Events in Sanford today

At Quail Ridge Golf Course, the Taylor Phillips Writer's Cup Invitational gathers community leaders, partners, and supporters for an invitational golf tournament hosted by Visit Sanford and Downtown Sanford, Inc. The day centers on friendly competition, opportunities to connect, and a celebration of Sanford’s community spirit in a relaxed, sportsmanlike setting. Participants can expect an organized experience on the course, plenty of chances to network, and a finish highlighted by music.

At the Sanford Farmers Market at Pilgrim’s Sanford Agricultural Marketplace in Sanford, Agape Lavender Lab will be on site with a complete selection of lavender-focused products, crafted with ingredients informed by research to support simple daily rituals like relaxation, renewal, and a fresh start. Shoppers can also find fresh herb plants grown on the farm. Visitors are welcome to experience the scents, sample items, and explore options before choosing what to take home. If you have been curious about plant-derived, natural products and want to try them firsthand, this visit offers that opportunity. Agape Lavender Lab appears one Saturday each month, so look for them when they are in town, ask questions, and discover what suits you best.

Get moving for a high-energy Zumba fundraiser hosted by the Ascend Leadership Academy Lady Aviators Basketball Program at Ascend Leadership Academy. Everyone is welcome, including ALA families and students, students from all schools, community members, friends and neighbors, and Zumba lovers from across the area. Adults are $15, students are $10, and children 5 and under are free. Every registration and donation helps support the 2026–2027 Lady Aviators Basketball Program. Bring a friend and help invest in the next generation of Lady Aviators.

Join Chess Club at Chatham Community Library for a friendly games session. Matches are held at the tables in the Reference section. This is for teens through adults of all skill levels, and beginners are welcome. Chess sets are provided.

Curry, Jerk & Jollof Fest brings a lively celebration of food, music, and community to Tasting Queens Market. The daylong experience features food trucks and local craft and merchandise vendors, with live DJ sets, drummers, and dancers keeping the energy high throughout. It highlights bold flavors and the traditions of Caribbean and West African cultures while creating opportunities to connect with local businesses. A VIP option includes live culinary demonstrations that offer an up-close look at the techniques behind the dishes. Expect great food, authentic culture, and a strong sense of community in one place.

Step into Middle-earth for a special prerelease at Raven Forge, where a rising darkness places the fate of the realm in your hands. Choose your path, whether by slipping past foes with the power of the One Ring or by trusting in loyal Elves to stand by your side. Each Prerelease Pack is packed with age-old artifacts, terrifying creatures, and potent magic that can shape every decision you make. Entry is $35.

This session offers another opportunity to try out for The Slammers at Ascend Leadership Academy. Volleyball players ages 12, 13, 14, and 15 can participate and demonstrate their skills. The announcement also notes a PDF with clickable links for more information.

Lee County Libraries brings Story Time in the Park to outdoor spaces around the community, rotating among four parks on a regular schedule. Little ones and the adults who love reading with them can enjoy stories, songs, dancing, and playful movement in the fresh air. Bring a blanket and a favorite stuffed animal to get cozy under a shelter or gazebo while the tales unfold. This welcoming program is geared to toddlers and preschoolers, with fun for all ages.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an in-person course for adults who care about young people. It’s designed to help parents, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, and other community members learn what to look for when an adolescent (ages 12 to 18) may be dealing with a mental health or addictions challenge, or is in crisis. You will cover common youth mental health topics such as anxiety, depression, substance use, psychosis-related disorders, disruptive behavior (including ADHD), and eating disorders, along with a practical 5-step action plan for helping in both crisis and non-crisis situations. RSVP is required and the class is limited to 8 participants.

Doherty’s Irish Pub and Restaurant hosts free pub trivia every Tuesday, with prizes going to the top three teams. Trivia starts at 7:00 PM and runs until 9:00 PM, and the event is hosted by Patrick W. Trivia is free to play.

Raven Forge Games hosts a Ladies Night devoted to Magic: The Gathering Commander. It centers on friendly, low pressure play where meeting fellow players and building community come first. Those still learning are supported, with staff available to answer questions and help with the basics. Bring a favorite Commander deck and settle in for casual games in a welcoming atmosphere.

Thrill seekers who love a good scare can connect at Sips And Sequels for a recurring horror book discussion. The group reads a new horror title each month, then returns on the second Wednesday to dive into plot twists, themes, and favorite moments. At the end of each meeting, everyone votes to decide the next book. Carolyn and Emily, longtime members of the Sips And Sequels book community, guide the conversation and share their enthusiasm for the genre so participants can rediscover what makes horror so compelling.

An informal book club meets at Hugger Mugger Brewing to discuss books chosen by the group. Participants select the titles and gather once a month for conversation. Beer, wine, and cider are often consumed.

Trivia Night returns to Bell Tree Tavern in Southern Pines. Bring your smartest friends and form a team for a fun, friendly round of trivia with prizes for the top finishers. Expect a lively atmosphere and the chance to win weekly rewards such as gift cards and appetizers. Reservations are recommended.

A welcoming rugby session for children under six offers a fun introduction to the sport at White Lee Playing Fields. Tailored for Year 1 kids, it focuses on simple skills, playful drills, and plenty of social time so young players can build confidence, make friends, and enjoy learning the game.

Depot Park hosts a summer concert series with live performances by local and regional bands in a relaxed outdoor setting. The event is suitable for all ages and free to attend. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets, settle in on the lawn, and enjoy the music throughout the summer.

Blues Jam is a weekly open jam night featuring live blues music at The Mod. Hosted by Lo Taylor, it’s a relaxed chance to share your voice or instrument, or just come listen to a great set on the stage. Arrive a bit early to sign up as a musician or to grab a table for the evening.

Trivia Thursday Nights in Southern Pines is a weekly trivia night at Rudino’s Pizza & Grinders, where you can bring friends and compete in a variety of trivia categories. Enjoy friendly competition along with food and drink specials, plus Thursday Pasta Night. Reservations are recommended, so it’s a good idea to call ahead for details and seating availability.