Last updated September 9, 2026
Step back in time and celebrate more than 200 years of gold mining history at Gold Hill Founders Day on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Held each year on the fourth Saturday in September, this original Rowan County tradition brings the Historic Village of Gold Hill to life with a day filled with arts and crafts, live bluegrass, history, food, shopping and family-friendly activities. From the morning parade to gold panning and heritage demonstrations, Founders Day is a chance to experience one of North Carolina’s most fascinating gold-mining communities while enjoying a classic small-town festival.
The celebration takes place at Gold Hill Mines Historic Park and the adjacent historic village, making it easy to spend the day exploring both the festival and the historic community.
Gold Hill Founders Day 2026
September 26, 2026
9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park & Village
The festival opens at 9 a.m., with the annual Founders Day Parade beginning at 10 a.m.
There’s also an event happening the evening before! The Little Miss & Mister Gold Hill Competition will take place Friday, September 25, at 7 p.m. at the park amphitheater.
Start the Day with the Founders Day Parade
One of the most anticipated moments of the celebration is the Founders Day Parade, beginning at 10 a.m.
Grab a spot along the parade route and watch as the community comes together to celebrate Gold Hill and its history. Then, stick around - the festival continues throughout the park and village with activities, vendors, music, food and demonstrations.
Experience Gold Hill's Gold-Mining History
Gold Hill Founders Day is more than a festival. It’s a celebration of the history that made this community what it is today.
Gold was first discovered in Gold Hill in 1824, during North Carolina’s gold rush. At its peak, the community was home to numerous mines and became one of the region’s most important gold-mining towns.
During Founders Day, visitors can explore that history through hands-on demonstrations, exhibits and tours throughout Gold Hill Mines Historic Park.
Look for:
- Gold panning
- History hayrides
- Blacksmithing and traditional demonstrations
- Antique Hit & Miss engines
- Wood carving
- Living history and military encampments
- Gold-mining history talks and discussions
- Self-guided historic tours
The park is also home to the Chilean Ore Mill, an original 1830s gold-processing mill believed to be the only complete and original Chilean Ore Mill in the United States.
See the Dinosaurs!
Yes, dinosaurs are returning to Gold Hill Founders Day!
Ed's Dinosaurs Live will be part of this year's celebration, giving visitors another fun attraction to add to their day.
Admission to the dinosaur exhibit is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 5 and under.
With dinosaurs, gold panning, historic demonstrations and a parade all happening in one place, it's easy to see why Founders Day makes for a memorable family outing.
Shop More Than 100 Artisan Vendors
Bring your shopping list - or just come ready to browse!
More than 100 art and craft vendors will fill the park during Founders Day, offering handmade goods, artwork and unique finds.
You'll also find food vendors and food trucks throughout the festival grounds, serving up everything from festival favorites to hearty meals.
Bring cash with you for purchases, as some vendors may not accept cards.
Listen to Live Bluegrass
Music is a major part of the Gold Hill Founders Day experience.
The Gold Hill Bluegrass MiniFest returns to the park amphitheater from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., hosted by the E.H. Montgomery General Store.
The 2026 lineup includes:
- 11 a.m. - NuHiWay
- 12 p.m. - Cabarrus Station
- 1 p.m. - The Emorys
- 2 p.m. - The Grass Strings
- 3 p.m. - Catawba Bluegrass Band
Admission to the Bluegrass MiniFest is free.
Bring a lawn chair, settle in at the amphitheater and enjoy an afternoon of live bluegrass surrounded by the historic Gold Hill landscape.
Explore the Historic Gold Hill Village
Don't spend the whole day in the festival grounds!
Located beside the park, the restored Historic Village of Gold Hill is home to historic buildings and locally owned shops that are worth exploring while you're in town.
Pop into the E.H. Montgomery General Store for a bottled soda, coffee and pastry, sweets or hand-dipped ice cream. You can also pick up Gold Hill maps, brochures and information about the area's history.
Be sure to grab a map of the Gold Hill Rail Trail if you'd like to explore the area's trails during your visit.
Other village shops will be open throughout the day, and Fat Macks Grill will be serving dine-in and take-out for anyone ready for a break from festival activities.
Don't Forget the Gold Panning
Ready to try your hand at finding some gold?
Gold panning will be part of the Founders Day festivities, hosted by Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site.
It's a fun way to connect with the area's gold-mining past - and a great activity for curious kids and adults alike.
Gold Hill Founders Day Schedule
Here's a look at some of the planned activities:
Friday, September 25
7 p.m. - Little Miss & Mister Gold Hill Competition
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park Amphitheater
Saturday, September 26
9 a.m. - Festival opens
- Vendors in the park
- Village shops open
- Living history encampments
- Heritage exhibits
- Dinosaur exhibit
10 a.m. - Founders Day Parade
11 a.m. - Music begins at the amphitheater
- History hayrides
- Gold-mining history talks and discussions
- Heritage demonstrations
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Gold Hill Bluegrass MiniFest
All Day - Arts and crafts, food, shopping, gold panning, historic demonstrations and more
Event schedules and entertainment details are subject to change.
