Community Calendar

When the world stood still, a small town stepped up. Come From Away shares the remarkable true story of 7,000 airline passengers grounded in Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001. As fear and uncertainty give way to generosity and compassion, strangers become neighbors. Filled with humor, heart, and a soaring score, this Tony Award–winning musical is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, we can find light in one another.

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration from viewing locations on Linville Peak (across the Mile High Swinging Bridge) and Half Moon Overlook (the first major overlook when entering the park). Included with admission.

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!

Flat Footed Truths: Stories of Lived Experiences is a juried quilt exhibition featuring quilts and fiber art that depict the soul-stirring, truth-telling, and compelling stories of African American women.

This exhibit is named and influenced by the book written by Patricia Bell-Scott, Flat Footed Truths: Telling Black Women’s Lives. These stories and the truths they tell come to life in this unforgettable exhibit.

Co-curated by Francene V. Greene and Michelle Curney Willis.

Learn more by visiting: https://cabarrusartscouncil.org/flat-footed-truths/

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

Travel the world through folklore, imagination, and play! In this free interactive workshop, participants will explore meaningful objects from folktales, reimagine their powers, and create and share stories together. No storytelling experience is needed—just bring your curiosity.

Mooresville Arts presents Heaven on Earth, a curated exhibition featuring the work of 17 North Carolina artists. The Center Gallery showcases paintings, mixed media, photography, ceramics, glass, sculpture, and more, highlighting the diverse talent of artists from across the state.

Face Off, on display in the Skylight Gallery, features portraits by more than 40 local and regional artists. The exhibition explores portraiture in many forms, including self-portraits, people and loved ones, pets, and animals, with works spanning painting, drawing, photography, fiber arts, pottery, and more.

Most artwork is available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting participating artists and Mooresville Arts. For private exhibit tours, call the gallery at 704-663-6661.

Exhibitions: August 18–September 24, 2026 / Free to visit.
Opening Reception: Friday, August 21, 6–8 p.m.
Location: Mooresville Arts at the Depot, 103 W. Center Ave., Mooresville, NC
Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 12–4 p.m.; Friday, 2–8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m