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.

Title Trucks in the Park September 10, 2026 Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Harold Rankin Park 519 Park Circle, Lowell, NC 28098, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Bring the family out for Trucks in the Park! Thursday, September 10 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Harold Rankin Park 519 Park Circle, Lowell Kids and families can see, touch, and explore all kinds of vehicles up close! Interested in showcasing a vehicle at the event? Businesses and local organizations can contact Lowell Parks & Recreation at (704) 315-8165 or email anixon@lowellnc.com. FREE and open to the public!

Title River Jam: Brother Smith July 24, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Whitewater Center U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE The River Jam event offers a lively outdoor experience paired with an exciting trail race along scenic river paths. Guests can soak in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere while participants take on a fun and challenging course that highlights the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're there to unwind, cheer others on, or push your own limits, River Jam delivers the perfect mix of leisure and adventure for everyone.

Title River Jam: Bedford August 28, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Whitewater Center U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE The River Jam event offers a lively outdoor experience paired with an exciting trail race along scenic river paths. Guests can soak in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere while participants take on a fun and challenging course that highlights the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're there to unwind, cheer others on, or push your own limits, River Jam delivers the perfect mix of leisure and adventure for everyone.

Title New South Trail Marathon April 3, 2027 Time: 12:00 AM - 1:00 AM Whitewater Center U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE New South Trail Marathon Pre-registration for New South Trail Marathon on April 3rd, 2027, coming soon. Take on a full or half marathon through the Whitewater Center’s trail system.

Title National Night Out with Lowell Police Department August 4, 2026 Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Harold Rankin Park 519 Park Circle, Lowell, NC 28098, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE National Night Out – Lowell, NC Get ready for a fun-filled evening bringing our community together! The Lowell Police Department, in collaboration with Lowell Parks & Recreation, invites you to join us for National Night Out at Harold Rankin Park! Tuesday, August 4 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Harold Rankin Park 519 Park Circle, Lowell Enjoy an exciting lineup of activities for all ages: DJ & music Games & activities Obstacle course Free giveaways Annual Kids vs. Police Kickball Game This is your chance to meet your local officers, connect with neighbors, and enjoy a safe, family-friendly night out in the park. FREE and open to the public — everyone is welcome!

Title ECA Monthly Craft Day January 9, 2027 Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Lucile Tatum Center 959 Osceola St, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Do you have sewing or crafting projects that you're working on? If so, and you want to join other crafters, this monthly event may be for you! Bring your project and supplies and join Extension & Community Association (ECA) volunteers to connect with others and work on your project. There is no cost to participate. For more details contact Linda Minges: linda_minges@ncsu. edu or 704-866-3607

Title NC BeachBlast Festival August 22, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Patriots Park 220 S Railroad Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE The NC BeachBlast Festival is celebrating its 27th year. Can you say celebrate? The 27th annual NC BeachBlast Festival blasts off Friday, August 21st at 6 pm with Too Much Sylvia. On Saturday, August 22nd, enjoy a full day of music and family fun with DJs Johnny B and Eric Bowman and four of the hottest Carolina Beach Music bands in the Southeast – Swingin' Medallions (Noon), Castaways (2 pm), Rivermist (4 pm), and headliner Jim Quick and Coastline (6 pm). Metcon proudly presents the full-day festival. At the NC BeachBlast Festival, there is fun for the whole family – with inflatables, games, the Kids’ Pavilion sponsored by Carolina Power Partners, Pirate Port, the Rotary Splash Pad, watermelon eating sponsored by Food Lion, swashbuckling pirates, the big Beach Ball Drop sponsored by Sun-Drop, and the third annual BeachBlast Golf Cart Parade. Food Trucks and a beverage garden will be on hand, too. Make plans now to attend this totally awesome FREE event.

Title Lantern Parade October 24, 2026 Time: - Mount Holly Main Street Events 131 South Main Street, Mount Holly, NC, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Nine years strong, the Mount Holly Lantern Parade returns with this year’s theme, The Wide World of Sports —a celebration of movement, teamwork, and community creativity. This free community event is presented by Awaken Gallery in collaboration with the City of Mount Holly and the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation, with support from Stanton Enterprise and the Mount Holly TDA.

Title Brick by Brick – The Ultimate LEGO® Build Experience @ Mt. Holly June 15, 2026 Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Mount Holly Library 245 West Catawba Avenue, Mount Holly, NC, USA VENUE INFO LEARN MORE Get ready for a LEGO® build like you’ve never experienced before! Join us for an exciting, hands-on LEGO experience hosted by Cody Wells, one of the most sought-after custom LEGO® artists in the country! Traveling the United States with custom pieces and creative challenges, Cody encourages creators of all ages to create and compete in this one-of-a-kind building event. Ideal for ages 5-13. Cody Wells, owner of C3Brix Studios, is one of the most sought-after custom LEGO artists in the country. His clients range from private collectors and celebrities to the New York Hall of Science, New York Port Authority (for the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 World’s Fair) and beyond. Wells' work has been featured on "The Steve Harvey Show," "Good Day New York" and numerous other publications. All library programs are free to the public. No registration is required, and programs are open to individuals and families. Advanced registration is requested for groups of 8–10 or more people. Please call the hosting library branch before planning to attend. All library programs are subject to change. This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and the Gaston Arts Council. This series is also supported by the Friends of the Gaston County Public Library. Programs like this are made possible in part by the support of patrons like you—thank you!