Special Things to See & Do
Remember, Neighbor – If you’re fixin’ to go, it’s best to know!
Be sure to do a quick double-check with the event itself about its details before you head out.
We try to keep our event posts accurate and updated, but you know sometimes things change last minute.
We Have a Coffee School!?
Sign us up! Trail Blaze Coffee Academy is offering half-day coffee training classes. So if you’re a budding pro or just a caffeine addict, you have learn everything about coffee (Introduction, Barista Skills, Brewing) in just a few days. Get your tickets and more info here.
Adventure is Just a Stone's Throw Away.
Sometimes you just have to make your own fun. Even though there’s not a lot poppin’ in this month in Mooresville, we’ve got a small collection of fun things to do and see in nearby places – take a gentle trail walk in a nearby state park, visit a real Amish market, or even drink from a natural spring behind a beautiful rural country church. :-)
A Very Murray Christmas
MVL will have a spot at the absolutely STUNNING Southern Christmas market in the Murray’s Mill Historic District. Maybe you’ve read our Stone’s Throw article on Murray’s Mill, and if you’ve never been, this is great time to see it.
In short, Murray’s Mill is a 1913 WORKING grain mill with a general store. Seriously, your can buy grits milled there! So cool.
For the last 5 years, they’ve hosted a Southern Christmas Market filled with only the best local handcraft and food vendors. Oh, did we mention MVL will be there? We’ll have our signature Dogwood Blossom ornaments (sold out on Our State Magazine’s online store, but in plenty at this market). We’ll also have Dogwood necklaces and jewelry, unique woodcrafts, and some fun surprises!
Mooresville’s Christmas Parade! (Yes, Before Thanksgiving!)
And, YES, it’s on a Tuesday! AFTERNOON! OMG, this parade is the one of the best things about living in a small Southern town. We love that, in 1944, the citizens of Mooresville decided to throw their Christmas parade BEFORE Thanksgiving (again, on a weekday) to welcome the season and give their local Downtown shops a boost. WAY before Target, Amazon, et al.
FUN FACT: The town parade IS NOT run by the town itself, but by a small (believe us, VERY small), group of fun citizens (yes, we’re 3 of them) who strive to keep the parade traditionally old-fashioned, and Southern-small-town-“Christmas Story”- Americana at it’s finest. Want to learn more about the Parade?
Charming? YES! Stale? Never! I mean, check out how they announce the season for goodness sake…
But that’s just the start. If you’re a fan of the underdog, maybe come to the parade dressed in GREEN to support the Grinch. Love the OG Jelly Belly? Come in RED to support Santa. Here, this will explain…
So there you go. This parade is a local favorite and we helped make it easy to watch. Go to MooresvilleChristmasParade.com for all kinds of info including a handy downloadable PDF that makes getting to the parade, parking, watching, and loving the parade easier than ever. :-)
Let’s Call It What It Is: A Candy Grab.
Ah, the Downtown Halloween Thing (FYI, it’s official title is officially The Downtown Mooresville Candy Grab). Never mind how much kids love it, parents endure it, and Main Street merchants hate it. It’s a huge, chaotic, hilarious scene featuring hundreds (thousands?) of costumed kids raiding businesses brave enough to be open.
This Event is Literally Blowing Up.
The Carolina BalloonFest is way more fun than we thought it’d be when we first went. We’d seen the hot-air balloons drifting over the 77 while we were on our way to northern soccer tourneys. So pretty! We were intrigued.
Perception: Sitting around a big field watching hot air balloons floating around.
Reality: Sure, it’s that, but you can also talk to the balloonists and learn all kinds of cool stuff about how and why they do it. They’re super friendly and you can see all the equipment and baskets and everything. Of course there are food trucks, but there’s also live music and, well, it’s just a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Get more details here.
Second Annual JoyFest!
We’ve been waiting for a good reason to lug our chairs to Mooresville’s Liberty Park. This is finally it! MVL can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday evening than listening to gospel choirs, all kinds of gospel music, picnicking in the park, and soaking up TPV (Totally Positive Vibes) from this totally community-run event. Good work neighbors!
FREE to attend & everyone is welcome!
Joy Fest is organized by The Yogi Foundation & Friends
Destroy the Evidence Day Hosted by the Mooresville Police Department
We’re only kind of joking. The Mooresville Police Department IS hosting a Free Shred Event in their parking lot where they will help you dispose of, in the presence of witnesses, any old bills, bank statements, and “any other unwanted documents containing personal information.” We assumed that was open to interpretation. Wait, what if it’s a cool sting operation!? Oh, man, we’re totally checking this out!
The 40th Anniversary of a Wonderful Festival!
As long as we’ve been here, this has been a top shelf, satisfying southern experience. The Murray’s Mill Harvest Folk Festival has it all - a preserved, working 1913 water-powered flower mill, local bluegrass acts, antique farm equipment, southern foods, old-timey craftsmen and “how they make it” demonstrations.
And this year MVL will have a spot there selling our signature Dogwood blossom jewelry and ornaments, wood villages, MVL gear and more!
So great. So cute. You have to go. More deets here
OMG, The Liberty Antique Festival!!!! (Fall Edition)
Did you go to the Spring one in April? Then you know you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful way to spend the day than out in the middle of nowhere in a field looking into tent after tent full of antique gems. Remember Metrolina? This is the cute version of that! Seriously, this is one of our favorite Southern things to do and you will likely see us there. Wear your MVL hat so we can spot you! Tickets are $10 (it’s worth it) and there’s an ATM in the field somehow if you forgot cash. Here’s more info.
A Pumpkin Pickin' Good Time
After 5 generations of family farming, you better believe the Carrigans know how to throw a pumpkin picking extravaganza. Honestly, Carrigan Farms crushes it all year long with their Quarry Open Swims, but we think Halloween is their wheelhouse. So much family fun for all ages! Between the wagon rides, picking your own pumpkins from the field, the charm of the old farmstand, and the historic farmhouse as the backdrop? Get out! And it’s all right on the ege of town! Get more deets here and we’ll see you there!
The 3 B’s
If you only had 3 things to sustain you for the rest of your life, what would they be? For us, it’d be Bands, Brews, and BBQ. If you agree, you need to visit your Valhalla at Mooresville, NC’s appropriately named festival.
Card Show!
Oh, man, this takes us back! When was the last time you went to a trading card show? They’re so fun! And this one will have Pikachu and Charizard! They’ll have all kinds of classic toys and memorabilia, too. Check it for more info.
Get Ready to Rumble!
PRO TIP: DO NOT WEAR A RED COAT to this year’s Battle of Charlotte/Battle of Kings Mountain Reenactment Weekend at the Historic Rural Hill! There’ll be two days of demonstrations, reenactments, and other activities that reflect the areas’s local involvement in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution- much of which happened (quite literally!) in our own backyards.
Seriously, This is One of Our Favorite Things.
The Iredell County Fair is AMAZING and it opens TODAY over in Troutman at the Fair Grounds. There’s so much MVL goodness here including livestock, 4H exhibits, canning and pie winners, we could just go on and on. You have to go!
Open August 30 - September 7
Go to the newly, beautifully revamped Fair website for details!
Sipping Vinegar Workshop!
Learn to make a delicious, old fashioned sipping vinegar called Shrub! We’ll be using fresh local figs, sugar, herbs and organic vinegar to create your fermentation. You’ll use the tasty syrup in homemade soda pop, craft cocktails, delicious mocktails, or as a daily tummy digestive! We’ll talk about basic fruit fermentation, we’ll taste various flavors of shrubs, and you’ll make your very own batch of fig thyme shrub to take home and bottle!
Peach Canning Workshop!
We’re canning up our favorite drippy summertime fruit, Carolina peaches! Learn the difference between cling and freestone, and how to preserve their juicy goodness to enjoy all year long. State and Country Fair ribbon winner, Kelly Sopp, will teach you basic water bath canning techniques for high acid fruits. Take home two quarts of peaches preserved any way you like… bourbon, sweet, or pickled! A peachy themed lunch is provided while your jars process.
Peach Canning Workshop!
We’re canning up our favorite drippy summertime fruit, Carolina peaches! Learn the difference between cling and freestone, and how to preserve their juicy goodness to enjoy all year long. State and Country Fair ribbon winner, Kelly Sopp, will teach you basic water bath canning techniques for high acid fruits. Take home two quarts of peaches preserved any way you like… bourbon, sweet, or pickled! A peachy themed lunch is provided while your jars process.
August Grab Bag!
A collection of events somehow happening around us this month. All text is from event sources, I swear.
Wife Class – August 4 - 6
Wife Class™ is a 4-week journey designed to unveil the mysteries of the oldest and most significant role on earth: WIFE.
What's Next? Life After Dental Hygiene – August 8
Lion’s Gate Portal Quantum Leap Workshop – August 8
This astrological event occurs annually during Leo season when the Earth, Sirius, and Orion align within the Leo constellation. This alignment creates a powerful energy gateway that is associated with manifestation, spiritual healing, and transformation.
Rethinking God with Tacos CONFERENCE – August 15 - 17
This Conference is for those discovering that God is like Jesus; God is love, and His love is better than our greatest thoughts, wildest imaginings, and even best biblical understanding. And also for those who love tacos!
A King's 1st Queen – August 16
Prepare for a royal rendezvous at our Mother-Son Soiree.
Sorry for the Muddy Photo!
There’s nothing like the smell of a wet dog. If you agree, then this fun event is your cup of muddy, hairy tea! This annual festival is as fun as it is potentially illegal when boats full of bands and wet dogs descend on an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Norman, NC for a, well, refer to photo. Visit here for to get more details or info to serve a warrant.
Are You Sitting Down?
Do you have something to sit on!? Take a short drive up to the annual Furniture Festival & Clearance Sale, where you’ll find quality furniture, diverse styles and expert design advice, and a big sale this weekend. New floor products and clearance items will be available for immediate pick up. Shop early for best selections. For more information visit hickoryfurniture.com
Celebrate a Downtown Treasure
Tucked into Downtown Mooresville is what owner Eric Simelton calls, “A country barbershop”. Step inside and you’ll know what community looks like. Eric’ll be cracking jokes as much as he’s cutting hair. Charlie’ll be giving his thoughts on sports while everyone waiting along the wall chimes in. Some old-timers aren’t even there for a haircut. They come to watch the show.
Come help Eric and Charlie celebrate 20 years of being more than just a business on Main Street. Let’s thank ‘em for being an important part of Mooresville’s history. :-) Main and Center will be packed full of music, good food, and I hope to hope to heaven that I see Eric in the bounce house he’ll have there for kids.
One Word: BLACKBERRIES!
Who doesn’t love BLACKBERRIES!? And who doesn’t love a festival? Well, the town of Lenoir, NC has been combining these two things for 21 years and they’re doing it again this year! Juicy fun is just about and hour away, folks! Get all the details here
Are You Sitting Down?
You might need to because it’s time for the Field of Flags Summer Celebration! You’ll fight through the 150 onslaught to witness the breathtaking view of 800 American flags sticking out of a field before diving into a column of food trucks. You’ll end your tour of duty on July 3rd, watching a battery of fireworks at Mooresville’s biggest annual July 4th event. Woof. I’m exhausted just writing about it.
Swim in a Crazy Beautiful Quarry. At a Crazy Great Southern Farm.
If you haven’t been yet, know this – when you get to this swimmin’ hole you’ll say to yourself, “How is this here?!”. The Carrigans run a 5 generation family farm, so not only will you enjoy a beautiful day of sun and swim, you’ll also enjoy delicious fare grown and prepared right there on the farm. If you see a charming older guy working the grills (he’ll be very, very red), that’s Doug Carrigan. Tell him MVL said, “HI”! :-)
Neighbor, you MUST make advance rezzies! Also, check out their FAQ :-)
Let’s Pack Some Pickled Peppers!
Y’all come and make the pickled pepper recipe that won a blue ribbon at the Iredell County Fair! In class you’ll customize your own mild, medium or hot blend of peppers to enjoy on burgers, brats and more. Not only are they pretty in your pantry, they are delicious all year round. You’ll learn to prepare your canning jars and use basic water bath canning techniques to make them shelf stable. Take home 2 pints of the peppers you pack. And why not enter them yourself in this year’s County Fair? Price includes all ingredients, instruction, beverages and lunch.
Learn about…
– Creating a blue ribbon pickle brine
– Basic water bath canning techniques for acidified foods
– Why The best Chefs always like to pickle their own ingredients
Let's Make Perfect Pickled Beets! Again!
Missed Saturday’s workshop? Don’t BEET yourself up! Join state and county fair ribbon winner, Kelly Sopp, in the kitchen of the Historic Turlington House for a fun afternoon of traditional food preservation and new culinary memories. Come get your hands pink as we pack our jars with various fresh beets from Carrigan Farms. Learn basic pickling and water bath canning techniques, enjoy a light lunch, and take home two pints of what Kelly calls, garden candy.
Learn about…
– Creating the perfect pickle brine
– Basic water bath canning techniques for acidified foods
_ Why The best Chefs like to pickle their own ingredients
Let's Make Perfect Pickled Beets!
Is there anything more delicious than perfectly pickled NC beets? Well if there is, we’re still looking for it! Join state and county fair ribbon winner, Kelly Sopp, in the kitchen of the Historic Turlington House for a fun afternoon of traditional food preservation and new culinary memories. Come get your hands pink as we pack our jars with various fresh beets from Carrigan Farms. Learn basic pickling and water bath canning techniques, enjoy a light lunch, and take home two pints of what Kelly calls, garden candy.
Learn about…
– Creating the perfect pickle brine
– Basic water bath canning techniques for acidified foods
_ Why The best Chefs like to pickle their own ingredients
Mooresville Spinners Opening Night!
AI is stupid. I spent, like, 10 whole minutes trying to get it to make me a photo of an owl wearing fishnet stockings and lipstick, being strangled by a bolt of thick cotton thread with a strong, evil aura. This is the best I got back. So you’ll have to go watch the Mooresville Spinners choke out the Statesville Owls in person.
Tea Up!
Our second and final tour of teas from around the world!
You’ve probably had yourself some sweet Southern tea, which is a staple. But have you had a glass of hot frothy sweet Moroccan mint? Iced lemongrass hibiscus? Or slippery elm cocoa citrus?
MVL’s is throwing a tea party at the historic Turlington House where you’ll sample different teas from around the world, as well as herbal and fruit infusions called tisane. You’ll create three different custom blends of your own to take home and enjoy in any season. Of course any good Southern tea party wouldn’t leave you hungry! Enjoy a spread of cucumber sandwiches, smokey devilled eggs, apricot thyme shortbread, lemon tarts and other delights with your tea. If you’re feeling fancy, bring a hat!
Mother’s Day Tea Party - SOLD OUT
You’ve probably had yourself some sweet Southern tea, which is a staple. But have you had a glass of hot frothy sweet Moroccan mint? Iced lemongrass hibiscus? Or slippery elm cocoa citrus?
MVL’s is throwing a tea party at the historic Turlington House where you’ll sample different teas from around the world, as well as herbal and fruit infusions called tisane. You’ll create three different custom blends of your own to take home and enjoy in any season. Of course any good Southern tea party wouldn’t leave you hungry! Enjoy a spread of cucumber sandwiches, smokey devilled eggs, apricot thyme shortbread, lemon tarts and other delights with your tea. If you’re feeling fancy, bring a hat!
Climb Aboard a Real B-29!
This is pretty cool. This guy found a B-29 rotting away in the desert and totally restored it! Looks beautiful, don’t it? Take a closer look at the Statesville Airport. Ground and cockpit tour tickets will be available for purchase on the days of the event at the gate. While the aircraft is on the ground, visitors will be able to climb inside the cockpit through the forward bomb bay to ge a look inside one of only two B-29 Superfortresses still airworthy and flying today. More info here.