Richmond County is ROCKIN’ with fun! Stay up-to-date with the happenings around the community through our newsletter, weekly events videos, Google calendar, and our social media! Our Google calendar includes a complete list of visitor and community events. | | What is Richmond County Tourism Development Authority? | | Since 2001, Richmond County has levied a 6% room occupancy tax in accordance to Senate Bill 92 of the General Assembly of North Carolina. Tourism funds are allocated through a grant program for events in Richmond County that bring visitors to stay overnight in our lodging facilities. Click below to see the RCTDA Grant Application, Guidelines, and more resources. | | MAKE SURE YOU ARE SUBSCRIBED! | | |
The Richmond County Tourism Development Authority (RCTDA) is solely funded by occupancy tax revenue collected from lodging facilities within the City of Rockingham. These funds are strategically reinvested into attractions, events, and initiatives that drive overnight visitation to our community. Our top priority is to promote the destinations and experiences that bring travelers to Richmond County—supporting our local businesses, boosting the economy, and fueling tourism growth.
While overnight visitation is our primary focus, we also take great pride in showcasing the vibrant, community-centered programs and events that make Rockin’ Richmond County such a special place to live, work, and visit.
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⚡🎉 We're excited to announce Pee Dee Electric as the Presenting Sponsor of the FREE Kids Zone at NitroFest! 🎉⚡
A free Kids Zone has become a signature part of our downtown festivals, and thanks to the generous support of Pee Dee Electric, families will once again enjoy an evening packed with fun at NitroFest on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in downtown Rockingham.
Kids can enjoy inflatables, a rock climbing wall, games, and more—and every activity in the Kids Zone is completely FREE! It's the perfect place for families to make memories while celebrating one of the biggest weekends in drag racing history at Rockingham Dragway with the inaugural NHRA Nationals at The Rock.
But NitroFest isn't just for the kids! The evening will also feature:
🏁 NHRA Driver Autograph & Meet-and-Greet
🎶 Live concert by Colt Ford
🏎️ Automotive and racing vendors & displays
🌮 Food trucks
🍺 Beer Garden hosted by Rockingham Dragway
…and plenty more surprises!
For more than 80 years, Pee Dee Electric has been dedicated to providing safe, reliable electric service to thousands of homes, farms, and businesses across the Sandhills and Pee Dee regions of North Carolina. As a member-owned electric cooperative, Pee Dee Electric is committed to strengthening the communities it serves, making them an outstanding partner for this family-focused event.
Please join us in thanking Pee Dee Electric for helping make the NitroFest Kids Zone a free, fun experience for families throughout our region. We can't wait to see everyone in downtown Rockingham on September 24!
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NitroFest 9/24/26
NitroFest is slated for Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 6PM-9PM in downtown Rockingham around Harrington Square ahead of the inaugural NHRA Nationals at The Rock ( 9/25- 9/27). FREE fun for the entire family! Colt Ford headlining, NHRA driver autograph and meet & greet sessions, food trucks, kids zone, automotive & racing vendors, beer garden hosted by Rockingham Dragway and more! See more details in the full announcement linked below.
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If you guessed “Tricky” Rickie Smith was coming to NitroFest, you guessed right!
Born on Christmas Day, Rickie Smith has spent more than 40 years building one of the most legendary careers in drag racing. Known for his fearless driving style and competitive spirit, “Tricky” has won championships and races in NHRA, IHRA, PDRA, and just about every major form of doorslammer drag racing. From Pro Stock to Pro Modified, he’s earned a reputation as one of the toughest racers to ever stage a car and continues to compete at the highest level today.
Now you’ll have the chance to meet him in person at NitroFest in downtown Rockingham on Thursday, September 24, during the NHRA Driver Autograph & Meet-and-Greet!
Trust us... you won’t want to miss this one. And the best part? We’ve still got more big announcements coming. Stay tuned!
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The driver lineup for NitroFest keeps getting stronger!
This Pro Mod racer will be joining us in downtown Rockingham for the NHRA Driver Autograph & Meet-and-Greet before competing in one of the biggest weekends in Rockingham Dragway history during the inaugural NHRA Nationals at The Rock.
Here’s another clue... he’s originally from one of Richmond County’s neighboring counties.
Recognize the car?
We will reveal him in our newsletter next week!
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Rockingham Plaza Jam: BlackWater Band 8/6
The BlackWater Band will perform Thursday night, August 6, on the lawn of Cole Plaza for the August Rockingham Plaza Jam. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. Read more about the BlackWater Band, see our promo video below and click on the flyers for the Facebook event page.
Our Daily Bread will have a truck onsite to collect food and/or monetary donations.
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Ross Drag Warzz at Rockingham Dragway 8/7-8/8
Ross Drag Warzz starts on Friday, August 7, and runs through Saturday, August 8, at Rockingham Dragway. Click on the graphics for the Facebook event page.
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Back to School Bash & Touch A Truck at Richmond County Airport 8/8
Multiple local first responder and emergency service agencies, in partnership with the Richmond County Sheriff's Department will be at Richmond County Airport on Saturday, August 8, hosting the 3rd Annual Back to School Bash & Touch-A-Truck event from 6PM-9PM. Click on the graphic for the Facebook event page.
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2nd Annual Gospel Music Event at Redland Acres Venue 8/8
Redland Acres Venue is hosting their 2nd Annual Gospel Music Event on Saturday, August 8, starting at 6PM. Click on the graphic for the Facebook event page.
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Skating at The Rock N Roll
See the skate schedule for the week at The Rock N Roll!
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Steak Dinner at VFW Post 4203-Rockingham 8/3
VFW Post 4203 in Rockingham is holding a Back to School Steak Dinner on Monday night, August 3, from 5PM-7PM.
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Summer at The Hive
See opportunities for Open Play at The Hive Recreational Center in Rockingham.
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Stuff the Bus at Walmart- Rockingham 8/4
Richmond County United Way will hold their 18th Annual Stuff the Bus fundraiser on Tuesday, August 4, at Walmart in Rockingham from 9AM-2PM.
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Summer Reading: Grey Seals at Cole Auditorium 8/4
The Summer Reading program continues this week with Grey Seals at Richmond Community College Cole Auditorium on Tuesday, August 4, at 10AM. Click on the graphic for the Facebook event page.
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Bowtie Karaoke at Striker's Lounge 8/5
Bowtie Karaoke will be at Striker's Lounge on Wednesday, August 5.
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Summer Reading: Adult Craft at Leath Memorial Library 8/6
Leath Memorial Library is hosting an Children's Craft class on Thursday, August 6, at 10AM. Click on the graphic for the Facebook event page.
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August Market Days 8/6-8/8
Willow Tree and Company will have their August Market Days on Thursday, August 6, through Saturday, August 8.
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RSHS Football Scrimmage 8/7
The Richmond Raider Football JV & Varsity teams will have scrimmage games on Friday, August 7, at the practice fields at Richmond Senior High School.
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Exceptional Friday at Krystal Dawn Retreat 8/7
Exceptional Fridays for kids with special needs starts at 10AM and ends at 2PM at Krystal Dawn Retreat.
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RCCOC Women's Conference at RCC Robinette Building 8/7
The Richmond County Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual Women's Conference sponsored by the City of Rockingham on Friday, August 7, from 8:30AM-2PM at the Richmond Community College Robinette Building in downtown Rockingham.
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First Responder Appreciation Meal at Carolina Pest Management 8/7
Carolina Pest Management is hosting a First Responder Appreciation Meal on Friday, August 7, from 11AM-1PM.
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Kool Kats at Hudson Brothers Deli 8/7
Live music with Kool Kats at Hudson Brothers Deli on Friday, August 7.
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Cosmic Bowling at Strikers Bowling Alley 8/7
Cosmic Bowling every Friday night at Striker's Bowling Alley.
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DJ Roy Gee at Double Vision 8/7 & 8/8
DJ Roy Gee will be at Double Vision on Friday, August 7, and Saturday, August 8.
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Rockingham Farmers' Market 8/8
The Rockingham Farmers' Market will be open on Saturday, August 8, in the former Food King parking lot in downtown Rockingham. Click on the flyer for the Rockingham Farmers' Market Facebook page.
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Indoor Yard Sale & Outdoor Craft & Vendor Fair at Abundant Life Church 8/8
Abundant Life Church is hosting an Indoor Yard Sale & Outdoor Craft & Vendor Fair on Saturday, August 8, from 9AM-2PM.
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Sandhills Shag Club at Rockingham Moose Lodge 8/8
Sandhills Shag Club will hold their monthly shag night on Saturday night, August 8, at Rockingham Moose Lodge!
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Bowtie Karaoke at Striker's Lounge 8/8
Bowtie Karaoke will be at Striker's Lounge on Saturday night, August 8, hosting karaoke!
| | | | More Upcoming Dates to Save! | |
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Hamlet digital events calendar
Keep up with what’s happening in Hamlet using their digital events calendar linked below!
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Hamlet Boxcar Concert Series 2026
Visit Hamlet, NC announced the line-up for the 2026 Hamlet Boxcar Concert Series! Make sure to mark those calendars for seven free live music concerts in Hamlet Main Street Park!
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City of Rockingham Plaza Jam Series
The 2026 City of Rockingham Plaza Jam Series kicked off the season starts annually in May and wraps up in October. See the full line-up for 2026 below.
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2026 Hinson Lake 24 Hour Ultra Classic
The 20th Annual Hinson Lake 24 Hour Ultra Classic will be on September 26-27, 2026. See our photo albums and videos from previous years below.
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Civil War: Battle on the Pee Dee 2026
The annual Civil War: Battle on the Pee Dee hosted by Team Lambert Catfishing Guide Service will be on August 29-30 in NC and on August 22-23 in SC. Click on the graphics for the Civil War: Battle on the Pee Dee Facebook page for more details.
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2026 Seaboard Festival Vendor Applications now available!
Vendor spaces for the 44th Annual Hamlet Seaboard Festival on October 31, 2026 are SOLD OUT!!!
Applications for NON FOOD vendors ONLY can still be submitted to be placed on our waiting list.
The ONLY official communication from The Seaboard Festival Planning Committee will be on our website (seaboardfestival.com) and our Facebook & Instagram pages. Any communication from any account other than The Seaboard Festival social media accounts, website or email, including but not limited to, advertisements for additions vendor spaces, requests for payments, etc., is fraudulent. To contact the planning committee, email info@seaboardfestival.com.
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New Virtual Tour of The Rock!
Rockingham Dragway has added a new feature on their website- see the virtual tour linked below.
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NHRA Nationals at The Rock Tix Available NOW!
Tickets for the 2026 NHRA Nationals at The Rock are NOW available for purchase online! Click on the graphics to secure your seats!
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NHRA Nationals at The Rock!
On Monday, November 10, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), made a huge announcement alongside Pro Stock Champion Greg Anderson- Rockingham Dragway will host the NHRA Nationals at The Rock on September 25-27, 2026! See more details and secure your seats to witness this enormous moment in history at The Rock on the NHRA website linked below.
| | | | Big Dates at Rock Dragway to Save for 2026! | |
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Southeast Gassers Association: Rock Revival at Rockingham Dragway 7/31-8/1
The Southeast Gassers Association returned to The Rock for the first time in more than a decade on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1. See photos from Terry Clark, Robbie Singletary and Sam Cook on our website gallery and from William Toler on the Richmond Observer Facebook page linked below.
| | | | Hosting an event in Richmond County soon? We'd love to hear all about it! Send us an email with the details at visitrichmondcountync@gmail.com or click below for our event form. | | | | |
