Heritage Festival

Throwback Vibes, Pioneer Style - Where Log Cabins Meet Living History

Every fall, something magical happens just outside of Hickory, in Vale, North Carolina. The gates of Hart Square Village swing wide open for one unforgettable day where time travel is totally possible—no flux capacitor required.

Welcome to the Annual Hart Square Heritage Festival, a lively, one-of-a-kind celebration that brings the Catawba Valley and North Carolina’s pioneer past to life in the most hands-on, heartwarming way. Set against the backdrop of the largest collection of historic log structures in the United States, this festival turns 200 acres of 1800s log cabins, barns, and workshops into a buzzing village full of stories, smoke, and soul.

More than 300 costumed artisans and demonstrators fill the grounds, showing off skills your great-great-great-grandparents would recognize—things like blacksmithing, flax making, cotton baling, broom making, woodworking, and yes, the very cozy art of stirring fresh apple butter over an open flame. Did we mention they sell fresh mason jars full of apple butter on site! (yum!)

Here, history isn’t just behind glass—it’s under your feet, in your hands, and probably wafting past your nose in the form of wood smoke, warm cider, or something being cooked in a cast iron skillet.

You’ll wander through 100+ preserved log structures, meet living historians eager to share their craft and their own family heritage, tap your toes to live Appalachian and old-time music, and feel like you’ve stumbled into a simpler (and surprisingly entertaining) time.

Whether you’re a history buff, a curious kid, or just someone who loves a good fall festival with soul, this event is a must. It’s a full-on celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and community. This can’t-miss event happens every October—right as the leaves show off in full fall fashion. It’s the one day each year when Hart Square Village comes fully to life, with every cabin, workshop, and trail buzzing with activity. If you want to see the entire village in action, this is the day to do it. 

So go ahead, make a weekend of it. Book your stay, bring the family (or the history-loving friend you always lose in antique stores), and come ready to experience a day that’ll stick with you long after the fire dies down.

📍 Pro tip: This is one of the most beloved one-day festivals in the region—tickets go fast, so keep an eye out when they drop and mark your calendar (in ink 😉).