Signature events to look forward to in Gaston County in 2023
Updated: Jan 3
2023 promises to be a great year in Gaston County as our signature events create great reasons to plan a visit. Use this list of events to "Save The Date" and make your plans now to visit Gaston County.
This year's list was compiled based on events from the previous year and some have not been officially scheduled. Make sure you are signed up for our once a month newsletter and check our calendar regularly for more information.
WINTER
A Snowball's Chance Short Track Skate Race
January 21, 2023 | Whitewater Center
Test your ice skating abilities this January in a short track ice skating race. Race categories are broken into four person heats with the winners advancing through a tournament bracket to the finals. Learn More
Fossil Fare
February 25, 2023 | Schiele Museum
Travel back in time during this year’s Fossil Fair! Explore fossil displays and enjoy exciting activities based on prehistoric life. Search for North Carolina fossils, meet live animals, go gemstone mining, visit the Dino Safari, find or buy your own fossils to take home, and so much more! Learn More
Frigid Trail Race and Plunge
February 4, 2023 | Whitewater Center
Brave the cold this winter at the Frigid Trail Race a 5k and 10k race followed by an icy cold plunge into the Deep Water Solo pool at the Whitewater Center. Learn More
SPRING
Green River Revival
March 11, 2023 | Whitewater Center
Kick off spring this year at the Green River Revival celebrated each year as a part of the St. Patrick's Day celebration. The resident leprechaun transforms the river green then the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run takes place followed by rafting down the river while listening to live music. Learn More
Gaston Max
March 25, 2023 | Gastonia
The City of Gastonia, Gaston County Public Library, Friends of the Gaston County Public Library, and Gaston County Government partner to celebrate the wide variety of cultures living in Gaston County and to showcase artists, authors, and entertainers. Learn More
TUCK FEST
April 21-23, 2023 | Whitewater Center
This multi-day festival celebrates outdoor lifestyle with exhibitions, demos, live music, and a variety of outdoor competitions that include trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, stand-up paddle boarding, obstacle, and adventure racing. Learn More
Canine Carnival / Just Plain Dog Show
May
The Canine Carnival is an opportunity to socialize your dog over games and fun and the Just Plain Dog Show has even more ways for your furry friends to participate and compete. This yearly event typically takes place at the Gaston County Park in Dallas.
BikeFest
May | George Poston Park
Held at George Poston Park, home to over 10 miles of mountain bike trails. BikeFest features food vendors, bike demos, local bike shops, guided trail rides, mountain bike skills clinics, and much more.
Goat Island Games
May | Goat Island
Lace up your running shoes, take out your discs, grab a kayak and ping pong paddles, and bring your best back-yard cornhole game! The annual Goat Island Games is a full day of fun with events for the whole family in Cramerton.
RiverFest
May
RiverFest is a family-friendly festival held on the banks of the Catawba River. The day is action-packed with, local vendors, opportunities to paddle, food trucks, music and fun for the whole family!
Paddling Season Officially Begins
May 20, 2023 | The Boathouse
Let the paddling season begin with the opening of the Boathouse in McAdenville. Paddling along the Catawba River and its South Fork is quickly becoming one the most popular things to do in Gaston County during the summer. There are several outfitters prepared to get you out on the water for a day of fun. You can kayak, canoe, standup paddleboard, and more! Learn More
SUMMER
Summer Concerts
May-Sept | Various Downtowns in Gaston County
Live music concerts takes place in several of our downtowns throughout the summer months. Keep an eye on our calendar of events as summer draws near for the list of locations and dates.
Kids Catfish Tournament
July
The Kids Catfish Tournament is an annual kids fishing tournament and is a perfect opportunity to introduce kids to fishing with prizes awarded for best catches. Learn More
Comic Con
June 3, 2023 | Gaston County Public Library
The Gaston County Public Library Comic-Con is back! After four long years, the wait is over! Enjoy comic book and pop culture vendors, costume contests, scavenger hunts, face-painting, food trucks, and tons of other fun. Learn More
FALL
Heritage & Harvest Days
October | Dallas Park
This three-day festival typically takes place the second weekend in October and consists of antique engine and farm equipment, vendors and exhibitors from all over the southeast, two days of live bluegrass and folk music, and various food vendors.
Stanley Creek Massacre 5K/10K
October | Stanley
The Stanley Creek Massacre 5K and 10K race has become an annual race event taking place each October in downtown Stanley.
WINTER
Christmas Town USA
December | McAdenville
The historic mill town of McAdenville transforms each Christmas with an impressive light display including holiday music. Vehicles drive through town and people walk the streets to enjoy the show. Learn More
Holiday Lights at the Garden
December | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Over half a million lights illuminate the gardens beginning late November through the end of December at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden during Holiday at the Garden. Learn More
Sign up for our monthly newsletter and keep an eye on our upcoming calendar of events as we see these events come back this year.
