Library Storytime 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

October 23, 2026 Boo!seum Learn More Venue Info The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 12:30 PM Time: - 3:30 PM 704-866-6900 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

November 25, 2026 Pre-K Stay & Play @ Main Learn More Venue Info Gaston County Library Main Branch 1555 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 9:00 AM Time: - 9:30 AM 704-868-2164 https://gastonlibrary.org/calendar.aspx?EID=8794 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

August 31, 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: "Medicine River: A Story of Survival and the Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools" by Mary Annette PemberClick 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 >

December 17, 2026 ECA Quiltmakers Monthly Mtg Learn More Venue Info Lucile Tatum Center 959 Osceola St, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 1:00 PM Time: - 3:30 PM 704-922-0301 Quiltmakers is a special interest group of the Gaston Co. Extension & Community Association (ECA) that focuses on quilting and sewing projects. You can be a part of ECA - learn more by contacting Linda J. Minges at linda_minges@ncsu. edu or call 704. 866. 3607. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

January 12, 2027 Twisted Stitchers Embroidery Club (Specialty Group of Gaston ECA) Learn More Venue Info Lucile Tatum Center 959 Osceola St, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 1:00 PM Time: - 3:00 PM 704-922-0301 Learn more about Gaston County Extension & Community Association's (ECA) newest specialty interest group, the Twisted Stitchers. This small group enjoys embroidery and is open to the public. Learn more by contacting Linda Minges at linda_minges@ncsu. edu or 704. 866. 3607. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Cramerton Public ArtCramerton NC101 Lakewood Rd. Heading 3 I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Cramerton Public Art 101 Lakewood Rd. This Is a Title Located in the traffic circle on Lakewood Road heading into Cramerton. This remarkable work of art by Jan Craf t stands almost 30 feet tall and spans 8 feet wide. It consists of two stacked shapes forming an "S," paying homage to the town's namesake, Stuart Cramer. This captivating focal point captures the attention of both visitors and residents, drawing them in with its allure. The Gaston County Art Trail Discover this and the vibrant tapestry of creativity along Gaston County's captivating art trail. < PREVIOUS ART TRAIL NEXT > Cramerton Cramerton is a small town located in the Greater Charlotte area of North Carolina, inside Gaston County nestled along the South Fork River to the south of and in between Belmont and McAdenville. Visitors can access Cramerton and all it has to offer via I-85 off of 26 through Belmont or exit 23 by traveling through McAdenville. Highway 74 also runs just north of town and straight into Charlotte if you are looking for a more scenic route. FULL VIEW Located Close By The Gaston County Art Trail Helix R Sculpture FULL VIEW Darin & Brooke Aldridge FULL VIEW The Song of the River FULL VIEW

Mountain Island Educational State Forest 200 Gobbler Way Stanley 704-601-1060 Learn More ABOUT EXPLORE EVENTS TRAILS MAP MORE EVENTS TRAILS CLOSE BY: Demonstration Trail 200 Gobbler Wy, Stanley, NC 28164, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Natural Surface Easy .25 Mile Loblolly Loop Trail 200 Gobbler Wy, Stanley, NC 28164, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Natural Surface Easy 1.35 mile loop Harvest Hill Trail 200 Gobbler Wy, Stanley, NC 28164, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Natural Surface Easy .75 Mile Trails at Harpers Park 301 Blacksnake Road, Stanley, NC, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Walking Easy Talking Tree Trail 200 Gobbler Wy, Stanley, NC 28164, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Natural Surface Easy .85 Mile Mountain Island Educational State Forest Discover one of Gaston County’s most peaceful outdoor escapes at Mountain Island Educational State Forest, a scenic natural haven tucked along Mountain Island Lake. Perfect for families, hikers, and nature lovers, this forest offers beautiful wooded trails, unique educational exhibits, and a quiet place to connect with North Carolina’s natural resources. Visitors can explore four easy, well-marked trails—including the popular Talking Tree Trail, where audio stations share stories from the forest. Picnic areas and an open-air shelter make it a great spot for a leisurely afternoon, while the on-site exhibit center introduces guests to the region’s wildlife, forestry practices, and conservation efforts. As one of North Carolina’s Educational State Forests, it also plays a vital role in protecting the drinking water supply for roughly one in 12 North Carolinians—making it a meaningful place to learn while you explore. Best of all, admission and all programs are free, and ranger-led educational experiences are available for groups. What Visitors Love Peaceful, easy walking trails Family-friendly outdoor learning Talking Tree audio stations Free admission and facilities Picnic tables & reservable shelter Beautiful forest scenery and wildlife Good To Know Foot-traffic only (no bikes or horses) Dogs allowed on leash Open seasonally with varied weekend hours Free ranger-led educational programs for groups MORE IN: Stanley 01/19 - 01/23 Oliv + Oak Coffee 301 Hwy 27 S Learn More 01/19 - 01/23 Sweet Shananigans 116 S Main St. Learn More 01/19 - 01/23 Stanley Kitchen Family Restaurant 106 Mariposa Rd. Learn More

June 27, 2027 Acrylic Sunset Painting with Aimee Rose! Learn More Venue Info Whiskerville Kitty Cat Cafe 508 Beaty Rd, Belmont, NC 28012, USA 12:00 PM Time: - 2:30 PM 704-812-8417 Join us for a cozy summer evening of creativity, cats, and painting! During this beginner-friendly acrylic painting class, we’ll create a dreamy sunset landscape featuring a cat silhouette watching the sunset through tall grasses. Guided instruction will be provided by local artist Aimee-Rose Wilson. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Lineberger Park 632 E Garrison Blvd. Gastonia 704-866-6839 Learn More ABOUT EXPLORE EVENTS TRAILS MAP EVENT DETAILS Lineberger Park Swimming Pool The pool is open for the 2023 summer season. For additional information regarding Lineberger Pool, please call 704.869.1018. Lineberger Park Pool is now Cashless!! NO CASH… Expand + Lineberger Park Swimming Pool EVENT DETAILS Miniature Train Hours of Operation: Summer: (June - July - August): Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Noon to 6:00 PM; and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM Spring: (March… Expand + Miniature Train 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 Lineberger Park Lineberger Park in Gastonia’s provides both passive and active recreation opportunities on 18.5 acres. Lineberger park naturally bisected the Avon Creek that contains a trailhead for the Avon/Catawba Creek Greenway. There is a trailhead for the Avon/Catawba Creek Greenway with a paved extension which circles a prominent Gaston County Vietnam War Memorial midway through the park; restroom building with water fountains; one large shelter; two small shelters; a gazebo; and large playground. The western node, as accessed via Avon Street, has adjacent parking to facilities, and is home to a miniature train amusement ride; a ticket booth/restroom building; an outdoor, lighted concrete basketball court with stadium seating; one large picnic shelter; two small picnic shelters; a sprayground; an outdoor pool with a slide, lazy river and other water features plus pool house with showers, dressing space, restrooms, and a concession area. The park is also encompassed by a series of paved walking trails as an addition to the adjacent greenway. Open: Dawn - Dusk, daily. Lighted outdoor facilities operate independently when scheduled. Swimming Pool The swimming pool is open during summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and is open to the public for a small fee. Splash Pad The splash pads (Lineberger and Erwin) is open during the summer. Miniature Train The train opens select weekends. For more information about all the park amanities contact the City of Gastonia Parks & Recreation Department. 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

Owl Legs Coffee 101 W Central Ave. Mount Holly 980-285-0193 Learn More ABOUT EXPLORE EVENTS TRAILS MAP MORE EVENTS TRAILS CLOSE BY: Dutchmans Creek Greenway 300 North River Street, Mount Holly, NC, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Paved, Gravel Easy 0.6 miles, One Way Mount Holly Linear Park Trail 400 East Central Avenue, Mount Holly, NC, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Paved Easy .3 Miles One Way A & E Riverfront Trail 231 Broome St, Mount Holly, NC, USA Type: Difficulty: Length: Paved Easy 1.5 Miles One Way Owl Legs Coffee Inspired by Berlin's renowned coffee culture, this veteran-owned coffee shop is dedicated to serving exceptional single-origin coffees sourced from small, sustainable farms. Every cup is crafted with carefully selected ingredients, high-quality water, and expertly maintained equipment to ensure the best flavor. Committed to supporting the community, the shop proudly offers free coffee to first responders and partners with local roasters to create a truly fresh, handcrafted experience. MORE IN: Mount Holly 01/19 - 01/23 Black Sheep Coffee 104 S Main St Learn More 01/19 - 01/23 Ransom Hunter Park 325 W Glendale Ave. Learn More 01/19 - 01/23 We Kan Go Play 226 S Main St. Learn More

Silent Book Club 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