LOCAL HAPPENINGS: Randleman’s Market & Music expands for the 2026 summer

RANDLEMAN  — At times just appearing one Friday a month in downtown Randleman during summer months, this year the city’s Market & Music events will take place roughly every two weeks from May 1 to Aug. 29 — eight times in all.

The music lineup: May 1, S.O.B.; May 15, Marsha Morgan; June 5, Holiday Band; June 19, Cornbread Cowboys; July 5, July 5th Fun Day & Fireworks and Band Southbound 49; Aug. 7, North Tower, Aug. 21, Tonez, Aug. 29, NC Food Truck Festival  with bands starting at 11 a.m.: His & Hers, Castaways, Gump Fiction, Chris Taylor.

Market & Music events also include fresh produce, plants and more at the Timken Farmers Market at Commerce Square, plus food trucks. The activities begin at 5 p.m. with music on stage from 7 to 10 p.m. 

For more, call the City of Randleman at 336-495-7525 or 336-495-7500.

THIS WEEK

Hangar Dance Saturday at Asheboro airport

ASHEBORO — The NC Aviation & Museum Hall of Fame’s annual 1940s Hangar Dance is Saturday night, April 25, at the Asheboro Regional Airport. The airport is  also home to the North Carolina Aviation Museum. The NCAM hangar is opened up to create a 1940s feel for guests with a big band playing the music and plenty of hors d’oeuvres on hand. Attendees are asked to dress in 1940s flair (though it’s not required). Tickets are $20 for the NCAM fundraiser and the party lasts from 7 to 10 p.m.

Dolly Parton tribute show at Sunset Theatre April 26

ASHEBORO — Dolly Parton’s coming to Asheboro. Or, at least in this age of tribute performances, someone is coming to bring the best of Dolly’s music and career to you at the Sunset Theatre on Sunday, April 26, at 3 p.m. In “Coat of Many Colors: A Tribute to Dolly Parton,” tribute artist Holly Michelle offers a heartwarming show that will celebrate the music, stories and legacy of country music icon Dolly Parton with songs including her early classics to modern favorites. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or by visiting sunsettheatre.org.

First Cruise-In of 2026 Saturday in C-4 Church lot

ASHEBORO — For the 7th (!) year, the Asheboro Summer Cruise-In series returns to Asheboro in its new location, the C-4 Church parking lot at 1128 N. Fayetteville Street. The monthly cruise-ins, organized by Grounded Elegance Car Club (Michael Allred) and Brightside Gallery (Mary Murkin) take place from April through late fall. Part car show and part cruising event — at least once a night, Allred leads cars onto an old-fashioned cruise up and down Fayetteville Street — the event lasts from 6 to 10 p.m.

Blackhawk visits Liberty Showcase Theater Friday

LIBERTY — Blackhawk brings its electrifying performance reputation to Liberty Showcase Theater on Friday, April 24, beginning at 7 p.m. The group has sold more than 7 million albums since debuting in the 1990s. Tickets range from $54 to $94. Visit thelibertyshowcase.com for more info.

Ramseur area residents get pair of events Saturday

Overlapping and yet back-to-back events should keep Ramseur-area folks hopping on Saturday, April 25. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Franklinville will be the site of a Main Street Car and Truck Show. The event at Riverside Park includes classic cars and trucks, local vendors and more. Meanwhile, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Ramseur, it’s a Food Truck Festival that will also include crafts, vendors and more. Both events are free to attend.

UPCOMING

Allred talk takes listeners back to the Poor House

ASHEBORO — Local historian Ricky Allred will discuss Randolph County’s role in caring for its neediest citizens in a talk at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at the Asheboro Public Library. The talk is free. Allred is author of “The Least of These: Caring for the Poor in Randolph County, N.C., 1794-1922,” published in 2025. The book chronicles caring for those who could not take care of themselves, including the creation of a county Poor House.