A Weekend Through History: GermanFest and Gold Hill Founders Day
Fall in Rowan County brings cooler days, changing leaves and opportunities to experience the history of our community. This September, two family-friendly festivals invite the community to step back in time and explore Rowan County’s German heritage and gold-mining history.
From colonial trades and tours at GermanFest to gold panning, living history demonstrations and bluegrass music at Gold Hill Founders Day, these annual events offer two Saturdays filled with local history, culture and fall fun. 🍂🤎✨
Explore Rowan County’s German Heritage at GermanFest
- Saturday, September 19, 2026
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Old Stone House
- 770 Old Stone House Road, Salisbury, NC 28146
- Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for children ages 4 and younger
Hosted by Rowan Museum at the historic Old Stone House, GermanFest explores the experiences and traditions of the German settlers who helped shape Rowan County.
Unlike a traditional Oktoberfest, this educational festival focuses on German American history and culture. Visitors can tour the colonial-era Michael Braun House while learning about the people who lived there and the broader experiences of German settlers in Rowan County.
Historical reenactors and demonstrators will bring the past to life through blacksmithing, weaving and other traditional trades. Educational booths will explore German American culture and history, including the important role of churches in early German communities.
Families can also enjoy colonial toys and games, small animals and opportunities to shop from vendors offering honey, soap, lotion and other handmade goods. Concessions will be available, and New Sarum Brewing will offer beer, including specialty varieties historically connected to the Braun House.
Photo Credit: Rowan Museum
Photo Credit: Rowan Museum
GermanFest Parking and Trolley Information
Parking at the Old Stone House may be limited. A complimentary trolley is expected to run continuously between the Granite Crossing Shopping Center and the Old Stone House from 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Trolley parking location:
900 N. Salisbury Avenue
Salisbury, NC 28146
Celebrate Gold Hill’s Mining Heritage at Founders Day
- Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Festival opens at 9 a.m.
- Founders Day Parade begins at 10 a.m.
- Gold Hill Mines Historic Park and Historic Gold Hill
- 770 St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill, NC 28071
One week after GermanFest, continue your journey through Rowan County history at Gold Hill Founders Day.
Once the site of a thriving North Carolina gold-mining boomtown, Gold Hill welcomes community members and visitors each September for a full day celebrating more than 200 years of local mining history and culture.
The festival begins at 9 a.m., followed by the annual Founders Day Parade at 10 a.m. Throughout the day, visitors can explore living history encampments, take history hayrides, pan for gold and watch demonstrations featuring antique hit-and-miss engines, blacksmithing, woodcarving and other heritage skills.
More than 100 artisans and craft vendors are expected to fill the park alongside food trucks and festival favorites. Visitors can also enjoy gem and mineral exhibits, family activities and self-guided tours of the historic park and village.
Bluegrass Music, Village Shops and More
Beginning at 11 a.m., the Gold Hill Founders Day Bluegrass MiniFest will bring live music to the park amphitheater. Performances are expected to continue until 5 p.m., so bring a lawn chair and settle in for an afternoon of bluegrass music.
Between festival activities, explore the restored Historic Village of Gold Hill, located beside the park. Its shops and restaurant offer plenty of opportunities to browse, eat or rest your feet.
Stop by the E.H. Montgomery General Store for a long-neck bottle soda, coffee, pastries or hand-dipped ice cream served in a cone, cup or waffle bowl. Gold Hill maps, brochures and information about the community’s mining history are also available at the store and around the festival.
Outdoor enthusiasts can pick up a Gold Hill Rail Trail map and explore the hiking trails throughout Gold Hill Mines Historic Park.
Gold Hill Founders Day is hosted by the Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation, Inc. Proceeds support the continued restoration and maintenance of Gold Hill Mines Historic Park.
Find the latest Gold Hill Founders Day details and schedule.
Experience History This September
Whether you are watching a blacksmith at work inside a colonial settlement or trying your hand at gold panning in a former mining town, GermanFest and Gold Hill Founders Day offer memorable ways to explore Rowan County’s past.
Mark your calendar for two Saturdays of living history, local traditions, food, music and family-friendly fall fun in Rowan County, NC. 🍎🍂🤎
Community Partners
