🎶 May in Downtown Hickory: Music, Community & Memory-Making Moments!
Free Concerts, Local Flavor, and Can’t-Miss Community Fun This May!
There’s nothing quite like Downtown Hickory in May—the weather is perfect, the community is buzzing, and the calendar is packed with can’t-miss events! Whether you’re a lifelong local or just getting to know the area, May is the month to get out and experience all that our vibrant downtown has to offer.
We’ve rounded up some of the best free events happening this month—perfect for a night out, a relaxing Sunday, or something fun to share with your clients looking to fall in love with Hickory. 🎉
🎵 City of Hickory Sails Music Series – Every Friday @ 7 PM
Live original music under the sails? Yes, please!
Join the community each Friday night at The Sails on the Square for amazing live performances from talented regional and international artists. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab dinner from a local restaurant, and sip on a beverage from the Hickory Downtown Social District. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the week!
🗓 Dates:
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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The Sails on the Square
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7:00 – 8:30 PM
May 2025 Band Lineup
May 2 - Random Animals
You’ll be swaying like a hippie to these pop-soul, groovy dudes from Asheville.
May 9 - Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms Country Band
They take the sentimentality of an old-time string band and put it in a dance hall.
May 16 - Holler Choir
Led by choir director Clint Roberts, this new acoustic band is not going places – they are already there! You’re going to love Clint’s voice.
May 23 - Mike Strauss Band
Think Dawes meets Dire Straits! Strauss has been writing and playing the region for years. I predict we’ll all have fun with Mike!
May 30 - Shamarr Allen
He’s been heralded as a Big Easy emerging artist who goes where Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis left off as he sings with power and makes the trumpet howl – and he’s a VERY COOL dude!
🎷 Jazz Legacy Concert Series – Sundays @ 2 PM
Love smooth jazz? This one’s for you.
Presented by the Hickory Jazz Society and the City of Hickory, this series brings back the most requested Jazz on Tap musicians from the early 2000s through 2020. It’s laid back, family-friendly, and set right on Union Square—grab a coffee and settle in for something special.
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May 11 & 18
📍 CommScope Stage on Union Square
🕑 2:00 – 4:00 PM
🎤 Hickory Choral Society Pops Concert – May 18 @ 6 PM
An annual tradition that never disappoints!
The Hickory Choral Society (with over 100 incredible voices!) fills downtown with powerful, feel-good pop music that’s sure to lift your spirits. It’s one of those events that makes you proud to be part of this community.
🗓 May 18
📍 Downtown Hickory – Union Square
🕕 6:00 – 7:30 PM
💃 Swingin’ Under the Stars – May 25 @ 6 PM
Save the date for this big-band spectacular!
Presented by the Hickory Music Factory, this annual Memorial Day weekend concert brings the classic sounds of swing and jazz to Union Square. It’s fun, festive, and totally dance-worthy. Come dressed up or casual—but don’t forget your dancing shoes!
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May 25
📍 Union Square – Downtown Hickory
🕕 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Why We Love These Events
Aside from the fun, these events showcase what makes Hickory so special—community, creativity, and connection. They’re also fantastic opportunities to invite clients out, capture great content for social media, or just unwind with friends and family.
📸 Pro tip: Don’t forget to tag local businesses and event hosts when posting on social—it's a great way to boost your reach and support local!
Looking to make Hickory home?
Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring, we're always here to help you plant roots in the place we love most. Let’s connect and find your perfect place in this amazing community!
