Gaston MAX returns to Downtown Gastonia
- Melissa McCauley
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 29
Gaston MAX
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025
11 am – 3 pm
The Gaston Multicultural Arts Xperience, or Gaston MAX, will return to Downtown Gastonia for the fourth year. The festival will be on Saturday, March 22nd, from 11 am to 3 pm at the Rotary Centennial Pavilion, 107 N. South St., Gastonia, NC 28052. This family-friendly event is free and open to all.
Hosted by a collaboration between the City of Gastonia, Gaston County Government, Gaston County Public Library, and the Friends of the Gaston County Public Library, Gaston MAX promises a day filled with art, music, and cultural experiences that will leave you inspired and uplifted.
Gaston MAX Multicultural Arts Xperience Cultural Immersion
Prepare to be immersed in diverse cultures as Gaston MAX showcases the richness of global diversity. From the rhythmic beats of Latin American music to the soulful melodies of Americana, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of cultural expression in all its forms.
Vendor Market Place: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
AV Trio: 11:00 am - 11:45 am A family band consisting of brothers Anthony and Alan, with their dad, Alvaro Vasquez. The trio formed in 2020 at the start of the pandemic and performed on Facebook lives throughout the year.
Distinguished Youth Enrichment Program Dance Team: 11:45 am - 12:00 pm
Colin Cutler: 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Greensboro-based songwriter Colin Cutler's music, spans the breadth of Americana, from Appalachian old-time to blues to old-school country to folk rock, with lyrics rooted in the earthy storytelling traditions of the South.
Shefalee Patel: 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm Born and raised in a quaint sleepy suburb of Chicago with parents that were proud to be American and proud of their Indian Roots. Shefalee's mother, Vanleela Amin, was a strong proponent of retaining the Indian heritage through folk, dance, music, food and Indian cultural programs. Vanleela Amin often said to her children, "we are proud to be Indian American. If America doesn't understand who we are and where we came from then we have to tell them and show them through our dance, our food, our music, etc. because we are also Americans." Through the example of her mom, Shefalee has chosen the performing art of dance and visual arts to use as her catalyst to create cultural connections throughout the Creative Charlotte Community.
Marvel Dance Academy: 1:45 pm - 2 pm
Destiny Stone: 2:00 -3:00 pm Destiny Stone blends gospel, blues & jazz to create lyrics and soulful melodies that leave her audiences inspired. Over the past 5 years, Destiny has most notably performed at The Fillmore in Charlotte, NC; performed an original song for John Oates of Grammy- winning duo Hall and Oates, and performed as a part of the U.S. National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Treasure dedication celebration for the renowned Nina Simone. Most recently, Destiny opened up for The Shindellas, a rising, Nashville-based girl,-group, and for the Grammy nominated trio The Tones, formerly known as The Hamiltones. She was also a Top 4 Finalist and 2nd place winner in the 2024 North Carolina Folk Festival Songwriter Competition. Born in the state capital, Jackson, and raised in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Destiny moved to North Carolina to pursue a degree in Popular Music where she graduated from Catawba College in 2018.
Artistic Expression
From paintings to crafts, Gaston MAX showcases the creativity of local and regional artists. Engage with art vendors offering a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions, from intricate paintings to handcrafted jewelry. Witness live demonstrations and discover your hidden artistic talents. See the list of artists here.
Family Fun
Gaston MAX isn't just for adults; it's an event designed to enchant visitors of all ages. Let your little ones unleash their creativity with crafts and inflatables while you explore the diverse array of vendors. With activities for the whole family, Gaston MAX promises a day of bonding and laughter.
Culinary Delights
Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey featuring mouthwatering delights from food trucks and sweet treat vendors.
Food Trucks: Kabuto On Wheels, Miami Fusion Cafe, Nacho Business, The Boba Tea Bar, and Word of Mouth Catering from traditional empanadas to fusion cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds.
Craft Beverages: Quench your thirst with craft beverages from local breweries such as Cavendish Brewing Company and Durty Bull Brewing Company.
Sweet Treats: Indulge your sweet tooth with delectable desserts from Mia's International Desserts.
Community Connection
Gaston MAX is more than just an event; it celebrates community spirit and unity. Engage with local businesses, organizations, and fellow attendees as you explore the vibrant marketplace. Discover the heart and soul of Gastonia while forging meaningful connections with your neighbors.
Plan Your Visit
Plan your visit to Gaston MAX Multicultural Arts Xperience and prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with cultural discovery and celebration. Located at the Rotary Pavilion, 111 N. South St., Gastonia, North Carolina, 28052, the festival offers ample parking and convenient access for attendees, including parking lots and a parking deck.
Mark your calendars and join us on March 22nd for a day of cultural exploration, artistic expression, and community celebration at Gaston MAX 2025. Together, let's unlock diversity's beauty and embrace multiculturalism's magic in Gastonia!
For more information, visit the official Gaston MAX Event Page.
