Good morning, Hickory.

Hickory’s Riverwalk overwater bridge was closed Monday, Sept.

15 for electrical repairs to fix the lighting and conduit damaged during Hurricane Helene—repairs are expected to take 4—6 weeks while the rest of the elevated trail remains open from Hickory City and Rotary-Geitner parks.

Today, Visit Hickory and the Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority were named Tourism Office of the Year for Category 1 Markets by the Southeast Tourism Society, recognizing 18 months of focused tourism marketing and community leadership during Hurricane Helene—boosting the region's profile in national media. The award comes as the group unveiled a new destination brand and a redesigned website in partnership with Simpleview, marking a turning point in local tourism efforts.

The NCDOT is calling on volunteers to clean roadsides for the Fall Litter Sweep, which started on September 13 and will run until September 27—gloves and safety vests are given at local NCDOT offices— as part of a statewide effort that leads to the Great American Cleanup in October.

Gov. Josh Stein authorized a standing order that lets people 65 and older and those 18 to 64 with high-risk conditions get the COVID booster without a prescription at pharmacies — easing access as the 2025-26 vaccine rollout begins.

The order cuts red tape for high-risk residents preparing for colder months.

Sails Original Music Series

6-7:30 p.m. — Taft Broome Park — Free admission — Experience the electrifying sounds of Selwyn Birchwood as part of a vibrant music series in Hickory.

The Piedmont Boys Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — The Premier — $— Enjoy an evening of live music from the acclaimed Piedmont Boys, who bring their Southern roots to Hickory.

Level X - Tribute to Women Who Rock

7-11 p.m. — The Premier — Ticket info TBA — Experience high-energy performances of iconic songs from legendary female artists.

Italian Wine Journey with the Tommasi Family

6-9 p.m. — FOURK — $118 per person — Experience a culinary adventure through Italy’s wine regions with expertly paired courses from the Tommasi Family.

Hickory Oktoberfest

9-11 p.m. — Hickory North Carolina — Free entry — Experience the best of local beer and food at the main stage during Oktoberfest.

$3,000 to Win Race at Hickory Motor Speedway

4:30-10 p.m. — Hickory Motor Speedway — $3,000 to win — Experience thrilling stock car racing at one of NASCAR's most legendary venues.