Community Calendar

Step back 66 million years and journey through the final chapter of the age of dinosaurs in Dinosaur Evolution—a thrilling immersive experience that brings the Cretaceous world to life. Witness feathered raptors on the hunt, armored giants defending their turf, and the mighty T. rex at the top of the food chain. But even these perfectly evolved creatures couldn’t escape Earth’s most devastating extinction event. Stunning visuals and cutting-edge science reveal how evolution shaped the dinosaurs—and how birds, their modern-day descendants, continue their legacy. It's a prehistoric adventure that will inspire the next generation of paleontologists and conservationists alike.

Dive into adventure with our NEW IMMOTION VR Experience: Shark Dive, launching May 22nd at CSC!

Get up close with the incredible sharks of Tiger Beach in this thrilling, immersive underwater experience. No wetsuit required.

The battle is back!

Get ready for the return of Hickory Bot Battles at Catawba Science Center! As North Carolina's largest combat robotics event, this fan-favorite competition brings teams from across the country, including competitors you've seen on the BattleBots TV show.

Watch custom-built robots clash in our 8' x 8' bulletproof arena, cheer on your favorites, and see local companies battle it out in the Corporate Cup Competition for engineering bragging rights and the coveted HBB Corporate Cup Trophy.

Purchase tickets now to reserve your spot!

Friday, September 11th
🎟️Day 1: https://14048.blackbaudhosting.com/14048/Hickory-Bot-Battles-11Sep2026
Saturday, September 12th
🎟️Day 2: https://14048.blackbaudhosting.com/14048/Hickory-Bot-Battles-12Sep2026

DINOSAUR! has made their way back to CSC! Get ready to come face-to-face with jaw-dropping fossils, thrilling prehistoric discoveries, and hands-on Jurassic fun for explorers of all ages.

The ROAR of prehistoric fun is her, don’t miss it!

Step back 66 million years and journey through the final chapter of the age of dinosaurs in Dinosaur Evolution—a thrilling immersive experience that brings the Cretaceous world to life. Witness feathered raptors on the hunt, armored giants defending their turf, and the mighty T. rex at the top of the food chain. But even these perfectly evolved creatures couldn’t escape Earth’s most devastating extinction event. Stunning visuals and cutting-edge science reveal how evolution shaped the dinosaurs—and how birds, their modern-day descendants, continue their legacy. It's a prehistoric adventure that will inspire the next generation of paleontologists and conservationists alike.

Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership (all or part of a uniform or a troop roster with the leader’s name on it), and family members will receive discounted admission ($1 off child admission and $2 off adult admission). The day has a robust schedule of simultaneous offerings (which may be subject to change due to weather or other factors). Included with admission.

The Park CDC's fall Sunset Farm Open House welcomes community members to the organization's urban garden and gardening education hub for some hands-on learning in the sun and soil.

Attendees can:

- Take a Garden-to-Go container gardening class
- Watch farm-to-table cooking demonstrations
- Plant micro greens to take home
- Learn about healthy nutrition practices
- Learn what it's like to volunteer with us

The event is open to the whole family, and we'll have gardening-related activities for the kids as well! You can attend the entire event or come for a period of time. Just be sure to register for the event itself as well as any activities which interest you.

Registration Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0949ABAA2BA7FDC43-63008956-sunset#/

Dive into adventure with our NEW IMMOTION VR Experience: Shark Dive, launching May 22nd at CSC!

Get up close with the incredible sharks of Tiger Beach in this thrilling, immersive underwater experience. No wetsuit required.

The High Country Farm Tour will be held in Watauga County on Saturday, September 12th, from 10 am to 4 pm and features six unique farms. Get a behind-the-scenes look at each farm during a guided tour. Each farm will feature products for sale in addition to the tour experience. Expect to find flowers, crafts, self-care products, vegetables, and a variety of meats. Don’t forget your cooler!

Upon purchase, you will receive a digital map with all farm addresses for you to plan your day. Each ticket covers one carload of attendees. Please print your ticket to show at each farm or save your digital copy.

Tickets are $35 until September 4th; beginning September 5th prices will go up to $45.

You’re also invited to join us on Friday, September 11th, from 6 pm to 8 pm in downtown Boone at locally-owned Betty’s Biscuits for a meet and greet with the farmers, Biscuits, and Bubbly! Tickets are $20, and include a glass of champagne, hibiscus tea, and tasty biscuit sliders! You can add on this experience after purchasing your farm tour tickets!

Be sure to enjoy a fabulous brunch on Saturday & Sunday morning. Some locally-owned brunch spots are Vidalia, Boone Bagelry, Melanie’s Food Fantasy, AND you can always go back to Betty’s Biscuits. View all Brunch Spots in Boone here!

If you want to stay at a farm in the area, check out Hipcamp for available campsites, cabins, or other fun lodging options!

The battle is back!

Get ready for the return of Hickory Bot Battles at Catawba Science Center! As North Carolina's largest combat robotics event, this fan-favorite competition brings teams from across the country, including competitors you've seen on the BattleBots TV show.

Watch custom-built robots clash in our 8' x 8' bulletproof arena, cheer on your favorites, and see local companies battle it out in the Corporate Cup Competition for engineering bragging rights and the coveted HBB Corporate Cup Trophy.

Purchase tickets now to reserve your spot!

Friday, September 11th
🎟️Day 1: https://14048.blackbaudhosting.com/14048/Hickory-Bot-Battles-11Sep2026
Saturday, September 12th
🎟️Day 2: https://14048.blackbaudhosting.com/14048/Hickory-Bot-Battles-12Sep2026