Meet 30-plus local authors, poets, songwriters and makers at the Gaston County Library's Main Branch: readings, free workshops, family storytimes, live music and keynote talks. Books and crafts are for sale, but getting in and the programs are free. Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10am–2pm.
Veterans Bridge Home's free festival honors service members, veterans and their families in Uptown with live music, family activities, a hot dog eating contest and a free lunch for people who register. Open to the whole community. Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11am–3pm.
A free mini concert of Baroque music by the Youth Orchestra of Charlotte at Mint Museum Uptown, during the museum's free Wednesday evening. Music starts at 6:30pm and the galleries stay open (free) until 9pm. Cash bar from 5:30pm. Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Part of the Mint's Steinway Residency Series: pianist Ethan Uslan, a three-time World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest winner, plays classic jazz and ragtime (Gershwin, Cole Porter, Scott Joplin) at Mint Museum Uptown. Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 6–6:45pm, during free Wednesday evening.
Myers Park Library turns 70, and local musician Chris McGuire celebrates with 1950s pop songs played from behind the library's tiny front desk. Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 6:30–7:30pm.
Downtown Concord lights its tree with food trucks, a kids' zone, Santa and Mrs. Claus in a snow-filled Courthouse Plaza, live music from country show band Saddletramp on the main stage at Union Street and Barbrick Avenue, a youth stage, and fireworks to finish. Friday, November 20, 2026, 6–9pm.
One of the oldest continuously running Christmas parades in North Carolina rolls more than two miles through Concord along Church Street, Buffalo Avenue and Union Street, from Church Street N at Lake Concord Road to Union Street at Corban Avenue. Free to watch. Saturday, November 21, 2026, starting at 2:30pm.
The Southeast's biggest Thanksgiving parade marches along Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte. Watching from the street is free: bring your own chair to claim a spot along Tryon (paid VIP seats are optional). Wednesday, November 25, 2026, stepping off at 5:30pm, rain or shine.
Verified Oct 27 · novanthealththanksgivingparade.com
Christmas Town USA starts with a tree lighting at Dynamo 31, 102 Main Street, where a child flips the switch on the town's famous light display. Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 5:30pm.
Downtown Gastonia's holiday night brings the Gaston County Jaycees Christmas Parade, the Keep Gastonia Beautiful tree lighting, music and free entertainment around the Rotary Centennial Pavilion. Sunday, December 6, 2026, 4:30–7:30pm.
A McAdenville tradition since 1949: the Yule Log Parade starts near the Yule Log on its vintage sled at 100 Main Street, with singing from 5:30pm. Arrive early. Thursday, December 10, 2026.
Café Amaretto Band plays traditional Latin American holiday songs and more at Pineville Library, part of the Creating the Soundtrack of Your Life series funded through ASC's Culture Blocks. Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2–3:30pm. Concierto de Navidad bilingüe.
Verified Oct 27 · cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com
Catch: Free tickets required: register on the library event page
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