Title The Rooster 1st Annual Amateur BBQ Cookoff August 1, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM The Rooster 334 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Join us for the 1st Annual Amateur BBQ Cookoff at The Rooster, a FREE event presented by Southeast Family Chiropractic! This exciting competition invites up to 20 amateur pit masters (no professionals allowed) to showcase their skills in pulled pork and chicken, with a $75 entry fee. Contestants will have the chance to win cash prizes—$300 for 1st place in both categories, along with additional payouts for 2nd and 3rd places. The event kicks off at 7 AM for setup, with judging at 5 PM. Contestants can sell plates of their delicious BBQ throughout the day, with a standardized price, and will need to provide side items. Enjoy live country music from local artists including Possum, Daniel Langdon, Mikey Black, and more from 12 PM to 5 PM, while supporting your favorite competitors. Come hungry, and let's make this BBQ cookoff a memorable celebration of food and community! To register, email info@theroostergastonia.com.

Title Forest Bathing June 18, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Daniel Stowe Conservancy 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE **Forest Bathing Experience** Join ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Angie Stegall, on a transformative journey to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with yourself and the natural world through Forest Bathing, also known as the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku. This meditative, guided wander encourages you to explore nature using your five senses, offering a unique alternative to traditional hikes and naturalist walks. Research supports the wellness benefits of Forest Bathing, including boosting your immune system, reducing blood pressure and stress, enhancing mood, increasing energy and sleep quality, and fostering empathy and creative thinking. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor walking, bringing hats, sunglasses, and layered clothes based on weather conditions. Ensure to bring water and snacks, and a small backpack for personal items; sit pads will be provided or feel free to bring your own yoga mat or blanket. Cost: $65 for Garden Members, $80 for non-Garden Members. Location: The Trailhead Store. Experience the profound effects of nature as you converse with the elements, improve your mental clarity, and rejuvenate your spirit. Sign up today to embark on this enriching adventure!

Title June 26th Concert and Fireworks Show June 26, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Centennial Park 114 W Virginia Ave, Bessemer City, NC 28016, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Don’t miss out on our Bessemer City Alive! Concert and Fireworks Show on Friday, June 26th featuring LIVE music by On The Boarder!

Title Library Storytime June 2, 2026 Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Mauney Memorial Library 100 South Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Join us in the library Community Room for stories, songs, and crafts!

Title Line Dancing April 24, 2027 Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Traust Brewing 128 S Main St, Mt Holly, NC 28120, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Line Dancing with Mary Mary!

Title Ask an Extension Master Gardener September 26, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Gaston County Library Main Branch 1555 East Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE 'Ask a Master Gardener' and Herbarium will be present at the Seed Bank Library Programs monthly from February to October. All programs are at the Main branch of the Gaston County Public Library at 1555 East Garrison Blvd. in Gastonia. Volunteers will speak with the public and answer garden questions and concerns.

Title Ecstatic Dance Yoga Workshop June 27, 2026 Time: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Whitewater Center U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE The Ecstatic Dance Yoga Workshop is a vibrant freeform movement experience that invites participants to dance spontaneously to music, allowing for personal expression without choreography or judgment. Join us for a transformative session that blends the liberating aspects of ecstatic dance with the soothing qualities of yoga, providing a unique opportunity for self-discovery and connection. Explore the freedom of movement in a supportive environment. For more details, visit https://whitewater.org/yoga-wellness-workshop/.

Title Sigmon Theatrical Presents... June 17, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Mauney Memorial Library 100 South Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Experience family-friendly fun in this presentation by Sigmon Theatrical! Registration Required • Please register each person attending the program: https://mauneylibrary.libcal.com/event/15840746

Title Scaryville October 16, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Gazebo Mini-Park 219 East Main Street, Cherryville, NC, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Join us for a night of frights and culinary delights at Scary-Ville, where Main Street transforms into the ultimate Halloween destination! Here’s what’s waiting for you: Frightfully Fabulous Costume Contest – dress to impress (and spook)! Ghostly Hayrides – hop on if you dare… Beer Garden – sip something spooky. Pumpkin Patch Play Land – fall fun for the little ones. Spooktacular Selfie Area – snap the perfect Halloween shots with your favorite characters! Rock the night away with Off The Record – a Totally 80s Tribute! Don’t forget to stop in and shop with our downtown merchants for even more treats! Downtown Cherryville – You don’t want to miss Scary-Ville 2026!

Title It Wasn't A Phase - Live Band Emo Night with Turtle Smash June 5, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM The Rooster 334 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Join us for "It Wasn't A Phase - Live Band Emo Night" featuring Turtle Smash, The Southeast's Ultimate Pop-Punk Party! Following an unforgettable previous performance, Turtle Smash returns for another night filled with all your favorite punk and pop classics. Don’t miss out on this incredible evening! Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the show. Doors open at 6 PM, and the show starts at 7:30 PM. This event is open to all ages!

Title Evening Breathwork Yoga Workshop June 24, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Whitewater Center U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Join us for an enriching Evening Breathwork Yoga Workshop, designed to deepen your yoga practice through the transformative power of breath. Experience guided breathwork techniques that will help you release stress, enhance relaxation, and connect with your inner self. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this workshop invites you to explore the synergy between breath and movement in a peaceful evening setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to rejuvenate your mind and body!

Title Maki Taco Food Truck October 10, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM Veronét Vineyards & Winery 1549 Ike Brooks Dr, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Asian fusion food truck, featuring Japanese Hibachi and Asian style tacos.