Now that school is back in session, I’m able to focus on the backlog of blog posts that I had started but never finished. Or in cases like our monthly Arts + Culture roundup… slacked off on over the past few months. But I prefer to prioritize my time with my children, even if it means that other things are placed on the back burner for a bit.
That being said, September is full of great events happening in our community. These are only a few of my favorites — leave a comment with what you are looking forward to (either here or tag us on social media).
And here’s a random one for you as well – International Observe the Moon Night will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The annual Happy Valley Jamboree celebrates the rich musical heritage of the North Carolina foothills, bringing musicians and visitors together for a free Labor Day weekend of traditional music and community. The three-day event (running from September 4–6 in Lenoir) features open mic performances, storytelling, a parade, competitions, cakewalks, gospel singing, and concerts, creating a welcoming space for both musicians and music lovers.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Hickory Community Theatre’s production of A Chorus Line on Saturday, September 5, from 2:30–3:30 PM at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library in Hickory. Meet members of the cast, hear a song performed live, and learn more about the production from director Leanna Bodnar. Attendees receive a free ticket to the show, while supplies last, and be entered to win a copy of A Chorus Line: The Complete Book of the Musical.
The Hickory Museum of Art is celebrating the completion of its transformational renovation with a sold-out preview party on September 5, followed by a Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Sunday, September 6 at 1 PM. The public is invited to celebrate the museum’s return and be among the first to explore its newly renovated spaces and exhibitions.
Actor, director, and bestselling memoirist Andrew McCarthy kicks off Lenoir-Rhyne University’s 2026–27 Visiting Writers Series on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 PM at P.E. Monroe Auditorium in Hickory. McCarthy will discuss his new book, Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America, which blends memoir, travel writing, and reflections on friendship and connection. The event is free and open to the public, though tickets are required.
Grab a blanket or lawn chair and head to Temple Field in Valdese for an outdoor screening of Pixar’s beloved classic Toy Story on Friday, September 18. Bring the family, settle in under the stars, and enjoy a nostalgic movie night in the great outdoors. It’s a simple, family-friendly way to kick off the weekend, and you may want to arrive early to get a good spot on the field.
Caldwell Art Council’s 40th Annual Sculpture Celebration returns to Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir on Saturday, September 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free, nationally recognized event brings sculptors – primarily from east of the Mississippi – to the beautiful park to compete for $11,000 in cash awards while showcasing and selling their work. Visitors can stroll among sculptures displayed throughout the grounds while enjoying live music and food trucks. Free shuttle service will also be available to and from Mulberry Recreation Center. The event will be held rain or shine.
Fantasy comes to life at Foothills Pops: Symphony of the Shire, featuring the Western Piedmont Symphony performing music from The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Hook, World of Warcraft, The Chronicles of Narnia, The NeverEnding Story, and more. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme by attending in costume, cosplay, or Renaissance-inspired attire. The concert takes place Saturday, September 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir.
The Women’s Resource Center’s annual Art in the Park returns to Sally Fox Park in Hickory on Saturday, September 12, from 11 AM–3 PM. This year’s event features 50+ artists, food trucks, live music, children’s activities, a beer garden, and a silent auction, along with a juried art showcase themed Rooted & Rising. It’s a fun way to support local artists while supporting the Women’s Resource Center’s work in the community.
Burke Arts Council presents Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind during its monthly Film Night on Thursday, September 17. The 2004 film stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet and follows a couple who undergo a medical procedure to erase memories of their relationship after a painful breakup. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the R-rated film beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes free popcorn, while beer and wine will also be available for purchase. The film is rated R and runs for 1 hour and 48 minutes.
Spend an evening outdoors with live music at The Hub Station in Hudson on Thursday, September 17, featuring Jon Boy & Lefty. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of music and community on the lawn. The concert is free and open to the public, making it an easy option for a laid-back night out in Caldwell County.
Downtown Hickory’s Fall Art Crawl returns Thursday, September 17, bringing artists, art demonstrations, live music, and shopping to four walkable blocks of downtown. Visitors can browse and purchase everything from pottery and paintings to woodworking and photography, while enjoying free live performances from Western Piedmont Symphony chamber ensembles and friends. The event also partners with the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, where young business owners will sell handmade crafts, food, games, and other products under the Sails on Union Square. The Art Crawl runs from 5 to 8 p.m., with kickoff events at Full Circle Arts and Trade Alley Art Gallery, where visitors can pick up maps and explore participating businesses throughout downtown.
Film lovers can head to Hickory from September 18-27 for the 2026 Footcandle Film Festival, celebrating independent filmmaking with a lineup of feature films, short films, documentaries, and other cinematic gems from filmmakers near and far. In addition to screenings, the festival offers opportunities to meet filmmakers, participate in discussions and special events, and connect with other movie fans. It’s a great chance to discover films you might not otherwise see in theaters while supporting Hickory’s growing arts and film community.
Celebrate all things Gilmore Girls on Saturday, September 19 at My Chapter House in Hickory with a day inspired by Stars Hollow. Enjoy specialty drinks from Chapter Coffee Co., build your own bouquet at The Flower Fairy, and grab a breakfast treat from Al’s Pancake World (AKA Flavia’s Bakery). The day will also include music by Town Troubadour, Liz’s Jewelry Bar, Rory-inspired reads, Gilmore Girls merchandise, a 10:30 a.m. story time, and trivia night at 6 p.m.
Spend a Sunday with your four-legged friend at Silver Fork Winery in Morganton on September 20 from 11 AM–2 PM for the Sit! Stay! Drink! fundraiser benefiting A Better Life Animal Rescue (ABLAR). The event includes a raffle, silent auction, pup obstacle course, Blessing of the Pups, live music, food, wine, and a chance to meet adoptable ABLAR animals. Dogs are welcome on leash, and all proceeds from admission, raffles, donations, and Adopt-A-Row will benefit the rescue.
Feel like traveling?
These are a few great events we’ve stumbled upon that’s a little bit more of a drive to get to.
Travel back in time September 4-6 at the WNC Renaissance Faire in Nebo, where knights, nobles, fairies, merchants, and performers bring a little medieval magic to Western North Carolina. Along with costumed characters and live entertainment, visitors can browse artisan vendors, enjoy hearty faire food and drinks, watch demonstrations and performances, and take part in the festivities themselves. Whether you come dressed in your finest Renaissance garb or simply want to spend a day somewhere a little different, it’s a fun fall outing for the whole family.
Head to downtown Tryon on Saturday, September 12, from 11 AM–5 PM for their Second Saturday Art Stroll celebrating the town’s vibrant arts scene. Galleries, studios, shops, and creative spaces throughout downtown will welcome visitors with exhibitions, artist demonstrations, pop-up experiences, music, and more. It’s an easy excuse to spend a Saturday wandering Tryon, discovering local art, and exploring the town’s creative community.