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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

Filter by Inspiration

October 31, 2026

Community Seed Swap

Gaston County Library Main Branch

Join us for a Community Seed Swap at Noon, following our Seed Saving program at 11:00! Bring your leftover commercial seeds or saved heirloom varieties to meet fellow seed savers.…

November 1, 2026

Oasis in Space

The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

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…

November 1, 2026

Lady Like Open Mic & Cosplay Contest

The Rooster

Join us on Sunday, November 1st for the Lady Like Open Mic & Cosplay Contest, part of our Lady Like Series aimed at uplifting female and feminine voices in the…

Explore Gastonia

The Bradley Center is 15,000 square feet and includes a college-size basketball court with six goals and seating capacity for 350. The facility also contains dressing and shower rooms, meeting…

Bradley Center and Park

1200 Modena St.

Roaring to life with spectacular dirt track races the Carolina Speedway in Gastonia is known as “The Action Track”. This 4/10th of a mile oval track hosts different divisions each…

Carolina Speedway

6335 Union Rd.

Formerly known as the Gastonia Municipal Golf Course the Catawba Creek Golf Course includes a par 70, 18-hole course; a driving range; practice putting green; clubhouse with pro shop and…

Catawba Creek Golf Course

530 Niblick Dr.

Chuck E. Cheese in Gastonia provides a wide selection of entertainment for kids and adults alike.


At Chuck E. Cheese, your little ones aren’t just playing games. They’re enhancing important…

Chuck E Cheese

416 Cox Rd.

Ferguson Park’s softball complex in Gaastonia is ideal for tournament play with four lighted fields. Tennis enthusiasts enjoy eight lighted, asphalt courts. The parking lot serves as a trailhead for…

Ferguson Park

109 W Second Ave.

Enjoy the latest movies at Franklin Square Stadium your local Regal Cinemas in Gastonia. Regal Franklin Square features stadium seating, digital projection, mobile tickets, game room and more!

Franklin Square Stadium 14

3778 E Franklin Blvd.

Hiking Trails

Highland Rail Trail

1001 N Marietta St.

Gastonia

Type:

Difficulty:

Length

Paved, Gravel

Easy

2.1 Miles One Way

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