Consider this your official reminder to make some fall plans. Hickory’s calendar is packed with festivals, beloved traditions, live music, spooky adventures and plenty of seasonal fun. Mark your calendar, rally your crew and start planning around the can’t-miss events that make the season in Hickory one to remember.
Lake Hickory Haunts: Select nights, Sept. 12–Nov. 7
Face your fears at Lake Hickory Haunts, the Carolinas’ premier haunted theme park. With 13 heart-pounding attractions, movie-quality sets, and more than 100 characters ready to make you jump, Lake Hickory Haunts delivers a seriously spooky experience. Open select nights from September 12 through November 7, with ticket prices varying by date. Grab your friends for a frightfully fun night out.
Oyster Festival: City Walk Brewing, Sept. 19
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Bring your appetite to the 2nd Annual City Walk Brewing Oyster Festival on September 19. This all-you-care-to-eat oyster roast and pig pickin’ serves up raw and steamed oysters, steamed shrimp, grilled corn, scratch-made sides and cornbread, with live music and drink specials throughout the day. Don’t miss The Salt Bay Oyster Stout, a beer brewed specifically for the festival. VIP admission begins at noon, general admission at 1 p.m., and the festival runs until midnight. Tickets are $55 for general admission, $95 for VIP, and $15 for kids ages 5–12.
42nd Annual Harvest Folk Festival: Murray’s Mill, Sept. 26–27
Murray's Mill comes alive September 26–27 for the 42nd Annual Harvest Folk Festival, a celebration of music, crafts and classic fall traditions. Watch blacksmiths hammer away, beekeepers tend hives and artisans make butter and molasses the old-fashioned way. Explore the historic mill, grab fresh flour or cornmeal, and sample bites from local food vendors. Festival hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday; admission is $10 for adults, and kids 12 and under are free.
The Autolawn Euro Classic Car Show: Hickory Museum of Art, Oct. 3
Spend October 3 surrounded by European classic cars at the Autolawn Party on the SALT Block lawn. Hosted by the Hickory Museum of Art, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features up to 80 vehicles, live music, food, a beer garden, merchandise, kids’ art activities and an awards ceremony. Spectator admission is free, and proceeds benefit the museum’s educational programming.
Red Wolf Farm Pumpkin Patch: Weekends, Oct. 3–31
Red Wolf Farm in Maiden is the place to be for Weekend Pumpkin Patch activities, open Saturdays and Sundays from October 3–31, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Pick the perfect pumpkin, hop on unlimited hayrides, tackle a giant corn maze, meet friendly farm animals and dive into games and activities that keep everyone entertained. Admission is $9 per person (kids 2 and under are free) and includes all activities. It’s the kind of place where one afternoon can easily turn into an all-day adventure.
Oktoberfest in downtown Hickory: Oct. 9–11
Dust off your lederhosen. One of Hickory’s biggest annual events is back. Oktoberfest takes over downtown Hickory October 9–11 with beer tents, bratwurst, live music, artisan booths and Kidsfest fun. The three-day festival celebrates Hickory’s German roots, including those of German-born co-founder Adolphus “Dolph” Shuford. Grab a pretzel, raise a stein and join the party all weekend, with festivities running Friday from 5–11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.–11 p.m. and Sunday from noon–5 p.m.
Fall Heritage Festival: Hart Square Village, Oct. 24
Step back in time at Hart Square Village, home to the nation’s largest collection of historic log structures. On October 24 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., over 300 artisans and demonstrators bring the Fall Heritage Festival to life with tinsmiths, lacemakers, potters, music, food and hands-on fun for all ages. Experience the sights, sounds and traditions of the 1800s through lively demonstrations and activities. Tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for youth 13–18 and free for children 12 and under, and can be purchased on the Hart Square website.
Fall foliage at Catawba County Parks: Peak late Oct.–early Nov.
Fall foliage puts on quite a show in Catawba County. Catawba County Parks are the place to be. Leaves typically peak from late October through early November, making it the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the season. From mountain views to riverside strolls, the landscape comes alive with color. Hike Bakers Mountain Park, home to the county’s highest elevation point, for sweeping panoramas, wander Riverbend Park along the Catawba River, tackle multi-use trails at Mountain Creek Park, or spend a crisp day at St. Stephens Park with its dog park, playground and wooded one-third-mile hiking loop. No matter your pace, there is a spot to soak in the reds, oranges and golds of fall.
Fall moves fast, so do not let these events pass you by. Check out our event calendar for more ways to enjoy the season, then get out there and make the most of fall in Hickory. There is no better time to fall for Hickory.
