1. Circle M City Monday Music Jam – every Monday night
Kick off your week with the lively tunes of Circle M City’s Monday Music Jam! Every Monday at 7 PM, the Livery Stable comes alive with guitars, fiddles, banjos, mandolins and basses. Whether you’re here to play or just to listen, this family-friendly gathering offers a mix of melodies, community and Old West charm.
2. Sanford Resolution Run and FirstHealth Fitness Fest – Second Saturday in January
Start 2025 with your best foot forward at the Sanford Resolution Run and FirstHealth Fitness Fest. Choose between a USATF-certified 5K winding through downtown Sanford’s streets and landmarks, or a one-mile Fun Run perfect for all ages. Both races end at Hugger Mugger Brewing, the perfect spot to grab a celebratory meal or drink. Grab a friend, lace up your sneakers and join the fun!
3. Temple Theatre Main Stage Season – September-May
Celebrate 100 years of Temple Theatre with an unforgettable Main Stage Season running from September to May. This milestone year features incredible productions like Sweet Delilah Swim Club, Jason Petty’s 100 Years of Hank Williams, and the timeless Beauty & The Beast. Celebrate the centennial with special events, including the Roaring 20’s Revue, where past performers honor a century of music and memories. Don’t miss this extraordinary season that pays tribute to Temple Theatre’s rich history while setting the stage for an exciting future!
4. Downtown Alive! Third Thursdays – special events all year
Add a little excitement to your Thursdays with Downtown Alive! Each third Thursday, downtown businesses open their doors for extended hours and feature exclusive promotions, making it the perfect evening to shop, dine and explore. Keep an eye out for special events throughout the year, including live music, food trucks and more. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Downtown Alive! is your invitation to experience the vibrant heart of Downtown Sanford.
5. Busking in the Boro – March 29
Usher in spring with Busking in the Boro, a street festival full of live music, local talent and vibrant energy in downtown Jonesboro. Enjoy performances from local musicians, browse unique craft and food vendors and experience the heart of Jonesboro come alive. With entertainment and activities for all ages, this event is the perfect way to welcome the warmer months and connect with the community. Don’t miss the fun!
6. Egg-a-Palooza – April 12
This egg-citing Easter event at Kiwanis Family Park delights Sanford visitors and locals alike. Hop into spring with this family-friendly celebration packed with seasonal fun! Enjoy egg hunts, games, crafts and activities for kids of all ages. Parents can relax and soak up the festive atmosphere while the little ones search for eggs and win exciting prizes. With activities and entertainment for all ages, Egg-a-palooza promises a day of fun, community and springtime memories you won’t want to miss!
7. Broadway Our Way – Third Saturday in April
This April, 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 from one of the many food trucks.
8. Sanford Farmer’s Market – April through November
Spring and warmer weather can only mean one thing – the opening of Sanford’s Farmers’ Market. Entering its 2025 market 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 through November, running every Saturday from 9 am to noon.
9. Spring Southern Side by Side Championship & Exhibition – April 24-27
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 spectators from around the globe! Event competitions require registration, so make sure you arrive early.
10. Beach Bash – May 23
Kick off your summer in style at Beach Bash, a celebration hosted at the Kiwanis Family Park. Cool off at the Splash Pad, enjoy delicious food from local trucks and take a shot at the dunk tank. Groove to live beach music that sets the perfect summer scene as you soak up the sun with family and friends. Grab your crew and your sunscreen—this is the ultimate way to celebrate the start of the season. See you at the Splash Pad!
11. Carolina Indie Fest – Fourth Weekend in May and September
Get ready for an unforgettable music experience at Carolina Indie Fest, a multi-day festival celebrating the best of indie music in downtown Sanford, NC. Gather around by Hugger Mugger Brewing to watch performances from diverse indie artists, grab a bite from a variety of food trucks, browse local craft vendors and enjoy plenty of refreshing beer. Proudly sponsored by local businesses, this festival draws thousands of fans annually to revel in the musical traditions and spirit of Sanford.
12. Strawberry Jammin’ – Second Saturday in May
Celebrate the sweet taste of spring at the Strawberry Jammin’ Festival in downtown Sanford! This multi-day event is packed with strawberry-themed delights, from specialty dishes and drinks at local restaurants and bars to recipe demos and tastings at the Sanford Farmers’ Market. Stroll through downtown to enjoy live music, browse unique vendors and indulge in a food stroll featuring strawberry-inspired bites. With entertainment and activities for all ages, this festival is jam-packed with flavor and fun. Don’t miss the chance to experience Sanford’s sweetest celebration!
13. Ole Gilliam Mill Annual Crank-Up – Weekend after Mother’s Day
For the 44th time, Ole Gilliam Mill Park cranks up its old equipment and runs mill demonstrations for the public. View live demonstrations of historic equipment, including an old sawmill, a log splitter and a working liquor still. Watch a blacksmith at work, enjoy weaving demonstrations and tour the scenic park on a 1950s tractor. Don’t miss the chance to purchase fresh cornmeal and grits from the operating grist mill. With delicious food from Stubbs BBQ, live music and family-friendly fun, this annual event is one of Sanford’s most time-honored traditions.
14. July 4th Celebration
Sanford celebrates the 4th in a big way with the downtown Independence Day celebration. Whether your favorite holiday tradition is watching colorful fireworks or the enjoying an abundance of delicious food, Sanford has it all. Celebrate this 4th of July surrounded by good music, great eats and even better company!
15. Lee County Regional Fair – mid September
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.
16. Farm Attractions – Buchanan Farms, Gross Farms, White Hill Farm
Fall is the perfect time to check out the various farm attractions available throughout Sanford. Gross Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch season is has activities for all ages, including navigating the large corn maze, picking your very own pumpkin right from the patch or taking a scenic hayride on a working farm. Sanford is known for its many farms, so be sure to check out Buchanan Farms and White Hill Farms for even more unforgettable memories this season.
17. Sanford StreetFest – Second Saturday in 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!
18. Sanford Brush & Palette Club Annual Art Show – October
Art lovers, don’t miss the annual hosted by the Sanford Brush & Palette Club! This vibrant event showcases hundreds of original pieces by talented local artists. From paintings to sculptures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and the best part is, admission is absolutely free! Take your time browsing the diverse artwork and meet some of the artists behind the pieces. Join us to celebrate creativity and local talent at this annual art show!
19. Car Shows
Classics to Customs Car Show in Downtown – June
Legends Car Show at The Wicker Center – October
Car enthusiasts, get ready for two amazing shows in Sanford! This June, the Classics to Custom Car Show is coming to Downtown, where you can admire vintage cars on display—some over 100 years old. In October, check out the Legends Car Show at the Wicker Center, featuring a variety of unique automotive categories showcasing everything from classic cars to custom creations. Whether you’re a car aficionado or just love a good show, these events offer something for everyone.
20. Boo & Brew Ghost Tour – Last two weekends of October
Get ready for the spookiest night of the year at Sanford’s Boo & Brew Ghost Tour—the most anticipated event of the season! This one-of-a-kind experience combines a pub crawl with a self-guided audio tour, perfect for fans of the paranormal and those looking for a thrilling night out. Hear the chilling tale of The Ghosts of Downtown Sanford as you “crawl” your way through local restaurants and bars, enjoying themed drinks and tasty bites at every stop.
21. Downtown Trick or Treating – Last Saturday in October
October marks another chance to bring your little ghosts and goblins out to Downtown Sanford’s Trick or Treating and costume contest. On the last Saturday of October, our downtown district welcomes the public to this free event filled with sweet treats and Halloween cheer. Don’t miss out on this annual tradition—come for the candy, stay for the fun!
22. Sanford Trail Fest – October
This October, join us for the Sanford Trail Festival, a weekend celebrating outdoor recreation in Sanford and Lee County. Enjoy activities like kids’ rides and races, mountain bike clinics led by a pro rider and guided group rides through scenic trails. Don’t miss out on the perfect chance to explore Sanford’s trails, enjoy great food and community spirit, and take part in some unforgettable outdoor fun.
23. Holiday Open House in Downtown Sanford – November 9th
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.
24. Sunday with Santa Tree Lighting – 4th Sunday in November
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.
25. Christmas Parades
Sanford Christmas Parade – 1st Monday in December
Broadway Christmas Parade – 2nd Saturday in December
An annual tradition for over 60 years, the Sanford Christmas Parade marches into town once again on the first Monday of December. For the best view, station yourself along the route before the parade begins at 7 pm. Don’t miss out on another Sanford holiday tradition—the Broadway Christmas Parade on the second Saturday of December. Enjoy music, lights, marching bands, floats and the man of the hour – Santa Claus.
