December 24, 2026 LEGO® Jr. @ Main Learn More Venue Info Gaston County Library Main Branch 1555 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 5:50 AM Time: - 6:10 AM 704-868-2164 Join us for LEGO® Jr. @ Main! Little builders can explore creativity, teamwork, and imagination through fun LEGO® activities designed for young learners. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Stone Age Heritage Site 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

Pioneer Weekly Events 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

November 20, 2026 Parents' Night Out at the McGill Family YMCA Learn More Venue Info McGill Family YMCA 2221 Robinwood Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 1:00 PM Time: - 5:00 PM 704-822-9622 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Thirsty Thursdays 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

River Jam Trail Race 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

Friends of Crowders Mountain HEADQUARTERS Friends of Crowders Mountain Crowders Mountain State Park 704-730-8295 704-730-8295 Learn More Friends of Crowders Mountain Friends of Crowders Mountain preserves and maintains the wonder that is known as Crowders Mountain State Park. though volunteers, who come from communities throughout the region, offering both hands-on support and financial support the great cause of preserving this great park. More Affiliates To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Summer Fun Getaway Best For: Singles, Couples, Families Best Enjoyed: June – August Stay: 2 Nights | 3 Days ITINERARY FAQS STAY GALLERY MAP Discover the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation with Gaston County's exclusive summer vacation packages. Our curated offerings ensure an unforgettable getaway, combining outdoor thrills, cultural exploration, and family-friendly fun. Here's why Gaston County is your ideal destination for a summer vacation: Boating On Lake Wylie Dive into the summer vibes at Lake Wylie , where vacationers enjoy boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. A Day At The Beach Paddling Embark on a river adventure along the Catawba River with our exclusive water activity packages, including kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. Crowders Mountain State Park Customize your stay with vacation packages that include guided hikes through the scenic trails of Crowders Mountain State Park . Whitewater Center Excitement Opt for adventure at Whitewater Center featuring whitewater rafting, zip lines, rope courses, paddleboarding, 50 miles of trails for hiking and biking and live music. Parks and Gardens Getaway: Unwind in nature at George Poston Park , offering miles of hiking trails and lush greenery. Enjoy the tranquility of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden , 380 acres of rolling meadows, woodlands lakefront, a conservatory and beautiful gardens. Family-Friendly Escapes: Create lasting memories with family-centric vacation that including a visit to the Schiele Museum of Natural History and other family-friendly attractions. SUMMER VACATION Book your Gaston County summer vacation package now. A perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Start planning your getaway today! Experience Gaston County Through Our Lens From scenic adventures to local flavors and unique experiences, explore our gallery to get a taste of what your weekend in Gaston County could look like. Know Before You Go Gaston County offers the perfect mix of scenic beauty, small-town charm, and outdoor adventure. Wander along the Catawba River, explore colorful trails, or stroll through charming downtown streets — all while enjoying the warm, welcoming spirit of the locals. Whether you’re after a relaxing escape or an action-packed weekend, Gaston County makes every visit feel effortless, memorable, and uniquely yours. Getting Here Gaston County is just 20 minutes west of Charlotte, making it an easy drive for a weekend escape. If you’re flying, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is the closest major hub. Once you arrive, our towns and attractions are easy to navigate — most are within 15–20 minutes of each other. Atlanta, GA 4 hrs Washington, DC 7 hrs Nashville, TN 6 hrs Charleston, SC 3 hrs Raleigh, NC 3 hrs Pigeon Forge, TN 4 hrs Myrtle Beach, SC 4 hrs Richmond, VA 5 hrs Getting Around While Gaston County is compact and easy to navigate, having a car is essential to fully explore the area. Most attractions, trails, and restaurants are spread out, so having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to see everything at your own pace. Where To Eat Fuel your adventures with flavors of Gaston County. From cozy cafés to hearty Southern fare, here are a few favorites to satisfy every craving Annual Events Make your getaway even more special by checking out our signature events. From seasonal festivals to celebrations, there’s always something fun to capture the spirit of the season. Night Life Whether you’re looking for live music, a craft brew, or a relaxed evening stroll, there’s something for every night owl there's always a little something extra. Reserve Your Stay Today! Book direct for a simple, stress-free way to reserve your stay. Choose your dates, secure your lodging, and start planning your Gaston County weekend with confidence.” Map Out Your Perfect Weekend in Gaston County Plan your perfect weekend at your own pace! Explore all the top stops—attractions, outdoor adventures, dining, shopping, and more—then mix and match to create your ideal weekend. Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link How Can We Help? GETAWAY GUIDE Download your free Weekend Getaway Guide Downloadable Getaway Flyer SAVE & SHARE Share this getaway with a friend or save it for later! Copy link ASK US Got a quick question? Ask us here. Ask Us Email About Getaway Explore More Trip Ideas? Spring Blossom Getaway Available: March - May Fall Foliage Getaway Available: Sept - Nov Christmas Vacation Available: December

Cramer Mountain Golf Club 102 Hidden Pastures Dr. Cramerton 704-879-4888 Learn More ABOUT EXPLORE EVENTS TRAILS MAP MORE EVENTS TRAILS CLOSE BY: Goat Island Greenway 142 8th Ave, Cramerton, NC 28032, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Paved Easy .7 Miles One Way Riverside Greenway Riverside Dr, Cramerton, NC 28032, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Paved Easy 1.3 Miles One Way Cramer Mountain Golf Club 18 hole par 72 championship course playing 6,486 from the back tees; offers a mountain course feel with extreme elevation changes and beautiful topography; host of inaugural NC High School Golf Coaches Tar Heel Cup invitational. Cramer Mountain Club offers an amazing golf course , tennis courts, restaurant and a brand new swimming pool. MORE IN: Cramerton 01/19 - 01/23 AmberJack Seafood & Steaks 4253 S New Hope Rd. Learn More 01/19 - 01/23 Fryeday Coffee Roasters 202 Market St. Learn More 01/19 - 01/23 Sweet Peace Yoga Studio 1 Main St. Learn More

Alfred C Kessell Center 300 S Firestone St. Gastonia 980-266-9923 Learn More ABOUT EXPLORE EVENTS TRAILS MAP MORE EVENTS TRAILS CLOSE BY: Avon-Catawba Creeks Greenway 1401 Golf Course Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Paved Easy 4.5 Miles One Way Highland Rail Trail Downtown Sidewalk Connection 200 E Long Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Paved Easy 3.0 Miles One Way Alfred C Kessell Center Housed in the renovated Loray Mill the Alfred C. Kessell History Center features a multimedia exhibit on the history of the Loray/Firestone mill as well as its employees and surrounding mill village. A mill of national importance, the Loray/Firestone mill has a rich and dynamic history. Through renovation efforts, the mill has regained its nickname of "the Castle of Gastonia" by housing loft apartments, commercial and event spaces, as well as the Kessell History Center. MORE IN: Gastonia 01/19 - 01/23 TC's Sip and Sing Karaoke Lounge 141 W. Main Ave Learn More 01/19 - 01/23 57 Genova Coffee 167 W Main Ave Learn More 01/19 - 01/23 Red Roof Inn Gastonia 1700 N. Chester St. Learn More

February 23, 2027 Morbidly Curious Book Club Learn More Venue Info Belmont Bookshop 7 N Main St, Belmont, NC 28012, USA 1:30 PM Time: - 3:00 PM 704-461-8060 We are excited to partner with Morbidly Curious Book Club! This is an 18+ non-fiction macabre-focused book club diving into the darker parts of your library, whether it be true crime cases, morally ambiguous medical practice, spirits & ghosts, or death. This month's read: "Now Departing: A Small-Town Mortician on Death, Life, and the Moments in Between " by Victor M SweeneyClick on the button below to reserve your book! Pick up at Belmont Bookshop prior to the discussion. Follow the Morbidly Curious Belmont Bookshop group here to stay up to date on future reads!Morbidly Curious Book Club also has a podcast! Every month the host will sit down with the author and deep dive into their books... you can find it on Spotify here. DISCLAIMERS: Please check trigger warnings on all books. It is safe to assume they will be touching on many tough subjects. Some may be easy to miss. Proceed with caution. Monthly attendance is not mandatory; you do not have to commit to anything. Join as you wish and discuss at your own will. Even if you weren't quite able to finish the book! < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Hang Time Golf 3119 S New Hope Rd. Gastonia 980-550-3013 Learn More ABOUT EXPLORE EVENTS TRAILS MAP EVENT DETAILS Drink Specials at Hang Time Golf Monday - $5 Well Drinks Tuesday - $1 off all Tequila Drinks Wednesdays - Half Off Bottles of Wine & $1 off Glasses of Wine Thursday… Expand + Drink Specials at Hang Time Golf MORE EVENTS TRAILS CLOSE BY: Avon-Catawba Creeks Greenway 1401 Golf Course Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Paved Easy 4.5 Miles One Way Highland Rail Trail Downtown Sidewalk Connection 200 E Long Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Paved Easy 3.0 Miles One Way Hang Time Golf Get your daily does of iron in! Great time for families or just friends Book a party for any occasion Full Bar and kitchen Open 7 days a week till 10pm MORE IN: Gastonia 01/19 - 01/23 TC's Sip and Sing Karaoke Lounge 141 W. Main Ave Learn More 01/19 - 01/23 57 Genova Coffee 167 W Main Ave Learn More 01/19 - 01/23 Red Roof Inn Gastonia 1700 N. Chester St. Learn More