Some of Hickory’s most creative experiences share the same address. The SALT Block, short for Sciences, Arts and Literature Together, brings local organizations together in one place filled with hands-on learning and cultural experiences.
Who says learning has to feel like school? At Catawba Science Center, you can explore underwater worlds, venture into the planetarium and get hands-on with science in ways that make you want to keep asking questions. Right now, prehistoric giants are stealing the show. The featured exhibit, Dinosaurs!, brings 16 life-size animatronic dinosaurs to Hickory, complete with lights, sounds and fascinating details about how these giants once lived. On view through December 6, 2026, it’s a big draw for dinosaur fans of all ages. And when you’re done meeting the dinosaurs, there’s still an aquarium, a planetarium and plenty of interactive exhibits to explore. You might want to leave yourself more time than you think.
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Plan your visit: Catawba Science Center is open Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission is $16 for adults, $14 for ages 3–17, and free for children 2 and younger. Memberships are also available.
Hickory Museum of Art has a whole new look, and there’s plenty to see inside. After a year-long transformation, the museum reopened in September 2026 with refreshed galleries and expanded learning spaces. As the second-oldest art museum in North Carolina, HMA has spent 80 years bringing visual art to the region. Its reopening features The Golden Thread, celebrating the museum’s past and future, alongside The Women, a special exhibition created with acclaimed fashion designer Charles Harbison. Spanning all three floors, The Women pairs paintings and sculpture from the museum’s collection with Harbison’s designs, including looks worn by celebrities at the Met Gala. Four custom silhouettes inspired by paintings in HMA’s collection sit alongside pieces from his studio archives and standout red-carpet looks. On view through January 31, 2027, this is a chance to see fashion and fine art share the spotlight.
Plan your visit: Hickory Museum of Art is open Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 per person.
Looking for a night out with a little extra flair? Western Piedmont Symphony brings professional orchestral music to the Catawba Valley, with the sound and artistry of a concert hall experience. Now in its 62nd season under the artistic direction of Maestro Matthew Troy, the symphony offers two signature series, so there’s more than one way to enjoy the music. The Masterworks series delivers the drama and beauty of classical music, while Foothills Pops serves up familiar tunes and crowd-pleasing performances. Think an elegant date night, an excuse to dress up a little or simply an evening spent hearing talented musicians do what they do best.
Plan your visit: Check Western Piedmont Symphony’s concert calendar for upcoming performances and ticket information.
When more than 100 singers come together, even a familiar melody can sound brand-new. That’s part of the appeal of Hickory Choral Society, which has been bringing choral performances to the Catawba Valley since 1978. Its concerts offer a chance to sit back, listen and enjoy the richness of live choral music. The holiday season is a particularly good time to catch the group in action. Hickory Choral Society’s Christmas concerts take place December 11–13, 2026, bringing seasonal favorites to the stage.
Plan your visit: Check Hickory Choral Society’s concert calendar for upcoming performances. Performances are free to the public.
The SALT Block and Arts Culture Catawba
One block, plenty of ways to spend the day. From hands-on science and eye-catching art to live music and performances, The SALT Block packs a lot into one address. Arts Culture Catawba calls the block home, too, supporting local arts and cultural experiences throughout the area. Its Catawba 365 calendar helps you find even more events to enjoy while you’re in Hickory. Consider it your starting point for seeing just how much is happening around Hickory.
