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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to the thrill-packed winter wonderland at Whitewater Center. From the exhilarating glide of outdoor ice skating to the captivating glow of a Winter Trail. Activities run throughout the day and into the night. This outdoor haven is your ticket to a memorable winter. Embrace the festive spirit. Grab your Christmas Trees, join the adult pond hockey league, or dive into the frosty excitement of winter races. Starting mid-November through mid-February, experience the magic

From glowing lights to festive parades and holiday markets, Gaston County has transformed into Christmas County, USA! Each town celebrates in its own magical way, making it perfect for a day trip or an extended holiday getaway. Here’s a guide to all the holiday happenings across our charming towns. McAdenville: Christmas Town USA Experience the magic in McAdenville, famously known as Christmas Town USA. Christmas Town USA  | Dec 1 - Dec 26, 2026 Wander or drive through dazzli

More than 600,000 visitors travel thru McAdenville during Christmas Town USA to save you some time, here are some things to keep in mind to help you make the most of it. How to make the most of McAdenville's Christmas Town USA What’s in the Name McAdenville is nicknamed Christmas Town USA for a good reason. Every winter, this small town in North Carolina transforms into a festive, twinkling wonderland, dotted with thousands of lights, dramatic displays and a spirited Main Str

CHRISTMAS TOWN USA 2025 December 1-26 Christmas Town USA   is one of the top destinations in Gaston County during the holidays. Located in McAdenville ,  a small town just west of Charlotte, NC it transforms this small mill town in the evenings with a light display running through the town, complete with holiday music. THE TRADITION It all started in 1956, when the McAdenville Men's Club, along with Mr. W. J. Pharr, Pharr's founder, and president at the time, conceived the i

Step into a holiday wonderland as our small towns come alive with festive cheer. Join us as we light up the season with dazzling floats, jolly participants, and heartwarming moments as each town in Gaston County puts on its annual Christmas Parades. Come for the parade, and stay for the magic of the season, including holiday lights, snowless sledding, ice skating, and laser light displays, all part of Christmas County ! Experience the magic of the holidays in our close-knit c

For over a century, Gaston County has been celebrated as a leader in the textile industry. But have you ever wondered what life was like here before the rise of cotton yarn spinning and industrial innovation? The Gaston County Museum of Art & History invites you to uncover the fascinating roots of our region during the Fireside History Series — an exciting lineup of engaging discussions, delicious refreshments, and signature cocktails. Fireside History Series at the Gaston Co

Scarecrow Hollow Located in Belmont, Daniel Stowe Conservancy has for a long time been one of our must-see attractions with spectacular gardens, sparkling fountains, a conservatory dedicated to the display of tropical plants and orchids, nature trails and more. This month will be a great time to visit. See it transition from summer to a fall flourish with their locally created art display "Scarecrow Hollow." These themed scarecrows are on display from September 27 - October

Fall in Love with Autumn in Gaston County! Pumpkin-chunkin’ fun and flannel-filled festivals to outdoor movies, ghost paddles, and live local theater, November is packed with unique ways to celebrate fall around every corner. Turkey Shoot November 1, 2025 | Cramerton Get ready to test your aim at our Turkey Shoot event on Goat Island! Join us for a fun-filled challenge where you could win a frozen Thanksgiving turkey by hitting the bullseye on our turkey targets with paintba

Christmas County is the place to be this holiday season, with festive events and dazzling displays across Gaston County. Here's a guide to the best ways to celebrate this magical time of year. Christmas Town USA December 1-26, 2026 Each December, McAdenville transforms into a winter wonderland as "Christmas Town USA." Walk or drive through glowing displays of green, red, and white lights that shine from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM each night. Arrive early to enjoy dinner, cocktails,