Around the Home of American Golf, summer used to be considered the “slow season.” But not anymore … and especially not in 2019. During July and August this year in our area, a trio of massive golf events takes center stage with the U.S. Teens World Championship (July 23-28) and U.S. Kid’s World Championship (July 29-August 4), followed by the 2019 U.S. Amateur — which will be contested August 12-18 at Pinehurst Country Club. Ticket packages for the U.S. Amateur are available by clicking here. But that’s not nearly all taking place around the Sandhills region this summer. Here is a smorgasbord of our favorite upcoming events:
Stepping Into the Craft
Seagrove
July 13, 20, 27
Nestled in the Sandhills countryside is the largest concentration of working potters in the United States. Along some of North Carolina’s most scenic byways, there are nearly 100 shops to visit within a 20-mile radius. Now is your chance to get your hands in some clay and create some pottery of your own. The Potters of Seagrove are offering hands-on activities, demonstrations and much more each Saturday during the month of July. Seagrove offers a range of pottery, from functional everyday use, sculptural, folk art, to historical forms from the past. Make plans to enjoy a day discovering Seagrove and experiencing the diversity of the state’s pottery.
Sunday Exchange Concert Series: The Tams
Aberdeen
July 14
Bring your shag dancing gear — along with a blanket or lawn chair — and join the fun during an amazing night of beach music, as well as smooth soul and R&B. An entertaining band for the whole family, The Tams start at 6 PM with a free concert on the lawn at 129 Exchange Street. The band’s show is fun, fresh, exciting, and appeals to audiences of all ages. Hosted by Downtown Aberdeen, food trucks, cider and beer will be available for purchase on site.
Movies by the Lake
Aberdeen
July 19-Oct 18
Join the Hollywood fun at Aberdeen Lake Park to enjoy family movies on the big screen, starting on the third Friday in July and running through October. Admission is free and concessions are available for purchase. Rain dates will be the same time, the following day. The Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department along with sponsors of the Town of Aberdeen and Ward Productions present the following movies:
– July 19th at 8:30 p.m. – “Mary Poppins Returns”
– August 16th at 8:15 p.m. – “Lego Movie 2”
– September 20th at 7:45 p.m. – “How to Train your Dragon 3”
– October 18th at 7:15 p.m. – “Dumbo”
23rd Annual North Carolina Peach Festival
Candor
July 19-20
Proudly held in downtown Candor every year on the third Saturday in July, this event is testament to the peach growing history of Montgomery County. This year, the fun starts on Friday, July 19th with an evening of entertainment and activities for the whole family. Live music begins at 7 PM with Clay Bank, as well as The Deer Creek Boys. On Saturday, the parade begins at 10 AM with a showing of local floats, firetrucks and other colorful entrants. Afterwards, stroll down to Fitzgerald Park where the rest of the festivities are located. Expect plenty of fresh, sweet, local peaches, arts & crafts, and of course, the best homemade peach ice cream anywhere. Grown-ups and kids alike can enjoy an abundance of vendors and activities including: Bounce Houses, Petting Zoo, Camel Rides, Bungee Trampoline, Pony Rides, Helicopter Rides, Rock Wall, the ZORB Track — new in 2019 — and much more.
SPBA Annual Sidewalk Sale
July 20
Southern Pines
You can find “Fabulous Deals Around Every Corner” at the Annual Downtown Southern Pines Sidewalk Sale. Hosted by the Southern Pines Business Association (SPBA), many of the downtown shops will be participating and — new this year — some of the non-downtown merchants will be set up in the Sunrise Theater green space. Gather your friends and family, enjoy some lunch at one of the numerous, delicious downtown restaurants — and make a day of it. Event runs from 10 AM until 5 PM.
Santa’s Summer in the Pines
Pinehurst
July 27
Santa Claus coming to the Sandhills during the middle of the summer? Absolutely. Tufts Memorial Park is the site for this community giving event benefiting MIRA Foundation USA. Also hosted by Pinehurst Business Partners. Santa will arrive in the Pines on summer break with activities for kids of all ages, including pop up shops, music, snow machines, giveaways, and more. Food, beer and desserts are available for purchase. The event runs from 4-7 PM and is free and open to the public.
U.S. Kids & Teens World Golf Championships
Throughout the Sandhills
July 25-27
August 1-3
More than 1,500 of the best junior golfers in the world descend upon the Sandhills to compete for individual titles in a variety of age groups. Multiple courses in the area will be used to stage the event, so please support these amazing rising stars. Be sure to make plans to attend the Parade of Nations in the Village of Pinehurst on Tuesday, July 30 from 6-8 PM to show your support for these current and rising stars in the world of golf.
64th Annual Robbins Farmers Day Festival
Robbins
August 1-3
The streets of Robbins will be filled during this weekend of celebrating community and heritage. Though its beginnings were humble, the festival has grown into something much bigger. Now, the 2019 Farmers Day spans three days and boasts live music, food and craft vendors, as well as a fireworks display. Adding to the already full slate of entertainment are carnival rides and a tractor parade. With the exception of the carnival rides, all of the weekend’s entertainment is free. Attendance is expected to be around 25,000 during the weekend, with Friday night typically being the largest turnout. The impressive crowds show how Farmers Day is a truly special event that continues to enhance the town’s rich history.
First Friday in Southern Pines
Southern Pines
August 2
Join the crowd for an evening of music, food trucks and, as always, Southern Pines Brewing Company beer will be flowing. The featured band in August is Love Canon. Love Canon brings their acoustic-roots sensibilities to the electronic-tinged pop hits of the 80’s and 90’s. Held rain or shine and admission is free. All proceeds support the Sunrise Theater for free live concerts and community events all year. Please leave your fur babies at home — dogs are not permitted on the greenspace, as the events can get extremely crowded and the pavement temps are very high during our summers. No outside alcohol and no rolling coolers, please. Beer & wine ticket sales end at 7:30 PM.
Art Exhibit: Fine Arts Festival 2019
Southern Pines
August 2-29
All visual artists are encouraged to showcase their work at the annual Fine Arts Festival. Created in 1980 by the Arts Council of Moore County (ACMC), this Fine Arts Festival provides incentive for local artists to improve their technique and a place to showcase and sell their artwork. The festival has since grown into a major exhibit featuring artwork by artists from all over the country. The event also includes an art competition where the entries are judged, and cash prizes and ribbons are awarded.
238th Anniversary of the Battle at House in the Horseshoe
Sanford
August 3-4
This annual reenactment of the Tory and Whig skirmish at House in the Horseshoe highlights the struggles of the backcountry, as the Revolutionary War engulfed North Carolina. Hours are Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. One ticket per car is good for one day only. Bring purchased, printed ticket and present it to the parking attendants. The battle will take place at 2 PM both days. There will be activities and demonstrations throughout the site, as well as food vendors and other historical fun.
Live After Five with The Sand Band
Pinehurst
August 9
Tufts Memorial Park is the place to be for a night of dancing with the local favorite, the Sand Band. The opening act is Paige Johnson. Live music and fun kids’ activities will ensure a good time for all ages, from 5:15 until 9 PM. Food trucks will be on-site with a wide selection for all to enjoy. Beer, wine, and additional beverages will also be available for purchase. Picnic baskets are allowed; however, outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs, blankets … and your boogie shoes.
119th U.S. Amateur Championship
Pinehurst
August 12-18
History will be made this summer when Pinehurst Resort & Country Club plays host to the 36-hole match-play final of the 119th U.S. Amateur Championship on two courses. Pinehurst No. 2 and No. 4 will host match and stroke play. However, for the championship match, both courses will be used marking the first time the 36-hole U.S. Amateur Championship final has been contested over two courses. This will be the third time that Pinehurst Resort has hosted this prestigious event.
Red, White & Fun Southern Festival
Rockingham
August 24
The famous Rockingham Dragway is the site for this fun summer music event. Bristolina is a four-part country/rock/folk band hailing from the heart of North Carolina. With heavy influences coming from Nashville, as well as the folk and bluegrass culture from the band’s home state of North Carolina. A unique sound that meshes modern tech with vintage style to provide listeners something familiar but new.
Drafts and a Laugh
Aberdeen
August 30
Join your friends and family — and make some new bonds — during a night out at Aberdeen Lake Park sponsored by Railhouse Brewery. Watch the hilarious movie “Tag” on the big screen and enjoy some cold beverages. Food trucks will also be there for all your hunger needs. Yard games will be set up at 7 PM and the movie will begin at 8:15 PM. Admission is free and the rain make-up date will be the same time, the following day.
