Hickory Buzz

Taylorsville Apple Festival
2025-10-18 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Downtown Taylorsville, Main Ave Drive, Taylorsville, NC, 28681, United States
Event:
The festival boasts 3 entertainment stages: The Main Stage on the courthouse lawn, the Gospel Stage at the west end of the festival, and the Childrens’ Stage on the east end of the festival. The Kid’s Korner is the biggest draw for our younger attendees. The Kid’s Korner has hosted in the past, pony rides, mechanical bucking bull rides, pitching booths, numerous professional inflatables, puppet shows, music and much more. Food vendors surround the courthouse emitting some of the most wonderful smells and best tasting food you’ll find in the Carolinas. One can find, chopped barbeque, eggrolls, hamburgers and hotdogs, barbeque chicken, Italian sausages, and the list goes on. The Taylorsville Apple Festival was started in 1988 by the Sugar Loaf Community Association. The Taylorsville Hometown Development Association took it over in 1996 with approximately 35 exhibits that year. The festival has steadily grown to the stage it now is with an estimated 35,000 attendees. The festival now hosts over 400 booths including rides.

About:
Alexander County was established in 1847, the year of the first sale of land in the county seat (Taylorsville). With the proceeds from the sale, the first courthouse was built on the present site. When the Civil War began, Alexander County was 14 years old. The 1860 population was 5,837; yet Alexander County ranked high per capita in the number of Confederate soldiers serving in the war. The county is named in honor of the Alexander family who were leaders in Colonial North Carolina. Taylorsville is the namesake of either John Louis Taylor, Carolina agriculturist and political philosopher, or General Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States.

Johnny Wilson Farm Pumpkin Patch
2025-10-18 09:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-19 13:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-24 13:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-25 09:00 - 18:00 | Johnny Wilson Farm, 5163 Precious Memories Lane, Granite Falls, NC, 28630, United States
Event:
Corn maze, wagon ride, farm animals, corn crib, duck race, hay maze, apple and pumpkin. Cash Only.

Partners For Cats Adoption Event
2025-10-18 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-25 10:00 - 15:00 | Tractor Supply Co., 111 Independence Blvd Ste E, Morganton, NC, 28655, United States
Event:
We will be at this adoption event with lots of cats and kittens available!
We also have a line of cat themed jewelry and other items that we sell to raise money for the rescue.
All of our cats are fully vetted indoor cats 😉
We do have contacts for barn or warehouse type cats…
Vetting includes spay/neuter, rabies, distemper, feline leukemia FIV testing dewormed and flea treated and they are microchipped to the rescue…
Adoption Fees:
*We often have SPECIALS!*
$100 for our standard dsh breeds
However, we do charge more for Siamese or special breeds. $150
RagDolls, Himalayan, Persian, Other exotics are only $275 when we get them 😉

Mindbender Mansion Exhibit
2025-10-18 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-19 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-22 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-23 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-24 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Catawba Science Center, 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion, an eclectic place full of brainteasers and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem-solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers! Math, science, and technology educational content are woven into the puzzles, videos, and group challenges found inside the exhibit! Sponsored by USConec, Corning, Shurtape, and Piedmont Natural Gas.

Red Wolf Farm- Pumpkin Patch & Maze
2025-10-18 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-19 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-25 10:00 - 18:00 | See Description, United States
Bring the family and make some great Fall memories. Admission includes all activities:

Hayride – as many times as you like

Large, Pro-Designed Corn Maze

Kid’s Corn Maze

Let your kids use their imagination on our Pirate Ship, Tractor, Toy Airplanes, and Wooden Train Play Sets

“Swim” in our giant house of Corn

Challenge a friend to a game of Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe or Checkers

Race on the Pedal Tractors

Play on the Inflatables

Challenge a friend to Farm Ball

Jump in the pre-school bounce house

Try your skills in Pumpkin Bowling

See the farm animals

Check out our artisans work their craft

Relax at a picnic table while you enjoy some food from our food vendors, or bring your own picnic lunch

Grab a drink or snack with our in house concession stand THE THIRSTY WOLF

Create memories to last a Lifetime

Plenty of other photo opportunities

Location:
1900 HW Farm Rd
Maiden, NC 28650
Admission $9 per person (Kids 2 and under are admitted free)

Pet Supermarket Adoption Event
2025-10-18 11:00 - 14:00 | See Description, United States
Join us for an adoption event and meet your new best friend:
Location:
Pet Supermarket
3000 N Center St
Hickory, NC

Schwarzbär Grand Opening & "Jewlz-toberfest" Celebration
2025-10-18 12:00 - 22:00 | Schwarzbär Ale Haus & Biergarten, 305 1st Ave. S, Conover, NC, 28613, United States
Oktoberfest may officially be over, but JEWLZ-TOBERFEST lasts all month long!

Join Us for a Grand Opening Oktoberfest Celebration at Schwarzbär Ale Haus & Biergarten!

Enjoy a full day of German-style fun – with games, food trucks, vendors & more! Prizes awarded for the best dressed, wear your dirndl or lederhosen and get ready to celebrate Bavarian-style!

Date: October 18th

Location: Schwarzbär Ale Haus & Biergarten, 305 1st Ave. S. Conover, NC 28613

Family-friendly • Free admission • Good times guaranteed • Prost!

A STEM Career Showcase!
2025-10-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Catawba Science Center, 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Event:
Don’t miss this month’s SPARK event in the Foothills Collaboratory featuring Corning Optical Communications. SPARK is a STEM career showcase featuring local industries in the Carolina Foothills. Participate in guided activities based on their careers. The LAB can be found at the end of the South entrance hallway, across from Velo-City.

About:
The Catawba Science Center opened its doors in 1975 as the Creative Museum for Youth, founded by the Service League of Hickory (a local volunteer organization) in the historic John Cilley house, a 4,000 sq. ft. Victorian-era structure. Today, Catawba Science Center is a 35,000 sq. ft. science and technology museum whose purpose is to change lives and inspire learning through science and wonder.

SPARK: A STEM Career Showcase
2025-10-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Catawba Science Center, 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Don’t miss this month’s SPARK event! We are pleased to host HitsTech on Saturday, October 18th from 1 – 3 PM in the Foothills Collaboratory. Spark is a STEM career showcase featuring local industries in the Carolina Foothills. Participate in guided activities based on their careers. Free event with the purchase of admission.

Hobbit Party
2025-10-18 13:00 - 18:00 | MoonJoy Meadery, 902 West Ave NW, Lenoir, NC, 28645, United States
Participants will start at MoonJoy Meadery where they will be given an adventure itinerary and be equipped for their journey. Their itinerary will take them through Downtown Lenoir, collecting clues to complete a puzzle provided by us! But beware! Nine Nazgûl are hunting the streets of Downtown looking for the ring. Can you complete your journey without losing the ring? Those who complete their puzzle and adventure will be entered in to a raffle to win numerous prizes! Free to play. Costumes are encouraged

Conover Candy Crawl
2025-10-18 15:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Conover, 105 2nd Ave NE, Conover, NC, 28613-2119, United States
COSTUMES. CANDY. COMMUNITY.

Get ready for a sweet afternoon of costumes, candy, and community fun at the Conover Candy Crawl!

Downtown businesses are teaming up with Shoppes on Main to bring families a safe and exciting trick-or-treating experience. Stroll through downtown, stop by participating storefronts, and collect candy from our local shops—all while shopping small and supporting your community!

What to Expect: Trick-or-treating at multiple downtown shops Fun photo booths + costumed character meet & greets Free stick-on temporary tattoos Baked goods & drinks available for purchase A chance to show off your best costume and snap some memorable photos!
Please note: This event is community-led by local businesses, not city-sponsored. We’re coming together as a downtown family to make this happen, and we ask everyone to abide by all laws and safety guidelines when traveling downtown.
Help us spread the word! Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join the fun and let’s make downtown Conover come alive with costumes and candy this Halloween season.

Mark yourself as Going and share this event to support your favorite local businesses!
Location:
Downtown Conover, NC

111 1st Ave S
Conover, NC 28613

Brought to you by:
Shoppes on Main
Conover Quilt Company
The Healthy Pour Nutrition
Schwarzbar Ale Haus
Sumosa’s Cakery
Evexia
Patriot Jerky
French Hen Conover
Carpe Diem Antiques
Marie & Twannette’s
Embroidery Heaven Conover

Learn to Square Dance
2025-10-20 18:30 - 20:00 | St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Youth Building, 52 16th Street NW, Hickory, NC, 289601, United States
Learn to Square Dance in just 12 lessons!
Sponsored by the Catawba Valley Cloverleafs Square Dance Club
FUN, heart and brain healthy!
No partner needed – 12 to 90 years old!
Mondays 6:30-8:00 p.m.
New Session begins Sep. 22, 2025
$60 per person
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Youth Building
52 16th Street NW, Hickory NC 28601
For more information Call Tonya Brannan 828-312-5849
Facebook: “Catawba Valley Cloverleafs Square Dancing”

Tales for Preschoolers
2025-10-21 10:00 - 10:30 | Patrick Beaver Library, 375 3rd St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
About:
Explore stories, dancing, and singing in this interactive story time designed for ages 3-5. All are welcome. 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
2025-10-21 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.

B Chord Live Corn Hole
2025-10-21 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!

Creepy Crawly Animal Encounters
2025-10-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Catawba Science Center, 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Spooky Season is upon us! This October, experience the creepy crawlies of Catawba Science Center. Free event with the purchase of admission.

Downtown Monster Mash
2025-10-23 16:00 - 19:00 | Downtown, Under the Sails, 246 Union Square NW, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Event:
The Hickory Downtown Development Association will host a Monster Mash on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, from 4pm – 7pm! The event will include Candy Crawl at Downtown Businesses, Costume Contest and a Zombie Walk!

About:

A variety of unique retail shops, restaurants, professional offices, and entertainment venues are located in a park-like setting in the heart of Hickory. Outdoor dining enables you to experience the seasons in North Carolina’s foothills while consuming the cuisine of award-winning chefs. The community theatre and downtown cinema are a short walk from downtown’s free parking.

40th Heritage Festival
2025-10-25 10:00 - 17:00 | Hart Square Village, 5055 Hope Road, Vale, NC, 28168, United States
Event:
To enter Hart Square Village on festival day is to enter the early 1800s. Hart Square bustles with over three hundred knowledgeable artisans and historic demonstrators dressed in period clothing. Our artisans truly bring the village to life by sharing the craftsmanship and subsistence of Carolina’s pioneers. Visitors will witness everything from flax making, cotton baling, and tinsmithing to apple butter making and the sweet sounds of old-time music. Hart Square Village is the nation’s largest collection of historic log structures. On festival day, all 103 historic structures will be open! North Carolina artist Bob Timberlake says, “I’ve visited Colonial Williamsburg, almost grew up in Old Salem, and I’ve seen other restored places all over North America, and nothing compares with Hart Square Village just south of Hickory.” We boast the most talented and authentic demonstrators in the country and know you will agree with us when you join us at the 40th Heritage Festival. (Adults: $50, Youth 13-18: $25, Child 12 & under: Free)

About:
Hart Square Foundation is responsible for the historic preservation of Hart Square Village and the conservation of traditional and regional arts. They host mission-driven public events year-round, offer folklife classes and K-12 educational programming, and welcome members Tuesday through Saturday through our membership program.

Fall in Love with Long View Annual Fall Festival
2025-10-25 15:00 - 18:00 | Long View Recreation Center, 3107 2nd Ave NW, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
This year’s theme, “Come FALL in Love with Long View,” celebrates community spirit, creativity, and connection in the heart of town.
The Fall Festival promises an afternoon filled with family-friendly fun, including local vendors, food trucks, games, inflatables, Moose Entertainment, and activities for all ages. Children can enjoy our hay ride around the festival, inflatables, and crafts, while adults explore handmade goods and connect with community organizations.
Parking will be located on the upper field off 33rd Street NW, with handicap-accessible shuttle service available.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Long View Recreation Center, 3107 2nd Ave NW
Parking: Upper field off 33rd St NW (Shuttle available for handicap parking)
Theme: “Come FALL in Love with Long View”
