Great annual events to look forward to in Gaston County in 2025
2025 promises to be a great year in Gaston County as our annual events create great reasons to plan a visit. Use this list of events to "Save The Date" and make your plans now to visit Gaston County.
WINTER
Dog Days of Winter
February 15, 2025 | Whitewater Center
Celebrate winter with your four-legged friends this February with a variety of activities ranging from a 5K trail race, adoption events, clinics, ice rink access, doggy vendors and more. Learn More
Fossil Fare
February 22, 2025 | Schiele Museum
Visitors are invited to travel back in time at The Schiele Museum of Natural History on during the 24th Annual Fossil Fair. Participants can search for North Carolina fossils, meet live animals (“living fossils”), mine for gemstones, explore the Dino Safari exhibit, talk to geologists and paleontologists, enjoy a dinosaur-themed planetarium show, and learn all about prehistoric life. Learn More
SPRING
Green River Revival
March 15, 2025 | Whitewater Center
Kick off spring this year at the Green River Revival celebrated each year as a part of the St. Patrick's Day celebration. The resident leprechaun transforms the river green then the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run takes place followed by rafting down the river while listening to live music. Learn More
Gaston Max
March 22, 2025 | Gastonia
The City of Gastonia, Gaston County Government, Gaston County Public Library, and the Friends of the Gaston County Public Library are partnering to host Gaston MAX (Multicultural Arts Xperience), showcasing art, music, literature, and culture, international food, music, dancing, and more! Learn More
Gaston County Public Library Book Sale
April 21-26 2025 | Gaston County Library Main Branch
Mark your calendars for the week long, Gaston County Public Library Annual Book Sale put on by Friends of the Gaston County Public Library. Learn More
Earth Day Celebration
April 12, 2025 | Kings Mountain Gateway Trail
Celebrate Earth Day at Gateway Trail with a magical butterfly release! This will be a joyful and sustainable Earth Day celebration! Learn More
Cherry Blossom Festival
April 25-26, 2025 | Gazebo Mini-Park, Cherryville
The 2025 Cherry Blossom Festival attendees will enjoy the Miss Cherry Blossom Pageant, food vendors, rides, entertainment, antique car show, eating contests, bounce houses, art & crafts, and an array of food and beverage options. Learn More
Tuck Fest
April 19-21, 2024 | Whitewater Center
This multi-day festival celebrates outdoor lifestyle with exhibitions, demos, live music, and a variety of outdoor competitions that include trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, stand-up paddle boarding, obstacle, and adventure racing. Learn More
Garibaldi Festival
April 25, 2025 | Stowe Park
Mark your calendars to save the date for this fun day long festival at Stowe Park in Belmont, NC. It will be a full day of live music from a variety of genres, art exhibits, unique artisan vendors, and amazing food. Learn More
Springfest
May 3, 2025 | Mount Holly Main Street Events
Save the Date for Springfest a festival to celebrate spring in downtown Mount Holly this May. Learn More
Goat Island Games
May 3, 2025 | Goat Island in Cramerton
Lace up your running shoes, take out your discs, grab a kayak and ping pong paddles, and bring your best back-yard cornhole game! The annual Goat Island Games is a full day of fun with events for the whole family in Cramerton. Learn More
RiverFest
May 3, 2025 | McAdenville-Cramerton
Keep the RiverFest party going with our 3rd annual Floating Concert! Enjoy live music played from a raft as you float down the South Fork in your own kayak or canoe. Learn More
SUMMER
Summer Concerts
May-Sept | Various Downtowns in Gaston County
Live music concerts takes place in several of our downtowns throughout the summer months. Keep an eye on our calendar of events as summer draws near for the list of locations and dates. Learn More
Hippie Daze Festival
May 17-18, 2025 | Dallas Lavender Lane
A two-day festival featuring locally grown lavender products, a petting zoo, and lots of local vendors. Learn More
Independence Day Celebrations
July 2025 | Multiple Locations
Keep an eye on our annual event calendar for a comprehensive list of Independence Day festivities, including spectacular fireworks displays. Don't miss out on the excitement. Learn More
NC BeachBlast Festival
August 23, 2025 | Kings Mountain
Save the date for this year's BeachBlast Festival at Patriots Park in Kings Mountain. Learn More
FALL
Countryfest
October 3-4 2025 | Stanley
Keep your eye out for the annual Countryfest festival and carnival which is set to take place again this year in Stanley with rides, vendors, and music.
Lantern Parade
October 2025 | Mount Holly
Hundreds of local students, and community members create lanterns and join together to light the sky in a night time parade in Mount Holly. Learn More
Cotton Ginning Days
October 10-12, 2025 | Dallas Park
Exhibitors from all over the southeast will convene in Dallas, NC for the annual 'crank-up' of antique steam and gasoline engines and tractors. In addition to the engine show, many activities are planned including a kids county fair, heritage arts area, handmade craft vendors, and music. So mark your calendars and plan to join GAMTRA and Gaston County Parks and Recreation Department as we present Cotton Ginning Days. As always, the food is good and admission and parking are free. Learn More
WINTER
Christmas County
December 2025 | Gaston County
Christmas is a magical time in Gaston County, from holiday lights, to festivals, parades, skating, snowless sledding, tree lightings, holiday markets and more. Christmas County returns as as a way of showcasing all of the holiday events taking place in Gaston County. Learn More
Christmas Town USA
December 2025 | McAdenville
The historic mill town of McAdenville transforms each Christmas with an impressive light display including holiday music. Vehicles drive through town and people walk the streets to enjoy the show. Learn More
New Years Shooters
Cherryville
Musket shooting on New Year's Day is one of the oldest traditions around the world. In Cherryville NC they continue this tradition complete with a new year’s chant and musket blasts. Learn More
As the seasons unfold in Gaston County, each event promises to be a chapter in a year filled with joy, adventure, and community spirit. We invite you to save the dates, plan your visits, and immerse yourselves in the diverse array of experiences that make our county special. No matter the occasion, Gaston County welcomes you to create cherished moments throughout the year. Join us in celebrating the unique culture, vibrant community, and exciting events that make our county a destination worth exploring. See you at the festivities!
