Just because the sun goes down doesn't mean the fun has to end. In Hickory, evenings are filled with memorable meals, live performances, handcrafted cocktails, local music, and plenty of ways to keep the night going. Whether you're planning a date night, meeting up with friends, or making the most of your visit, here's your guide to Hickory after hours.
Begin with a Bite
Bring your appetite. The night's just getting started. Settle in at Charolais Steakhouse, a Hickory favorite for more than 50 years, known for its hand-cut, char-grilled steaks and legendary Soup, Salad & Cheese Bar. If you're in the mood for something a little more interactive, Cowa Saké serves up everything from fresh sushi and bento boxes to tableside smoked rolls, popping bubble martinis, and flaming desserts. Or, try something new at North Hickory Market, where a chef-driven menu changes weekly, showcasing locally sourced ingredients, inventive dishes, and rum-forward cocktails best enjoyed on the outdoor patio. However you like to dine, these restaurants are the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable evening in Hickory.
A Night at the Arts
Take your evening from dinner to curtain call with a night at the theater or symphony. From laugh-out-loud comedies to timeless symphonies, Hickory's arts scene offers standout performances throughout the year. Catch a live production at The Green Room Community Theatre in Newton's historic Old Post Office Playhouse or Hickory Community Theatre in downtown Hickory. For a truly classic night out, Western Piedmont Symphony has delighted audiences for more than 60 seasons with performances ranging from its Masterworks series to the entertaining Foothills Pops concerts. However you spend the evening, there's always a reason to give a standing ovation.
Sip Something Special
The night is just getting started, and Hickory has a few more pours worth discovering. In Newton, Discretion Underground sets the tone with its Prohibition-era atmosphere, dim lighting, and a cocktail menu that blends classics like Espresso Martinis with creative pours like the Banana Bread Old Fashioned. No Entry is tucked inside City Walk Brewing & Distilling, where cocktails are crafted with spirits made onsite and guests can head out to the biergarten for live music on select nights. For a more relaxed pace, Hickory Wine Shoppe in Union Square offers curated wines, small plates, and its signature wine slushies, making it an easy stop before heading to your next part of the night.
Set the Soundtrack
Live music carries from downtown Hickory to surrounding communities. The Premier keeps things lively downtown with live bands and regional artists just an easy stroll along the City Walk. In the heart of the city, the Sails Original Music Series fills The Sails on Union Square with free Friday night concerts in May, June, and September, where guests can grab a drink from the Social District and settle in for the show. A short drive away, Music on Main turns Newton’s Frank & Sue Jones Amphitheatre into a go-to spot on select Thursdays with live music and food trucks, while Conover’s Concert in the Park offers free performances and a relaxed setting that makes for an easy night out.
Bring Your A-Game
Some nights are made for one more round of fun. At Dive Bar, it is easy to lose track of time in the best way. A few arcade games turn into a full night of Ms. Pac-Man, skee-ball, karaoke, and claw machines, with a photo booth stop somewhere in between. Families can also jump in earlier in the evening, with guests under 21 welcome until 8 PM. Over at Hickory Social House, enjoy pool tables, darts, live music, and the Bootleggers Whiskey Bar & Grill. The night is never quite ready to call it.
In Hickory, nights have a way of unfolding on their own. A dinner reservation becomes live music, a quick stop turns into one more round, and suddenly the evening looks nothing like you expected. That's the fun of it! Something is always happening nearby and there is always a reason to stick around. However you spend it, Hickory is ready when you are.
