Good morning, Hickory.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, the community will gather at Samuel William Davis Sr. Multipurpose Field in Taft Broome Park for a Festival on the Field starting at 5 p.m. and a free Sails Original Music Series concert beginning at 6 p.m. Selwyn Birchwood—known for his Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues style—will perform his blues hits while vendor booths, food trucks and cornhole games add extra fun.

Officials in North Carolina and Tennessee launched the Tail of the Dragon safe driving campaign on Monday off U.S. 129 in Swain County—warning drivers to slow down, buckle up and avoid intoxication on the winding road.

Local law enforcement will run checkpoints and patrols over several weeks—ensuring drivers take extra precautions this fall.

A candlelight vigil will be held at the Catawba County Justice Center in Newton at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept.

22 to honor conservative influencer Charlie Kirk who was fatally shot on Sept. 10—organizers also are urging officials to name public infrastructure after him.

On September 18th, Lenoir-Rhyne women’s soccer beat Columbus State 2-1 in an away match as Lucia Hidalgo scored nearly 2 minutes in and Savannah Hughes netted her first career goal while Riley Miller made 6 saves; the Bears will travel to Emory for their next conference game at 5:00 p.m.

Lenoir-Rhyne's men's soccer team lost 2-1 to Palm Beach Atlantic on September 18th after playing shorthanded when Fran Tita was red carded; Jonas Moos scored the Bears' only goal near the end—leaving the team to face a challenging three-game road stretch.

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.

JAZZ LEGACY Concert Series

2-4 p.m. — Sails On The Square — Free entry — Experience the Byron Bean All Star Big Band in a vibrant outdoor jazz concert.