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

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

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

Gaston County Tourism is proud to sponsor RiverFest 2026 , a day-long celebration of the Catawba River hosted by Catawba Riverkeeper . This unforgettable festival invites you to experience the best of Gaston County—local music, outdoor adventure, art, food, and family fun—all while supporting clean water and river conservation. Make plans now to spend Saturday, May 2, 2026 on the banks of the South Fork in downtown McAdenville , with the party floating downstream to Cramerto

Meet us at the Caromont Health Park ball park on May 9, 2025 for a fun night of baseball as the Gastonia Ghost Peppers take on the High...

Spring in Gaston County is a time of renewal, celebration, and exciting events that bring the community together. Whether you're looking for a festival full of music and food, a unique outdoor experience, or a chance to find hidden treasures at a book sale, there's something for everyone. Here's a look at the must-attend events happening this spring. Earth Day at Gateway Trail Date:  March 28, 2026 Location:  Gastonia LEARN MORE Gaston MAX (Multicultural Arts Xperience) retur

Spring is the perfect time to explore Gaston County! Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, a romantic retreat, a cultural journey, or a festive weekend, there’s something for everyone. Here are some exciting weekend getaway ideas to make the most of the season. 1. Outdoor Adventure Weekend If you love the great outdoors, Gaston County offers incredible opportunities to explore nature and get active. Hike Crowders Mountain State Park  – Challen

Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 Mark your calendars for the Cherry Blossom Festival  on April 24th and 25th, 2026! Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, this is one festival you won’t want to miss. With two full days of non-stop fun, entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities, the Cherry Blossom Festival in downtown Cherryville, NC , has become one of the most anticipated events of the year. Friday, April 24th The Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off in st

GOAT ISLAND GAMES Goat Island Park in Cramerton 141 8th Avenue, Cramerton NC Saturday, May 2, 2026 Join us at Goat Island Park in Cramerton for the Goat Island Games, a fun-filled event perfect for the entire family! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 2nd 2026 in beautiful Riverfront Downtown Cramerton. Whether you’re looking to compete, enjoy live music, or simply relax with friends and family, there’s something for everyone. Why Attend? The Goat Island Games offer a mix

Spring is in the air, and Easter is just around the corner! We've got you covered if you're in Gaston County and looking for egg-citing fun. Get ready to hop into the festive spirit with Easter egg hunts happening across the parks of Gaston County. But remember, always double-check the hosting locations for any last-minute date changes. Let's dive into the list and make this Easter egg hunt season one to remember! Easter Egg Hunt March 25, 2026 | Martha Rivers Park | Gastonia

Spring is here, and Gaston County is coming alive. Longer, warmer, sunny days with Carolina blue skies beckon you to get outside and try something new. Here are 21 things to do to enjoy the season. Paddling the South Fork River. Photo courtesy of Catawba Riverkeeper 1 Paddle our blueways Sunny days warm our rivers making it fun to paddle the blueways of the Catawba or South Fork River. Grab a boat and head to either for a day of fun on the water. If you have equipment, or, ch

As March ushers in the promise of spring, Gaston County gears up for an explosion of emerald excitement with its vibrant St. Patrick's Day celebrations. From traditional Irish fare parties, the county offers a kaleidoscope of events to suit every taste and preference. Whether you're chasing leprechauns at the Whitewater Center or savoring wine and beer pairings at a local pub, there's no shortage of ways to embrace the luck of the Irish in Gaston County this St. Patrick's Day

Green River Revival at Whitewater Center Photo Credit: Whitewater Center As the seasons shift towards spring, the Whitewater Center is gearing up to kick off its annual celebration with the return of the Green River Revival and the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run. For years, the Whitewater Center, on the Catawba River just across from Mount Holly, has been the go-to destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. And now, this much-anticipated event returns this year,

Photo courtesy of Gastonia Ghost Peppers Gaston County Tourism  is excited to announce the debut of the Gastonia Ghost Peppers —the...

Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado looking for new experiences or you just want to try something new, look to the Gaston County Cue...

In the outskirts of Cherryville there stands a family-owned gem called Chicken Hill Bucking Bulls. Every Sunday evening, from the first...

Hey there, kiddos! It's your friend Gaston the Eagle, swooping in to tell you about all the exciting adventures waiting for you and your...

Let the paddling season begin! We have multiple ways to get on the water in Gaston County on the Catawba River and its South Fork, Lake...

This April is full of vibrant events and activities that'll make you want to flap your wings and head straight to Gaston County! Let me...