Visit Hickory NC

09/10/2026

There’s a lot to look forward to this fall in Hickory! 🍂

From festivals and beloved traditions to live music, spooky adventures and plenty of seasonal fun, there’s something to add to every fall itinerary. Rally your crew, mark your calendar and start making those weekend plans! 💛

09/09/2026

Hickory, get ready. Oktoberfest is one month away! 🍻🍂

Mark your calendar for October 9–11, when Downtown Hickory comes alive with three days of live music, food and craft vendors, KidsFest and, of course, plenty of b**r. Did you know Hickory has German roots dating back to its founding? That makes Oktoberfest feel right at home here.

🗓️ Save the date and start planning your fall weekend in Hickory!

09/09/2026

✨HMA’S NEW CHAPTER IS DRESSED TO IMPRESS ✨

After a year-long transformation, the Hickory Museum of Art has reopened—and it’s making quite the entrance.

For its grand return, HMA partnered with acclaimed fashion designer Charles Harbison to dress the museum for an exhibition unlike anything we’ve seen before. Born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, Harbison’s return to the region is a deeply personal homecoming—and his work now takes center stage throughout HMA. 

For the first time in HMA’s 80-year history, a single guest artist has taken over all three floors of the museum. 

Meet The Women.

A stunning celebration of fashion, art, and the women who inspire us, the exhibition pairs Harbison’s exceptional designs—including four custom silhouettes inspired by works from HMA’s permanent collection—with pieces from his studio archives and iconic red-carpet looks. All of Harbison’s looks are paired with pieces from the HMA permanent collection, including works by Roy Lichtenstein, Juan Logan, Robert Motherwell, and more.  

And it’s all part of The Golden Thread, HMA’s reopening theme—honoring the museum’s history while looking toward its exciting future. 

See it for yourself:
September 6, 2026–January 31, 2027
Open Wednesday–Saturday | 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday | 1–4 PM
Second Saturdays | 10 AM–8 PM
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Holidays
Free admission | $5 suggested donation to support future exhibitions

Plan your visit → hickoryart.org

09/06/2026

👀 Just a little sneak peek…

One painting. One dress. And just a hint of what’s waiting inside.

The Hickory Museum of Art is officially reopening today with the highly anticipated Charles Harbison exhibition: The Women—and this is just one small piece of the incredible story.

Come celebrate the grand reopening today from 1–4 p.m., explore the newly refreshed museum, and experience this stunning exhibition for yourself. It is truly awe inspiring!

Trust us. You’ll want to see this for yourself. 🎨✨

09/04/2026

This is your sign to try Downtown Hickory’s newest spot. 🎷

Meet The Downbeat | Hickory Jazz Lounge, a premier jazz, vinyl, small plates and cocktail lounge. While the moody, intimate space is perfect for cocktails and live jazz on a weekend night, it’s also a seriously good spot to pop in for lunch. And yes, the pimento cheese Wagyu smash sliders are absolutely worth ordering. Trust us on this one. 😉

From brunch and lunch to dinner and late-night vibes, The Downbeat is bringing a whole new rhythm to Hickory.

09/03/2026

September plans? Make at least one of them a night at The Sails. 🎶

The final month of the Sails Original Music Series is here, and there are only a few more Friday nights to join the fun! Grab dinner on a patio, sip something from the Social District and get ready for a night of free live music in the heart of Downtown Hickory. ✨

📷 Blue Yonder
City of Hickory, NC - Government

09/02/2026

A big weekend for art is almost here! ✨

After a year-long transformation, Hickory Museum of Art reopens this Labor Day weekend! 🎨 Celebrate the museum's grand return and experience a spectacular inaugural exhibition from acclaimed North Carolina fashion designer Charles Harbison.

The festivities include a special Preview Party on Saturday and a FREE Community Grand Reopening Celebration on Sunday, September 6, with a ribbon cutting, hands-on activities and more. 🎉

💛 Read more about the Grand Reopening Weekend below!

HICKORY, N.C. — After a year-long transformation, Hickory Museum of Art (HMA) is ready to welcome the community back to a reimagined museum designed to inspire, connect, and serve generations to come.

09/02/2026

The Hickory Furniture Mart Labor Day Sale is happening this weekend, September 4–7! 🛋️

With special savings on outlet items and special orders, it's the perfect time to shop, browse and find something new for your home. With more than 100 showrooms to explore, you'll want to come prepared! So before you go, check out our latest blog for 7 sMart tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Shop the sale, then fill the rest of your long weekend with everything else Hickory has to offer!

The Hickory Furniture Mart is more than just a shopping destination. It's part of a furniture-making tradition that has shaped the Hickory area for more than a century. Since opening in 1967, the Mart

09/01/2026

September is here, and we’re here to help you make the most of it. 💛

Consider this your official September to-do list, from soaking up the last of summer on Lake Hickory to enjoying live music, patio views, local shopping and getting a head start on your fall plans.

Swipe through and start checking things off! ✅ Which one are you adding to your itinerary first?

08/25/2026

Dinner plans? We know a few tables. 👀

We teamed up with The Local Palate to spotlight Hickory’s Most Romantic Tables. From cozy booths to hidden cocktail lounges, these are the spots made for date nights, celebrations, and lingering a little longer over dessert.

👉 Read the full list below and plan your next night out.
📍 Vintage House Restaurant, Charolais Steakhouse, Boca Restaurant, North Hickory Market, Cowa Saké, City Walk Distilling

In Hickory, intimate dining rooms, crafted cocktails, and memorable flavors create the perfect setting for an evening out.