Hickory is a fantastic destination to visit in the fall, offering a variety of activities to suit every interest. We've compiled a list of must-do fall activities, ranging from outdoor adventures and indoor entertainment to spooky experiences. Whether you're a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or looking for family-friendly fun, Hickory has something for you!
1. Fall Festival at Heritage Valley Farm & Pumpkin Patch
Support our local farmers and join the fun at the Fall Festival at Heritage Valley Farm! Enjoy a celebration full of animals, food and beverage vendors, games, and more! Stop by the pumpkin patch to pick up the perfect pumpkin for carving or painting or hop on the hayride to ride around the farm! Don’t miss the live music or photo bus opportunities to make fun fall memories. Stop by on September 21st from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to join the fun. Check out our Agrotourism page for more farms with pumpkin patches, local vendors, corn mazes, and all the apples.
2. Murray's Mill 40th Annual Harvest Folk Festival
Head to Murray’s Mill on September 28th and 29th to catch the 40th Annual Harvest Folk Festival. This event celebrates Catawba County’s cultural heritage with a variety of exhibits, artisans, vendors, activities, and more! Check out the array of antique cars and tractors, pony rides, traditional food preparations, and awesome local bands! You won’t want to miss this fun family event.
3. “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” Play
Get into the Halloween spirit by visiting The Green Room Community Theatre in Newton for a performance of “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.” This show blends Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire story with Mel Brooks, Monty Python, and The 39 Steps for a hilarious show that everyone can enjoy. Catch the show on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. from October 4th through October 13th.
4. Oktoberfest
One of Hickory’s most anticipated fall events, Oktoberfest, is this year from October 11th through 13th. This fun-filled celebration offers something for everyone, and even has its own Kidsfest including face painting, a petting zoo, balloon animals, free inflatables, and more! Indulge in various food and beverage vendors, explore local artisan creations, enjoy unique crafts, and experience live performances throughout the event. Don’t miss out on this vibrant community festival!
5. Ghost Hunt at Harper House
If you’re into the paranormal, this is the Halloween event for you. Join Great State Paranormal on October 12th for a nighttime ghost hunt at Hickory’s historically haunted Harper House. Participants will engage in a vigil, gain access to off-limits areas of the house, and have free time to explore and conduct their ghost hunts. Snacks and beverages are provided, and you are welcome to bring your paranormal investigation equipment. This ghost hunt is open to those aged 16 and older. For tickets and more information, visit the Great State Paranormal website.
6. Carolina Spook Tales
Want to hear some spooky good stories? Stop by The Green Room Community Theatre in Newton to hear spooky tales from across the Carolinas. Catch some of North Carolina's best legends and haunting stories on October 24th at 6:00 p.m. Bring the whole family for a night of haunting history! (target audience 4th grade and up)
7. 39th Heritage Festival at Hart Square
Step back in time at Hart Square on October 26th for the 39th Heritage Festival. The village will come alive with over 300 artisans and demonstrators in period-appropriate clothing. Experience history through flax-making, cotton baling, tinsmithing, and apple-butter making, all set to the tunes of old-time music. Visit the site of the nation’s largest collection of historic log structures and immerse yourself in this remarkable event. Tickets can be purchased online at the Hart Square website.
8. Leaf Looking - Catawba County Parks
Want to witness the stunning red and orange hues of fall in Hickory? Visit our beautiful Catawba Valley Parks:
- Bakers Mountain Park is home to Catawba County’s highest elevation point (1,780 feet). With this amazing mountaintop observation deck, you’re guaranteed breathtaking views of the fall foliage. Enjoy the six miles of trails surrounding a beautiful creek and a fun paved literacy trail, perfect for kids!
- Riverbend Park, located along the Catawba River, offers picturesque fall scenery across its 690 acres. Hike through the various trails to enjoy the vibrant leaves, or bring a kayak for paddling access to the river. Fishing enthusiasts and sight-seekers can cast a line from the observation deck and enjoy the beautiful views of Hickory.
- Mountain Creek Park is Hickory’s mountain-biking hub, featuring 19.52 miles of multi-use trails, including bike-only and paved ADA-accessible trails. Cast a line off the fishing pier, launch into the water at the paddle launch, or bring your furry friends and little ones to enjoy the dog park and adventure playground.
- St. Stephens Park is the perfect park to bring your furry friends, featuring a one-acre off-leash dog park. This park also offers a playground, cornhole, a paved literacy trail, and a wooded 1/3-mile hiking loop. This park is the perfect place to enjoy a crisp fall day!
Catawba County leaves will typically hit their peak at the end of October or the beginning of November.
*This list is in order of event dates- for more events in the area head on over to our event calendar.
