Registration is now underway for the City of Hickory's Youth Basketball and Indoor Soccer programs. Participation is free to all City of Hickory residents, and nonresidents can also participate by paying a $40 nonresident fee. Each participant will also purchase their team jersey to complete registration. Online registration for both youth sports programs is available at hickory.recdesk.com. If it is your child’s first time participating with the Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department, a copy of his or her birth certificate must be turned in at the Administrative Offices, located at 1451 8th Street Drive NE, prior to participation.
Unleash your musical side! Community Jam Nights are a fun space to play, create, and connect with fellow musicians. Kicking off on Oct. 6, we will meet every other Monday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Highland Recreation Center. No registration required.
Homeschool P.E.
Homeschool P.E. is in full swing this fall! Designated to promote physical fitness and social interaction, Homeschool P.E. will be on Thursday, Oct. 2, and Thursday, Oct. 16. Registration will open on the Monday before each class. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Halloween Pet Parade & Costume Contest
No tricks, just treats! Bring your furry friends to the Halloween Pet Parade & Costume Contest at Union Square on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. Show off their best costume and enter them to win a prize!
Trunk or Treat Festival
The annual Trunk or Treat Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25. The family-friendly Halloween event will take place from 2:30-5 p.m. at Brown Penn Recreation Center. Come dressed in Halloween costumes and enjoy an evening of games, raffles, candy, and a haunted stage. Sponsors include Lake Hickory Haunts, Bass-Smith Funeral Home, and Lake Homes Realty. Brown Penn Recreation Center is located at 735 Third Street SW in Hickory. For more information, contact Todder Clark at nclark@hickorync.gov.
Owl Prowl
Discover the world of owls, learn about their habitats, and enjoy a guided night walk along the Hickory City Park trail. A perfect mix of adventure and nature – don’t miss it on Friday, Oct. 24, from 7-9 p.m. Secure your spot and register today!
To conclude the 2025 Hickory 5K Series, the annual Trick or Trot 5K will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25. The family-friendly, Halloween-themed race will begin at 9 a.m. at Highland Recreation Center in Stanford Park and travel on a new route through northeast Hickory before ending back at Stanford Park.
Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, seasonal park hours will take effect for all City parks. Parks will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week through March.
A day of adventure! Bounce, play, ride, and explore at Alpha & Omega Corn Maze – where the fun never ends! Do not miss this farm adventure on Friday, Oct. 17. Registration is open to kids ages 7-11, and spots are limited!
• Beginner Pickleball Clinic – Tuesday, October 14 • Intermediate Pickleball Clinic – Tuesday, October 21 • Acrylic Paint Pouring – Saturday, November 1 • Lowes Foods Hickory Christmas Parade – Friday, November 21 • Edible Bird House Workshop – Saturday, November 22
Park Highlight
Kiwanis Park features two picnic shelters with tables and grills, tennis court, outdoor basketball court, four lighted baseball fields, two batting cages, walking trail, restrooms, concession stand, Charles D. Dixon Memorial Splash Pad, and two playgrounds, including the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground and treehouse.
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