NEW!!! VR Experience with IMMOTION
2026-03-21 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-22 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Catawba Science Center, 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Step back 66 million years and journey through the final chapter of the age of dinosaurs in Dinosaur Evolution—a thrilling immersive experience that brings the Cretaceous world to life. Witness feathered raptors on the hunt, armored giants defending their turf, and the mighty T. rex at the top of the food chain. But even these perfectly evolved creatures couldn’t escape Earth’s most devastating extinction event. Stunning visuals and cutting-edge science reveal how evolution shaped the dinosaurs—and how birds, their modern-day descendants, continue their legacy. It’s a prehistoric adventure that will inspire the next generation of paleontologists and conservationists alike.

SPARK-A Stem Career Showcase
2026-03-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Catawba Science Center, 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Join us for this month’s SPARK event featuring Hickory Museum of Art on Saturday, March 21st from 1 – 3 PM, in the Foothills Collaboratory! The LAB can be found at the end of the South entrance hallway across from Velo-City.
SPARK is a STEM career showcase featuring local industries in the Carolina Foothills. Participate in guided activities based on their careers. This event is FREE with the purchase of admission.
Are you a business looking to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders? Become a host for our next SPARK STEM Career Showcase and ignite curiosity and innovation in young learners!

Mug Workshop
2026-03-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Mud Mamas Studio, 932 3rd Ave NW, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Make your own mug out of clay! We start with a slab and show you step-by-step how to make a ceramic mug. This is an easy and beginner level project. No experience required.

Grateful Dead Laser Show
2026-03-21 15:00 - 16:00 | Catawba Science Center, 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Happy Birthday Jerry Garcia!!
Join us for a special showing of the Grateful Dead Laser Show on March 21st at 3:00pm.
Embark on a psychedelic journey through sound and space with Laser Grateful Dead, a mesmerizing laser show set to the iconic music of the Grateful Dead. Immerse yourself in stunning visuals, twirling to the Dead’s most beloved songs, including “Truckin'”, “Dark Star,” and “Sugar Magnolia.” Lasers in the dome will transport you to a cosmic realm where the boundaries of time and space dissolve.

Mutts Gone Nuts
2026-03-21 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Newton Performing Arts Center, 60 West 6th Street, Newton, NC, 28658, United States
Former First Lady Barbara Bush said when seeing the show, “I laughed until I wept!”
Expect the unexpected, as canines and comedy collide in a smash hit performance that’s leaving audiences everywhere howling for more. From shelters to showbiz, these amazing mutts unleash havoc and hilarity in a breathtaking, action-packed, comedy dog spectacular, featuring some of the world’s most talented 4-legged performers. Deemed “A Must See” by the Washington Post, the dogs are sure to steal your heart, and then your socks!
Since 1985, comedy duo Scott and Joan Houghton have brought their unique blend of physical comedy and circus arts to audiences from Las Vegas to Tokyo. They spent three years with country star Lee Greenwood at his theater in Tennessee and seven years as the featured comedy act at Dolly Parton’s Theaters in Branson, Orlando and Myrtle Beach.
In 2005, the duo turned their attention to creating a comedy dog act, Mutts Gone Nuts. Their nine amazing canine partners are all adopted from animal shelters and rescues. Using all positive, reward-based training methods, the Houghton’s look for what the dogs like to do naturally and cultivate those talents. They attempt to match wits with their mischievous mutts in a family-friendly performance that leaves audiences howling for more!

Heroes of Barcadia at Schwarzbär Ale Haus
2026-03-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Schwarzbär Ale Haus & Biergarten, 305 1st Ave. S, Conover, NC, 28613, United States
$5 gets you one of 8 spots at the table for Hereos of Barcadia – every Saturday at 4pm. This 10-week tournament will test your skills, patience and drinking ability.

What to Expect: In Heroes of Barcadia, players battle monsters and bosses to collect Power-Ups with mystical abilities. Perhaps one of these powerful relics can give you a winning advantage in your race for the Drink Hoard.

Use devious Loot Cards to ruin your opponent’s plans, all the while making sure your Health Bar Cup doesn’t end up empty.Nice guys finish last in this fast-paced, ever-changing, pun-tastic party game for fantasy and beverage connoisseurs alike.

THE LAW OF THE LAND:

– Must be 15+– Weekly play is limited to 8 seats– Alcohol not required but no outside beverages permitted– Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis– Tickets may be purchased up to 48-hours in advance (Thursday)– Tickets are available for purchase in-store or via Eventbrite (fee applies)– Final game (3/14/26) will be limited to prior weekly winners, with purse and trophy awarded to winner

Tickets go on sale every Thursday, purchase onsite or online at Eventbrite.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heroes-of-barcadia-tournament-at-schwarzbar-ale-haus-week-one-tickets-1980012394372

Music in the Pub
2026-03-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Lake Hickory Pub and Marina, 6706 Limbaugh Ln, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Join us from January through March for live music on Saturday evenings from 6pm-9pm at Lake Hickory Pub and Marina. Where Lake, Life and Live Music Meet!

Under the Canopy
2026-03-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Lake Hickory Country Club, 430 17th Avenue NW, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Travel Back in Time at CSC’s 39th Annual Fundraiser!

Join us on March 21, 2026, at the beautiful Lake Hickory Country Club for an unforgettable night where prehistoric wonder meets modern-day excitement. From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another era—don’t be surprised if it seems like a dinosaur could be lurking just around the corner!

Enjoy interactive games with prizes, indulge in chef-crafted delicacies, and browse an incredible selection of auction items you won’t want to leave behind. After the live auction wraps up, keep the night going by dancing to crowd-favorite hits performed by a live band.
This is more than an event—it’s an experience that will be talked about for years to come. You won’t want to miss it!

Early Bird Tickets are on special sale now through January 31stTicket prices increase on February 1st, so grab yours early!

For more information on our annual fundraiser, head over to our website at https://catawbascience.org/support/annual-fundraiser/

Sickman (Alice in Chains) & As Daylight Dies (Killswitch Engage)
2026-03-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Hickory Premier, 109 11th St NW, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
SICKMAN – The Ultimate Alice In Chains TributeWith Special Guest: Stone Temple Project
Join The Premier for a night celebrating the dark, melodic legacy of Alice In Chains.
Charlotte-based SICKMAN delivers an authentic tribute to one of the most influential rock bands of the 1990s, honoring the heavy riffs, haunting harmonies, and unmistakable sound that defined a generation. With special guest As Daylight Dies a Triad based Killswitch Engage tribute
Saturday, March 21 Doors Open: 7:00 PM The Premier109 11th St NW, Hickory, NC 28601

NASCAR Local Racing Series
2026-03-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Hickory Motor Speedway, 3130 US Hwy 70 SE, Newton, NC, 28658, United States
Experience the excitement of the NASCAR Local Racing Series at Hickory Motor Speedway. Cheer on your favorite local racers as Limited Late Models, Street Stock, Baby Grands, Renegades, and Hickory Mini Stocks battle it out under the lights. The night features Twin Limited Late Model 40s, delivering double the action and nonstop thrills. Racing starts at 7 pm for an evening of hometown racing at its best.

The Trail to Oregon
2026-03-21 19:30 - 21:30 | Hickory Community Theatre, 30 3rd St NW, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Join our All-American family as they journey down THE TRAIL TO OREGON, an original musical produced by Starkid Productions. It is the most historically accurate musical portraying the Oregon Trail to date; featuring 12 educational songs, a set precisely replicating the trail’s landscape, and appearances from famous historical figures, such as: Henry McDoon, Cletus Jones, and Cornwallis. Based on The Oregon Trail computer game that an entire generation grew up with and loved.

C&E Gun Show
2026-03-22 10:00 - 17:00 | Hickory Metro Convention Center, 1960 13th Ave Dr SE, Hickory, NC, 28602, United States
C & E Gun Shows provide customers with venues to buy, sell, and trade firearms and related merchandise!
Saturday: 9 AM-5 PM
Sunday: 10 AM-5 PM

DINOSAURS!
2026-03-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Catawba Science Center, 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Dinosaurs Return to Catawba Science Center
Opening at the Catawba Science Center on February 8th!
Members-only opening Saturday, February 7th – Public Opening Sunday, February 8th

Line Dancing with Angie!
2026-03-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Dive Bar Hickory, 117 Government Ave SW, Hickory, NC, 28602, United States
Event:

Every Sunday from 6pm-7:30pm in Hickory! All skill levels welcomed… Even those with two left feet!

Senior Bingo & Brain Games
2026-03-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Patrick Beaver Library, 375 3rd St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Event:
Senior Bingo & Brain Games meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month for fun in a friendly environment. Our casual and relaxed pace makes it perfect for people of all playing levels. Bring friends or join us on your own and meet new people in our community. Sponsored by Friends of Hickory Public Library.

About:

Hickory Public Library promotes a high quality of life by providing empowering opportunities and excellent service. Hickory Public Library is a department of the City of Hickory, North Carolina, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The library has two locations: the main facility, the Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, and the Ridgeview Branch.

LA Shaggers Test & Tune
2026-03-23 18:30 - 20:30 | 1841 Cafe, 117 N Main St, Lenoir, NC, 28645, United States
Beginner/Intermediate/Advance Shag Lessons
***FREE***
Monday nights 6:30pm-8:30pm
@ 1841 Cafe
117 N Main St, Lenoir, NC 28645
Ignore the closed sign go in and ask directions to the 4th floor. Bring take-out or eat before you come the kitchen is close on Mondays
Call Vickie
828.850.3857 to confirm meeting each week.

Taps & Tunes Music Bingo at Schwarzbär Ale Haus
2026-03-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Schwarzbär Ale Haus & Biergarten, 305 1st Ave. S, Conover, NC, 28613, United States
Try your hand and test your luck, no music knowledge required! “Shazam” your way through a classic game of bingo with a musical twist. Prizes and bragging rights awarded for each round!

Sidetracked Weekly Pinball Tournament
2026-03-23 18:30 - 21:30 | 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

Trivia Night at Romeo & Brewliet!
2026-03-23 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!

Pre-K Craft & Storytime - Grape Kids Class
2026-03-24 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
2026-03-24 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.

Locals Night at Copper Penny Grill
2026-03-24 17:00 - 21:00 | Copper Penny Grill Lake Hickory, 101 Catawba Avenue, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Snow piling up outside? That is your sign to come warm up at Locals Night at Copper Penny Grill Lake Hickory.

$1 wings, drink specials, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal, and prime rib rolling out at 5 pm. Perfect midweek cozy-up with your favorite people.

Stay warm and drive safe!

CopperPennyLakeHickory.com

Community Square Dance
2026-03-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Hart Square Village, 5055 Hope Road, Vale, NC, 28168, United States
Community square dances are attended by young and old, couples and singles, and anyone interested in getting out, moving, listening to live music, and enjoying fellowship with others in the community. Beginners are welcome, and all dances are taught.
We invite people of all backgrounds and ages to enjoy an oral tradition passed down for hundreds of years. The Hickory Music Factory’s “Old Time String Band” and a dance caller will lead you throughout the evening. We will primarily draw upon the traditional social dances of America.
Journey into the past and learn square dances, step dances, reels, and other dance forms practiced in Southern Appalachia. These distinctive folk dances are the culmination of the many heritages that settled in this region. Folk dancing today is built on the European, African American, and Native American traditions of our past, but they are very much alive in the present.
You can help bring them to life by attending this inter-generational dance. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All ages are welcome, and no experience is necessary.
If you play an instrument and want to experience performing old-time music, please contact Liam Bailey from the Hickory Music Factory at liam@liamthomasbailey.com.

Taproom Trivia at Schwarzbär Ale Haus
2026-03-24 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!

B Chord Live Corn Hole
2026-03-24 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
2026-03-24 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
2026-03-24 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!

Morganton Wednesday Mini Market
2026-03-25 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!
