There’s no shortage of things happening this May—our community is buzzing with art, performance, and experiences that invite you to show up, explore, and take part in something creative. This month feels especially alive with connection, as artists, performers, and neighbors come together to share stories, spark conversation, and celebrate the spaces where creativity and community meet.
Here are a few things happening in our area this month—each offering a different way to experience the creativity, talent, and energy that’s unfolding across our community. From live performances and immersive art experiences to gatherings that bring people together in meaningful ways, these events highlight just how vibrant and connected our local arts and culture scene continues to be.
🌿 Catawba County
Head to downtown Newton on Saturday, May 9 from 10 AM to 4 PM for the annual Foothills Folk Art Festival. This family-friendly event brings together local and regional artists with work for sale, live demonstrations, hands-on kids’ activities, live music, great food, a beer garden, and more—making it a lively day out for all ages.
Forces of Nature is a one-night immersive art experience on May 16th at Catawba Farms Gallery (1670 Southwest Blvd, Newton, NC 28658) that brings together Appalachian folklore, ecology, and mythic imagination through the work of Stacey Pilkington-Smith and collaborating artists. Blending mixed-media installations, outdoor sculpture, and interactive elements, the event invites visitors into a dreamlike, story-driven environment inspired by both regional traditions and the artist’s Ireland residency. Highlights include roaming Greenmen characters, an artist talk, a documentary screening, and a community reception—creating a shared cultural experience that celebrates creativity, place, and the natural world.
Looking for a fun date night activity or a night of fun with friends? Check out the Catawba Science Center on Saturday, May 16 for an unforgettable Science After Dark. Doors open at 6:00 PM for exploring, with laser shows set to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon at 6:30 PM and The Wall at 7:30 PM. Advance tickets are required, and beer and wine will be available for a donation before the show.
Author Sarah Loudin Thomas will be at My Chapter House (Hickory) from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, May 9th, signing copies of her new book These Empty Places, while sharing the story behind the pages.
The popular Sails Original Music Series in downtown Hickory starts back in May, presenting free concerts of live music under The Sails on the Square. Performances begin at 7pm on Friday evenings. We attended this a few times last year and loved seeing downtown come to life in the evenings!
Each May the Hickory Landmarks Society hosts its annual fundraising event, the Romance of the Home and Garden Tour. This year, the 31st tour will take place on May 16th featuring 7 Various properties within Hickory city limits. Experience the beauty of Hickory’s finest homes and gardens, ending with a social at Vintage House Restaurant.
🌿 Burke County
Morganton’s TGIF Summer Concert series also starts on May 1st, running most Friday’s throughout the summer. Food and beverage vendors open at 6pm and the performance starts at 7pm (goes until 10pm). The concert is FREE to attend and open to the public at the Historic Burke County Courthouse Square.
Celebrate spring with Fonta Flora Brewery at their fourth annual Springfest on Saturday, May 2 at Whippoorwill Farm. This free, family-friendly event features live polka music, a stein-holding competition with prizes, May Pole dancing, German-inspired food (no pizza that day), seasonal beer releases, cocktails, and the return of their popular slushees. You’ll also find fresh pretzels, kettle corn, and plenty of festive flair—so feel free to break out your lederhosen or dirndl. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome, making it a fun day out for everyone.
Best Mom Ever is a live, interactive comedy experience that dives into the funny, messy, and heartfelt realities of parenting, marriage, and everyday life. Blending stand-up, storytelling, and audience participation, the show creates a warm, relatable atmosphere centered on connection, imperfection, and shared laughter. While it celebrates motherhood, it’s designed for anyone who enjoys honest, real-life humor (recommended for ages 14+). This ticketed performance takes place May 9th at the Burke Arts Council, with doors opening at 6 PM for light refreshments and a silent auction, and the show beginning at 7 PM.
This is just a small glimpse of the many events happening around our community—there are even more great things going on that didn’t make this list. What are you most looking forward to this month? Drop it in the comments!
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