This Week’s Buzz: Aviation, Anytime Fun & More

Celebrate National Aviation Week — Right Here in Hickory

It’s National Aviation Week, and we have a pretty great way to celebrate without ever leaving Hickory!

The newly reopened Hickory Aviation Museum gives visitors a chance to get an up-close look at aviation history right here at Hickory Regional Airport. The museum moved into its new facility this spring, bringing its collection of historic aircraft and aviation artifacts into a whole new setting.

And here’s something we especially love: this isn’t an event you have to squeeze into one particular weekend. It’s one of those places you can add to your list whenever you’re looking for something interesting to do.

Visit the Hickory Aviation Museum

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, looking for something to do with the kids, or you’ve simply driven past and wondered what’s inside, this is a great week to finally check it out.

The museum’s collection includes historic military aircraft with some fascinating stories behind them. One example is its F-14D Tomcat—the aircraft flew the U.S. Navy’s final official F-14 flight during the 2006 Sunset Ceremony before eventually making its way to Hickory.

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Introducing: Anytime Fun

The Hickory Buzz calendar is great when you’re asking, “What’s happening this weekend?”

But sometimes the question is simply:

“What can we do today?”

That’s why we’re launching a brand-new section of HickoryBuzz.com: Anytime Fun.

This is where you’ll find places you can enjoy without waiting for a special event—museums, parks, attractions and other local destinations that are worth exploring.

The Hickory Aviation Museum is just one of them.

So the next time you’re looking for something to do, don’t stop at the events calendar. Check out Anytime Fun and discover another side of the Catawba Valley. We’re just getting started, and listings will continue to be posted. We’re discovering all kinds of fun new activities.


Buzz Briefs

Planning a Wedding? Here’s Your Free Ticket!

The Hickory Wedding Expo is coming to the Hickory Metro Convention Center on Sunday, September 13! If there’s a wedding in your future—or you’re helping someone plan one—come meet local wedding professionals, gather ideas and get inspired for the big day.

Even better: free tickets are available now.

Calling All Wedding Vendors

Do you have a business that serves couples planning their weddings? There are still vendor booths available for the Hickory Wedding Expo on Sunday, September 13.

From photographers and venues to florists, caterers, DJs, beauty professionals, rentals and beyond, this is your opportunity to meet engaged couples face-to-face while they’re actively planning their weddings.

Learn More

Join Our Facebook Group

Let’s get the conversation going. Join our Hickory Buzz – Events & Information – Hickory, NC Unifour Facebook group to discover even more local events, connect with fellow community members, and help spread the word about what’s happening around the area.

We also have Marketing Monday in the group. It’s a great way to learn about many of the small businesses in our region.

Have a Buzz Brief?

Send us a quick email at hello@hickorybuzz.com and we may add your announcement to a future email or blog post.



Events This Weekend

Thursday August 20

 5:00 am – 2:00 pm Flea Market & Farmers Market

 8:30 am – 12:00 pm Grape Kids – Daily – Craft & Paint Summer Camp (2026 Hickory)

 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Art Exhibit: The Life of a Bag by Lauren Jordan

 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Catawba County Public Health Farmers Market

 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Older Adults: Part 2 – Coping Skills

 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Newton Farmers Market

 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Bethlehem Farmers Market

 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Pioneer Pantry: The Art & History of Historic Cooking

 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Open Mic Night at Copper Penny Grill Lake Hickory

 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Ridgeview Chess

 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Step-by-Step Painting for Adults: Book Bouquet

 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Carolina Style Chorus open rehearsals Thursday nights

 6:30 pm Extending Hope to Parents in the Digital Age

 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Hickory Crawdads vs. Delmarva Shorebirds

 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Lincolnton Alive After Five Concert Series


Friday August 21

 8:30 am – 12:00 pm Grape Kids – Daily – Craft & Paint Summer Camp (2026 Hickory)

 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Art Exhibit: The Life of a Bag by Lauren Jordan

 9:15 am – 10:00 am StoryTime at Bisque Boutique: The Ugly Dumpling

 10:00 am – 11:00 am Chair Yoga

 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Zen Den

 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Farm Fridays at Whippoorwill Farm

 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Open Mic Night

 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Myra’s Friday Night Cruise-In

 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Hickory Crawdads vs. Delmarva Shorebirds

 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Illusions The Drag Queen Show Hickory

 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm 2026 Kay Awards


Saturday August 22

 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Hickory Farmers Market

 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Conover Farmers Market

 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Taylorsville Farmers Market

 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Art Exhibit: The Life of a Bag by Lauren Jordan

 9:15 am – 10:00 am StoryTime at Bisque Boutique: The Ugly Dumpling

 9:30 am – 11:00 am Paddle Board Yoga

 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Conover Cruz’n for a Cause at Conover Park

 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Brunch with Chris Day

 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Tony Eltora at Hickory Social House

 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Elvis Tribute

 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Hickory Crawdads vs. Delmarva Shorebirds

 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Alexander County’s 2026 Summer Concert Series

 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Movies In The Park

 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm Like Father Like Daughter

 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm Saturday Screenings | A Minecraft Movie


Sunday August 23

 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Art Exhibit: The Life of a Bag by Lauren Jordan

 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Hickory Crawdads vs. Delmarva Shorebirds

 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Music at the Marina – Rural Ridge Rebellion


Hickory Buzz helps you discover things you didn’t even know you were looking for.