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Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Monthly e-Newsletter | July 2026

Fall Sports Registration

Registration is underway for the City of Hickory's Youth Fall Soccer, Youth Fall Tackle Football, and Youth Girls Flag Football programs. Participation is free for City of Hickory residents, and $40 for non-residents.  Register online at hickory.recdesk.com by Friday, July 31.

Youth Fall Soccer

• Co-ed 5U: Ages 4-5
• Co-ed 7U: Ages 6-7

• Boys 10U: Ages 8-10

• Girls 10U: Ages 8-10

• Boys 13U: Ages 11-13

• Girls 13U: Ages 11-13

Youth Fall Tackle Football

• Pee Wee: Ages 7-8

• Junior Varsity: Ages 9-10

• Varsity: Ages 11-12

Youth Girls Fall Flag Football

• 8U: Ages 7-8

• 10U: Ages 9-10

• 12U: Ages 11-12

• 14U: Ages 13-14

Chess Club

Check mate! Join us at Highland Recreation Center on Wednesdays from 5-8:30 p.m. for the brand-new Chess Club! Players ages 8 and up are invited to improve their skills and challenge other chess enthusiasts in the community. No registration required.

Community Jam Nights

Mondays at Highland Recreation Center get musical! Bring your instruments and participate in our Community Jam Nights at 6:30 p.m. The next Community Jam Night is July 27th, August 10th and August 24th. No registration required. 

Saturday Screenings

Saturday Screenings are back this summer at Union Square in downtown Hickory! The film series continues with A League of Their Own on July 25, Inside Out on Aug. 8, and A Minecraft Movie on Aug. 22. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and settle in with games and concessions before the movies begin at 8:30 p.m.

The Lake Hickory Experience

Enjoy the scenic views of Lake Hickory this summer at The Lake Hickory Experience! On select Thursdays and Fridays this July, paddleboard and kayak with us and Lake Hickory Pub & Marina. Participants will depart from Highland Recreation Center at 9:30 a.m., with a return planned for 1 p.m.

Youth Night

Kids ages 8-12 are invited to Highland Recreation Center on Friday, July 31, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for Youth Night! Come with friends to enjoy food, music, games, and more. 

Basketball Skills and Drills

Kids ages 8-15 are invited to participate in our Basketball Skills and Drills. From July 27-30, practice dribbling, passing, and shooting at Ridgeview Recreation Center. 

Glow in the Dark Pickleball

Light up the courts at Glow in the Dark Pickleball! Come to Highland Recreation Center on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., where the nets, lines, and even the balls will be illuminated with vibrant neon colors.

Mark Your Calendars

•    Lightning Bug Boogie 5K – Friday, August 14 
•    Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K and Dog Festival – Saturday, Sept. 26

Park Highlight

Civitan Park features a picnic shelter, a playground, an outdoor basketball court, two tennis courts, and a community garden. It is located at 460 17th Ave NE in Hickory.

Free Play & Group Exercise Classes

Our recreation centers offer free play pickleball, basketball, volleyball, and group exercise classes for all skill levels!

Monthly Event Sponsors

To see how you can get involved and become a sponsor, click here: www.hickorync.gov/sponsorship-opportunities