Family events in Hickory, NC

Tuesdays at The Club House feature music bingo with prizes alongside food and drink deals. Look for $10 burgers, $5 drafts, and $7 Tito’s. Children eat free with a limit of one per adult, and this offer cannot be combined with other food specials.

Little Learners introduces a new theme each Wednesday, pairing an educational lesson with a hands-on project. Children explore nature and science while expressing their creativity.

Admission is free during this program at Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph in Charlotte. For the most current hours, check the museum’s events calendar. Made possible by Publix Super Market Charities.

This 30 minute storytime features shared reading, fingerplay, songs, and simple interactive activities that help young children connect with books, stories, and the library. It is designed for children ages 1 through 6 and their caregivers.

Fans of Pokémon can come together to trade cards, play friendly battles, chat about strategies, and pick up new skills. Bring your trading cards, handheld gaming devices, or simply your curiosity. New players can learn the basics, and experienced trainers are encouraged to share tips and knowledge. Register online by the day before the program.

Riverbend Creamery hosts an evening of bluegrass featuring live music by The Sigmon Stringers, dinner from Smokywaters, and ice cream treats from scoops to sundaes to milkshakes. Bring lawn chairs because outdoor seating is limited and tends to fill quickly. Accessible parking for music nights is scarce, so plan accordingly. There is no charge for entry or parking, and ice cream purchases help keep the music going. Leashed dogs are welcome outdoors, though pets are not permitted inside the creamery, and owners should clean up after them. The gathering takes place outside and may be canceled if it rains, with updates shared if plans change.

North Carolina’s longest running cruise-in brings together classic cars, music, raffles, friendly faces, and food. This community gathering celebrates car culture and camaraderie, and attendees are asked to avoid burnouts or revving to keep the event safe and welcoming.

Fred & June's Books in Denver presents a freestyle pumpkin painting session led by bookseller Kenzie. Personalize a small pumpkin with your own design and enjoy a seasonal craft. Tickets include a small pumpkin and all painting supplies, so wear clothing suitable for paint. Open to all ages. Each participant needs a ticket, and space is limited.

Rooted in hope, compassion, and breast cancer awareness, this pink-themed community gathering extends care to neighbors while providing practical support. A range of staple items will be on hand, including snacks, hygiene supplies, essential goods, undergarments, clothing, shoes, toys, and more.

This apple festival in Historic Downtown Lincolnton NC features apples, food offerings, vendors with handcrafted goods, live music, and the Apple Queen, plus more to explore.

At Pascuales Farm, volunteers gather to cultivate, build, and care for a shared community space. This monthly volunteer day occurs on the third Saturday of each month and welcomes anyone who enjoys the outdoors or wants to give back. No prior experience is required. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a positive mindset. Suitable for individuals, friends, and families who want to work together.

The October Apple Festival welcomes visitors to stop by, say hello, and check it out.

Enjoy a cozy story, then let children paint their very own ceramic pig. Each child receives a personal piece and can work independently or with help from a guardian or a staff member. There is no rush, so painters can take as much time as they like. When finished, the piece stays at the studio for firing and will be ready for pickup in one week.

Celebrate the season at Wing Haven as the SEED Wildlife Garden and Children's Garden come alive with hands-on fall activities. Families can help gather late-season vegetables from the beds, prepare the plots for winter plantings, create autumn crafts, and head out to discover the tiny creatures that live throughout the garden. Festive refreshments will be available. This program is recommended for children 10 and under with their families. Capacity is limited.

Enjoy a straightforward ticketing experience with clear pricing and on-site sales. General admission is $10, youth ages 5 to 12 are $5, and children under 5 enter free. Concessions will be available, and credit or debit cards are accepted, though bringing some cash is recommended in case of internet issues. Every attendee will receive a complimentary download link to the program. A detailed schedule will be shared once it is finalized.

Celebrate the season with a community fall festival at Long View Recreation Center, packed with activities for all ages. Savor a selection of food trucks, explore handmade goods from craft and artisan vendors, and enjoy complimentary hayrides. Children can play in free bounce houses, and there will be music and plenty of family-friendly fun. Admission is free. Vendor participation is also free, with limited space available.

Guided tours offer an inside look at Charlotte's second oldest home, the 1815 Historic Rosedale house. Interpreters lead visitors through the 15-room Federal-era residence, sharing insights into antebellum life, notable architecture, and decorative arts within the restored house museum. The tour also includes a look at the African American Legacy Project along with current rotating exhibits. Plan about 15 minutes to park and check in at the Welcome Center. Tours begin promptly and last roughly 50 to 60 minutes. Consider setting aside an additional 15 to 30 minutes to explore the gardens, grounds, and the reconstructed blacksmith shop at your own pace. Tour tickets include access to the grounds, so no separate grounds fee is required. Buying tickets in advance is recommended. Tours take place rain or shine and are nonrefundable.

Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department hosts its nineteenth annual cruise-in, a rain-or-shine community gathering built around the theme “Small Town BIG Heart.” Enjoy classic cruise-in fun with food available for purchase, including BBQ sandwiches and hot dogs, along with a bake sale, a cake walk, and 50/25/25 tickets. Specialty awards will recognize participating cruisers, with selections made by firefighters, the auxiliary, and a people’s choice vote. Instead of an entry fee, participants are asked to bring small bottles of Gatorade to support SPVFD rehab during emergency responses. For more information, phone 704-585-2519 and leave a message or email spvfdla34@gmail.com. Updates are shared on the Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary Facebook page.

Trunk or Treat for Wishes returns for its second year with an afternoon of Halloween fun presented by Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina Young Professionals. Expect creatively decorated trunks, plenty of candy and treats, raffle prizes and giveaways, and family-friendly activities that keep the celebration festive for all ages. Dressing up is welcomed, and the focus is on smiles and seasonal spirit. Attendance benefits Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina, helping move closer to granting life-changing wishes for local children facing critical illnesses while bringing hope and joy to wish kids and their families. The presenting sponsor is Merrill, A Bank of America Company, The Parker-Rook Group.

An evening gathering at The Revelry at Camp North End features delicious food, friendly conversation, and plenty of wagging tails. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at this celebration.

The Tour of Destruction brings its high-impact spectacle back to Hickory Motor Speedway with a full slate of wild racing and stunts. The program includes races featuring school buses, car-crashing exhibitions, monster truck action, a jet car burn down, a trailer race, a demolition derby, a stock enduro, skid car challenges, and a flagpole race, plus additional segments. All events are subject to change. Ticket pricing is tiered. For the first 500 purchases, adult tickets are $20 and kids 12 to 3 are $10, with children 2 and under admitted free. For the first 1000 purchases, adult tickets are $25 and the kid and child pricing remains the same. After that, a discounted adult option is $30, with kids 12 to 3 still $10 and children 2 and under free. In the week of the show, adult tickets are $35, kids 12 to 3 are $10, and children 2 and under are free.

Park and Flex: The Sunday Showcase offers a cruise-in experience with Hickory Area Cars and Coffee Meets and Cruises in NC, welcoming enthusiasts from Hickory, Newton, Conover, Morganton, and Lenoir to park their rides, show off their builds, and share stories. Classics, muscle, imports, trucks, Jeeps, exotics, and daily drivers are all invited to participate at every gathering. Themes rotate through the month, featuring Corvette Cruise-In: Bowties & Brew on the first Sunday, Muscle Madness: The Horsepower Hangout on the second, Classics & Chrome: The Retro Rumble on the third, and Imports & Exotics: International Icons on the last Sunday. Filming may occur with willing participants, and anyone who wants to be featured can let the event team know since participation is completely voluntary.

An exhibition presenting artwork created by elementary school students together with pieces by their art teachers. The showcase celebrates the creativity of young artists and the work of the educators who support them. A reception is included as part of the event.

Junior Warriors offers a welcoming space for children in kindergarten through fifth grade who are navigating emotional, social, or developmental challenges. With caring mentorship, creative projects, and structured guidance, the program encourages resilience, strengthens confidence, and nurtures healthy connections. Sessions take place in a supportive, drug-free environment, and a shared meal is provided before the group begins. For more information, call 828-216-5046.