News & Events

At The Coves Mountain River Club, we know that this is an especially wonderful time to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains.  As spectacular changing colors of the fall foliage start to appear in the mountains, they paint a beautiful backdrop for the many seasonal festivals that locals and guests alike look forward to attending.  And in Hickory, the premier Fall event is Oktoberfest.

Hickory has deep German roots, having been co-founded by Adolphus “Dolph” Shuford,   It’s home to the United States headquarters for several German companies and enjoys a sister city relationship with Altenburg, Germany.

Oktoberfest is a three-day outdoor festival that happens each year on the second weekend of October.  Covering five city blocks, it offers four stages of exciting live music by regional performers, along with two beer gardens.  The great shops and restaurants in Hickory NC welcome large crowds of enthusiastic customers, and the streets are packed with fun-seekers of all ages.  There’s also a juried arts and crafts show, featuring more than 100 vendors.

Hickory Oktoberfest is perfect for making new friends and memories as you sample locally-brewed beer and authentic German foods.  A special Kidsfest area has face painting, carnival rides, swings, games and more.  And, with a course highlighting the downtown area, the Oktoberfest Footrace offers a one-block fun run and a 5K, with the proceeds going to four area hospices.

Oktoberfest started in 1985, and it’s grown to become one of the premier festivals in Western North Carolina.  Of course, the city is known worldwide for its furniture-making and talented craftspeople.  But there’s so much more to see and enjoy. The Hickory Motor Speedway is a must for any racing fan, with a history of hosting NASCAR-sanctioned races that dates back to 1951.

This year’s dates for the festival are October 11 through October 13.  Food service begins at Noon on Friday, and the official start time is five P. M.  The fun continues till eleven that night.  Saturday’s hours are ten A. M. to eleven P. M., and the celebration winds down on Sunday from Noon till five.

Two lodging providers – Stay Here Instead and Flats on First – can provide accommodations within walking distance of the activities.

Here’s how to get to Hickory Oktoberfest:

I-40 from the east – Take Exit 125 to Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard.  Go about a mile to 1st Avenue and turn left.  Drive to 3rd Street SW (about 12 blocks), turn right, go under the railroad overpass and look for a place to park.

I-40 from the west –  Take Exit 123 to Highway 321 North.  Stay in the right lane and turn right onto Highway 70.  Turn left at the second traffic light, which is 4th Street SW.  Bear right at the “Y” intersection and you’ll be on 3rd Street Drive SW.  Continue straight until you go under the railroad overpass.  Then you’ll find parking for the festival.

Highway 321 south from Lenoir – After you cross the Catawba River bridge, turn left at the first traffic light onto Old Lenoir Road.  That becomes 3rd Avenue NW.  Follow it to 3rd Street NW and turn right.  Park somewhere just before the railroad overpass.

Highway 321 north from Gastonia – Take Exit 44 to Highway 70.  Turn right at the top of the ramp.  Go to the second traffic light and turn left onto 4th Street SW.  The first road after the railroad tracks is Main Avenue.  Turn right there and continue to the stop sign at 3rd Street NW.  You should be able to find parking nearby.

At The Coves Mountain River Club, we’re fortunate to be just 18 miles from Hickory.  While you’re in the area, come by and say “Hello”.  We’ll be happy to give you a tour and answer any questions you may have about living in this beautiful part of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Call 828.754.0700 now!