Curious about what makes Statesville, North Carolina, full of vibrant events and festivals? Join us as we take you through the exciting event lineup planned for 2025. From the NC Gun Collectors Association Annual Gun Show in February to the sweet delights of the Downtown Statesville Chocolate Stroll, there's something for everyone. Get ready to channel your inner superhero at the Statesville Comic Con, and don't forget to mark your calendars for March's historical reenactments and ghostly tours that bring local lore to life. It's an episode packed with fun and informative insights that will make you want to pack your bags and head to Statesville!

Our journey doesn’t stop there. Imagine a summer brimming with music, fireworks, and the return of the Wild Goose Festival. As the year progresses, Statesville becomes a cultural hub with events like the Full Bloom Film Festival and the Love Valley Roubaix cycling event. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, our featured events will allow you to experience all that Statesville has to offer in 2025!

What makes the holiday season in Statesville, NC, truly magical? Our special guest, Liz Petree, the Community Engagement Manager for Downtown Statesville Development Corporation, joins us to share all the details. From the chance to win $100 in "downtown dollars" on Small Business Saturday to the horse-drawn carriage rides, Liz reveals the vibrant atmosphere and experiences awaiting visitors. We dive into the details of the variety of local events that make downtown Statesville a holiday hotspot.

This episode is your guide to the heartwarming traditions that define Statesville's holiday charm. Learn about Santa's visit to City Hall and dance performances, alongside creative events like Imperial Muay Thai's Christmas punch and paint session. Get ready to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Statesville Civic Center with a New Year's Eve bash. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, the holiday cheer in Statesville promises an unforgettable experience.

Get ready to experience the November events Statesville, NC has to offer this month. From haunted trails to community gatherings, this episode brings a comprehensive guide to an event-filled month. We embark on a journey through the Midway Wicked Woods and the theatrical production of "The Cemetery Club," all happening in the first week of November. As the Statesville Pumpkin Fest celebrates its 21st year with pumpkin-themed activities, Harmony introduces its inaugural Fall Fest, ensuring there's something for everyone. Don't miss the Pumpkin Fest after-party with the Uptown Dueling Pianos, or the Masquerade Ball fundraiser, both sure to make your evenings unforgettable.

November in Statesville is bursting with community spirit, and we spotlight events that bring people together. Experience history at Fort Dobbs Historic Site's Military Timeline event, or support local craftsmanship at a barn quilt class. Second Saturdays boost downtown businesses, while the Statesville Women's Club hosts a friendly chili cook-off. GG's annual holiday open house is a must-visit, featuring local author Joe Hudson. Pay tribute to Veterans Day at Mitchell Community College and catch "Tommy," at the Full Bloom Film Festival showing. Wrap up the month with the Cash Mob event, showing your love for local businesses. Tune in as we guide you through a vibrant line-up of events, ensuring you won't miss a moment of Statesville's November excitement!

Have you ever wondered what it's like to have a hot air balloon land in your backyard and how that could change your life forever? Join us as we chat with Sam Parks, the new executive director of the Carolina BalloonFest, who experienced just that in 1986. Sam shares his incredible journey from that unexpected moment to becoming a seasoned balloon pilot and a key figure in the ballooning community. Learn about the fascinating distinctions between hot air and gas balloons and hear Sam's stories of flying hydrogen balloons over vast distances. As balloon meister, Sam's role is crucial in ensuring flight operations, safety, and FAA compliance, drawing from his extensive experience, including his time at the renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

In our conversation, we also uncover the monumental efforts of organizing the Carolina BalloonFest in Statesville, involving the dedication of nearly 900 volunteers. Dive into the rich history of ballooning in the community and get a sneak peek at the plans for the upcoming Carolina Balloon Museum in Statesville. Sam's enthusiasm for his new role is contagious as he encourages everyone to explore the upcoming events and attractions, emphasizing the sense of community and adventure that defines the festival. Whether you’re a ballooning aficionado or just curious, this episode promises an exciting glimpse into the vibrant world of hot air ballooning.

Get ready for an unforgettable October in Statesville, NC! This episode of the Discover Statesville podcast promises just that! Join us as we guide you through a thrilling array of events that will keep your calendar packed all month long. From the Midway Wicked Woods trail and the "Making Our Voices Heard" Civil Rights exhibit at the Iredell Museums, to the "Fields and Foothills" art show by Wes Waugh, there's something for everyone. Plus, the Statesville Police Department's National Night Out and the Megan Doss Band's performance at the Friday After Five concert series are must-attend events for families and music lovers alike. We also spotlight the "Take that Hill" cycling event by Purple Heart Homes, benefiting veterans, and the Oktoberfest at Daveste Vineyards.

But the excitement doesn't stop there! Get into the Halloween spirit with the Haunted Statesville Ghost Tours and the Slightly Haunted Hike at Lake Norman State Park. The Iredell Arts Council hosts musical acts like Vanessa Collier and Okcello, adding to the cultural richness of the month. And if you’re looking for something truly magical, the Graze and Glow event at Equuvation, with its hot air balloon glow and live music, is the perfect way to end your October adventures. Tune in to discover all these events and more, making sure you maximize your Statesville experience this fall!

Get ready for an exciting journey as we welcome Roxanne Newman from CycleNC! Over 900 cyclists will arrive in Statesville on October 7th for the 25th anniversary of the Cycle North Carolina Mountains to Coast ride. Statesville is their third stop on their 450-mile ride across the state. 

Roxanne shares insights into the event’s focus on tourism and community engagement, along with Statesville's special preparations like tethered hot air balloon rides and balloon glows. Discover the meticulous planning behind route selection, community involvement, and the various rides CycleNC offers. Plus, learn about sporting events across North Carolina, and get ready to experience Statesville’s charm!  

Unlock the secrets of Statesville's past with Dr. Steve Hill and Stamey Holland as we explore the evolution of the Statesville Historical Collection! From its humble beginnings to becoming a treasure trove of local history, you'll learn how community support and passionate individuals like Mayor Costi Kutteh, Bill Stiles, the Gordon family, and Jim Wilson played pivotal roles. Discover the Holland Building's remarkable transformation into the collection's new home, and how it now safeguards treasured artifacts.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the monumental effort it took to relocate such an extensive collection and the meticulous care involved in creating thematic displays and restoring antique fixtures. This episode celebrates the tireless work of volunteers and the community's unwavering commitment to keeping access to Statesville's history free for all. Join us in paying tribute to the vibrant history and promising future of the Statesville Historic Collection!

Let's explore the vibrant biking culture of Statesville, NC, with our special guest Wes Davidson, owner of First Flight Bicycles and the organizer of the Love Valley Roubaix event happening September 20-22, 2024. Wes takes us through the wide range of local biking options, from thrilling mountain adventures to serene gravel rides. Discover how First Flight Bicycles isn't just a shop but a community cornerstone, complete with a unique beer and wine bar that makes it a go-to spot for cyclists to connect. Wes also shares insights into the increasing popularity of gravel riding, offering a safer and more scenic alternative to traditional road cycling. You'll get a taste of the camaraderie and community spirit that defines the cycling scene in Statesville.

But that's not all—our conversation ventures into the future of cycling in Statesville, highlighting exciting plans to connect existing parks and trails. Wes and Richard shed a little light on the community-driven efforts to make these trails more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. And don't miss out on the details of the upcoming Love Valley Roubaix event, along with other notable cycling events in the area like the Purple Heart Homes, Take That Hill challenge and the Cycle NC, Mountains to Coast Race. Learn how First Flight Bicycles supports cyclists with tailored routes, ensuring an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, this episode offers something for everyone.

What if one weekend could transform a small-town festival into an international celebration of cinema? Join us as we sit down with Sydney Koppelmeyer, the marketing chair behind the Full Bloom Film Festival, to get an inside look at the ninth year of this incredible event in Statesville, North Carolina. This year's festival promises an eclectic mix of 41 films from around the world, including a special guest from China. We're excited to share the buzz surrounding the children's red carpet event for "The Inventor," penned by the writer of Ratatouille, and celebrate the record-breaking ticket sales that have everyone talking.

Eager to know what makes this festival truly special? We explore the jam-packed weekend schedule, from the box office opening at Lake Mountain Coffee to the grand celebration at the Iredell Arts Council with food trucks and live music. Learn about the strategic marketing partnerships that have propelled the festival's success, the special honors for local filmmakers and how community involvement through themed drinks and exclusive Southern Distilling bourbon bottles adds a unique touch. Don't miss out on hearing directly from filmmakers during Q&A sessions, making this an unmissable event for cinema lovers.

What if your September could be filled with unforgettable experiences and unique events right in Statesville, North Carolina? Let this episode be your guide to the season's top happenings. From muscadine and scuppernong picking at local farms to the week-long Iredell County Agricultural Fair, there's plenty to do for families and friends. This month also brings the 9th Annual Full Bloom Film Festival, featuring a lineup of films for all movie lovers. Plus, Carolina Farm Trust returns with their Dinner on W. Broad farm-to-table dinner, making this month a treat for food enthusiasts.

But that's not all! We highlight Leslie Mendelson's upcoming concert at the Iredell Arts Council, the Love Valley Roubaix Gravel Bike Race, and a Project Food, Land, and People workshop at Lake Norman State Park. Dog lovers will enjoy Dog Day at the Pool, while history fans can look forward to the Iredell Museums' new "Museum Ologies" exhibit and Living History Day at Fort Dobbs. End your cultural journey with the Fall Art Crawl in downtown Statesville and a British high tea at the Historic Sharpe House. Tune in and make sure you don't miss these events and MORE this September!