Gastonia

This event takes place in

Gastonia is the largest town in Gaston County, North Carolina and can be found just south of I-85 off of exit 17 in the center of the county. Hwy 321 runs north and south straight through town giving even better access to this booming metropolis.

'Vintage Christmas' Holiday Lights in Downtown Gastonia

Recapturing past magic, Gastonia’s Downtown is displaying vintage-style Christmas lights and decorations throughout the holiday season.

18th Annual Toys, Games & Trains! at Kings Mountain Museum

November 27 to December 26. This annual exhibit fills the museum with a model train display assembled by local “S” Gaugers, as well as railroad memorabilia, and antique toys and games. Visitors of all ages will be enchanted as they explore the miniature snow-covered scenes that line the tracks. Parents and grandparents will enjoy reminiscing about the toys and games of their childhood.

New Year’s Shooters

Shooters from all over travel to Cherryville, North Carolina to take part in this very old tradition. Complete with the chant and musket blasts spectators are welcome to watch the shooting which takes place every year on New Year's Day.

Belmont Blooms

A month-long citywide celebration of blossoming bulbs, art, community and culture. Beginning with a parade, Belmont Blooms will also include many other elements.

ChristmasTown 5K - 2020 Virtual Run

The 2020 race will be virtual only. Register to run 3.1 miles on our course or elsewhere. Runners who register before November 1st will receive this year's ChristmasTown 5K runners shirt. All runners will receive a digital bib they can personalize and print out to use before running. Run your 5K anywhere you are, or on our official course the week of 11/21 to 11/28. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for ways to submit your photos and videos showing off your 5K accomplishment.

LIghts at USNWC

Lights is an illuminated walking trail that leads viewers through a series of immersive light installations featuring  honeycombs, webs, vines, crystals, and other natural features integrated into the forest. The experience offers a range of approachable, multi-sensory works created by artist Meredith Connelly that are site-specific to the Whitewater Center.

Art & Orchids

The Art & Orchids is a yearly event held at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden where visitors can not only view beautiful orchids from the conservatory but also see an incredible art display as well. Each year the art display changes making it worth revisiting year in and year out.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Located on Main Street in Downtown Cherryville, the Cherry Blossom Festival is a 2 day community festival with games, inflatables, clowns, puppets, dancers, little Blue Choo, arts, crafts, food, entertainment stage and the Little Miss Cherry Blossom Festival Pageant.

Ice Skating at USNWC

Skate on an ice trail or free skate on 17,000 sq. ft of ice. Located in the Upper Pond of the Whitewater Center, the skating environment features three distinct programming areas and an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages. Running through February 15th.

Holidays at the Schiele Museum

More Information to come.

Fossil Fair

Travel back through time by exploring fossils, rocks, minerals, and the ancient stories they tell. Mine for gemstones, visit our Dino Safari and Tiny Titans exhibits, search for tiny fossils from the Carolina coast, and even meet some living fossils at The Schiele Museum of Natural History.

Tuck Fest

Tuck Fest is a multi-day festival that celebrates outdoor lifestyle through competitions, exhibitions, demos, and live music at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, located in Charlotte, North Carolina.