Events in Lenoir, NC

Enjoy a group run or walk along the Mallard Creek Greenway with the Charlotte Running Club. The free outing is open to runners and walkers of all levels, and no membership or registration is required. Water will be available along the route and at the start and finish. The route follows an out-and-back path, and organizers can help participants identify where to turn around.

Gain essential first aid skills for wilderness adventures in a two-day course taught by professional instructors with extensive patient care and backcountry experience. Instruction includes Adult CPR to round out emergency preparedness for remote settings. The course costs $400 and is open to participants ages 16 and up.

The Watauga County Farmers’ Market brings together local vendors offering fresh, seasonal produce, meats, eggs, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, pantry items, crafts, art, and herbal products. The market also features live music, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, coffee, and breakfast and lunch options. All products are grown, raised, or made by the vendors. SNAP/EBT and WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers are accepted, and SNAP/EBT benefits can be doubled at the Market Info Booth for eligible food items.

Blue Star Mothers of the High Country presents an annual pickleball tournament at The Summit Pickleball in Boone, NC, bringing the community together to recognize service members and veterans. Serving as the organization’s primary fundraiser, it helps provide support for active-duty personnel, veterans, and military families. After a hurricane-related schedule change earlier in the year, the event returns with a renewed focus on honoring those who have served. Look forward to friendly matches, a welcoming atmosphere, and a day centered on purpose. Details about registration and sponsorships will be shared soon.

The inaugural Aqua B Swap & Shop brings an employee closet cleanout packed with finds across many categories. Browse racks and tables filled with women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, handbags and totes, jewelry and accessories, hats, skin and beauty items, sleep sets, books, games and entertainment, kitchen and home goods, sporting and outdoor gear, plus electronics and beauty tools. Aqua B Outlet merchandise will also be available to shop at 20% off during the event. Entry is limited to ages 14 and up, and attendees ages 14 to 17 must present a valid high school ID. Strollers and wagons are not allowed. Only small bags up to 6 x 9 inches are permitted. There are no fitting rooms or try ons. Gift cards cannot be used, and no additional discounts apply to Swap & Shop merchandise.

At Rivers House Park in Boone, this hands-on day focuses on tackling invasive plants and turning them into something useful. Work with MountainTrue to gather bittersweet, then learn basket-making techniques from Angela Eastman using the collected material. The program is offered in collaboration with Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, Transition Blue Ridge, and MountainTrue. Each ticket includes a lunch from Wildwood.

At Highland Recreation Center, the Wellness on the Rocks Festival offers a welcoming setting centered on connection, personal growth, and community. Attendees can explore local wellness vendors, take part in hands-on activities, and learn through educational sessions, all aimed at helping people find resources that support their health while building meaningful relationships. This edition marks the second year of the festival as the community continues to grow.

Meet at the Berry site near Morganton, NC for a hands-on introduction to the location’s history and basic archaeology techniques. Participants will help with excavation and learn how archaeologists work on site. Participation is open to those 16 and older, with ages 10 to 15 welcome when accompanied by a paid adult. No prior experience is required and all tools are provided. The fee is $10 per person. Registration is required to actively participate in the excavation, and an email with additional details, including navigation directions, will be sent after registration.

Enjoy a low-impact, high-energy water cardio workout in a warm indoor pool maintained at 88 degrees. Water resistance supports cardiovascular conditioning, strength, and endurance through varied exercises that are gentle on the joints. Designed for all fitness levels, the class offers a supportive group environment and can suit those seeking joint-friendly movement. Participation is included with a Fitness Plus membership, or $8 per class for non-members and guests.

Jeki Yoo brings his signature close up magic to the stage, known to millions from America’s Got Talent where more than 13 million viewers watched his sleight of hand. His act left Simon Cowell astonished and sparked a wave of online praise, even earning a playful nod from the show’s Twitter account as the cutest magician of all time. This FamilyStage Series presentation is designed for children, youth, and families, with a relaxed, kid friendly atmosphere. All seats are $13 plus tax, and the price includes a $3 per ticket facility fee. A 6.75% North Carolina sales tax applies. Immediately after the show, a youth magic workshop with Jeki takes place on stage. Capacity is limited to 25 participants, admission is $10 plus tax in addition to a show ticket, and every attendee, including infants, must have a ticket.

George Hildebran Fire & Rescue holds its yearly barbecue. During the event, orders will be accepted for whole Boston butts for Thanksgiving, with pickup scheduled for the Wednesday before the holiday.

Fans of Magic: The Gathering and Star Trek can experience the MTG: Star Trek prerelease at CCG. Attendees are asked to arrive early to complete registration. The entry fee is $35.

Rotary clubs are invited to support Nourish Up’s Thanksgiving food distribution by organizing food drives and collecting canned meat, such as tuna, chicken, or beef, and canned fruit, preferably packed in juice or light syrup. Donations can be brought to the Hunger2Hope Service Project or the District 7680 Foundation Celebration. The food will help fill seven-day food boxes for families experiencing food insecurity.

Smokey Mountain Christmas at Morganton Bluegrass Church presents a musical program of old Christmas classics, and heavy snow is guaranteed. A meal with seasonal finger food is offered before the program begins.

Sing your heart out in a no-judgment karaoke setting, with DJ Rick the RULER.

Old Rock School hosts Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out for an evening steeped in bluegrass tradition. The group’s songs have become touchstones for a new generation of pickers and singers across the country, who often learn and perform their classics as they develop their craft. Russell Moore notes that the most meaningful recognition comes not from awards, but from seeing the music make a difference for listeners. The band’s success grows from doing what they love together, moving in the same direction, and sharing music that remains both heartfelt and restorative.

Double Duran channels the unmistakable sound and style of Duran Duran in a high-energy tribute powered by a striking multimedia production. With synth-forward melodies, driving bass, rich harmonies, cinematic projections, and the fashion-forward flair that defined an era, the show recreates the excitement of the originals. Crowd-pleasers like Hungry Like the Wolf, Rio, The Reflex, and Girls on Film light up the room. Venues, promoters, and devoted Duranies nationwide have praised the group for its meticulous musical and visual detail, often calling it the closest experience to seeing Duran Duran live. Tickets are $30 to $35.

Nashville’s IDLE THREAT and Birmingham’s MEADOWS perform with special guests THE UNDERTAKING! from San Diego and Carolina metalcore ensemble THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD, featuring members of Never I, The Dirty Low Down, Messenger Down, and There Is Art In Everything. More performers are to be announced. Admission is for ages 18 and up, and valid photo identification is required.

A weekly cruise-in brings car enthusiasts together to show their builds and share the stories behind them. Classic cars, muscle cars, imports, trucks, Jeeps, exotic vehicles, and daily drivers are all welcome. The showcase features rotating themes for Corvettes, muscle cars, classics, and imports and exotics, while welcoming every type of car at each gathering. Filming may take place, but participation is voluntary.

Veterans of all ages and military branches are welcome to gather for complimentary coffee and refreshments, along with messages from special guests.

A transformational charity firewalk honors America’s 250th anniversary while raising support for veterans through Operation Battle Horse. Set at Walk With Me Healing Steps, the experience invites participants to take 250 steps across burning coals as a powerful expression of courage, healing, resilience, and unity. It is presented as a movement that pays tribute to those who served while helping veterans rediscover purpose, strength, and connection. The program features a ceremony recognizing U.S. veterans, a 250 step charity firewalk, support for veteran healing programs, community fire baskets with space for reflection, storytelling about courage and transformation, and opportunities for community connection and fundraising. Many veterans continue to fight unseen battles long after coming home. All proceeds benefit Operation Battle Horse and its mission to support veterans through healing, equine connection, and transformational experiences. Tiger Tamers shares the view that courage grows when people confront fear together, reflecting the belief that walking through fire can reveal the strength to face anything.

This immersive weekend with Seane Corn invites a return to full-bodied presence through movement, breath, reflective ritual, and attentive stillness. Rather than analyzing the physical, emotional, and energetic layers of experience, you will engage them directly as sensations you can feel and trust. The process supports confidence in the body’s signals, greater ease with emotion, clearer awareness of where energy is flowing or held, and the ability to sense guidance that arises beyond thinking. Many find this work nurtures a calmer, more resilient nervous system and a grounded clarity that carries into everyday life. Sessions weave together alignment-focused vinyasa designed to steady and regulate, conscious breathing that encourages release and mental clarity, somatic inquiry to track sensation and uncover patterns, chakra-informed practices to notice how feeling and energy move, sustained quiet postures that cultivate deep listening, and creative ritual to anchor insight through intention and expression. The emphasis is on turning practice into lived wisdom you can return to long after the weekend ends.

Dining Days at Café Violette turns an evening out into meaningful support for animals, with a portion of sales benefiting Watauga Humane Society. This boutique spot showcases cuisine inspired by Nice and the French Mediterranean, founded by Catherine Thomas, Kyle Martin, and Sunshine Martin, who emphasize fine dining, seasonal ingredients, and attentive hospitality. Known for freshness, Café Violette collaborates with local farmers when possible and shapes its offerings around what is in season. Guests can anticipate French Riviera flavors, refined seafood, carefully matched wines, and artfully made desserts informed by Sunshine’s baking background. Enjoy a meal that also helps provide care for animals in Watauga County.

Meet new people in the Hickory area at a free social club gathering hosted at Appalachian State University- Hickory Campus. Sponsored by Allstate (Lindsey Fisher), this get-together offers a chance to connect with others in the community. Food and beverages will be provided by App State Hickory.

Craft a chunky yarn tree in a welcoming workshop setting. Choose to make one tall piece measuring 23 inches or a two-tree set at 12 and 15 inches. A range of yarn colors is available, including dark green, cream, peach, mint, blue, dark gray, and light gray, and additional shades may be possible if a message is sent prior to the workshop. After the yarn is in place, personalize your tree or trees with fairy lights or other small embellishments. Capacity is limited.

Switch on your headlamp for a night run on the trails. Pick from 5K, 10K, or half marathon distances and reach a moonlit finish line.

Enter Edgar Allan Poe’s mysterious world in an immersive evening blending literature, theater, and cocktails. The experience features four stories, four drinks, haunting characters, classic cocktails, and Poe’s twisted imagination.

This SCRC Chapter 149 group ride sets out from RaceWay in Hickory. Participants gather at the venue, then KSU marks the start as the group heads out together.

This is the final opportunity to experience Hickory Ridge History Museum before its winter closure. Living History Museum Days return, bringing back the immersive, hands-on village atmosphere that once defined the museum. Cabins come to life with demonstrations of 18th-century mountain living, including open-hearth cooking, blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, woodworking, and everyday frontier tasks. Interpreters and volunteers share traditional skills throughout the village, inviting conversation and questions that connect visitors to the daily lives and stories of early Appalachian settlers. Whether you have visited before or are discovering the museum for the first time, this program offers a deeper connection to the past. The museum also welcomes prospective volunteers interested in learning or sharing 18th-century skills.

Create a coordinated pair of framed yarn Christmas tree signs in a guided, hands-on workshop. Learn how to stain and paint the wooden backers, then follow step-by-step instruction to form the yarn trees. The set includes one piece measuring 12 by 9 inches and another measuring 6 by 9 inches, and hangers are provided for attaching to the backs. All supplies are included, with a variety of yarns available to choose from. Participants may request specific yarn colors in advance and accommodations will be made when possible. Space is limited.

Explore metaphysical topics and connect with others who share an interest in these subjects. Each session features a main topic led by a speaker, followed by open sharing. Topics may include energy healing, chakras, life between lives, near-death experiences, mediumship, meditation techniques, quantum leaping, channeling, and intergalactic beings. Attendees are welcome to suggest additional topics, and everyone is welcome. No registration is required.

80s Nation Live brings a stage show at The Premier built around the era’s signature pop and rock, delivering a lineup of recognizable hits that defined the decade. This performance centers on classic ’80s songs performed live. Tickets are on sale.

Little Texas brings a milestone celebration, marking 35 years since their breakout single Some Guys Have All the Love introduced a harmony-rich, guitar-forward sound. Known for writing their own songs and playing on every record, the band built a reputation for tight vocals, driving guitars, and genuine energy. Expect a spotlight on a remarkable run of country favorites that produced 12 Top 20 singles and three straight No. 1 hits, including My Love, What Might Have Been, and the fan favorite God Blessed Texas. Their sophomore release, Big Time, achieved double platinum status and drew Grammy, CMA, and ACM recognition, while the group earned the ACM Award for Top Vocal Group. The enduring impact of God Blessed Texas has been affirmed by industry accolades and a standout awards-show performance by Lainey Wilson. A tribute album, A Lone Star Salute to Little Texas, assembled 23 Texas artists such as Randy Rogers Band, Pat Green, Casey Donahew, Aaron Watson, Rodney Crowell, Josh Abbott Band, Kevin Fowler, Eli Young Band, and George Birge to reinterpret signature songs, underscoring the band’s influence. Tickets are priced between $60 and $75, with Gold Circle offering the closest seating and early access to the venue and merchandise. Little Texas continues to tour nationwide, sharing the timeless hits and onstage spark that defined their rise and still resonates with audiences.

Caldwell County Smart Start is distributing baby essentials at United Way of Caldwell County.

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina at Moon Rising Retreat Center in Blowing Rock, this women’s retreat offers a quiet pause from everyday demands to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with the inner voice. Created by Felicia Grant, it focuses on remembering your true self rather than trying to become someone new. The experience blends circle-based sharing, time in nature, meditation, and thoughtful reflection to encourage genuine connection with other women and deeper self trust. Participants are welcomed into a safe, supportive setting that honors each person’s path, creating space to set down what feels heavy and leave feeling clearer, lighter, and more connected.

World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker with a live orchestra, offering a festive experience for all ages. The production showcases 40 world-class dancers, more than 150 sparkling hand-sewn costumes, and lavish hand-crafted sets. Follow Marie on a magical Christmas Eve journey as her Nutcracker comes to life, leading to swirling snowflakes, battling mice, and the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets. The performance runs approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission, and is suitable for ages 2 and up. Based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, World Ballet Company brings beloved ballets to cities nationwide with a commitment to making ballet accessible to everyone. The company features renowned professional dancers from over ten countries and has toured to more than 300 cities, reaching audiences of more than 500,000.

Enjoy a relaxed, fun night of family gaming. Everyone is welcome, and guests are invited to bring a snack to share if they can.

Experience Handel’s Messiah in the close-knit surroundings of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Maestro Matthew Troy leads a historically informed Baroque interpretation, carefully shaped to bring fresh clarity and beauty to a time-honored holiday tradition. The performance marks the first Masterworks appearance by The Symphony Singers, a handpicked ensemble of professional vocalists from the region, performing with a Baroque chamber orchestra. The church’s warm acoustics and the ensemble’s radiant sound create an enveloping setting for one of the classical canon’s most enduring and widely loved masterpieces. The program features Handel’s Messiah.

Enjoy drinks, shop clothing and accessories, and spend time with the community at J. McLaughlin. A portion of sales benefits Watauga Humane Society, supporting local animals and shops.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever brings Barbara Robinson’s story to the McCreary Theatre, where the notorious Herdman kids crash the annual pageant and turn rehearsals upside down. Out of the uproar comes a funny and affecting retelling of the Nativity that invites reflection on the meaning of Christmas and delivers plenty of laughs along the way. Tickets are available for benefactors, season ticket holders, and the general public.

More than 500 tables will be filled with finds for collectors of all ages at Hickory Metro Convention Center. Billed as Hickory’s largest showcase of sports cards, toys, and collectibles, this gathering brings together over 250 vendors from across the Southeast with a wide mix that includes sports cards, Pokémon, comic books, die-cast cars, Hot Wheels, action figures, and POP Funko. Admission is $5, and children 10 and under are free. Giveaways and a cash machine add to the excitement.

Settle in for a hands-on workshop at The Graceful Geese Mercantile and learn to create a chunky blanket from start to finish. Gracefully Crafted by Angie provides step by step instruction, so beginners are welcome. The class fee is $40, and yarn is available on site for $30 for a set of five skeins, with colors selected during the workshop. Refreshments are included. A brief break offers time to stretch and see more of what The Graceful Geese offers, and afterward the marketplace of more than 170 small businesses is open to explore. A $20 deposit secures a spot. Group perks are available, including for Saturday classes with a group of eight or more where the organizer’s $40 class fee and yarn are free, and for groups of four to seven where the organizer’s class fee and yarn are half price.

At the Berry site near Morganton, NC, participants learn about the site’s history and practice archaeology techniques through hands-on excavation. Expect to handle pieces of the past as part of the dig. No experience is required and all tools are provided. Participants must be at least 16 years old, and ages 10 to 15 may take part with a paid adult. The fee is $10 per person. Registration is required to actively participate in the excavation, and the Tickets option can be used to register. After registering, an email will arrive with additional information, including navigation directions.

Brews & Mews Cat Cafe partners with Wolf Moon Salt Cave & Stress Reduction Center for a playful cat yoga class. Adoptable felines will mingle in the studio, sometimes climbing and balancing on participants as everyone moves through a light, easy sequence. All necessary equipment is available on site, making it a comfortable choice for those new to yoga. A portion of proceeds benefits the Purrole Office to help more cats.

Beginnings honors the music of Chicago with a faithful live concert built around the classic seven-piece lineup. Formed in 2002 and based in New York City, the group performs for enthusiastic audiences across the United States and beyond. The show brings the band’s wide-ranging catalog to life with meticulous musicianship, precision, and plenty of energy. Tickets are $40 to $45.

This exhibition brings together three distinct approaches to visual art, featuring photography by Steve Ohnesorge, watercolor by Kathy Oravecz, and mixed media by Chris Parsons. The event offers an online viewing option and includes a reception. Explore images made with the camera, paintings in watercolor, and works that combine multiple materials, all presented within one cohesive show.

This fundraising event supports Carolina Caring and hospice care. It features a silent auction, and admission is $10 at the door.

World Ballet Company brings The Nutcracker to J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, a festive ballet for all ages where imagination and holiday spirit meet. On Christmas Eve, Marie sees her cherished Nutcracker come to life, embarking on a journey through glistening snow, a daring face off with clever mice, and a joyous visit to the Kingdom of Sweets. This production features a cast of 40 accomplished dancers, more than 150 hand sewn costumes, and richly crafted sets that create a sparkling, storybook world. The performance runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission, and is suitable for ages 2 and up. Based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, World Ballet Company tours beloved classics nationwide, welcoming renowned artists from more than ten countries. Guided by the belief that ballet is for everyone, the company has visited more than 300 cities and performed for over 500,000 attendees. Group pricing is available for parties of 10 or more.

At Hickory Premier, this annual Thanksgiving concert brings the community together for an evening of live music in support of the Hickory Soup Kitchen. For more than a decade, the tradition has paired music with a mission, directing every dollar from ticket sales to the soup kitchen. The lineup includes Emmit Otter Band, North State Grass, Rob Farris and the Enemies of Entropy, Justin Clyde Williams’ Late for Supper, and a Moose & Friends Super Jam to close the evening. Performers are volunteering their time and the venue is donating the space, which ensures all proceeds benefit the cause. Collection of nonperishable food donations will take place at the door to further assist community members dealing with hunger and hardship.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday with festive shopping and special Christmas sales. Santa will make an appearance, and the Grinch will be available for photos. Refreshments will be available. Other small businesses will be onsite, with participants to be announced. Thank you for supporting small businesses.

Western Piedmont Symphony brings its annual holiday tradition to J.E. Broyhill Civic Center with a Foothills Pops program that blends seasonal standards, nostalgic classics, and unexpected delights for audiences of every age. Guitarist Matt Sickels appears with the orchestra in a high energy tribute to the music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Additional guest artists will be announced.

This festive holiday jam features Cousin Brian together with The Classic Drifters, welcomes special guest The Platters, and includes The CG Coasters. Two performances take place on the same day.

Downtown Valdese comes alive with its annual Christmas parade, filling the streets with marching, music, and plenty of holiday cheer. The procession moves through the heart of town and concludes with a special appearance by Santa Claus, setting a festive tone for the season.

A festive send-up of holiday rom-coms condenses the sweetness of six Christmas movies into one whirlwind. In Hopewood Falls, Vermont, singles in cozy sweaters search for love while disguises let royalty or movie stars try for down-to-earth connections. Big-city schemers loom over charming inns and Christmas tree farms, and a meet-cute may even rely on someone being in a coma. This playful parody nods to the season’s magic and traditions while winking at every familiar trope.

This trail-to-channel mixed terrain foot race at the Whitewater Center features a course that runs through the channels without the rapids. The route combines trail sections with stretches in the channels for varied terrain on foot.

Celebrate the season with a festive Christmas breakfast at the Old Rock School, offered across three sessions. Guests can enjoy a pancake spread with a variety of toppings. After the meal, children can make holiday crafts and meet Kris Kringle. Tickets are $5 per person and include breakfast, a Santa visit, and treat bags. Presented by the Valdese Fire Department and Valdese Community Affairs.

Explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in a hands-on, dual-language setting designed for learners at any level. Students take part in interactive experiments, engineering builds, creative projects, coding, and group challenges while developing bilingual vocabulary and practicing listening, speaking, and reading in both languages. Each month introduces a new theme with age-appropriate instruction that strengthens critical thinking, communication, and problem solving, and fosters confidence, cultural appreciation, and global awareness. Participants prototype, test ideas, and create STEAM-inspired work in an enjoyable, motivating setting. Cost is $30, or $20 for members.

Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with a spirited performance from the Queen City Ringers, showcasing favorite seasonal songs. Enjoy familiar melodies that capture the warmth and joy of the holidays.

Attendees are encouraged to wear Christmas pajamas or a festive top for an afternoon featuring festive fare, special drinks, and plenty of Christmas spirit. Wearing holiday gear unlocks a discount. Permanent jewelry will be available, along with additional offerings.

Western Piedmont Symphony brings a festive concert led by Maestro Matthew Troy, with fan favorite Matt Sickles on electric guitar. Enjoy beloved Christmas music, selections from holiday films, and an upbeat mix of family favorites and seasonal hits. This annual concert is a popular regional tradition that gathers families, friends, and the community for a celebration of holiday spirit and lively orchestral sound. Tickets are available at $38 to $78 for adults and $13 for youth. Listed prices include a $3 facility fee and are subject to an additional 6.75% NC sales tax. A VIP pre-show reception is available and requires a season pass for entry. All attendees must have a ticket, including infants.

The Barter Players bring Frosty: A Musical Adventure to the stage with a story about Billy, a young orphan who discovers a hat with real magic and brings a snowman to life. Billy and Frosty journey through New York City to find his family before Christmas, learning that love is the season’s truest magic. With more than 30 years of touring, The Barter Players are known for energetic theatre for young audiences that also engages adults. This event is part of the FamilyStage Series, designed for children, youth, and families where wiggles and giggles are welcome. There will be two performances. All seats are $13.00 plus tax, which includes a $3 per ticket facility fee, and a 6.75% NC sales tax applies. Every person, including infants, must have a ticket.

Drendel Auditorium in Hickory hosts an intimate candlelit performance where a string quartet brings cherished holiday music to life in a warm, immersive setting. The program features selections such as Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker, Greensleeves, Carol of the Bells, O Holy Night, O Tannenbaum, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Let It Snow, Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano, Jingle Bells, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Love Is All Around, Let It Go from Frozen, Once Upon a December from Anastasia by Stephen Flaherty, Maestro from The Holiday by Hans Zimmer, It is Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Last Christmas by Wham!, and All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey. The concert lasts about 60 minutes, doors open 45 minutes before the music begins, and there is no entry after the performance starts. Recommended for ages 8 and up, with anyone under 16 accompanied by an adult. The venue is ADA accessible. Seating within each zone is assigned in the order guests arrive.

Unplug for a phone-free weekend at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, NC. In an all-inclusive setting, this experience offers space to slow down, step away from the relentless pace of life, and head home feeling clear and restored.

Runners set out on Whitewater Center Parkway, then transition off-road onto the trail system as the course shifts from road to trail. This foot race highlights a change in terrain for a varied experience from start to finish.

Patrick Beaver Learning Resource Center offers free, full-day, in-person reading tutor training for community members. Participants learn research-based methods for supporting struggling readers. After completing the training, tutors are paired with one student and provide 60 free one-on-one lessons over the course of a school year. No teaching experience is required, just a willingness to learn and a commitment to helping a child succeed.

Driving Miss Daisy is presented in the Butler Black Box Theatre in a production of Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize winning play set against the backdrop of the American South. The story traces the decades long relationship between Daisy Werthan, a headstrong widow, and Hoke Colburn, her patient driver, as their lives intersect and evolve through changing times. It explores themes of connection, dignity, and personal transformation. Ticket access rolls out in stages, first to benefactors, then to season ticket holders, and finally to the general public.

Darin and Brooke Aldridge bring their bluegrass music and easy-going, down-to-earth connection with audiences to Old Rock School. Brooke is a four-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, while Darin is a former member of The Country Gentlemen, a former IBMA Mentor of the Year, and a singer and multi-instrumentalist. The duo has received nominations from several music organizations and was named Bluegrass Artists of the Year at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards in 2023. Their song “Jordan,” featuring Ricky Skaggs, Mo Pitney, and Mark Fain, also earned nominations for gospel and bluegrass-country-roots honors.