This weekend in Burlington, NC

Get ready for the North Carolina Paddle Battle, a pickleball tournament held at the Burlington Pickleball Complex. It’s open to players in the 2.5 to 5.0 range, with match play organized first by skill level and then by age division based on registrations. The format includes round-robin play, followed by brackets, with most players competing in 7 to 9 games. There’s also an open cash prize division for Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, with $6,000 in cash available and each event capped at 14 teams.

Catch the Burlington Showcase, a fastpitch softball tournament held at Burlington Springwood Park. It runs over two days, August 8 through August 9, 2026.

Now in its fifth year, the Alamance County Junior Firefighter Competition offers a full day of friendly challenges and hands-on skill demonstrations. Participants will take on events such as knot tying, quick dress, RIT operation, and a relay race, along with a few new additions. Each team must include at least four members, and groups with more than eight juniors should register a second team.

This 9-hour North Carolina Concealed Carry Handgun course is designed as required training for applying for a NC concealed carry permit. You’ll cover safe handgun handling, including loading and unloading, shooting proficiency requirements, and a test on basic parts of semi-automatic pistols and revolvers as well as the laws that govern the NC concealed handgun permit. The class includes both classroom instruction and live-fire range time, and it also notes wheelchair accessibility and permit certification.

Family, friends, and community members gather at Lucky’s Saloon for a benefit ride honoring Joey and the difference he made in so many lives. The ride sets off from the saloon and serves as a time to remember a caring father, a cherished husband to April, and a dependable friend known for his work ethic, generosity, and readiness to lend a hand. It is also a moment to show support for April, their children, and the rest of his family by celebrating his life, sharing stories, and reminding them they are surrounded by care. Details about registration, the route, and scheduling will be shared as they become available. His memory is deeply cherished.

Enjoy a relaxed outdoor gathering at Celo Faucette Community Garden where a thoughtfully selected story is shared aloud, then families dive into a creative art project inspired by the book. The event is ideal for families with children ages 2 to 10, and all ages are welcome. Plan to spend 30 to 60 minutes. Dress for the weather and bring a camp chair or blanket for seating. Consider arriving early or staying afterward to enjoy the playground. RSVPs are appreciated but not required, and you may use the ticket link to sign up.

Celebrate manga, anime, and community at Greensboro Public Library Anime Con, a free, all-ages, single-day mini convention. Expect cosplay, panels, artist and vendor booths, workshops, and special guests, all focused on manga, anime, video games, and Asian pop culture.

Little Lambs is a relaxed Saturday morning playgroup at church designed for children from birth through age 4, with siblings welcome, together with their parents or caregivers. It offers an easygoing setting for play, connection, and fellowship. Children can explore and make new friends while adults enjoy conversation and community. Come as you are and stay for as long as works for your family. If you plan to attend, please email Kelby Hardy at kelbylwest@gmail.com.

This summer bookish brunch at Long's Chapel Christian Church features food and friendly fellowship, opportunities for book sales and trades, book-themed products and other goods for sale, and drawings.

This summertime series focuses on pelvic floor and core health in a supportive setting, helping participants build awareness, strength, confidence, and connection through education and guided practice. Each session begins with a brief lesson, then moves into breathwork, mobility, movement, or recovery techniques. Registration is free, though advance sign up is required. Attendance is flexible, with the option to take individual classes at any participating location, and there is no requirement to complete all five sessions in the series. Week 2 centers on core restoration, starting with the deepest layers and building outward. The class explains how the core is more than the abdominals, clarifies the roles of local and global muscle groups, and addresses ways pregnancy can affect core function. Participants work through guided activation, stability training, and progressive movements to rebuild strength and posture while supporting a steady, unhurried recovery that nurtures confidence.

Settle in for a relaxing tea party with tasty bites, heartfelt conversation, and moments of encouragement. Designed for women and girls ages 10 and up, this gathering offers time to slow the pace, connect with others, and reflect on God’s faithfulness. Attend with a mom, daughter, sister, grandmother, neighbor, or a friend, or come on your own and meet someone new. Guests can expect to leave feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired.

Tails from the Crypt Book Club welcomes horror readers for a monthly in-person discussion. The August selection is "You Weren't Meant to be Human" by Andrew Joseph White. Each pick is finalized before the prior month's gathering so the store can have copies ready to purchase, and copies for this title will be available by the July meeting. Perks include 15% off when you buy the Book Club title, plus 15% off everything in the store on Book Club day, including coffee, gifts, or another book for your shelf.

Sonnet Fest brings Shakespeare’s sonnets to life with creative performances along the west side of the Downtown Greenway. Several performer groups will take their turns in public art installations, and the audience will rotate after each performance so attendees can experience the full lineup of sonnets during the festival. Performances are free, with donations welcome.

As part of a summer event on the Depot Stage, Caleb McArthur & The Whiskey Ridge Outlaws deliver a high energy blend of country and southern rock in downtown Gibsonville. Expect upbeat, good time vibes throughout this live music set.

Graham-Mebane Lake hosts a bank-fishing catfish competition where anglers compete from shore for the heaviest catches. The payout awards go to the three heaviest catfish weighed by three different entrants. Participants may bring multiple fish to the scales, but only each angler’s single heaviest fish counts. All fish must be caught on rod, line, and hook within Graham-Mebane Lake during the tournament. Entry is $15 per angler. Spectators are free and should identify themselves to lake staff during sign-up or upon arrival. The tournament is open to all ages. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and must be able to cast, set the hook, and reel in on their own. Adults may assist with netting only. Same-day, in-person registration is available. Each entrant may use two rods, and live bait can be purchased on site. Only baits that are legal for use in North Carolina inland waters are permitted. Anyone 16 or older must have a valid North Carolina fishing license. A 50/50 drawing will take place during the event. This is an alcohol, tobacco, and vape-free environment. Pets must remain on a hand-held leash and under control. The tournament is weather dependent.

Live on the Green welcomes Caleb McArthur & The Whiskey Ridge Outlaws for an evening of high-energy outlaw country that blends southern rock, rugged country, and feel-good grooves to keep the Green moving. Admission is free and the atmosphere is family friendly, creating an easy summer night in downtown Gibsonville. Pack lawn chairs, a blanket, dancing shoes, and a few friends, then settle in for live music and relaxed vibes. Whether you line dance near the front or unwind on the grass, the show offers a lively soundtrack for all ages.

Join in for a bank-fishing catfish tournament at Graham-Mebane Lake. Entrants compete for prizes based on the three heaviest catfish weighed during the tournament. Fish must be caught using rod, line, and hook at the lake, and you can weigh as many fish as you like as long as only the heaviest counts for you. Spectators can attend for free, with check-in required during the sign-up period or when they arrive. The event is alcohol, tobacco, and vape-free. Live bait will be available to purchase, same-day in-person signups are offered, and pets must be leashed and kept under control. For entrants, the cost is $15 per tournament, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult who can help ensure they meet the casting, hooking, and reeling requirements.

Catch John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff for a live Americana, country, and honky-tonk performance at Saxapahaw Rivermill. The show starts at 7:30 PM local venue time.

Cheer Fest 2026 brings an afternoon of live music, community, and celebration in support of Christmas Cheer of Alamance County. The lineup includes Matt Lovette of the Mason Lovette Band with Chris Reed and Michael Sudyk, along with Clint Horton of the Magnificents Band accompanied by Gary Cole. Attendees can look forward to live performances and raffles. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Proceeds support Christmas Cheer of Alamance County and its work assisting local families in need during the holiday season. Sponsorship opportunities are available via info@christmascheerofalamance.org.

Ray Martin returns to Lucky's Saloon in Burlington, NC with a live set that spans rock, pop, and country. The performance offers a blend of these genres for listeners who enjoy a variety of styles.