The Case for October

October is a special month, especially here in Gaston County.

After reading today’s newsletter, you’ll see it’s packed with fun things to do. Festivals, football games, fall flavors and more. It’s all happening right now.

Part of the reason there’s so much going on is the weather.

October gives us cool mornings that only call for a light jacket, followed by afternoons that still feel like summer’s kinder cousin. And best of all, almost no humidity. It’s the kind of air that makes you want to stay outside a little longer.

It’s football season. It’s baseball playoffs. Halloween is everywhere. October is proof that there’s something for everyone, no matter your age or zip code.

Maybe October is our reward for surviving July and August.

And honestly, we deserve it. So much so that we should have five full weekends every October. We don’t get that luxury this year, but mark your calendars because it happens again in 2027.

Until then, soak it all in, the crisp mornings, the golden light, the easy afternoons. Enjoy what’s left of the sunlight before the clocks roll back next month.

And here’s to the rare joy of not sweating through your shirt until May. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Thank you for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SIMPLY AMERICAN DOG TREAT COMPANY

✨YOUR DOGS WILL DO ANYTHING FOR THESE JUMBO PIG EARS!✨

Simply American Dog Treat Company – North Carolina's only mobile dog treat truck based right here in Belmont!

• Pure Quality Treats – Handcrafted with only local meat, fish, or sweet potatoes with absolutely no fillers - just wholesome ingredients your dogs deserve and crave

• Mobile & Delivery Convenience – Follow @simplyamericandog to track our truck locations or enjoy complimentary free local delivery service straight to your door

Ready to spoil your pups with premium local treats? ORDER AT SIMPLYAMERICANDOG.COM →

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🎃 YOUR GUIDE TO GASTON COUNTY’S HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

From Moos and Brews at The Schiele to Haunted Dallas Ghost Tours, Gaston County’s spooky season is in full swing. Enjoy fall festivals in Cramerton, Gastonia, and Belmont, family favorites like Boofest and Trick-or-Trail, plus adult parties at Muddy River, Traust Brewing, Primal, and Confluence. [Gaston County Tourism Development]

🍂 FEEL-GOOD FALL GIVEAWAY IN DOWNTOWN GASTONIA

Erica Southers and local businesses in the DTG are teaming up for a cozy fall Instagram giveaway featuring coffee, skincare, and more. Enter now for your chance to win a “feel-good” day in downtown Gastonia. Act fast - the winner will be drawn tomorrow (Oct. 17).

🎙️ GASTON’S GREAT SPOTLIGHTS RICE N BEANS GASTONIA

In the latest Gaston’s Great podcast, host Steven Long chats with Jeff “Pinto” Thomas, leader of Rice N Beans Gastonia, about feeding and serving the homeless with compassion every Tuesday night. Hear powerful stories of hope, faith, and community service in action.

☕ WATERBEAN COFFEE EXQUISITE OPENS IN GASTONIA

Waterbean Coffee’s newest concept, Exquisite, makes its grand debut this Friday, Oct. 17, in Gastonia’s FUSE District. Guests can experience an immersive, guided coffee tasting led by Director of Coffee Mary Pardue. Celebrate the grand opening of this one-of-a-kind local coffee experience. 

🎗️ CONVERTIBLES FOR A CAUSE RETURNS TO BELMONT

Start your engines for the 13th Annual Topless Cruise on Saturday, Oct. 25. All vehicles, motorcycles, and pickups are welcome to join this parade for a purpose. Registration starts 9 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Belmont, parade at 10 a.m., with music and breakfast to follow.

🍦 BEHIND THE SCOOPS: THE MAKING OF THE TONY’S EXHIBIT

A new YouTube documentary takes you behind the scenes of how the Gaston County Museum brought the Tony’s Ice Cream story to life. Meet the creative team, explore the process, and see how community pride shaped this beloved exhibit. 

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FARMHOUSER DESIGN

✨ STOP SETTLING FOR GENERIC LOGOS ✨

Meet Leslie Boyd of Farmhouser Design – 20+ years creating custom brands for Gaston County small businesses!

• Local & Accessible — Quick turnaround with real collaboration, not cookie-cutter templates

• Lasting Partnerships — Leslie builds ongoing relationships, not one-and-done projects

• Complete Brand Solutions — From logos to marketing materials, everything your business needs to shine

Work with a designer who gets it (and gets you). CONNECT WITH LESLIE TODAY →

GO-SEE-DO GASTON

PLAN AHEAD

8th Annual Lantern Parade
📍 Downtown Mount Holly
📅 Saturday, October 25
⏰ 7 p.m.
Watch Main Street glow as hundreds of handmade lanterns of all shapes and sizes light up the night in this magical after-dark parade. More Details.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16

An Evening with Valerie Bauerlein (Sponsored by the Gaston Literacy Council)
📍 3700 Country Club Dr., Gastonia
⏰ 6–8:30 p.m.
Join acclaimed journalist Valerie Bauerlein for an engaging discussion on her new book Devil at His Elbow, exploring the Murdaugh dynasty. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Glenway Street, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Shop seasonal produce, local meats, baked goods, and flowers from regional growers at this weekly community market in the heart of Belmont. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
 📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers grown right here in Gaston County. More Details.

Master Gardener Group Presents Preston Montague
📍 Citizens Resource Center, Dallas
⏰ 10 - 11 a.m.
Join landscape designer and artist Preston Montague for an informative horticulture session presented by the Master Gardeners. More Details.

Get Ready Gaston 2025
📍 Haid Theater at Belmont Abbey College, Belmont
⏰ 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
A forum uniting education, workforce, and industry leaders to shape Gaston County’s growth and resilience. Presented by Atrium Health. More Details.

The Spark Session
📍 The Rooster, Gastonia
⏰ 7 p.m.
Musicians and creatives gather to collaborate and compose during this monthly Music Matters session hosted by Beth Gatlin and Madeline Swann. More Details.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17

Carolina Speedway Racing
📍 6355 Union Rd., Gastonia
⏰ 7 p.m.
Experience Friday night dirt track racing at its finest with local drivers, roaring engines, and thrilling finishes. More Details.

Friday Night Football
📍 Various stadiums
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
Local lights shine bright as Gaston County teams take the field: Ashbrook at Forestview, Burns at Cherryville, Lincolnton at Stuart Cramer, North Gaston at Crest, Shelby at East Gaston, South Point at Kings Mountain and  West Lincoln at Highland Tech.

Haunted Dallas Ghost Tours
📍 131 W Main St, Dallas
⏰ 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Every Friday in October (except Halloween). $10 per person, free for members. More Details.

Little Shop of Horrors
📍 Little Theater of Gastonia, Gastonia
📅 Friday, October 17 - Sunday, October 26
⏰ times vary
The cult-classic musical comedy returns! Laugh, scream, and sing along with Seymour and the man-eating plant Audrey II. More Details.

Scary-Ville 2025
📍 220 E. Main St., Cherryville, NC
⏰ 6 - 10 p.m.
Cherryville transforms into a haunted wonderland with music, costumes, and family-friendly frightful fun. More Details.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Browse fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers at Mount Holly’s premier Saturday morning market. More Details.

Garden Photography Walk
📍 Garden Pavilion, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont
⏰ 8–10 a.m.
Join photographer Nelson Stegall for a mindful morning capturing nature’s beauty through the Slow Photography Movement. Beginners and pros welcome. More Details.

Gastonia Fall Festival
📍 Downtown Gastonia
⏰ 3–7 p.m.
Downtown Gastonia comes alive with food trucks, live music, games, and family fun—plus a KidsZone with rides and carnival games. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Shop local produce, meats, baked goods, and handmade gifts at this weekly community favorite. More Details.

53rd Annual Lincoln County Apple Festival
📍 Downtown Lincolnton
⏰ 9 a.m. - 4 p.m
Celebrate fall’s favorite fruit with apple treats, crafts, local vendors, and entertainment in historic downtown Lincolnton. More Details.

Moonlight Market
📍 Falls Family Farm, Gastonia
⏰ Evening
Shop local artisans, enjoy live music, and experience a festive night market atmosphere at Falls Family Farm. More Details.

Cramerton Fall Festival
📍 C.B. Huss Recreation Complex, Cramerton
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Cramerton’s fall celebration returns with food trucks, vendors, hayrides, and fun for all ages. More Details.

BOO-gie Night
📍 715 N. Main St., Lowell, NC
⏰ 5 - 8 p.m.
Grab friends and family for a spooktacular dance party featuring costumes, music, and community fun. More Details.

The Jazz Funk & Soul Fall Jam
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
⏰ 10 p.m.–2 a.m.
Groove to smooth jazz, funky beats, and soulful sounds under the lights at Gastonia’s downtown ballpark. More Details.

DTG Fall Crawl - Downtown Gastonia
📍 122 S. Oakland St., Gastonia
⏰ 6 p.m.– 12 a.m.
Downtown Gastonia’s annual Fall Crawl brings themed drinks, arcade stops, and late-night fun across downtown spots. More Details.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19

Carolina Panthers at New York Jets
📍 MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
⏰ 1 p.m. (FOX)
Week 7 has the Panthers visiting the Big Apple.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Find farm-fresh produce, local goods, and community connections at the midweek edition of Gastonia’s beloved market. More Details.

Veterans Coffee Connection
📍 Outback Steakhouse, Gastonia
⏰ 8:30 a.m.
Veterans are invited for coffee, camaraderie, and conversation as they share stories and support each other. Sponsored by Carolina Caring. 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.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

And thank you for reading! If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

Was this email forwarded to you? Signup here!

Was there something I missed this week? Let me know at [email protected]. Want to get your business in Hello, Gaston!? Let’s talk!