For a small town, Lincolnton boasts a surprisingly big arts scene, with a full calendar of fun events lined up for the fall season. Radiating from a character-rich downtown district populated with charming buildings and thriving local businesses, the regional cultural scene covers art, music, theater, dance and much more.
“Lincolnton is an incredibly spirited community,” says Laura Morris, director of community relations for the Lincolnton Tourism Development Authority. “The vibrancy and dedication of our downtown merchants and our arts, cultural and social-service organizations are really extraordinary.”
If you’re looking to boost your Lincolnton cultural cred this season, here’s what you need to know, along with some signature events you’ll want to mark on your calendar to attend.
- Within the Classical Revival-style confines of the former First Baptist Church, the Lincoln Cultural Center represents the beating heart of Lincolnton’s local arts scene. The historic building houses administrative offices for several prominent arts organizations, along with event spaces, classrooms, and display galleries. Pick up a copy of the Historic Walking Tour brochure and check out the Historic Sites in this charming Downtown. The oldest structure, Pleasant Retreat Academy, was completed in 1820. The Academy operated from 1820-1878 and educated the 19th century governors of three states (NC, TX, GA). Currently owned by Lincoln Landmarks a non-profit with a mission to preserve historic architecture, it is undergoing a 5 year restoration project and now serves as the Western Regional Office of Preservation North Carolina.
Face Jug
- While strolling around downtown, don’t miss the iconic “Pots on Parade” that give Lincolnton its distinctive, and quirky, arts appeal. As the “Home of Catawba Valley Pottery”, Lincolnton and Lincoln County were once filled with potters who pioneered the use of alkaline or ash glazed pottery. Burlon Craig carried the tradition into the 20th century and became world renowned for his “face-jugs” in the Catawba Valley style. Downtown Lincolnton also features a number of murals, ghost signs and street art to enjoy.
- Aiming to spark a passion for the performing arts through live theatrical productions, the Lincoln Theatre Guild’s 2023-2024 schedule of shows includes “The Odd Couple,” “Frozen” and the blockbuster musical “The Sound of Music.”
- The Lincoln County Concert Association has been “Keeping the Music Alive in Lincoln County” for 39 years and provides guests with opportunities to immerse themselves in music through a series of live performances featuring a wide variety musicians from classical to bluegrass.
- Regional musicians are on stage every weekend at a variety of Downtown venues including Bricktree Brewing, City Cellar Wine Bar, and Untapped Territory Taproom adding to the vibrant music scene along with food and drink sure to satisfy.
- Take a dive into the Lincolnton region’s proud past with a visit to the Lincoln County Historical Association. Another Cultural Center resident, the LCHA hosts its annual Catawba Valley Pottery Market on October 13-14, and hopes to open its museum this fall.
- And events! The Lincolnton event calendar is chock full of fun activities for the whole family. This fall features a number of high profile festivals like:
- Get your motor running! Since 2011, “Cruisin’ for a Cause” (this year on Sept. 16) has attracted crowds of classic car drivers and admirers to Main Street, generating money for charitable recipients along the way. In 2022, the fan-favorite event raised an impressive $12,000 for several highly deserving beneficiaries.
- On Sept. 23, the annual Lincolnton Food, Wine and Brew Fest takes over the downtown district, serving up delicious samples from regional wineries, craft breweries and food vendors. A vintage/antiques market is all part of the fun.
- The Friday-evening Fall Art Crawl activates the streets of downtown Lincolnton on Oct. 13, giving attendees a festive excuse to pop in and out of local businesses and shop for artsy treasures.
Lincoln County Apple Festival
- How sweet it is! The Lincoln County Apple Festival on Oct. 21 has been celebrating the harvest since 1972 as a family-fun adventure honoring the local apple-growing industry with a day-long celebration that includes a farmers’ market, live performances on two stages, children’s activities, vendors, crafts, recipe contests and, of course, plenty of delicious food.
The holidays are right around the corner - watch for announcements to come soon regarding seasonal events and local activities like Lincolnton’s annual Christmas parade and tree lighting, the shop-local Second Saturday downtown merchant open house, and the newly updated Winter Wonderland Santa House with horse-drawn carriage rides.
To find out more about how to experience and explore Lincolnton’s colorful arts and culture scene, VisitLincolntonNC.com.
