Hickory Metro Convention Center

10/12/2026

🏆 The Hickory Metro Convention Center has earned the 2026 ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award for the second year in a row!

With more than 132,000 square feet of meeting and event space, a dedicated team, and a community full of places to explore, we’re proud to help bring meetings, conventions, tournaments, and events to Hickory. 💛

But a great event destination takes more than a great venue. It takes our hotel partners, local restaurants, attractions, businesses, and everyone who helps visitors feel welcome while they’re here.

Thank you to the meeting planners and ConventionSouth Magazine readers who voted for us, and to our amazing tourism partners who make Hickory such a special place to gather!

📣 Want to see what makes Hickory a standout destination for meetings and events? Read the full announcement here:
https://www.visithickorync.com/articles/post/visit-hickory-earns-second-consecutive-conventionsouth-readers-choice-award/

Visit Hickory | The Hickory Metro Convention Center has been named a 2026 Readers’ Choice Award winner by ConventionSouth, earning the honor for the second consecutive year. More than 7,000

10/05/2026

Your closet called. It wants you to go shopping.

Statemint Hickory is coming to the Hickory Metro Convention Center for four days of fashion finds, gently loved pieces, and brand-name favorites—all at a fraction of retail prices!
Shop women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, and accessories from brands like Free People, Madewell, Nike, Reformation, lululemon, Abercrombie, and more. 🛍️

📍 Hickory Metro Convention Center
📅 October 8–11, Times: Thursday–Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM & Sunday: 9 AM–3 PM
🎟️ FREE admission
💸 Sunday is Half-Off Day!

Whether you’re hunting for a new favorite outfit or just love a good find, mark your calendar and get ready to shop!

Statemint is a pop-up consignment shop where you can sell the clothes you never wear and shop for new faves at a fraction of the price. Thursday–Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM Sunday: 9 AM–3 PM

09/25/2026

🐾👀 Something mysterious is lurking in the foothills…Carolina Furfare is coming back to Hickory!

From fursuits and fandom to artists, vendors, panels, games, and plenty of unexpected creatures, Carolina Furfare 2026 is bringing four days of furry fun to the Hickory Metro Convention Center.

📍 Hickory Metro Convention Center
📅 October 1–4, 2026

We're excited to welcome Carolina Furfare to the Hickory Metro Convention Center. Wishing you a great experience!

09/14/2026

🤔💭Planning an event from miles away? Our virtual site visit makes it easy to explore the Hickory Metro Convention Center without ever leaving your desk.

Take a walk through our spaces, get a feel for the layout, and start envisioning what your next meeting, convention, tournament, or event could look like—all on your schedule.

📍 Explore the Hickory Metro Convention Center
🖱️ Take the virtual site visit and see where your event could come to life.

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09/14/2026

🅿️ Updated Parking Info!
Heading to the Hickory Metro Convention Center? We’ve updated our parking map to make finding your way around easier than ever.
Whether you’re attending an event, exhibiting, or just stopping by, take a quick look at the map before you arrive so you know where to park and can start your day off smoothly. 🚗

09/14/2026

🎓🐾 Thinking about your next chapter? Western Carolina University is bringing a little Cullowhee to Hickory!
Western On Tour is making a stop at the Hickory Metro Convention Center today, giving prospective students and families the chance to connect directly with WCU representatives and learn more about life as a Catamount.
From admissions and financial aid to scholarships, academics, residential living, and student life, get your questions answered and discover what makes Western Carolina University special. 💜💛
📍 Hickory Metro Convention Center
📅 September 14
⏰ 5:30 PM
Ready to see where your next adventure could take you? Come meet Western in Hickory! 🐾

We're excited to welcome Western Carolina University On Tour to the Hickory Metro Convention Center. Wishing you a great experience!

09/10/2026

💍Say “I do” to a day of wedding inspiration!

The Hickory Wedding Expo is coming to the Hickory Metro Convention Center, bringing couples together with wedding professionals ready to help make the big day everything they’ve imagined. From venues and vendors to ideas and inspiration, you’ll find plenty to help bring your wedding plans to life.

📍 Hickory Metro Convention Center
📅 September 13

Bring your fiancé, your family, your wedding party—or all three—and start planning the celebration of your dreams! 💕🥂

A Day of Inspiration. A Lifetime of Love. The Hickory Wedding Expo is your passport to planning your perfect day. From the first “Yes” to the final “I Do,” find everything you need under one elegant roof.

08/26/2026

🚗🔥 Car enthusiasts, this one’s for you!

The Daikoku Meet is rolling into Hickory, bringing car lovers together for a day of incredible builds, automotive culture, and plenty of four-wheeled eye candy. Whether you’re a serious gearhead or just appreciate a great ride, you’ll want to check this one out.

📍 Hickory Metro Convention Center
📅 September 6th, 4-9pm

Bring your crew, check out the cars, and experience the energy of the Daikoku Meet! 🏁✨

Year of Daikoku {Tensei Style} September 6th {4pm to 9pm} Experience the nightlife in good ol’ Hickory. Cruise Hwy 70 with the crew, then pull into the deck and park alongside some of the cleanest builds in the region. All enthusiasts are welcome: JDM Exotics Euros Domestics Vehicle Requirements: ...

08/25/2026

🦸‍♀️🎮 Calling all heroes, collectors, and pop-culture fans! Hickory Comic Con is coming back to the Hickory Metro Convention Center for a weekend packed with comics, collectibles, cosplay, gaming, special guests, and plenty of fandom fun. Whether you’re a lifelong comic fan or just love discovering something new, there’s something for everyone to geek out about! ✨
📍 Hickory Metro Convention Center
📅 September 5, 10am-5pm
Grab your favorite costume, bring your crew, and get ready for a weekend of all things pop culture! 💥

The event features more than 250 tables showcasing comic book dealers from across the Southeast, along with a wide selection of toy vendors and collectible items such as Funko Pops and action figures. Guests can also explore trading card games including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and...

08/24/2026

Scam Jam is coming to the Hickory Metro Convention Center, giving our community the tools and information needed to recognize scams, fraud, and identity theft before they happen.
Learn from experts, ask questions, and discover practical ways to protect yourself and your information.
📍 Hickory Metro Convention Center
📅 August 26
⏰ 10 AM–2 PM
🎟️ Free Event | Must Register
Knowledge is your best defense. Come learn how to spot a scam before it catches you! 💛

Scam Jam is a collection of educational presentations designed to familiarize consumers with the kind of scams and frauds in today’s society such as consumer fraud, identity theft, and telemarketing fraud. Guest speakers include representatives from the NC Attorney General’s Office, NC Secretary...