Upcoming Events
Gold Hill Founders Day – Celebrating over 200 Years of Gold Mining History
Saturday, Sept. 26 9am - 5pm
Make plans to come and celebrate the history of the Village of Gold Hill. Join us for a great Festival of arts and music, celebrating the history and culture of the once famous gold mining boom town on Saturday September 26, 2026. Artisans, vendors and food trucks will offer much to choose from! The festival is fun for the whole family including, history hayrides, self-guided tours, hit & miss engines, gold panning, arts & crafts, music and more.
Schedule of events
· 9am: Games, Activities, Vendors Open
· 10am: Founders Day Parade
· 11am: Bluegrass Mini-fest
Music throughout the day is hosted by the Montgomery General Store. A Bluegrass MiniFest is held each year at the Park Amphitheater, showcasing the finest in local and regional Bluegrass Talent. The music begins at 11:00am and continues throughout the day, ending at 5:00pm. Bring a lawn chair to be comfortable while enjoying the music!
26th Annual Lighting of the Fall Fires
Saturday, Nov. 21 5:30pm - 9pm
Get ready for one of the most magical nights of the fall season as the 26th Annual Lighting of the Fall Fires is coming to Historic Gold Hill, NC on Saturday, November 21st from 5:30–9:00 PM! Over a thousand glowing luminaries along with roaring fires throughout the village will set the scene as you enjoy live music, a delicious BBQ supper, festive shopping, treats, and optional carriage rides through the enchanting grounds.
General admission is just $30 per person (kids 10 and under get in FREE!), or upgrade to the $75 VIP experience for exclusive access to a private cocktail bar and hors d'oeuvres. Grab your tickets now by clicking one of the buttons below. All proceeds support the Gold Hill Historic Preservation Society and the preservation of this stunning piece of North Carolina history!
About Us
Our History
Established in 1824, Historic Gold Hill is a restored nineteenth century gold mining town with a 70 acre park, restaurant and numerous locally owned shops in eastern Rowan County. The village is home to the site of the Barnhardt and Randolph Gold mines that garnered nineteenth century fame as the richest gold mining property east of the Mississippi. Today the village is one of the regions most sought after wedding venues and a favorite for photographers. The old mining roads throughout the are now hiking/cycling trails and include the Gold Hill Rail Trail which was the original narrow-gauge railroad spur line through the mining region.
our members
The Gold Hill Historic Preservation Society would not be the same without all of the amazing members that give their time and resources to support our programs. GHHPS relies on membership to help raise funds for maintaining our buildings and infrastructure, and for hosting events like The Annual Lighting of the Fall Fires, that ushers in the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, our annual Memorial Day Bike Ride and many more. Becoming a member is easy. Just click on the link below.
Our Mission
GHHPS works to protect the significance of the historic gold mining town of Gold Hill, North Carolina. Our mission is to restore and preserve all of the old buildings and infrastructure. Not only in Gold Hill but surrounding counties like Rowan, Cabarrus and Stanly counties. Let's keep history alive by telling the story of Gold Hill, North Carolina.