Street, Morganton, NC, 28655, United States
Join Chef Lara on a culinary world tour!
Our first excursion of the new year will be to Italy where we’ll tantalize our taste buds using fresh and authentic ingredients to celebrate one the world’s most beloved culinary traditions.

What’s on the menu? Arancini (fried Italian rice balls with risotto), fresh mozzarella, and caprese salad. Wine paired with the meal.

Join us on Thursday, January 15 from 5:30- 7:30PMSpace is limited. Sign up early!BAC Members $40 / Non Members $45

Chef Lara Hicks grew up in the Oak Hill area of Morganton and after graduation from Freedom High School continued education at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte NC. After spending about 8 years between school and teaching culinary classes to the refugee community in east Charlotte, Lara moved back home and found herself making random meals and cakes for friends of the family.

Not too long after moving home, Lara started an LLC and continued with private chef work through the present time and now holds the title for 3rd Best in Burke for caterer in 2023. She currently resides in Morganton with her sweet boyfriend, who assists with many private events and private classes. When she isn’t teaching special cooking classes at the Burke Arts Council each month, Lara loves feeding her community and has a wholesome approach to teaching and creating beautiful food sourced from as many local farms/markets as possible.

Music Bingo by the Lake
2026-01-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Lake Hickory Pub and Marina, 6706 Limbaugh Ln, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Event:
Join us every Thursday at Lake Hickory Pub and Marina for music bingo. Great prizes, good food, cold drinks, and a lot of fun.

About:
Today, Lake Hickory Pub & Marina is more than just a marina—it’s a lakeside destination where locals and visitors alike come together for great food, fun adventures, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual waterfront meal, renting a pontoon for a day on the lake, or fueling up at our gas dock, we are here to make every visit memorable.

Young Adult Fellowship & Enterpreneurial Night
2026-01-15 18:00 - 20:00 | OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley, 1331 4th St Dr NW, Suite I, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Event:

In partnership with the Carolinas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Blue Ridge Division, and Lenoi-Rhyne University, this is a monthly meeting where we will gather to socialize and discuss entrepreneurship and other life/career skills. Local business & community leaders will be visiting speakers & mentors as well. This is free to attend, and occurs every third Thursday each month from 6 to 8 PM at the ORY center
