Things to do in and around Gastonia, North Carolina

If you’re at a loose end in Gastonia and have time to kill - here are several things to see and do in and around Gastonia that can be easily reached by taxi.

Little Theater of Gastonia

The Little Theater of Gastonia has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. The theater is home to a lively performing arts scene that includes live music shows, comedy acts, and dance productions.

The Theatre is one of the shining jewels of the Arts and Cultural District. The architecture is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic masterpiece, Fallingwater.

The Little Theatre was designed by local architect John Berryhill who also designed many other buildings in downtown Gastonia including the YMCA (now called Plaza Towers) and City Hall East. Both are located across Main Street from the Theatre itself.

Since 1951, this non-profit theater has been providing the highest quality live entertainment possible, while educating and training the next generation of theatrical artists.

From the outside, this unassuming theater is no more than an old brick building sitting at the end of a narrow alleyway. A towering sign with its name is the only indication that one of Gastonia's most beloved landmarks lies inside.

Website: Little Theater of Gastonia
Address: 238 S Clay St, Gastonia, NC 28052, United States
Location: Lat|Lon 35.261111470029405 | -81.19133918875337

Regal Franklin Square

Regal Franklin Square is a 12-screen movie theater located in Gastonia, North Carolina. It is one of the largest theaters in the area and has been open since 1986.

With spacious seats, digital projection available throughout each auditorium, this theater provides an unparalleled movie-watching experience for its customers.

Another good thing about Regal Franklin Square is that sometimes they have special events and activities for kids and adults.

There are so many things to do here other than watching a movie. You can play games or have some fun with friends or family.

The cinema is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family outing without breaking the bank. With plenty to do inside and out at this location, there are great options for everyone.

This theater has stadium seating and great sound so you can enjoy your favorite films in style.

If you're in the mood for a snack before the show, stop by the concession stand for popcorn, candy, and other delicious treats.

Website: Regal Franklin Square
Address: 3778 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, United States
Location: Lat|Lon 35.260104669830795 | -81.11050600224696

Cinemas in Gastonia, North Carolina

Hilton Garden Inn Gastonia

Hotels in Gastonia, North Carolina

The Hilton Garden Inn Gastonia is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Gaston.

Guests can enjoy complimentary high-speed internet access, daily breakfast options, fitness center access, laundry facilities as well as an indoor pool to relax after a long day exploring the city.

This contemporary hotel is conveniently located just minutes from Carowinds Theme Park, Lowes Motor Speedway, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

There are restaurants nearby like Carrabba's Italian Grill, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, and Sake Thai Cuisine & Bar.

You won't have to spend hours looking for things to do because there are plenty of activities within the area.

Website: Hilton Garden Inn Gastonia
Address: 444 Cox Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054, United States
Location: Lat|Lon 35.26346028365267, -81.13097387341139

Center City Park

The city of Gastonia has recently gotten some attention for its new renovations to Center City Park, but the changes aren't just cosmetic. They are also strategic. The redesign was an attempt to fix the poor pedestrian access problem for Gastonia, and it seems that the plan is already working.

The City of Gastonia has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation through its TIGER (Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery) program to improve connectivity and safety along East Franklin Boulevard between North New Hope Road and West Belvedere Avenue in the city’s historic downtown area.

A wide range of improvements was made, including pedestrian crossings, shared-use paths, bike lanes, street lighting, and landscaping.

The City Center Park was historically segregated until 1971 when a federal judge ruled that the segregation policy had to be removed.

City Center Park Opening Hours:

  • Monday: 6am–9pm
  • Tuesday: 6am–9pm
  • Wednesday: 6am–9pm
  • Thursday: 6am–9pm
  • Friday: 6am–9pm
  • Saturday: 6am–9pm
  • Sunday: 6am–9pm

Website: Gastonia City Center Park
Address: 147 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052, United States
Location: Lat|Lon 35.263531464011564 | -81.18298173108236

The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium is located in Gastonia is a state-of-the-art facility that offers unique, hands-on science exhibits for all ages.

These exhibits stimulate the imagination and challenge the mind. The museum also features educational films daily.

The museum boasts an impressive collection of specimens housed in 16 galleries featuring invertebrates, fish and amphibians, reptiles, and birds.

The museum also features exhibits on natural history, paleontology, and astronomy. The facility also hosts workshops and special events such as the annual BugFest event that celebrates insects and arachnids.

Privately owned and operated natural history museum, it was founded by Dr. Eric Schiele in 2001, who remains the director and curator for the facility today.

The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium is the only planetarium within a 200-mile radius of Charlotte, North Carolina.

The unique exhibits at the museum include natural history objects from around the world, an authentic meteorite that fell in Peekskill, New York, and an international collection of minerals.

Schiele Museum Opening Hours:

  • Monday: 10am–4pm
  • Tuesday: 10am–4pm
  • Wednesday: 10am–4pm
  • Thursday: 10am–4pm
  • Friday: 10am–4pm
  • Saturday: 10am–5pm
  • Sunday: 1–5pm

Website: Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium
Address: 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, United States
Location: Lat|Lon 35.25340690190086, -81.15766038690515

Museums in Gastonia, North Carolina

Gaston County Art Guild

The Gaston County Art Guild is a non-profit organization that supports and promotes visual arts in the Gaston area. The mission of the guild is to promote the appreciation, conservation, and advancement of the fine arts.

The guild also provides an opportunity for artists and patrons to meet, and to further the cooperation among all who are interested in art.

The Gaston County Art Guild was created to stimulate excellence in the fine arts. It promotes public appreciation of art by offering educational opportunities, exhibitions, artist development programs, visual arts scholarships, and community outreach.

The GCAG provides opportunities for art education, encourages visual communication, provides a forum for artists to exhibit their works, and promotes excellence in the visual arts.

These workshops on a variety of subjects provide excellent networking opportunities for the participants.

Gaston County Art Guild Opening Hours:

  • Monday: 6am–9pm
  • Tuesday: 6am–9pm
  • Wednesday: 6am–9pm
  • Thursday: 6am–9pm
  • Friday: 6am–9pm
  • Saturday: 6am–9pm
  • Sunday: 6am–9pm

Website: Gaston County Art Guild
Address: 204 E Franklin Blvd #215, Gastonia, NC 28053, United States
Location: Lat|Lon 35.26269406742029 | -81.17986960224684

Catawba Creek Golf Course

Golf Courses in Gastonia, North Carolina

In the 1920s, a group of investors from New York sought to build a golf course in North Carolina. They were successful in their endeavor, and Catawba Creek Golf Course was born.

This 18-hole championship course is considered one of the best courses in North Carolina for its challenging layout and stunning views.

The course is a favorite of golfers for a couple of reasons. One reason is that it caters to all skill levels and playing abilities. Another reason is the layout of the course, as well as its conditions.

Catawba Creek Golf Course offers an excellent experience for both beginner and experienced golfers.

The staff at this club strives to make every visit worthwhile by ensuring that the guest's experience meets or exceeds their expectations each time they play here.

The Catawba Creek Golf Course boasts a large clubhouse with a full-service restaurant and bar along with multiple banquet rooms for hosting private events.

Catawba Creek Golf Course Opening Hours:

  • Monday: 8am–6pm
  • Tuesday: 8am–6pm
  • Wednesday: 8am–6pm
  • Thursday: 8am–6pm
  • Friday: 8am–6pm
  • Saturday: 8am–6pm
  • Sunday: 8am–6pm

Website: Catawba Creek Golf Course
Address: 530 Niblick Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054, United States
Location: Lat|Lon 35.23687435638757 | -81.17502415991848

Crown Hall Night Club

Crown Hall Night Club is a popular party location in the Gastonia, North Carolina area.

The club can cater to any need with its four unique rooms: Main Room (Dance), The Loft (Hip Hop/R&B), and Backyard Patio. The VIP lounge tables are designed for comfort.

Crown Hall Night Club is the best dance club in Gastonia that offers a premium sound system, professional lighting, wall-sized projectors, and high-definition screens.

This is the place to enjoy various types of music and delicious foods.

Crown Hall Night Club in Gastonia has been around for more than 60 years where guests can gather to eat, drink, dance, and socialize.

The club also features an outdoor terrace with fire pits and an indoor lounge with a dance floor, dance poles, a DJ booth, and pool tables.

Address: 207 S Chestnut St, Gastonia, NC 28054, United States
Location: Lat|Lon 35.261541906651566 | -81.17060710409525

Rock House Tavern Sports Bar, Restaurant, Pool Hall & Live Music

Live Music Venues in Gastonia, North Carolina

The Rock House Tavern has been a staple in the Gastonia community for over 20 years. The landmark serves lunch and dinner every day of the week, as well as weekend brunch.

Rock House Tavern offers a casual dining atmosphere with an extensive menu from burgers and chicken wings to seafood and steak.

The bar area features pub games like pool, darts, shuffleboard, and Golden Tee. TV screens for sports viewing are also available.

The Rock House Tavern is a friendly neighborhood sports bar, restaurant, and live music venue.

Rock House Tavern Opening Hours:

  • Monday: 4pm–2am
  • Tuesday: 4pm–2am
  • Wednesday: 4pm–2am
  • Thursday: 4pm–2am
  • Friday: 4pm–2am
  • Saturday: 4pm–2am
  • Sunday: 4pm–2am

Address: 2699 Aberdeen Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, United States
Location: Lat|Lon 35.26867490520214 | -81.13113255991777