5 Great Reasons to Make Gaston County Your Labor Day Getaway

If you’ve done the beach and the mountains, and looking for something new, now is the time to try Gaston County. As summer draws to an end Gaston County has some exciting things planned for an incredible Labor Day Weekend.

Labor Day Weekend

September 4-6, 2026

Bye Bye Butterfly At Daniel Stowe Conservancy

At Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Labor Day weekend is your last chance to experience the Butterfly Bungalow in 2026 during Bye Bye, Butterfly, happening Saturday and Sunday with special butterfly experiences, family-friendly crafts and hands-on activities. The weekend also features butterfly shadowbox and pinning workshops, a Caterpillar Crawl Tour and, on Sunday evening, Moths of the Night, an after-dark look at North Carolina’s fascinating moths and other overlooked pollinators. On Friday, start the weekend with Learning for Littles or a guided Birding Walk, then return that evening for Beers + Butterflies, a special date night surrounded by hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Saturday afternoon brings live music during Pickin’ on the Porch.

Belmont Literary Festival

Celebrate Labor Day weekend in Belmont at Belmont Bookshop’s Literary Festival on September 5, 2026. Enjoy a day of family entertainment, author conversations, a chess tournament, live theater performances and more. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or simply looking for something fun to do over the holiday weekend, the festival brings books, creativity and community together in downtown Belmont.

Labor Day Celebration at Whitewater

Jumpstart the holiday festivities with the Labor Day Trail Race and Labor Day Celebration at the Whitewater Center. The weekend kicks off with a 5K and 15K trail race using a dispersed start model. The Whitewater Center offers more multiple recreational experiences such as whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, rappelling, rock climbing & more. Other activities include the calm flatwater of the Catawba River while participating in a yoga practice on top of stand-up paddle boards. In the evening enjoy a live concert.

Watch a Professional Baseball Game

The Gastonia Ghost Peppers can’t wait to see you out at the ballpark! Get your tickets and meet us at the ballpark for some baseball and family fun! Games are scheduled every day of this holiday weekend from Friday night through Monday.

Friday Night River Wars At Carolina Speedway

Kick off Labor Day weekend with high-octane racing at Carolina Speedway, known as “The Action Track.” Friday Night River Wars brings the roar of dirt-track racing to the 4/10-mile oval, with Street Stock, Renegade Sportsman, Thunder Bomber, Crown Vic and Pro 4 divisions battling for the finish. Come early for dinner and an ice-cold Sun Drop, then grab a seat and cheer on the drivers as they race under the lights.

Conveniently located and easy to find Gaston County is situated in the Piedmont region of North Carolina just west of Charlotte, NC with easy access from Interstates 85, 77, and 321. Our location alone makes for a convenient getaway this Labor Day. Make your plans now. Other summer activities can be found on our SUMMER GUIDE.