Upcoming Events
Our upcoming events are designed to bring families together through simple, meaningful experiences. Below is a look at what’s coming up this year.
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Family Day at the Beach
Date: Saturday, June 13
Time: TBD
Location: Lake James, Marion, NC
A relaxed, community beach day at Lake James designed for families to gather and play. The event will feature a family sandcastle-building competition (registration required, with a grand prize), music, snacks and drinks, and free-play games like frisbees and footballs. A photographer will be on site with a Polaroid camera so families can take a printed memory home, along with a simple photo booth setup. This event is intended to feel like a neighborhood block party—set on the beach to celebrate and highlight this beautiful local space.
Barefoot Baby Pool Day 🦈
Date: July 2026 (Shark Week)
Time: 12-5pm
Location: Marion Public Pool
25 Academy St, Marion, NC
Barefoot Baby Foundation and Barefoot Baby are partnering with McDowell Parks and Recreation and the McDowell Public Library for a community pool day (s) during Shark Week. Free pool admission will be provided for families all day, along with themed snacks. The McDowell Public Library will host a shark-themed activity from 12–2pm on the first day (TBD).
MTA Family Day: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail
Date: September 19, 2026
Time: Time to be announced
Location: Universal Building Trail
632 College Dr, Marion, NC
Barefoot Baby will host the Kid Zone during MTA Family Day with a themed story trail inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Families will move along the trail with visual story elements, themed activities, and simple snacks along the way. Kids are encouraged to dress as bugs or butterflies for a playful, imaginative experience centered on movement, storytelling, and time outdoors.
Third Annual Halloween Pizza & Dance Party
Date: October 23, 2026
Time: 4:30–7:00 PM
Location: Marion Tailgate Market Pavilion
67 W Henderson St, Marion, NC
A family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring free pizza and drinks, music with a DJ, games, and visual entertainment. This year’s party will take place at the Marion Tailgate Market Pavilion, with participating businesses offering trick-or-treating along Main Street during the event.
Third Annual Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Gold Nugget Drop
Date: December 31, 2026
Time: 6:30-9 (Gold Nugget Drop & Apple Juice Toast at 8:00 PM)
Location: 14 S Main St, Marion NC
A county-wide, all-ages New Year’s Eve celebration designed for families and kids. The evening will include a gold nugget drop and apple juice toast at 8:00 PM, along with music, food, giveaways, and additional activities. This event offers a fun, welcoming way for families to celebrate the New Year together.
Additional events may be added throughout the year, and smaller gatherings are not always listed on this page. For the most up-to-date information, follow us on social media @barefootbabyfoundation or visit our Contact Us page with any questions.