30th Annual · March 19–20, 2027
Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival
Thirty years of the South’s finest pottery, gathered under one roof. More than 100 potters, antique dealers and artisans bring historic and contemporary Catawba Valley work to Hickory for one weekend each spring.
Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival
March 19, 2027 · Premiere Party 6:00 PM
What it is
The Catawba Valley holds one of the great pottery traditions of the American South — alkaline-glazed stoneware, wood-fired, made for generations by potters working from home sites and selling by word of mouth. The festival was founded to give that heritage a yearly gathering place, and 2027 marks its thirtieth.
More than 100 potters, antique dealers and artisans exhibit, with historic and contemporary Catawba Valley pottery alongside antiques, folk art, furniture and textiles. There are educational exhibits and demonstrations through the day, and the chance to meet nationally recognised potters at their own tables — which is, for most collectors, the reason to come.
When and where
Friday, March 19, 2027 — Premiere Party, 6:00–9:00 PM
Saturday, March 20, 2027 — Festival, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory, North Carolina.
Admission
Saturday general admission is $10, children ages 3–12 $5. The Friday evening Premiere Party is $50 and must be bought in advance — it is the festival’s fundraising evening, and the first chance at the work before the doors open to everyone.
General Admission → Premiere Party →
Where the money goes
The festival is a non-profit event benefiting the Historical Association of Catawba County and the North Carolina Pottery Center. More than $500,000 has been given to the two institutions over the past twenty years.
Exhibiting, sponsoring, or after more detail
Vendor applications, the exhibitor list, sponsorship and full Premiere Party details all live on the festival’s own site.
Questions? Call the Association at (828) 465-0383.