STORIES

Gaston MAX Saturday, March 28, 2026 11 am – 3 pm The Gaston Multicultural Arts Xperience, or  Gaston MAX , will return to Downtown Gastonia. The festival will be on Saturday, March 28, from 11 am to 3 pm at the Rotary Centennial Pavilion, 107 N. South St., Gastonia, NC 28052. This family-friendly event is free and open to all. Hosted by a collaboration between the City of Gastonia , Gaston County Government , Gaston County Public Library , and the Friends of the Gaston County

Baseball season is back in Gaston County, and there’s never been a better time to grab your tickets. The Gastonia Ghost Peppers  return to CaroMont Health Park  for the 2026 season with Opening Day set for April 24, 2026 , bringing big-league energy, hometown pride, and one of the most successful teams in professional independent baseball right to downtown Gastonia. Photo Credit: David Katzenmaier Whether you’re locking in season tickets , planning a family night out, or just

Looking for a trail running challenge near Charlotte? Join us on Saturday, March 7, 2026, for Perennial , a timed trail running event at the beautiful Daniel Stowe Conservancy  in Belmont, NC. Choose your challenge—3-hour, 6-hour, or 10-hour options—and run along scenic waterfront trails and crushed-gravel loops, perfect for hitting a personal best while enjoying the outdoors. Every loop you complete brings a new opportunity to collect prizes, cheer on fellow runners, and exp

Welcome to Gaston County, where culinary delights meet Southern hospitality! If you're a food enthusiast seeking a memorable dining experience, you're in the right place. Let us guide you to some of the most exquisite restaurants in the area. Gaston County's Fine Dining Upscale Restaurants Freshness and Seasonality 133 West Urban Bistro Located in Historic Downtown Kings Mountain, 133 West Urban Bistro boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere focusing on freshness and seasonali

If you’re visiting Gaston County, North Carolina for a wedding , you’ll find plenty to do before and after the big day. Whether you’re here for a full wedding weekend or just squeezing in a little exploring between events, Gaston County offers must-see attractions, outdoor adventures, great dining, sweet treats, shopping, nightlife, family-friendly fun, and rich local history — all within easy driving distance. This guide highlights the best things for wedding guests to do in

For the first time ever, Monster Truck Wars is invading Gastonia, North Carolina , bringing massive horsepower, flying dirt, and edge-of-your-seat action to Carolina Speedway . This high-energy matinee event is rolling into town for two big shows —perfect for families, motorsports fans, and anyone looking for an unforgettable weekend experience in Gaston County. Monster Truck Wars Gastonia Dates & Times Carolina Speedway 6335 Union Rd., Gastonia Saturday, February 28, 2026

Free & Low-Cost Experiences at The Schiele Museum   The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia is offering free and low-cost programs  in 2026, thanks to the support of generous community partners. Families, students, and curious minds of all ages can explore hands-on STEM learning, nature adventures, and interactive museum experiences throughout the year. Free Tuesdays Powered by Duke Energy  are back! On the second Tuesday of each month, visitors can enjoy free admis

Along the scenic Catawba River  on the east side of Gaston County, Belmont, North Carolina , is a charming town that blends history, natural beauty, arts, and unique local experiences. Conveniently located just a short drive from the airport and within easy reach of Charlotte, Belmont is the perfect destination for visitors looking to explore Gaston County while enjoying walkable downtown streets, outdoor adventures, and exceptional dining. Things to Do in Belmont, North Caro

Photo Credit: Downtown Belmont There’s something magical about live music on a warm evening—when the streets are buzzing, people are dancing barefoot on the grass, and the sound of a great band carries through a charming downtown. Friday Night Live in downtown Belmont, North Carolina  is exactly that kind of experience. While Belmont may not always be a full weekend getaway destination, it’s the perfect place to turn a great concert night into an easy overnight stay —and that

Across North Carolina, creativity thrives in studios, workshops, farms, and forges—often far from the spotlight. NC MAKERS, a new photography exhibit at the Gaston County Museum of Art & History in Dallas, NC , brings that creative process into focus, shining a light on the artists, craftspeople, and makers who shape our state through their work. NC MAKERS at Gaston Museum: A Photography Exhibit Rooted in the Act of Making Opening February 10, 2026, this exhibit by Gaston Co

Every season in Gaston County brings something worth celebrating. From signature annual festivals and outdoor adventures to family-friendly traditions and cultural experiences, our events calendar is packed with moments that bring people together all year long. Whether you’re planning ahead or discovering something new, this guide highlights the can’t-miss events that make Gaston County a great place to explore, connect, and celebrate. WINTER Winter in Gaston County doesn’t s

We are excited to share the 2026 outdoor evening concert series schedules taking place on the main streets and in our downtowns of Gaston County this summer. Check out our FREE music concerts going on this spring, summer and into the fall. Couple these events with a unique dining experience and/or shopping and you will have a night to remember. Keep an eye on this page for more concerts and details coming soon—we’ll be adding updates as they’re announced! Gastonia Concert

An Unforgettable Spring Adventure Awaits! Spring is the perfect time to get active, explore, and make lasting memories! The 2026 Greater Gaston Senior Games  are more than just a competition—they're an opportunity to turn an experience into an adventure. Whether you're competing, cheering on friends, or looking for a fun getaway, Gaston County  offers the perfect blend of excitement, relaxation, discovery, and is another example of free and affordable things to do . 2026 Grea

Discover the story behind McDonald’s Family Restaurant in Bessemer City, NC, a local favorite since 1965 known for its legendary quarter pound cheeseburger, BBQ slaw, and family-friendly atmosphere. From its humble beginnings to decades of consistency and community connections, this blog highlights how word of mouth, timeless cooking techniques, and generations of loyal customers turned a small-town restaurant into a Gaston County classic.

If you have a dinosaur fan, rock hound, or curious explorer in your family, Fossil Fair at The Schiele Museum of Natural History is the perfect reason to plan a winter getaway to Gastonia. This one-day event turns an already exceptional museum into a full-scale prehistoric adventure—complete with fossils, living animals, expert talks, and hands-on experiences you won’t find just anywhere. 2026 Fossil Fair at Schiele Museum of Natural History The annual Fossil Fair will take

Experience the magic of live theater in Gaston County, where each show is just the beginning of your adventure. Pair your play with unforgettable dining and one-of-a-kind shopping for a night (or day!) to remember. Each town offers its own unique charm, so whether you're catching a show in Gastonia, Belmont, Cherryville, or Kings Mountain, make time to explore the cozy shops, trendy boutiques, and local eateries that make Gaston County a true gem. Here’s your guide to the the

Valentine's Day means different things to different people. Some seek unique ways to celebrate, while others keep it traditional with a romantic dinner. Some share the holiday with the whole family, and others include their fur friends. Still others prefer to forget it altogether. Use these events as your guide for making the most of Valentine's Day in Gaston County. Night on the town Vino in the Village Daniel Stowe Conservancy February 14, 2026 Celebrate Valentine’s Day wit

If you and your sweetie love to travel and are looking for a place to make the most of Valentine's Day, look no further than Gaston County. Here is a guide specially crafted for those seeking a romantic getaway. Romantic walks The centerpiece of outdoor adventure in Gaston County is Crowders Mountain and a hike to the top is well worth it offering impressive views for miles. This hike will take 2-3 hours giving you time to connect with your Valentine. If you are looking for

Winter in Gaston County brings unexpected magic, and this January, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden becomes the centerpiece of a truly unforgettable seasonal experience. Ice Sculptures at Stowe  transforms the Garden into a glowing winter wonderland, giving visitors the perfect reason to plan a day trip—or turn it into a cozy weekend getaway . Created in partnership with Ice Trade and Ice Mill, the immersive installation features 80,000 pounds of ice carved into 20 towering, nat

Queen's Feast Charlotte Restaurant Week January 23-February 1, 2026 Explore new dining destinations and rediscover your favorite spots for 10 days every January , as more than 100 of the best restaurants in multiple counties around the metro Charlotte, NC, area offer 3 courses at dinner for a special prix fixe price ($30, $35, $40, $45, $50, or $55 per person , depending on the restaurant , not including tax and gratuity). Reservations are recommended.  Take a mouthwatering t