Celebrate Independence Day in Gaston County 2026
- Melissa McCauley
- Jun 17
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Celebrate Independence Day in Gaston County
This Independence Day, come celebrate in and around Gaston County! Many of the cities are celebrating with fireworks and live music, while other venues are saluting our nation with unique Independence Day themed events. Here is a list of some great ways to enjoy time with family and friends this holiday. Don't miss the fun, Celebrate Independence Day in Gaston County 2026.
Dallas, NC
4th of July
July 4, 2026 | Downtown Dallas
The Gaston 250 Committee is proud to partner with the Town of Dallas, Gaston County’s original county seat, to host a countywide celebration honoring America’s 250th birthday. The festivities will take place in Dallas and offer a full day of family-friendly entertainment, beginning with free children’s and family activities at the museum starting at noon. The highlight of the afternoon will be the patriotic parade, which steps off at 2 p.m. Parade participation is by invitation only through the Gaston 250 Committee and is limited to 125 entries to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for spectators. Parade participants should line up at the Ingles Market parking lot, located at 715 W. Trade Street, beginning at 1 p.m., with all entrants required to be in place by 1:45 p.m. Following the parade, the celebration will continue throughout the day before culminating with the Dallas Fourth of July Concert at 6 p.m. Residents and visitors from across Gaston County are encouraged to join in this historic community celebration as we commemorate America’s semiquincentennial.
4th of July Celebration
July 4, 2026 | Gaston County Museum
Kick off your Fourth of July celebration with family fun at the Museum Backyard from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. before heading downtown for the big parade in Dallas! Enjoy free activities for all ages, including hot dogs, delicious treats from Tony's Ice Cream, an exciting foam party, and more. It's the perfect way to gather with friends, neighbors, and visitors as we celebrate Independence Day and prepare for an afternoon of patriotic festivities. Bring the whole family and join us for a fun-filled backyard party before the parade begins at 2 p.m.!
CRAMERTON
Independence Day Celebration in Cramerton
Great American Splash
July 4, 2026 | Centennial Center, Cramerton
Celebrate Independence Day with a fun-filled afternoon at the Cramerton Pool on July 4! Enjoy a refreshing swim, family-friendly games, and cool off with a complimentary popsicle poolside. The celebration takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cramerton Pool, 8 Julian Street, Cramerton. Admission is free for Cramerton residents, $7 for non-residents ages 3 and up, and free for children 2 and under. Bring the whole family for a festive day of summer fun!
CHERRYVILLE
Cherryville’s Independence Day Celebration
July 2, 2026 | Downtown Cherryville
Cherryville’s Independence Day Celebration is returning bigger than ever as the community joins in honoring America’s 250th Birthday with an exciting evening of food, entertainment, and fireworks. On Thursday, July 2, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Main Street in downtown Cherryville will come alive with family-friendly activities, local shopping, delicious food trucks, and live music. Southern rock legends Molly Hatchet will headline the celebration, joined by DJ Johnny B to keep the energy going throughout the evening. Children can enjoy games and inflatables while adults explore downtown businesses and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at 10 p.m. (weather permitting), providing a patriotic finale to one of Gaston County’s most anticipated summer celebrations. Bring your lawn chairs, gather your friends and family, and make plans to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial in downtown Cherryville.
BELMONT
Red, White, & Belmont
July 3, 2026 | Stowe Park, Downtown Belmont
Celebrate Independence Day in style at Belmont’s Red, White, & Belmont celebration on July 3, 2026. This free community event will bring patriotic spirit and summer fun to the upper field of Stowe Park, creating the perfect setting for families and friends to gather ahead of the Fourth of July. The evening will begin with a lively Friday Night Live-style concert, filling the park with great music and festive energy. As darkness falls, attendees will be treated to a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky in a dazzling celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, relax under the stars, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, community, and patriotic pride in the heart of Belmont.
Red, White, & Blooms
July 4, 2026 | Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
Celebrate Independence Day with a morning of family-friendly fun at Daniel Stowe Conservancy during Red, White + Blooms! Enjoy a patriotic neighborhood parade featuring decorated wagons, strollers, scooters and bicycles, explore classic lawn and carnival-style games, browse vendors, and indulge in festive treats. Families can enjoy a Fourth of July craft, trackless train rides, food trucks, flower scavenger hunts, and all the outdoor adventures the gardens have to offer. Dress in your red, white and blue and spend the holiday surrounded by beautiful blooms, nature, and summer fun.
GASTONIA
Fourth of July Celebration in Gastonia
July 4, 2026 | Rotary Centennial Pavilion, Gastonia
Come out to downtown Gastonia on Saturday, July 4 from 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM! There will be food trucks, a beer garden, vendors, entertainment, a free KidsZone and fireworks will begin around 9:30 PM. There will be live music from 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM. A local musician will play from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, and the Bantum Rooster Band will play throughout the remainder of the event. Pre-recorded patriotic music will play during the fireworks.
The Great American Bash
July 3-5, 2026 | CaroMont Health Park, Downtown Gastonia
Red, white, blue, and baseball. Make the Great American Bash part of your holiday plans as the Ghost Peppers take the field July 3–5. Gather your crew and enjoy America's pastime during one of the biggest weekends of the summer.
Hall of Fame Race & Fireworks Show
July 3, 2026 | Carolina Speedway
Rev up your engines for an adrenaline-pumping night at the Hall of Fame Race! Featuring the Blue Ridge Outlaw Late Model Series, Street Stock, Renegade Sportsman, Thunder Bomber, Pro 4, Hornets, and Crown Vic. Cap off the excitement with a spectacular fireworks show that will leave you breathless.
STANLEY
250 Years of America
July 2, 2026 | Harper Park, Stanley
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary at Harper Park in Stanley, NC on July 2! The park opens at 6 p.m. with games, family fun, and food vendors, followed by a fireworks display at dark. Bring your family and friends and join the community for an evening of patriotic celebration and summer fun.
KINGS MOUNTAIN
Revolutionary Fourth
July 4, 2026 | Deal Park Walking Track, Kings Mountain
Celebrate Independence Day with history, patriotism, and family fun at Kings Mountain’s annual Revolutionary 4th celebration on July 4. This unique event honors not only America’s independence but also the important role the Kings Mountain area played in the Patriots’ victory during the Revolutionary War. Beginning at 6 p.m. at the Deal Park Walking Track, visitors can enjoy live entertainment from the Crystal Aria Band and performances by the Loch Norman Pipe Band, along with a variety of children’s activities including inflatable bounce houses, face painting, balloon art, and more. Food vendors will be on site serving both savory favorites and sweet treats throughout the evening. Following patriotic opening ceremonies, attendees will witness a dramatic reenactment of the final moments of the Battle of Kings Mountain performed by the cast of Liberty Mountain. As the evening concludes, one of the largest fireworks displays between Charlotte and Asheville will light up the night sky, creating a spectacular finale to this memorable celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
JUST OUTSIDE GASTON
Fourth of July at the Whitewater Center
July 3 & 4, 2026 | Whitewater Center
For an active take on the holiday, head to the Whitewater Center for two days of festivities including live music, night ops, races, yoga, and more. Adventure and fireworks await!
Tread, White & Blue 5K Trail Race
July 4th | Whitewater Center
Three colors, three courses, one big twist. Choose from red, white, and blue to determine your 5K route. Each color takes a different direction.
Whether you’re catching fireworks, enjoying live music, or discovering a new local tradition, there’s no better place to celebrate than right here at home. Make plans to explore our towns, support local venues, and create red, white, and blue memories with the people who matter most. However you choose to celebrate, make it a star-spangled Fourth and celebrate Independence Day in Gaston County.
