City of Hickory e-Newsletter

City of Hickory Monthly e-Newsletter | September 2026

Sails Original Music Series Returns

The City of Hickory’s Sails Original Music Series, presented by Protection Products, Inc., returns this fall with a full month of free outdoor concerts featuring exceptional original music every weekend in September. This popular series brings nationally and internationally touring artists to downtown Hickory for an unforgettable community experience. Performances on Friday, Sept. 4, 11, and 18 will begin at 7 p.m. on Union Square in downtown Hickory. Music fans will enjoy a special change of venue on Saturday, Sept. 26, with a Festival on the Field beginning at 4 p.m., followed by a Sails Original Music Series concert at 5 p.m. at the Samuel William Davis Sr. Multipurpose Field in Taft Broome Park.

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Community Relations Council Grants

The City of Hickory Community Relations Council (CRC) is currently seeking projects to fund for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and invites qualified groups or individuals to consider submitting grant requests. Priority will, generally, be given to projects that are designed to deliver the greatest impact on positive human relations, that are most effective in bringing different sub-communities of Hickory together, and that provide services and resources to the people who can most benefit. The deadline for submitting for the Fall 2026 grant cycle is Monday, Sept. 28, at noon. Applicants may include any 501(c)(3) or otherwise tax-exempt organizations.

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Kidfest

The City of Hickory will host the annual Kidfest on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kiwanis Park. Kids of all ages are invited to this free day of play. Families can make crafts, play games, get faces painted, and stop by vendor booths. Free food and drinks will be available while supplies last.

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Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K and Dog Festival

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As part of its annual 5K series, the Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department will host the third annual Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K and Dog Festival this September. The Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K will begin at Winkler Park on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. This dog-friendly race invites participants to run with their canine companions along a 3.1-mile loop featuring both paved and wooded trails. Before and after the race, runners, dogs, and families can enjoy the Ruff, Ruff, Run Dog Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The festival will feature food trucks, music, dog-focused vendors, obedience demonstrations, and a special dog yoga session held after the 5K.

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September 2026

City Snippets

Want more news and information about what's happening in Hickory? Check out the City Snippets, our monthly printed newsletter that gets mailed with your utility bill. If you’re signed up for e-billing or not a City of Hickory customer within city limits, the City Snippets is available digitally on our website. Browse the latest edition (and past issues!) anytime.

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Calendar of Events

HICKORY CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, September 1 & 15
6 p.m.
Hickory City Hall Council Chambers

CLASSIC FILMS WITH JOE BARRETT: FATHER OF THE BRIDE (1950)

Thursday, September 3

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

THE PADDLE & PICNIC EXPERIENCE AT PRICE LAKE

Friday, September 4

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Registration Required

Depart from Highland Recreation Center

NATURAL BIRD FEEDERS WORKSHOP & BIRD WALK

Friday, September 4

9-11:30 a.m.

Registration Required

Glenn Hilton Park

SAILS ORIGINAL MUSIC SERIES: NEW TRANSLATIONS

Friday, September 4

7-8:30 p.m.

Union Square, Downtown Hickory

www.HickoryNC.gov/SailsMusic

A CHORUS LINE EVENT WITH HICKORY COMMUNITY THEATRE

Saturday, September 5

2:30-3:30 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

LABOR DAY

Monday, September 7

City Offices, Libraries, and Recreation Centers Closed

COPS & CONES

Wednesday, September 9

3-5 p.m.

Union Square, Downtown Hickory

LEARN TO PLAY UKULELE

Wednesday, September 9

3-4 p.m.

Registration Required

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

TEEN HOBBY HOP: JOURNALING

Wednesday, September 9

4 p.m.

Ridgeview Branch Library

WELLNESS ON THE SQUARE

Thursday, September 10

6-7 p.m.

Union Square, Downtown Hickory

DIAMOND ART: DEER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Thursday, September 10

6-7:30 p.m.

Registration Required

The Learning Lab, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

PATRIOT DAY REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

Friday, September 11

9:30 a.m.

Union Square, Downtown Hickory

TRIVIA & JINGO

Friday, September 11

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Ridgeview Branch Library

SAILS ORIGINAL MUSIC SERIES: MELLOW SWELLS
Friday, September 11

7-8:30 p.m.

Union Square, Downtown Hickory

www.HickoryNC.gov/SailsMusic

HICKORY BALLET & PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS IMAGINE A DRAGON

Saturday, September 12

2-3 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

HOLLYWOOD HITS MUSIC BINGO

Saturday, September 12

6-8 p.m.

Union Square, Downtown Hickory

SATURDAY SCREENINGS: INSIDE OUT

Saturday, September 12

8 p.m.

Union Square, Downtown Hickory

A.I. WORKSHOP

Monday, September 14

6-7:30 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

HICKORY POETRY SALON

Tuesday, September 15

6-7:30 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

A.I. WORKSHOP

Wednesday, September 16

10-11:30 a.m.

The Learning Lab, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

MAKE YOUR OWN ART PRINTS

Wednesday, September 16

6-7:30 p.m.

Registration Required

The Learning Lab, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

TINKER TALES: ON THE FARM

Thursday, September 17

10-11 a.m.

Ridgeview Branch Library

CHRONIC STRESS MANAGEMENT: TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR LONG-TERM WELLBEING

Thursday, September 17

2-3 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

SIDE/SHOW + DOWNTOWN HICKORY ART CRAWL

Thursday, September 17

5-8 p.m.

Downtown Hickory

INTRO TO ART HISTORY AND CAVE PAINTINGS

Thursday, September 17

6-7 p.m.

Registration Required

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

SAILS ORIGINAL MUSIC SERIES: PRESSINGS STRINGS
Friday, September 18

7-8:30 p.m.

Union Square, Downtown Hickory

www.HickoryNC.gov/SailsMusic

GINGER FESTIVAL

Saturday, September 19

8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Sails on the Square

www.HickoryFarmersMarket.com

KIDFEST

Saturday, September 19

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Kiwanis Park

BALLFIELD MUSIC BINGO

Saturday, September 19

12-4 p.m.

Samuel William Davis, Sr. Multipurpose Field

WELLNESS ON THE SQUARE

Thursday, September 24

6-7 p.m.

Union Square, Downtown Hickory

TRIVIA & JINGO

Friday, September 25

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Ridgeview Branch Library

SPIDERMAN KEYCHAINS

Friday, September 25

2-3 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

KID CULINARY

Saturday, September 26

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Registration Required

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

SAILS ORIGINAL MUSIC SERIES: N-SPIRE BAND
Saturday, September 26

Festival on the Field: 4 p.m.

Sails Concert: 5 p.m.

Samuel William Davis Sr. Multipurpose Field, Taft Broome Park

www.HickoryNC.gov/SailsMusic

RUFF, RUFF, RUN 5K AND DOG FESTIVAL

Saturday, September 26

Festival 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

11 a.m. 5K Race

Registration Required

Winkler Park

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