This weekend in Statesville, NC

Statesville Pride Festival is officially confirmed. The date is set, and additional information will be shared soon as plans come together.

Eight local networking groups face off in a friendly team competition that blends community networking, playful family reunion style games, food, and fundraising for a meaningful cause benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters through Big Day at the Lake. The experience mixes casual meet and greet energy with organized challenges, so it feels part mixer, part tournament, part charity drive. Teams built by each networking group field players across ten events, including cornhole, HORSE basketball, ping pong, 301 darts, a Chippo golf contest, giant Jenga, coed 2v2 grass volleyball, a mini football pass and catch played all at once, a relay of everyday tasks done blindfolded, and a tug of war. Participants can focus on a single game or jump into several. Points accumulate across the schedule with five for first place, four for second, three for third, two for fourth, one for fifth, and none for sixth through eighth. Player registration is $25 and includes entry and a team T shirt, with each team outfitted in its own color. Captains may register and pay for multiple players, and individuals can also sign up on their own. Every registration includes event access, the shirt, and a chance to connect with the local business community while supporting youth mentoring.

Downtown Newton comes alive with a celebration of Latino and Hispano American culture. Enjoy live music and dance, flavorful food, colorful face painting, and festive piñatas. A quinceañera parade and contest brings extra sparkle, and the Outstanding Latino of Catawba County Award recognizes community achievement. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Guests are encouraged to wear a jersey or traditional attire from a favorite Latin American country and to bring chairs or blankets for seating. Only service animals are allowed.

Held at Statesville Country Club, this bi-annual gala supports Gordon Hospice House, a long-standing community tradition that remembers those who have passed and helps make in-patient hospice care accessible for families who need it. For more than 20 years, the organization has served thousands of families. The evening includes a seated dinner, a brief program, dancing, live music by Fantasy, and both live and silent auctions. Guests are asked to wear black, white, or bright attire. Sponsorship opportunities are available now, with individual tickets to be offered soon.

Prepare for an in-person comedy show filled with continuous laughs and a lively vibe. Expect a playful atmosphere from start to finish. Discounted tickets are available on Eventbrite, and tickets can also be purchased through $NLCCES.

This monthly circle welcomes women into a compassionate, heart-centered community devoted to healing and genuine connection. Participants gather in a supportive space for open sharing, learning, and collective restoration. Each meeting offers intentional moments for reflection and meaningful conversation, and sometimes features guest speakers who bring thoughtful insight and inspiration to the group. The purpose is to deepen relationship with self and one another while walking a shared path of healing. It is donation-based, with monthly contributions directed to a local charity so the care within the circle extends to the wider community. Facilitated by Alissa Thurston and Lori Petty.