The Historical Association of Catawba County and the North Carolina Pottery Center are hosting the 29th Annual Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival on Friday, March 27th and Saturday, March 28th, 2026, at the Hickory Metro Convention Center in Hickory, North Carolina.

Friday evening will feature an exclusive early buying experience and a special opportunity for ticket holders to meet and mingle with the artists. Tickets are $50 and include early buying privileges beginning at 7:00 PM along with an Americana-themed meal and a relaxed evening spent connecting with the potters and artists. VIP Tickets must be purchased in advance!

The Saturday show will welcome the public from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and will offer buying opportunities, pottery demonstrations, and a lecture by Mary Farrell! Saturday tickets may be purchased online and at the door.

The goal of the Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival (CVPAF) is to unite traditional potters and dealers in a high-quality show that celebrates our region’s rich pottery heritage—one of North Carolina’s most cherished cultural traditions. The festival’s mission is to create an educational experience where the public can explore traditional North Carolina pottery within the broader context of Southern craftsmanship. It also offers visitors the unique opportunity to purchase, collect, and study this enduring art form through direct interaction with skilled potters and knowledgeable dealers.