Special Events

Paws in the Park

Paws in the Park is an opportunity to socialize your dog with the community over games and fun! Paws in the Park is an annual event taking place in May each year. The event includes dog friendly games, activities, and vendors. There is no admission or entry fee.

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.

Cruise In's

Each Spring and Fall we host a Cruise In at Dallas Park for vehicles 1995 and older. No registration or entry fee.

2023 Fall Cruise In Flyer (PDF)

Park After Dark Family Camp Out

Each Spring and Fall we host a Family Camp Out in Dallas Park, this event has limited spaces and books up quickly! It is $5 per person, which includes outdoor educational entertainment, hotdog dinner, snacks and a light breakfast in the morning.

2023 Fall Park After Dark Flyer (PDF)

Cotton Ginning Days

Cotton Ginning 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 Cotton Ginning Days page.

Halloween Fest 

The Annual Halloween Fest is held indoors at the Citizens Resource Center at Dallas Park. The Halloween Fest includes fall festival games and activities, a costume contest, and more!

2023 Halloween Fest Flyer (PDF)

Stanley Creek Massacre 5K / 10K

The Annual Stanley Creek Massacre 5K and 10K race takes place the last Saturday in October starting at Harper Park in Stanley. This race is called the Stanley Creek Massacre for good reason! This race provides a great opportunity for runners to enjoy a more hilly/challenging experience than many races provided. That being said, don't let the name scare you off, it's all in good fun.

Race day registration packet pick up from 7am until 7:45am. The race will begin at 8am. Racing Toes will provide chip timing of the race. 

COSTUME CONTEST - If you wear a costume while you run, you will be entered in a drawing! 

Race course: 10K and 5K

To register online and for more information you can visit racingtoes.com OR

Click here to download the Race Registration Form – 18 and older (PDF)

Click here to download the Race Registration Form – under 18 (PDF)

To submit registration forms:

Click here to send through email.

Mail to: Gaston County Parks and Recreation- ATTN Gil – P.O. Box 1578, Gastonia, NC 28053

Drop off in person or fill out in person at: Citizens Resource Center – Parks and Recreation office – 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy., Dallas, NC 28034

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.