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Join us for Bigfoot in the Park at Gaston County Parks and Rec in Belmont ,2026-09-19 . Learn more about this event others in Gaston County on GoGastonNC. September 19, 2026 Bigfoot in the Park Learn More Gaston County Parks and Rec Venue Info 1101 Lowell Spencer Mountain Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA 5:00 AM Time: - 9:00 AM 704-922-2160 Join us for "Bigfoot in the Park," an exciting adventure perfect for the whole family! Begin at Base Camp, where Bigfoot hunters check in, gather their gear, and receive a pre-hunt briefing to prepare for their self-guided expedition into the park. As you follow clues and explore the trails, keep an eye out for the elusive Bigfoot. However, the fun doesn't stop there! The event welcomes everyone, whether you're hunting for Bigfoot or just want to enjoy the atmosphere. Experience delicious offerings from local market vendors, food trucks, and refreshments, along with a variety of activities. Bring your family, discover the beauty of the park, and immerse yourself in the excitement—whether you're on the hunt or simply enjoying the festivities. Vendors wishing to participate can apply at https://www.eventeny.com/events/bigfootinthepark-33368/, and for more details, visit https://gastongov.com/calendar.aspx?EID=2577. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Get outdoors and explore in Gaston County, North Carolina this summer. Discover places to hike, bike, and paddle on our trails and blue ways. Summer Guide Summer shows up a little slower here—in the best way. Mornings stretch longer, afternoons invite you outside, and every turn leads to something worth discovering. Whether you're chasing views, live music, or a table full of local flavor, this is your guide to making the most of the season. Come spend the weekend with us! A Thrill Seekers Paradise WHITEWATER & ZIPLINES Chillin' Out On The River PADDLING EXPERIENCES Climb To New Heights CROWDERS MOUNTAIN Be Sure To Check Out These Must See Attractions. DANIEL STOWE CONSERVANCY SCHIELE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY CROWDERS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK WHITEWATER CENTER A World Of Play Play outside. The recreational activities in Gaston County are abundant. Thrill Seekers High-energy rapids are also available for those who like to challenge themselves on class II-IV whitewater. At the Whitewater Center a professional guide will show you the way to lead your raft down the world’s largest man-made, recirculating whitewater river. THRILL SEEKERS See The World From Up High There are two attractions in the County where one can climb to view the World up high, Crowders Mountain , and Whitewater Center , one of the largest outdoor climbing facilities in the region, offers rope routes, bouldering, a 46-foot tall spire for sport and top rope climbing as well as several ziplines and a canopy tour. GET OUTDOORS Sleep Under The Stars A great way to conclude an outdoor adventure in Gaston County is to sleep under the stars by camping at either Crowders Mountain State Park or Kings Mountain State Park . A Day At The Park With over 80 parks within the County, enjoyment of the outdoors is easily obtained anywhere your adventure might lead. PICNIC AT THE PARK Playgrounds While most of our parks offer playgrounds, the one you absolutely must see is at Goat Island Park in Cramerton. If you need to cool off check out the spraygrounds at Harper Park , Lineberger Park or Ranlo Park. Summer Splash Most of our towns allow visitors to access their public pools for a reasonable rate. While you are here check out the pools in Bessemer City , Cherryville , Cramerton and Gastonia . Shout & Cheer Play The Slots CATAWBA 2 KINGS CASINO Root For The Home Team GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS Friday Night Lights! DIRT TRACK RACING Art & Culture Delight in the beauty of a garden for all seasons, saunter through an art gallery or revel in the performances from our local actors then pick through antiques located along our historic main streets. Let us show you how arts and culture take center stage in Gaston County. Origins of Culture Found in Our Museums MUSEUMS Explore Arts in Gaston County EXPLORE Unique Finds Antiques SHOP Hike, Bike & Paddle Get outdoors and become one with nature. We are a recreational wonderland! GET OUTDOORS Hike With the help of the Carolina Thread Trail, Gaston County offers more than 25 miles of trails incorporating sidewalks, natural-surface and paved trails, giving our visitors a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature. EXPLORE OUR TRAILS Bike With options for athletes, weekend warriors, families with kids, and everyone in between, Gaston County has a ride for you. RIDE Paddle Every day is a good day to be on the water if you are in Gaston County as the scenic views, public access areas and boat rental options abound. GET ON THE WATER The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail features breweries, distilleries and wineries in Gaston and Cleveland County . Each has its own unique feel and culture and experienced altogether on the trail makes it a great weekend getaway. TAKE FLIGHT

Join us for Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Belmont ,2026-09-18 . Learn more about this event others in Gaston County on GoGastonNC. September 18, 2026 Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? Learn More The Schiele Museum of Natural History Venue Info 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 9:30 AM Time: - 10:15 AM 704-866-6900 The Schiele Museum’s James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater is home to an immersive experience unlike anything else in the area and is a “must-see” attraction during a visit to the museum. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Join us for Oasis in Space at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Belmont ,2026-09-18 . Learn more about this event others in Gaston County on GoGastonNC. September 18, 2026 Oasis in Space Learn More The Schiele Museum of Natural History Venue Info 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 8:30 AM Time: - 9:30 AM 704-866-6900 The Schiele Museum’s James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater is home to an immersive experience unlike anything else in the area and is a “must-see” attraction during a visit to the museum. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Explore the newest and largest dinosaur exhibit in the Carolinas at The Schiele Museum in Gastonia, NC, then extend your adventure into a weekend getaway. Inside the Elizabeth Williams Robinson Hall of Dinosaurs come face-to-face with prehistoric giants like, T. rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus and more. Then extend the adventure with family-friendly attractions, outdoor experiences, local dining and places to stay throughout Gaston County. ROAR INTO A DINOSAUR-SIZED GETAWAY OPENING SEPTEMBER 26 Discover the newest and largest dinosaur exhibit in the Carolinas at Schiele Museum, with 4,200 square feet of full-scale dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and interactive learning experiences HALL OF DINOSAURS 14 full-scale dinosaur skeletons T. rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and more Authentic dinosaur fossils Engaging and interactive displays Specimens unique to the Southeast, including Appalachiosaurus, the East Coast T. rex FEATURING Extend The Adventure EXPLORE Crowders Mountain State Park Carolina Thread Trail Daniel Stowe Conservancy Outdoor adventures TASTE Local restaurants Gaston County BBQ Trail Sweet treats Stay Near the Hall of Dinosaurs Our featured hotels in Gastonia are just 15–20 minutes from The Schiele Museum of Natural History, making it easy to enjoy the evening festival and a relaxing overnight stay in Gaston County. Easy to Reach The Schiele Museum of Natural History is easily accessible, just 30 minutes from Charlotte and near major highways, with Charlotte Douglas International Airport only 30 minutes away for convenient weekend getaways. Charlotte, 30 minutes Greensboro, 1 hour Raleigh, 2.5 hours Asheville, 2.5 hours Greenville, 2.5 hours

Join us for Belmont Abbey College Women's Cross Country vs Converse Kick-off at Belmont Abbey College Women's Cross Country vs Converse Kick-off in Belmont ,Belmont Abbey Athletics . Learn more about this event others in Gaston County on GoGastonNC. September 19, 2026 Belmont Abbey College Women's Cross Country vs Converse Kick-off Learn More Belmont Abbey College Women's Cross Country vs Converse Kick-off Venue Info 100 Belmont Mt Holly Rd, Belmont, NC 28012, USA 4:45 AM Time: - 7:45 AM 704-461-6693 Belmont Abbey College Women's Cross Country vs Converse Kick-off < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Join us for Welcoming Week 2026 at Gaston County Family YMCA in Belmont ,2026-09-18 . Learn more about this event others in Gaston County on GoGastonNC. September 18, 2026 Welcoming Week 2026 Learn More Gaston County Family YMCA Venue Info 2221 Robinwood Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 7:00 PM Time: - 8:00 PM 704-830-9622 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Join us for DISNEY DAY STROLL & ROLL HUDSON at Kate's Skating Rinks - Gastonia and Indian Trail in Belmont ,2026-09-18 . Learn more about this event others in Gaston County on GoGastonNC. September 18, 2026 DISNEY DAY STROLL & ROLL HUDSON Learn More Kate's Skating Rinks - Gastonia and Indian Trail Venue Info 1151 Skating Rink Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 5:00 AM Time: - 7:00 AM 704-864-7007 Join us for the Disney Day Stroll & Roll events taking place in Hudson and Indian Trail! These family-friendly gatherings invite attendees to enjoy a day filled with fun activities, including leisurely strolls and exciting rolling experiences inspired by beloved Disney characters. Whether you're in Hudson or Indian Trail, come celebrate the magic of Disney, participate in engaging games, and create lasting memories with fellow fans of all ages. Don't miss out on this enchanting celebration! < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Join us for GASTONIA FAMILY SESSION at Kate's Skating Rinks - Gastonia and Indian Trail in Belmont ,2026-09-18 . Learn more about this event others in Gaston County on GoGastonNC. September 18, 2026 GASTONIA FAMILY SESSION Learn More Kate's Skating Rinks - Gastonia and Indian Trail Venue Info 1151 Skating Rink Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 12:00 PM Time: - 4:00 PM 704-864-7007 From 5-8 on Thursdays bring the whole family to Kates for Family Sessions. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Join us for Learning for Littles at Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont ,2026-09-18 . Learn more about this event others in Gaston County on GoGastonNC. September 18, 2026 Learning for Littles Learn More Daniel Stowe Conservancy Venue Info 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012, USA 4:00 AM Time: - 4:45 AM 704-825-4490 Stowe invites you and your toddlers to join our free, outdoor nature-themed learning experience, including a read-aloud story, puppets and an activity for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. These learning experiences will be held 9-9:45 a.m. on alternating Wednesdays and Fridays from March-October. No registration is necessary; just join us for 45 minutes of fun outside of The Trailhead Store. In cases of inclement weather, we will move into The Trailhead Store porch. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Join us for Watershed Science Sunset Tour at Catawba RiverKeeper in Belmont ,2026-09-19 . Learn more about this event others in Gaston County on GoGastonNC. September 19, 2026 Watershed Science Sunset Tour Learn More Catawba RiverKeeper Venue Info 2:00 PM Time: - 4:00 PM Join Catawba Riverkeeper for a sunset cruise on North Carolina’s largest reservoir! Enjoy the wind in your hair and gorgeous sunset views while you learn about water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and the history of Lake Norman and the Catawba-Wateree River Basin aboard our 12'x40' commercial boat. Watershed Science Sunset Tours are open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 PM. Tours last 2 hours and depart from Stutts Marina (571 Stutts Road) in Mooresville, NC. Not only will you have an incredible time exploring Lake Norman, but you can feel good knowing that your ticket purchase supports Catawba Riverkeeper’s mission to preserve, protect, and restore local waterways! < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Join us for Local legends showcase at Traust Brewing in Belmont ,2026-09-18 . Learn more about this event others in Gaston County on GoGastonNC. September 18, 2026 Local legends showcase Learn More Traust Brewing Venue Info 128 S Main St, Mt Holly, NC 28120, USA 1:00 PM Time: - 5:00 PM 833-566-5563 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >