- Rob Glover
Rockin' and Reelin': Outdoor Music and Movie Series in Gaston County
Every summer, it feels like the list of outdoor event series in Gaston County grows. This year you'll find street parties, live music, classic car cruise-ins, food truck rallies, and outdoor movies put on by towns all over the county.
With so many, it will be hard to find a weekend this summer without something fun going on.
Here we've curated a list of these event series so you can plan for an amazing summer in Gaston.
Gastonia, Summer Concert Series
Every year, the Gastonia East Rotary Club manages this summertime tradition. This year features a wider variety of music, including Motown, rock, and beach music. Also, there’s a bonus concert during Taste of Gastonia on August 10th with a three-band line up.
Where: Rotary Pavilion, Downtown Gastonia
When: Every other Friday, May 17 through July 26. Bonus concert Saturday, Aug 10 (during Taste of Gastonia)
Time: 6pm DJ, 7pm band
Belmont, Friday Night Live Music Series
For four Fridays (plus the Fourth of July) in May, June, and July, Belmont’s Main Street transforms into one big street party. Each event includes a DJ, a band, food trucks and a beverage garden. Plus, you’re within an easy stroll of all the great restaurants downtown.
Where: Main Street (near Stowe Park), Downtown Belmont
When: Every other Friday, May 10 through June 21. Bonus concert Thursday, July 4th (part of the Red, White, and Belmont Celebration)
Time: 6pm DJ, 7pm bands
Belmont, Movies in the Park
Belmont’s Stowe Park takes on the silver screen! This year, Tastebuds Popcorn will be available for purchase, and there will be a special Halloween screaming, ahem, screening in October.
Where: Stowe Park, downtown Belmont
When: 2nd Saturday, May through October
Time: Varies
Mount Holly, Summer Concert Series
The Mount Holly Summer Concert Series is the longest in Gaston County with 10 dates spanning 7 months. The town shuts down Main Street for each event, so there’s plenty of room for dancing. Expect lots of great food for sale outside. Plus, local restaurants are open during the concerts.
Where: South Main Street, Downtown Mount Holly
When: Various Friday Nights, April 5 through Sept, 6
Time: 6pm DJ, 7pm bands
Summer Concert Series lineup
April 5: Tim Clark
May 17: Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot
May 31: Jim Quick and Coastline
June 7: Blackwater Rhythm and Blues Band
June 21: The Entertainers
July 12: The Tams
July 26: The Catalinas
August 2: Band of Oz
August 23: Steve Owens and Summertime
Sept 6: Spare Change
Mount Holly, Food Truck Fridays
Each Friday of the series brings a collection of Food trucks to downtown Mount Holly along with a band, a DJ, and a kids zone. The food trucks rotate, but common attendees include Two Chicks and a Truck, Taco Green-Go, and OooWee BBQ.
Where: Downtown Mount Holly
When: Various Friday nights, April 12 through October 11
Time: 6 to 10pm (band starts at 7)
Food Truck Friday Music lineup
Friday, April 12 - Special Occasion Band and DJ Rudi
Friday, May 10 - Trial by Fire (Journey Tribute Band) and DJ Johnny B's Beach & Boogie
Friday, June 14 - The Legacy Motown Revue and DJ Mr. Musicman
Thursday, June 27 - Annual Fireworks Celebration - Coming Up Brass and DJ Brian Wilson
Friday, August 9 - On the Border (Eagles Tribute Band) and DJ Johnny B's Beach & Boogies
Friday, September 13 - Kelby Costner
Friday, October 11 - The Inlaws
Dallas, Summer Concert Series & Cruise-In
Bring your best ride and dancing shoes! The Summer Concert Series & Cruise-in is part street party, part classic car show.
Where: Courthouse Square, Downtown Dallas
When: Various Saturdays plus the 4th of July.
Time: 7 pm (6 pm on July 4th)
Dallas Summer Concert Series lineup
May 11th - Summer Concert with The Catalinas and the Dallas Ambassadors Car Show
June 8th - Summer Concert and Cruise-In with Chairmen of The Board
July 4th - Summer Concert Series and Fireworks with Image and Hotwired
September 14th - Summer Concert Series and Cruise-In with 20 Ride
Bessemer City, Sounds of Summer Concert Series
The Sounds of Summer Concert Series is a monthly festival featuring music, classic cars, food, beer and wine in downtown Bessemer City.
Where: Centennial park, Downtown Bessemer City
When: Fourth Saturday each month, April through May
Time: 6pm
U.S. National Whitewater Center, River Jam
In typical fashion, the U.S. National Whitewater Center takes no half measures in its concert series. Regional and even nationally acclaimed bands take the open-air stage with plenty of grass to dance or spread out a blanket. Music styles range from Americana to rock and funk.
Things get pretty busy at the USNWC, but here’s a quick pro tip: In addition to their biergarten, there are other beer taps tucked away in the Trail Center, the Kayak Center, and even in the retail store. Lines are typically shorter there.
Where: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway
When: Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May through September.
Time: 7pm
Check here for the River Jam music lineup