Hickory – Get ready for three days of jam-packed music, food and fun, as Hickory celebrates the 32nd Annual Oktoberfest, held in Downtown Hickory on October 13, 14 and 15, 2017.

The festival will bring carnival rides, amusement games, music, demonstrations, vendors and of course, FOOD to the area in and around the Square. Canned foods for the Castle of Cans can be dropped off at the Focus booth or at Tasteful Beans Coffee House.  Last year, more than 17,000 pounds of food was collected… let’s beat our record this year.

Friday night on the Pavilion Stage, the Foothills Oompah Band kicks off the festival with German Polka in celebration of Hickory’s German heritage.

Blues man John Nemeth fearlessly crushes all barriers of style and genre with original songs that defy all the usual pigeonholes on Friday night at the Pavilion Stage.

Saturday night’s headliner on the Pavilion Stage is McKinney Gap from Charlotte NC, a progressive bluegrass band with deep roots in tradition.

Nantucket takes the Main Stage on Friday night. Still retaining the reputation as one of the most entertaining bands of all time, the band members today consist of Tommy Redd, Larry Uzzell, Mike Uzzell, Eddie Blair, Jason Patterson and Ronnie Waters.

Saturday night, On the Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute takes the stage! These musicians are one of the most exciting and authentic Tribute bands in the country! Their family-friendly show guarantees EVERYONE has a GREAT time!

Sunday will bring devotional music to the Main Stage, featuring Reggie Rocc, then Devotion and Friends.

The Singer/Songwriter Stage will host a wealth of both upcoming talent and established artists, bringing their original music to the stage.  Friday night’s headliners are Carly Rogers and Allie Colleen. David Childers headlines on Saturday.

The Hickory Music Factory Stage hosts young, local musicians, giving them a place to spotlight their talent. Many of the artists that have played here in the past have gone on to musical careers of their own, so make sure to check them out!

Be on the lookout for Festival Favorite Accordion Player Bob Wilusz as he roves through the festival playing traditional German music.

Everyone will enjoy the Kidsfest area with performances by local talent, amusement rides and carnival games. Look for the Susan L. Coleman Castle of Cans, sponsored by Food Lion Feeds.  Food Lion Feeds is donating 5,000 pounds of canned goods to build a foundation for the castle through its Food Lion Feeds hunger relief initiative. Help fight hunger in Catawba County by donating food to build the Susan L. Coleman Castle of Cans-the Castle of Caring. Area churches, civic organizations, businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate.

Take a stroll through the vendor’s area, where you will find Fine Arts and Crafts artisans, who will have items such as pottery, jewelry, glass, fabrics, paintings and wood crafting, just to name a few. Start thinking of Christmas gifts!

Commercial vendors will fill Second Street with a wide variety of merchandise ranging from apples to handmade soaps to clothing. Many of these merchants are local vendors, so look for them!

Visit the Non Profit area of the Festival and talk with candidates running in the upcoming elections.

Take a break from all the excitement and visit the many food vendors located in the Pepsi Food Court. Here you will find everything from authentic German food to funnel cake.

Hickory Downtown Development Association hosts Oktoberfest sponsored by the City of Hickory, Food Lion, Sheetz, Pepsi, United Beverages, Food Lion Feeds, Charter Spectrum, Focus Newspaper, WHKY , WMNC Big Dawg,WSGE, Hickory Jaycees, Hickory Music Factory and Touring Logistics.

For more information about Oktoberfest 2017, guidelines or sponsorship information please visit the website www.hickoryoktoberfest.com or email [email protected].