Signature events to look forward to this year in Gaston County
Updated: Mar 14, 2022
Celebrating 175 Years
2021 represents a significant chapter in Gaston County's history—its 175th anniversary. On December 21, 1846, Gaston County came to be. As we commemorate this milestone, it is important to not only look back at where we have been, but also look ahead to what is on the horizon. Join us this coming year as we celebrate during signature events, honor our Hospitality ALL-STARS, and imagine the County's next 175 years.
SPRING
Gaston Max: March
The City of Gastonia, Gaston County Public Library, Friends of the Gaston County Public Library, and Gaston County Government are partnering to celebrate the wide variety of cultures living in Gaston County and to showcase artists, authors, and entertainers. Learn More
Tuck Fest: April
Tuck Fest is a multi-day festival celebrating outdoor lifestyle through competitions, exhibitions, demos, and live music at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The festival features a variety of outdoor competitions that include trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, obstacle, and adventure racing. Festival attendance is free and non-ticketed; all competitions and races are accessible with a one-time registration. Learn More
Canine Carnival /Just Plain Dog Show: May
The Canine Carnival is an opportunity to socialize your dog with the community over games and fun and Just Plain Dog Show both take place in May each year. All ages (6 years and older) are eligible to participate with 18 different classes for your four legged friend to participate in. There is no admission or entry fee. Learn More
RiverFest: May
RiverFest is a family-friendly festival held on the banks of the Catawba River in Belmont, NC. The day will be action-packed with, local vendors, opportunities to paddle, food trucks, music and fun for the whole family! Learn More
Red Bull World Championship Qualifier and Bikefest: May
The Red Bull World Championship qualifying event featuring pumptrack riders from all over the United States competing for a trip to the World Championships and BIKEFEST an annual event Sponsored by Gaston County Travel & Tourism are usually held in May at George Poston Park. These events feature not only incredible riding but food vendors, bike demos, local bike shop vendors, guided trail rides, mountain bike skills clinic, and much more. Learn More
SUMMER
River Jam Summer Concerts: May-Sept
Live music takes place throughout the year at a one-of-a-kind outdoor venue in the middle of the world’s largest man-made whitewater river. Genres including roots rock, Americana, bluegrass, folk, and funk are featured on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from May through September and at each of the Whitewater Center’s festivals.
All American Fair
The Gaston All American fair is 10 days filled with spectacular rides, live music, food, crafts, jewelry, games, art, music, entertainment, eating contests, a spectacular fireworks show, and a Soapbox Derby Best of all, admission is always free! A beer and wine garden is typically available in the evenings on the weekends. Keep your eye out for the All American Festival at Eastridge Mall in Gastonia.
Kids Catfish Tournament: July
Grab the kiddos and head to the Kids Catfish Tournament in July. This annual kids fishing tournament is the perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to fishing, typically with fishing poles on loan for the day making it even more affordable. Prizes will be awarded for best catches. Learn More
FALL
Heritage & Harvest Days: October
This annual three day festival, Heritage & Harvest Days, usually takes place the second weekend in October and is loads of fun for the whole family. Visitors enjoy viewing antique engines and farm equipment. There are lots of vendors and exhibitors from all over the southeast, two days of live bluegrass and folk music and various food vendors. Learn More
WINTER
Christmas Town USA: December
Christmas Town USA located in McAdenville a small town just west of Charlotte, offers the best Christmas light display complete with holiday music in all of North Carolina and possibly all of the United States. Learn More
Holiday Lights at the Garden: December
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden one of the must see attractions in Belmont, celebrates the holidays with Holiday at the Garden. Over half a million lights illuminate the gardens beginning in late November through the end of December. Learn More
Keep an eye out for these events coming up this year and many more exciting events on our upcoming calendar!
