November 4, 2026 Poetry Night & Open Mic Learn More Venue Info Belmont Bookshop 7 N Main St, Belmont, NC 28012, USA 1:30 PM Time: - 3:00 PM 704-461-8060 Join us for our monthly Poetry Night & Open Mic! Each month features a local poet speaker, followed by a short Q&A with our host, Marlo, and book signing by the author. This Month's Featured Poet:Author Bio: Morgan DePue is a neurodivergent poet with deep Appalachian roots. She resides in the hills of Western North Carolina with her partner and teaches college writing and mythology. Her work has appeared in various journals and anthologies, most recently As the Crow Flies and Had I A Dove: Appalachian Poets on the Helene Flood. Rambling Meditations of Bone-Weary Wandering (Seed Bed Press) is her first chapbook. When not writing or teaching, she can be found wading in rivers, wandering hills, and wrangling her small menagerie of cats. Marlo, our host, will kick off Open Mic with a few readings, followed by other Open Mic sign-ups! To read during Open Mic, please arrive 6:15pm - 6:30pm to sign up in person. Each open mic reader will have a time limit of 3 minutes on stage to share 1-2 poems. This event is complimentary, but RSVPs are encouraged. Connect with Marlo! • @MarloThePoet < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

December 16, 2026 Gaston Draws Open Call Sessions Learn More Venue Info Gaston County Museum 131 W Main St, Dallas, NC 28034, USA 1:00 PM Time: - 3:00 PM 704-922-7681 Gaston Draws: The Figure Series Join us for free figure drawing sessions in 2026! Museum Launching Free Figure Drawing Series *Image courtesy of artist Lisa Livengood, 2025 Dallas, NC – The Gaston County Museum of Art & History is hosting a year-long series of live-model figure drawing sessions starting Wednesday, January 7, in the Anne Biggers Furr Learning Station, 205 W. Main St., Dallas. “Gaston Draws: The Figure Series” is made possible by a grant from the Gaston Arts Council, with support from the North Carolina Arts Council. Sessions are free and open to the public. Registration is required for each session, below: Adult Session Open Call Portrait Session “Figure drawing spans the entire history of humanity beginning with the earliest cave drawings in the Paleolithic era and becoming the foundation of artistic training in the Renaissance,” says Alexandrea Pizza, director of the Art & History Museum. “Some of the world’s most cherished works of art, such as Leonardo’s “Mona Lisa” and Michaelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam” on the Sistine Chapel ceiling were born from years of the artists’ studying the human form through figure drawing, painting, and sculpting. Today, artists continue to study the human figure through the anatomy and movement of live models. Figure drawing remains one of the most historically important practices in the history of art,” she says. “Figure drawing sessions, unlike traditional art classes, are not instructor-led,” says Alexander Brooks, Community Engagement Manager for the Art & History Museum. “Participants focus on their own style, although a facilitator is on site to guide the models through poses and keep the session on schedule.” Three different options are offered throughout the series: Open Call, which is open to artists 13 and older and features clothed models; Adult, which is open to anyone 18 and older and features nude models; and Portrait, which is open to those 13 and older. “During the Open Call and Adult sessions, the models change poses on a timed schedule, either one, three or five minutes, prompted by the facilitator, while the models in the Portrait sessions maintain a single pose for the duration of the session,” Brooks explains. Artists of all skill levels are welcome to attend, must bring their own art supplies, and will be expected to sign a contract which outlines strict policies regarding model privacy and artist conduct. Sessions will be held on the following dates from 6:00-8:00 pm: Adult Sessions will be held on the first Wednesday of every month in 2026: January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2. Open Call Sessions will be held on the third Wednesday of every month of 2026: January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16. Portrait Sessions will be held on the last Wednesday of every other month in 2026: February 25, April 29, June 24, August 26, October 28, December 30. For more information, please call the Museum at 704-922-7681 or visit the website at www.gastoncountymuseum.org. Admission to the Museum is free. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm. For more information, visit www.gastoncountymuseum.org. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

October 24, 2026 BooFest Learn More Venue Info Stowe Park in Belmont 24 Main St, Belmont, NC 28012, USA Time: - 704-825-5586 Step into the enchanting world of BooFest, where Halloween magic comes to life! This family-friendly Halloween festival invites you to a spooktacular celebration filled with thrills, chills, and delightful surprises. It’s a hauntingly good time for the whole family! < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

November 14, 2026 Grinchmas! Learn More Venue Info Gaston County Library Main Branch 1555 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 5:00 AM Time: - 9:00 AM 704-868-2164 Faboo fores, dahoo dores, welcome GRINCHMAS, come this way! Please join us for a fun Grinch-themed program fit for all ages. This program will include crafts, games, and activities even the biggest Grinch will enjoy! < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

May 6, 2027 Singer/Songwriter Open Mic Learn More Venue Info The Rooster 344 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA 2:00 PM Time: - 5:00 PM 704-616-0291 Every Wednesday we host our Singer/Songwriter Open Mic with rotating hosts. Our Open Mic is for all artists, not just singers and musicians. Whether your gift is comedy, poetry, drum solos or you just want to jam, this event is for you!No Cover, Doors open at 6pm. Open Mic starts at 7pm. Sign Up Sheet is at the bar. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

October 24, 2026 Belmont Abbey College Field Hockey vs Lander Learn More Venue Info Belmont Abbey Athletics Belmont, NC, USA 8:00 AM Time: - 11:00 AM 704-461-6693 Belmont Abbey College Field Hockey vs Lander Streaming Video: https://go.flocollege.com/teams/belmont-abbey-college---fh-only?sp=conf-partner-k7p2&utm_medium=partner&utm_source=multiple&utm_content=school-landing-page&utm_term=belmont-abbey-college-fh-only < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Music Lessons Hall of Dinosaurs FIND IT The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium 1500 E Garrison Blvd. Gastonia Visit one of the largest dinosaur exhibits in the Carolinas, with 4,200 square feet of real fossils, interactive learning experiences, and full-bodied cast specimens of T. rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and more. Exhibit Highlights Include: Full-bodied prehistoric skeleton casts Authentic dinosaur fossils, including an Edmontosaurus that displays healed wounds from a T. rex attack Stegasaurus, Triceratops, Apatosaurus , and MANY MORE of your favorite dinosaurs Specimens unique to the Southeast, including Appalachiosaurus , the East Coast T. rex The return of The Schiele’s iconic T. rex in a whole new display LEARN MORE For more information, click the LEARN MORE button above (if provided) or reach out to the venue/host directly. FIND IT Also Worth Seeing Hall of Dinosaurs The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium LEARN MORE The Turnings A Cycle of American Time Gaston County Museum LEARN MORE When Are We US Gaston County Museum LEARN MORE Hoffman's Farm to Friends Gaston County Museum LEARN MORE

115 Craft 115 Main St. McAdenville 704-879-7420 Learn More ABOUT EXPLORE EVENTS TRAILS MAP EVENT DETAILS Sing, laugh and enjoy a fun night out at Karaoke with DJ Trish every other Thursday. Grab some friends and take the stage starting at 7 p.m. Karaoke with DJ Trish EVENT DETAILS Make Thursdays your night to unwind with $1 off all draft pints, $7 beer flights and 15% off crowlers to go. Grab some friends and enjoy a great local night… Expand + Thirsty Thursdays EVENT DETAILS Join us every Tuesday at 7 p.m. for Music Bingo hosted by Trish Ewing! Test your music knowledge, enjoy a fun night out and see why it’s one of the… Expand + Music Bingo EVENT DETAILS Join every hump-day for Wine Down Wednesday. $1 off all glasses of wine and 15% off all bottles of to-go wine. Plus, Free Wine Tastings! Wine Down Wednesdays MORE EVENTS TRAILS CLOSE BY: McAdenville Greenway Park 501 Lakeview Drive, McAdenville, NC 28101, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Paved Easy 0.8 miles, One Way Pharr Yarns Family Trail 119 Willow Drive, McAdenville, NC, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Natural Surface Moderate 2.4 Miles One Way 115 Craft 115 Craft in McAdenville, NC, is a vibrant and exciting addition to the downtown scene, delighting both locals and visitors with its unique offerings. This multifaceted establishment houses a Bottleshop, Taproom, and Wine Shop, creating a haven for craft beer, wine, cider, Frosés, and an array of other delightful libations. With a commitment to showcasing the best in craft beverages, One Fifteen Craft has become the go-to destination for enthusiasts seeking new and innovative flavors. By bringing together a diverse selection of craft beverages, 115 Craft has quickly become a beloved spot in McAdenville, NC. With its dedication to quality, variety, and a welcoming atmosphere, this establishment has truly enriched the downtown experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to elevate their palate and discover the best in craft beverages. Rental Space MORE IN: McAdenville 01/19 - 01/23 Bonico 121 Main St. Learn More 01/19 - 01/23 La Delizia Market 129 Main St. Learn More 01/19 - 01/23 Life is Sweet Candy Store 109 Main St. Learn More

May 27, 2027 Singer/Songwriter Open Mic Learn More Venue Info The Rooster 344 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA 2:00 PM Time: - 5:00 PM 704-616-0291 Every Wednesday we host our Singer/Songwriter Open Mic with rotating hosts. Our Open Mic is for all artists, not just singers and musicians. Whether your gift is comedy, poetry, drum solos or you just want to jam, this event is for you!No Cover, Doors open at 6pm. Open Mic starts at 7pm. Sign Up Sheet is at the bar. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

March 1, 2027 LEGO® Club @ Main Learn More Venue Info Gaston County Library Main Branch 1555 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 11:00 AM Time: - 11:45 AM 704-868-2164 Sharpen your creativity, fine motor, and problem solving skills while having fun building with LEGO®! This drop-in program is appropriate for Pre-K through Grade 5. All LEGO® will be provided. https://gastonlibrary.org/calendar.aspx?EID=8671 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

March 22, 2027 LEGO® Club @ Main Learn More Venue Info Gaston County Library Main Branch 1555 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 11:00 AM Time: - 11:45 AM 704-868-2164 Sharpen your creativity, fine motor, and problem solving skills while having fun building with LEGO®! This drop-in program is appropriate for Pre-K through Grade 5. All LEGO® will be provided. https://gastonlibrary.org/calendar.aspx?EID=8674 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

January 27, 2027 Singer/Songwriter Open Mic Learn More Venue Info The Rooster 344 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA 2:00 PM Time: - 5:00 PM 704-616-0291 Every Wednesday we host our Singer/Songwriter Open Mic with rotating hosts. Our Open Mic is for all artists, not just singers and musicians. Whether your gift is comedy, poetry, drum solos or you just want to jam, this event is for you!No Cover, Doors open at 6pm. Open Mic starts at 7pm. Sign Up Sheet is at the bar. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >