Gastonia

As Gaston County’s largest city and county seat, Gastonia is home to the county’s largest downtown, where shopping, dining, arts and entertainment come together. Just west of Charlotte and easily accessible from I-85, Gastonia pairs the energy of a growing city with outdoor adventure, rich history and plenty of reasons to stay overnight.

Gastonia is located in the center of Gaston County.

History

Gastonia’s story is rooted in the railroad and textile industries that helped transform the community into one of North Carolina’s major manufacturing centers. Historic buildings and former mill properties still tell that story.

Downtown

Gastonia’s downtown is the largest in Gaston County and is increasingly becoming a destination in its own right. Spend time browsing local shops, discovering restaurants, viewing public art and exploring historic buildings.

Arts & Culture

The arts are woven throughout the city, with murals, sculptures and public art adding color and character to Gastonia. The Gastonia Little Theater brings live community theater to the city, providing another reason to make an evening of your visit.

Meetings

Gastonia is a destination for meetings, conferences and special events. The Gastonia Conference Center offers a premier event venue. Its design pays tribute to Gastonia’s architectural and industrial heritage while providing a modern setting for conferences, weddings, gatherings and community events.

Parks

Gastonia offers plenty of outdoor recreation, from hiking and scenic views at Crowders Mountain State Park to lakeside activities at Rankin Lake Park, family fun at Martha Rivers Park, and miles of greenways and trails for walking and biking.

Festivals & Events

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Signature Events

October 29, 2026

Trinket Exchange Party for Teens @ Main

Gaston County Library Main Branch

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Bring your tiny treasures to show off and swap with others! https://gastonlibrary.org/calendar.aspx?EID=8975

October 29, 2026

Karaoke Night

The Rooster

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Karaoke every Thursday Night at 8pm. No Cover, All Ages$1 off Domestics$4 Applesauce Shots$5 Orange CreamsiclesNO COVERDoors open at 6pm

October 29, 2026

Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?

The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

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The Schiele Museum’s James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater is home to an immersive experience unlike anything else in the area and is a “must-see” attraction during a visit…

Explore Gastonia

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EVENT DETAILS

The Gaston County Public Library operates ten facilities including the Ferguson branch library in Gastonia at 913 North Pryor Street, Gastonia, NC

HOURS:

Monday - Friday • 12:00 pm - 5:00…

Ferguson Public Library

913 N Pryor St.

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EVENT DETAILS

The Gaston County Public Library operates ten facilities including the Main Library in Gastonia at 1555 East Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28054.

Gaston County Library Main Branch

1555 E Garrison Blvd.

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NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. They are the trusted, go-to…

Lucile Tatum Center

959 Osceola St.

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Monster Mini Golf is a ton of indoor fun for the whole family with not just mini golf but bowling, laser maze arcade and is available for parties.

Monster Mini Golf of Gastonia

3924 E Franklin Blvd.

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EVENT DETAILS

The Rooster in downtown Gastonia showcases local and regional artists to display their gifts in a safe, inviting environment offering the people in this community of all demographics a one-of-a-kind…