It’s a brand new year with lots of opportunities to discover and explore all the things that make Sanford and Lee County a one-of-a-kind destination. Here are 11 great events to plan your next trip around.
The Writers Round
February 17
Presented by the Sanford Music Circle, The Writers Round brings the local music community together to put on great shows and offer an up close and personal look at talented songwriters. Come sing and dance along to hit songs and possibly catch the next big thing in music! The Writers Round happens every third Thursday of the month. Venue alternates between Smoke and Barrel and Camelback Brewing Company. Online tickets for the February event will be available soon.
Broadway Our Way
April 16
Broadway positively comes alive in the springtime! And Broadway Our Way Festival celebrates that reawakening with loads of excitement. Come out to enjoy food and craft vendors, classic cars and activities for kids of all ages. As part of Bluegrass 365, the festival will feature a variety of live entertainment including some of the best, local bluegrass bands. Mark your calendars, grab your dancing shoes and join us for a seriously fun time.
Southern Side by Side
April 21 – 24
Fancy yourself a pretty good marksmen? Sharpen up those skills and get ready to compete for bragging rights and a shiny silver trophy at The Southern Side by Side. Held annually at Deep River Sporting Clays and Shooting School, this championship and exhibition boasts educational opportunities, camaraderie and a wide range of exhibitors and vendors. What’s more, this popular event attracts competitors and spectator’s from around the globe giving you plenty of opportunities to meet, greet and compete!
Strawberry Jammin’
May 6 – 7
Dive into everything strawberry at the Sanford Farmers’ Market. From the fruit itself to the cultivation and harvesting process to all the delicious ways you can prepare them. Visit a number of vendor booths to snag fresh produce, jellies, jams and much more. At each stop, you’ll find local farm representatives eager to share what goes into producing a bumper crop. They’ll also invite you out to their fields to experience the fun and joy of harvesting delicious berries yourself. Be sure to catch canning and preserving demonstrations as well as appearances by local food celebrities.
Downtown Alive! Concert Series
May – October
Music fans will certainly want to have Sanford on their travel list when the Downtown Alive! Concert Series starts up. The downtown district practically sizzles with excitement, music, food trucks and fun for the whole family. Free concerts will take place on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm. In addition, Downtown Alive! will be adding additional concerts on Fridays this spring.
Wedding Showcase
August
2022 is as good a time as any for couples to tie the knot. Luckily, the Dennis A. Wicker Civic and Conference Center in Sanford has wedding inspiration covered with an expo like no other! This Wedding Showcase features more than 50 different vendors, a bridal fashion show, wedding photography exhibits, grand prize drawings, an expert panel discussion and so much more. It’s the perfect way to gather your friends and family together, ignite your imagination and kick your plans into high gear.
Carolina Indie Fest
September
This one-of-a-kind music festival will have you moving and grooving to the sweet sounds of rock, folk, americana, country, soul, reggae and so much more. Boasting over 40 performances on two stages, Carolina Indie Fest also offers an arts and craft fair, fantastic food trucks and thirst-quenching beer provided by co-host Hugger Mugger Brewing Company. 2022 marks the festival’s second appearance and if last year is any indication, this year’s attendees are definitely in for a rockin’ good time!
StreetFest
October 8
One of Sanford’s biggest events is back again this year and promises to be better than ever! Visitors from all over flock to StreetFest to enjoy live music and creative performances, sample the food and drink trucks and explore the artisan market for local treasures. What’s more, the festival always ends with bang as a fireworks display lights up the sky for everyone’s enjoyment.
Boo & Brew
October
When October rolls around, Downtown Sanford gets downright spooky. Especially, when the Boo & Brew Ghost Tour arrives to scare up loads of fun for brave pub crawlers and lovers of the paranormal. Embark on a self-guided audio tour that will lead you to popular shops, restaurants and bars throughout downtown for great drinks, delicious nibbles, superb entertainment and plenty of chills and thrills.
Santa Train and Tree Lighting
December
And just like that, it’s time for Sanford’s Train and Tree Lighting again. Join Santa as he illuminates the downtown sky and kicks off a night full of fun. Bundle up and enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the night like face painting, craft making, sledding, and more! Keep warm with some hot cocoa and a bite to eat while singing along to Christmas classics performed by local Sanford groups.
And that’s just the beginning!
Be sure to keep following our blog for more great events to spark your travels all year long and we hope to see you real soon right here in Sanford, NC!
