Gaston County, NC
2021 represents a significant chapter in Gaston County’s history—its 175th anniversary. On December 21, 1846, Gaston County came to be. As we commemorate this milestone, it is important to not only look back at where we have been, but also look ahead to what is on the horizon. Join us this coming year as we celebrate at our attractions, during signature events, and imagine the County’s next 175 years.
We Need Your Help
All year long we will be honoring our Hospitality ALL-STARS including hotels and other overnight accommodations, restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, coffee shops, retailers, outfitters, attractions, museums, gardens, galleries, performing arts venues, music venues, parks, trails, waterways, golf courses or information providers.
We need your help by nominating either a Gaston County hospitality business or an employee that has “WOWED” you! To nominate an ALL-STAR simply visit GoGastonNC.org/175 to submit your favorites.
Things to look forward to in 2022!
As we look forward to the year, we can’t help but get excited. While the details have yet to be worked out here is a list of things to look forward to in 2022. Keep an eye on our website for up-to-date event listings.
Spring
When spring is in the air people start to flock to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to see new blooms. Spring is also the start of the race season at Carolina Speedway, known as the Action Track. A few popular events include Gaston MAX (Multicultural Arts Xperience) held at the Rotary Pavilion in downtown Gastonia showcases art, music, literature, and culture and more. The Canine Carnival and Just Plain Dog Show take place at Dallas Park and look for RiverFest, a family-friendly festival held on the banks of the Catawba River in Belmont. The Red Bull World Championship and Bike Fest will be held at Poston Park in May. These two events feature not only incredible riding but food vendors, bike demos, local bike shop vendors, guided trail rides, mountain bike skills clinic, and more.
Summer
The fun really gets going during the summer. Look for the Gastonia Honey Hunters as they begin their second season at Caromont Health Park. Summer concert series take place in our downtowns providing fun for the whole family as well as 4th of July celebrations. Eastridge Mall is home to Gaston All American Fair, 10 days filled with rides, live music, games, and fireworks. Also in July is the Kids Catfish Tournament. This annual kids fishing tournament is the perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to fishing.
Fall
In the fall look for Heritage Harvest Days held at Dallas Park in Dallas. Other fall festivals are yet to be determined but we look forward to some of our old favorites, especially during Halloween. Fall is also a great time to visit our farms to pick pumpkins, get lost in a corn maze, and more.
Winter
Christmas is really big in Gaston County with the lights at Christmas Town USA in McAdenville as well as Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Our downtowns deck their halls every year as well as host events to celebrate the season. Snow tubing at Crowders Ridge and skating at US National Whitewater Center are also popular.
Hopefully, you are now pumped for the new year as we celebrate Gaston County’s 175th anniversary. Don’t forget, we need your help. We want to know your favorite attractions, events, and hospitality partners that “WOW” you from Gaston County. Nominate a Hospitality ALL-STAR today at GoGastonNC.org/175.
–Melissa McCauley
Gaston County Tourism Development 620 N. Main Street, Belmont, NC – GoGastonNC.org | TravelGuide@gogastonnc.org
