Gaston MAX returns to Downtown Gastonia

Melissa McCauley
Feb 3
4 min read

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 Public Library, Gaston MAX promises a day filled with art, music, and cultural experiences that will leave you inspired and uplifted.

Gaston MAX Multicultural Arts Xperience Cultural Immersion

Prepare to be immersed in diverse cultures as Gaston MAX showcases the richness of global diversity. From the rhythmic beats of Latin American music to the soulful melodies of Americana, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of cultural expression in all its forms.

Vendor Market Place: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Furia Tropikal Performance: 1:00 am - 12:00 pm Representing the beauty of Latin American culture through tropical music, Furia Tropikal NC has performed cumbia, merengue, salsa, bachata, and more Caribbean rhythms since 1990.
The GIFTT & Soundz Performance: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm At the tender age of 17 - when he started ,the Giftt , since has made quite a name for himself. while attending school in Gastonia NC he has managed to garner a reputation as a very talented guitarist . He is so good that many with in the industry are comparing his sound as a reincarnated , BB King, John Mayer & The one and only Prince . Since the release of his debut album titled , "The Good Blues " The Giftt has been very busy . Every great artist has to have a great supporting cast and that's where his band "Soundz" enter . Soundz consist of three other phenomenal musicians . Also all from Gastonia NC, Jordan (Jazzy J ) Harrington -keyboardist / Everett Reynolds - Keyboardist / Marquis Leak -percussion makes up the unbelievable band of Soundz .You are definitely in for a treat when you attend any show from the Giftt & Soundz because when you hear the sounds of the Giftt you will quickly see why he is tagged the new age of Blues .
Shefalee Patel: 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm Born and raised in a quaint sleepy suburb of Chicago with parents that were proud to be American and proud of their Indian Roots. Shefalee's mother, Vanleela Amin, was a strong proponent of retaining the Indian heritage through folk, dance, music, food and Indian cultural programs. Vanleela Amin often said to her children, "we are proud to be Indian American. If America doesn't understand who we are and where we came from then we have to tell them and show them through our dance, our food, our music, etc. because we are also Americans." Through the example of her mom, Shefalee has chosen the performing art of dance and visual arts to use as her catalyst to create cultural connections throughout the Creative Charlotte Community.
Ghosts of Bannockburn Performance: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Formed in the winter of 2013, Ghosts of Bannockburn set out to bring Scottish and Irish music to a new audience by combining traditional Celtic, Gaelic, and Pictish music with a folk/punk feel. Their high energy style continues to engage audiences and and carry on the traditions of old with an updated style.
Colin Cutler Performance: 2:00 -3:00 pm Greensboro-based songwriter Colin Cutler's music spans the breadth of Americana, from Appalachian old-time to blues to old-school country to folk rock, with lyrics rooted in the earthy storytelling traditions of the South, his Pentecostal upbringing, and literature. Colin was also the winner of the 2022 Emerging Artists competition at the Susquehanna Folk Festival.

Artistic Expression

From paintings to crafts, Gaston MAX showcases the creativity of local and regional artists. Engage with art vendors offering a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions, from intricate paintings to handcrafted jewelry. Witness live demonstrations and discover your hidden artistic talents.

Family Fun

Gaston MAX isn't just for adults; it's an event designed to enchant visitors of all ages. Let your little ones unleash their creativity with crafts and inflatables while you explore the diverse array of vendors. With activities for the whole family, Gaston MAX promises a day of bonding and laughter.

Culinary Delights

Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey featuring mouthwatering delights from food trucks and sweet treat vendors.

Food Trucks:
Craft Beverages:
Sweet Treats:

Community Connection

Gaston MAX is more than just an event; it celebrates community spirit and unity. Engage with local businesses, organizations, and fellow attendees as you explore the vibrant marketplace. Discover the heart and soul of Gastonia while forging meaningful connections with your neighbors.

Plan Your Visit

Plan your visit to Gaston MAX Multicultural Arts Xperience and prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with cultural discovery and celebration. Located at the Rotary Pavilion, 111 N. South St., Gastonia, North Carolina, 28052, the festival offers ample parking and convenient access for attendees, including parking lots and a parking deck.

Mark your calendars and join us on March 28th for a day of cultural exploration, artistic expression, and community celebration at Gaston MAX 2026. Together, let's unlock diversity's beauty and embrace multiculturalism's magic in Gastonia!

For more information, visit the official Gaston MAX Event Page.