1. Circle M City Music Jam – January through October
In 2020, having a case of the Mondays is a good thing! The local music and communal atmosphere at Circle M City’s Monday Music Jam will help get any week started on a happy note. You can even bring your own instrument to play along with others. Can’t make the first show? No worries! They’ll be jamming every Monday through October.
2. Lee County Community Orchestra Perfomances – March and May
The Lee County Community Orchestra strikes the right chord, bringing two more free shows to Sanford. See them perform Reveries and Revelations, March 14 and 15 at First Presbyterian Church. In May, be sure to catch Beethoven and Beyond at the Mann Center for all your classical favorites!
3. Easter Eggstravaganza at Broken Plow Farm – Early April
This egg-citing Easter event delights Sanford visitors and locals alike. Enjoy a day full of Easter egg hunting, barrel rides, hayrides and farm animals at Broken Plow Farm. Don’t forget to bring your cameras. The Easter bunny has been known to make an appearance.
4. Sanford Farmer’s Market – April through October
Spring and warmer weather can only mean one thing – the opening of Sanford’s Farmers’ Market. Entering its 22nd season, the Farmers’ Market only features locally grown produce from farmers living and growing their produce within 50 miles of Sanford. Get your taste buds tingling with fresh bread, juicy berries, delicious jams and savory salsas! The market starts up in April and stays open until October, running every Saturday from 9 am to noon.
5. North Carolina Beer Month – April
April is Beer Month in North Carolina and Sanford has several hot spots where you can quench your hankering for hops. Grab some friends and head over to The Smoke and Barrel to sample their superb list of craft beers. Make it pub crawl with stops at Camelback Brewing Company and Hugger Mugger Brewing as well. With beer names reflecting Sanford’s charm and culture, these Sanford go-to spots both celebrate Sanford’s roots and boast awesome brews.
6. Strawberry Picking – April
What better way to welcome spring then to pick your own strawberries. Head over to Gross Farms and Harrington & Sons Farms for a day of family fun. Whether you’re making a delicious dessert, smoothie or just eating them with a little sugar, snacking on strawberries in springtime is one pastime you can’t pass up!
7. Broadway Our Way Festival – April 18
On April 18, head to the annual Broadway Our Way Festival in Broadway, NC. Starting at 10 AM, the downtown streets of Broadway fill with food and craft vendors, activities for kids of all ages, classic cars and continuous live entertainment. Test your aim by participating in the Cornhole Tournament and fill up on mouth-watering food at the BBQ Cook-Off.
8. Spring 2020 Southern Side by Side Championship & Exhibition – April 23-26
Do you enjoy recreational shooting? If so, this event is for you. The Southern Side by Side, held at Deep River Sporting Clays and Shooting School, boasts educational opportunities, camaraderie and exhibitors from around the world. You’ll not want to miss this popular Spring event that attracts participants and spectator’s from around the globe! Event competitions require registration, so make sure you arrive early.
9. Ole Gilliam Mill Annual Crank-Up – May 16 and 17
For the 40th time, Ole Gilliam Mill Park cranks up its old equipment and runs mill demonstrations for the public. Weaving, soap making and blacksmithing are just some of the neat, old-timey activities the entire family can experience and enjoy. Admission is only $5, and kids under 12 are free.
10. Downtown Alive! Summer Concert Series
Free concerts are music to our ears, literally! Starting in late spring, the Downtown Alive! summer concert series returns. Come downtown to Steele Street for family-friendly music, food trucks galore and libations from local breweries. Check back here at visitsanfordnc.org for exact dates and times.
11. 4th of July Celebration at Ammons Farm
Sanford celebrates the 4th in a big way with Ammons Farm Annual 4th of July Celebration. Whether your favorite holiday tradition is watching colorful fireworks or the enjoying an abundance of delicious food, Ammons Farm has it all. Celebrate this Independence Day surrounded by good music, great eats and even better company!
12. Lee County Regional Fair – September 15-20
If the regional fair isn’t in town, then it really isn’t September in Lee County. With great food, entertainment, farm animals, midway rides, a fishing tournament, a talent show, vendors, agricultural and commercial exhibits, the Lee County Regional Fair makes for a perfect fall day with the family.
13. One Table, One Depot Community Supper –Tentatively October
With the success of last year’s One Table, One Depot supper, you won’t want to miss it this year! Hosted by Downtown Sanford, Inc., this annual community-wide gathering showcases delicious local fare while supporting community enhancements. The 2020 community supper will again raise funds to renovate the historic depot at Depot Park which is used as a welcome center for Sanford visitors.
14. Gross Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Head over to Gross Farms Corn Maze with your family and friends on a crisp, fall afternoon and test your wayfinding skills in a 10-acre field of corn. After navigating the corn maze, be sure to pick out your perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. This charming, family-owned farm with activities suitable for all ages is emblematic of Sanford’s culture.
15. Sanford StreetFest – October
Sanford’s biggest event of the year is back and better than ever! Spend a day at StreetFest enjoying live music and performances, sampling the many food and drink trucks, playing in the kids’ fun zone and exploring the local artisan market. Stick around for the perfect ending to your evening — a breathtaking fireworks display!
16. Downtown Trick or Treating – October 24
October marks another chance to bring your little ghosts and goblins out to Downtown Sanford’s Trick or Treating and costume contest. On October 24th, our downtown district welcomes the public to this free event filled with sweet treats and Halloween cheer. Mark your calendars and don’t forget the annual Jack-o-Lantern trail is open at dusk for several days through the end of October.
17. Holiday Shopping in Downtown Sanford
This holiday season, shop small to win BIG! Beginning on Small Business Saturday, Downtown Sanford’s popular Holiday Punch Cards will be back for the 2020 holiday season! Spend $10 at participating downtown businesses and receive a stamp on your punch card. Fill up a card (or several) and be entered to win one of Downtown Sanford’s holiday prize drawings.
18. Sanford Train and Tree Lighting – December 4
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.
19. Sanford Christmas Parade – December 7
An annual tradition for over 60 years, the Sanford Christmas Parade marches into town once again on December 7th. For the best view, station yourself along the route before the parade begins at 7 pm. Starting at Carthage and Wicker Streets, the parade will head toward Steele Street and make a full circle. Enjoy music, lights, marching bands, floats and the man of the hour – Santa Claus.
20. Shine bright at Broken Plow Farm
Head to Broken Plow Farm’s Lights of Christmas to light up your holiday season this year. Bundle up for a hayride around the farm to view beautiful Christmas displays and enjoy a one-of-a-kind light show. A special visitor from the North Pole has also been known to make an appearance for photos, so make sure to bring your camera!
