Your Guide to Saturdays in Saxapahaw
The village of Saxapahaw has become a phenomenon in central North Carolina known for its tasty food, arts, river recreation, and great live music.
During the summer, these things blend for a village-wide community event: Saturdays in Saxapahaw.
If you’re looking for a taste of eclectic culture, this is the place to check out.
When do Saturdays in Saxapahaw happen?
These festivals happen every Saturday afternoon from May through the end of August.
The Farmer’s Market opens at 5 p.m.
Live music is onstage from 6-8 p.m.
Before you drive out, check the Saxapahaw Facebook page to make sure performances are still happening.
Admission is FREE, though you can tip performers. Just look for the Swan bucket!
What’s in the Farmer’s Market?
In this thriving market, you’ll never know exactly what to expect, so come with an open mind and let the surprises work their magic.
Sure, you can expect farmer’s market staples like fresh local produce, eggs, and honey; but also look for fresh flowers and locally baked goods, or find a meal at one of the food trucks nearby.
For beer lovers, enjoy locally produced microbrews, or if creativity is your thing, visit a local artisan for handmade arts and crafts.
There is also a safe area for kids to play, and the stage is near the market, so you can shop without losing track of your kids or missing live performances.
Where can I eat in Saxapahaw?
Saxapahaw offers several delicious places to eat, all of which are located a short walk from the Saturdays in Saxapahaw Farmer’s Market.
The Saxapahaw General Store offers “lunch and dinner made with local meats, local produce and top-quality ingredients” as well as a lively, local vibe that you will have to experience to appreciate.
The Eddy serves its own “version of ‘Pub food’ ranging from southern comfort to European bistro.” Saturdays can be crowded, so they encourage reservations.
For a caffeine boost and an elevated view, check out Cup 22, which serves coffee drinks and baked goods.
Find locally produced beer and an attractive seating area at Haw River Farmhouse Ales.
All of these establishments are located near each other, so feel free to wander, or try more than one.
What musical acts can I expect?
Live music happens onstage from 6-8 p.m. Here is the Saturdays in Saxapahaw musical lineup for 2022:
May 7 – Haw River Festival with Saludos Compay, Honey Magpie and Jasmé Kelly – 4 to 8pm
May 14 – Big Fat Gap
May 21 – Molly Sarlé
May 28 – David Wimbish & Graham Dickey of The Collection
June 4 – Jennifer Curtis & Diali Cissokho
June 11 – John Howie Jr & the Rosewood Bluff
June 18 – Country Soul Songbook
June 25 – Dissimilar South
July 2 – XOXOK
July 9 – Will Easter & the Nomads
July 16 – Django Haskins
July 23 – Bella Nonna
July 30 – Colin Cutler
August 6 – Josh Moore
August 13 – Tan & Sober Gentlemen
August 20 – Streak of Tigers
August 27 – Caique Vidal & Batuque
What outdoor activities are in Saxapahaw?
Slip into the laid-back Saxapahaw vibe with our self-guided river trip.
Show up early and get a nice parking spot in our lot. Relax on the water, grab some food, and then walk across the street to enjoy the Saturdays in Saxapahaw events.
There are also several hiking trails in Saxapahaw, including a section of the Haw River Trail. Most of these trails border the Haw River and all are kid-friendly.
For those with children, visit Saxapahaw Island Park, a lovely shaded playground that immerses children in the natural world.
Okay, I’ll be there. Where should I park?
Ah, the big challenge.
Parking can be difficult on busy Saturdays, but there are several lots located around the village.
Use the map below to help navigate:
Please do not park in the roads, people’s driveways, or anywhere that blocks residential gates, as you can be towed.
What if it’s raining?
The official policy s that if there is not an event at Haw River Ballroom, then the outdoor musical performances will move inside. If there is already an event at Haw River Ballroom, then the outdoor events will be canceled.
The organizers of Saturdays in Saxapahaw make these cancellations decisions by 4:00 p.m. o that Saturday. Please check their social media accounts for this information.