Special Events

Canine Carnival / Just Plain Dog Show

The Canine Carnival is an opportunity to socialize your dog with the community over games and fun! Just Plain Dog Show is an annual event taking place in May each year. All ages (6 years and older) are eligible to participate, we will have two age groups for each event: 17 and under and 18 and older. The show has two categories with 18 different classes for your four-legged friend to participate in. There is no admission or entry fee.

Seasonal Movie Series

During the year we host several movies in the park. These movies are open to the public and have free admission and free popcorn. All movies begin at sunset, if a seasonal movie is held inside due to cooler outdoor temperatures, movie times will be advertised.

Kids Catfish Tournament

Kids Catfish Tournament is an annual kids fishing tournament in July. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to fishing. We have a limited supply of fishing poles that will be loaned out via the Kids Fishing Program. All kids MUST be accompanied by an adult. Adults are not permitted to fish during the tournament. Prizes will be awarded.

BikeFest / Red Bull World Championship Qualifier

BikeFest is an annual event Sponsored by Gaston County Travel and Tourism. The event is held at George Poston Park which is home to over 10 miles of mountain bike trails and was named a National Recreation Trail in 2015. BikeFest features food vendors, bike demos, local bike shop vendors, free guided trail rides, mountain bike skills clinics, and much more. The day will end with the Red Bull World Championship qualifying event featuring pump track riders from all over the United States competing for a trip to the World Championships

Heritage & Harvest Days

Heritage and Harvest Days is an annual three-day festival that takes place the second weekend in October. The festival consists of antique engine and farm equipment vendors and exhibitors from all over the southeast, two days of live bluegrass and folk music, and various food vendors. To find out more about the festival please view the Heritage and Harvest Days page.

Stanley Creek Massacre 5K / 10K

The Annual Stanley Creek Massacre 5K and 10K race takes place in October in downtown Stanley.

1890s Historic Christmas Village

The Annual 1890s Heritage Village Christmas is a celebration of what Christmas was like for the majority of Gaston County residents at the turn of the 20th Century. This free Christmas celebration is held at the 1890s Heritage Village at Dallas Park in December. Visitors can enjoy Christmas as it may have been during the 1890s and early 1900's here in Gaston County. The event features Christmas crafts, apple cider, s'mores, hot chocolate, and cookies. Santa is on hand to share the holiday cheer so don't forget to bring your cameras.