School’s out for summer. And honestly, I’m not sure who’s more excited, the kids or the teachers.

You know how I know? I live with one.

Just minutes after the final bell rang Wednesday afternoon, my wife, Jillian, texted me: “Is tonight a Friday Night Live?”

I gently reminded her: “It’s only Wednesday.”

Growing up, I assumed teachers wanted school to keep going forever. I figured if it were up to them, we’d be in class year-round, maybe even Saturdays too. Learning was serious business.

Now I know better.

Teachers love summer break every bit as much as the students. Maybe more.

And honestly, that says something important about all of us.

We all need a break sometimes. A chance to slow down, stay up a little too late, eat ice cream on a random Tuesday, do cannonballs in the pool, and enjoy some mindless summer fun before life speeds back up this fall.

Fun matters too.

So here’s to slower mornings, splash pads, baseball games, family movie nights, and figuring out what day it is somewhere around mid-July.

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The Dallas Park splash pad opens tomorrow (5/22) at 10 a.m. for the 2026 season and will operate daily through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Town officials say the splash pad uses a recycled water system, allowing it to remain open responsibly during current dry conditions unless a Stage 3 drought is declared. 

Downtown Gastonia’s Downstairs Ice Cream is moving to a new Main Street location this summer, just steps from its current basement shop. The popular ice cream spot says customers won’t need to walk downstairs anymore, but the name is staying the same. More details and another announcement are expected soon.

With Neese’s liver pudding hard to find across North Carolina, Gaston County residents are passionately debating the next best option on the Gaston Eats closed Facebook group. Hunter’s, Jenkins, Mack’s, and Frank Corriher were among the most recommended brands, with many locals insisting nothing truly compares to the longtime breakfast staple. [Closed Facebook group]

Applewood Animal Hospital will host a Pet Fair and Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, June 6 from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. No appointments are needed for vaccines. The event also features local pet vendors, free hot dogs and drinks, plus products and treats for pets and their owners alike. 

A new public art space is now open in Downtown Gastonia and the FUSE District near Trenton Mill and Waterbean Coffee. Gastonia’s Community Canvas invites artists and non-artists alike to paint, create, and leave their mark while helping keep the shared mural space welcoming and positive. 

Regal Cinemas in Gastonia is bringing back its Summer Movie Express series from June 1 through August 13. Families can catch $1 movies starting at 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday, plus get $3 off a Snack Pack with popcorn, a drink, and fruit gummies during participating showings. 

Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

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Belmont Farmers Market — Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dallas Farmers Market — Select Sundays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Gastonia Farmers Market — Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Kings Mountain Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Mount Holly Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Friday (5/29) — Charleston Dirty Birds @ 7 p.m.
Saturday (5/30) — Charleston Dirty Birds @ 7 p.m.
Sunday (5/31) — Charleston Dirty Birds @ 4 p.m.
Tuesday (6/2) — Lancaster Stormers @ 6 p.m.

Muddy River Distillery Summer Festival
📍 250 N. Main Street, Mount Holly
📅 Saturday, June 20
⏰ 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Kick off summer at Muddy River Distillery with waterfront views, craft drinks, live music from Unknown Artist, and a festival atmosphere. Organizers are also seeking vendors featuring pet products, plants, outdoor goods, vintage finds, and specialty items. More Details. 

The History and Restoration of the American Chestnut
📍 1303 Dallas Cherryville Highway, Dallas
⏰ 10–11 a.m.
Learn about the American Chestnut during this free monthly speaker event focused on restoration and conservation efforts. More Details.

Memorial Day Service
📍 Edgewood Cemetery, Lowell
⏰ 12–1 p.m.
Honor fallen service members during this free Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the City of Lowell at Edgewood Cemetery. More Details.

Little Historians Popsicles & Play
📍 George Poston Park, Cramerton
⏰ 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Families can enjoy popsicles, picnic fun, and outdoor play during this sunny afternoon gathering below Spencer Mountain. More Details.

Goat Yoga!
📍 126 S. Trenton Street, Gastonia
⏰ 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Stretch, relax, and enjoy goat yoga on the patio during this fun community wellness event in Gastonia. More Details.

Gaston Business Association’s 23rd Annual Salute to Business
📍 Gaston Country Club, Gastonia
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Business and community leaders gather to celebrate major contributions to Gaston County during the annual Salute to Business awards event. More Details. 

Cramerton Concert Series: The Catalinas
📍 Centennial Center, Cramerton
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
Beach music legends The Catalinas headline this free outdoor concert featuring dancing, lawn chairs, and family-friendly summer fun. More Details.

Jazz at the Garden: Memorial Weekend Kick Off and Outside White Party
📍 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 7–10 p.m.
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with live jazz, lawn seating, and an outdoor white party at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. More Details.

Little Theater of Gastonia presents And Then There Were None
📍 238 S Clay St, Gastonia
📅 Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 31
⏰ times vary
Agatha Christie’s classic mystery comes to life as ten strangers trapped on a remote island face deadly secrets and shocking twists. More Details. 

Second Annual WSGE Beach DJ Showcase
📍 Belmont Moose Lodge, Belmont
⏰ 5–8 p.m.
WSGE and Gaston Shaggers host this beach music showcase featuring volunteer DJs and community dancing fun. More Details.

Rock the House Memorial Day Weekend Bash
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Kick off Memorial Day weekend with live music, food, drinks, and high-energy entertainment at CaroMont Health Park. More Details.

River Jam: David Childers & the Serpents
📍 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte
⏰ 7–10 p.m.
Head to the Whitewater Center for a free outdoor concert featuring David Childers & the Serpents. More Details.

Movies In The Park feat. Homeward Bound
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 8:30–11:30 p.m.
Watch Homeward Bound under the stars during this free outdoor movie night featuring concessions and arcade games. More Details.

Downtown Gastonia Photography Walk
📍 Gastonia
⏰ 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Explore downtown Gastonia through photography during this casual community walk open to all experience levels. More Details.

Professional Women's Association at Viva Tequis
📍 Viva Tequis, Gastonia
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
Professional women from across Gaston County can connect, network, and unwind during this relaxed social gathering. More Details.

Summer Reading Kick-Off
📍 203 McAdenville Road, Lowell
⏰ 3–6 p.m.
Celebrate the start of summer reading with dinosaur-themed activities and special prehistoric guests for all ages. More Details.

Charcuterie Class with Graze & Piece
📍 117 Center Street, Cramerton
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Create your own charcuterie board at Confluence with Graze & Piece’s hands-on workshop experience. More Details.

Wind Down Wednesday feat. CRG Trio
📍 McCord Family Park, Lowell
⏰ 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Relax with live music from CRG Trio during Lowell’s Wind Down Wednesday concert series in the park. More Details.

Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any changes after publication. Events marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

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