Discover the Hidden Gems of Gastonia, NCs Cultural Scene

Gastonia, North Carolina may not be as wellknown for its cultural scene as some larger cities, but that doesnt mean it lacks charm and vibrancy. In fact, this historic city is home to a surprising array of theaters, visual arts museums and concert venues that showcase the diverse and dynamic nature of its people.

For those looking to explore the more unique aspects of Gastonias cultural life, there are many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One such venue is The Little Theater (610 S. York St.), a quaint community theater with a history dating back to 1949. Despite being located in an unassuming building on South York Street, The Little Theater hosts regular productions ranging from Shakespearean classics to contemporary dramas.

Another intriguing spot in Gastonia is the Art Station (155 W Main Ave.). This visual arts center offers classes and workshops for artists of all ages and skill levels but what sets it apart is its location inside an old train depot that dates back over 100 years. The Art Station makes great use of this historic space by hosting rotating art exhibits alongside their educational programs.

If youre looking for live music or performance art events in Gastonia, look no further than Players Place Lounge (1705 N Chester St.). Though small in size compared to other concert venues around town, Players Place has earned a reputation among locals as one of the best places to catch upandcoming talent or discover new genres outside mainstream pop or country music scenes.

For something truly offbeat but delightful check out Bling Your Bra event space hosted by The Olio(245 w Garrison Blvd). Its always fun when activism meets creativity at Bling Your Bra events where bras made into worksofart then auctioned off raising money supporting breast cancer research through PaintAGownPink fundraiser cohosted by Gaston County Partners in Health.

Theres no shortage of cultural offerings to explore in Gastonia, and these are just a few examples that showcase the sea of creativity found among its people. Whether its exploring unique theaters such as The Little Theater where history meets live performances or getting creative with art classes at Art Station located inside an old train depot, travelers looking for something different will not be disappointed when discovering the hidden gems within this charming city.

Websites:

The Little Theater: http://www.littletheaterofgastonia.com

Art Station: https://artstationnc.com/

Players Place Lounge: https://playersplacelounge.com/

Twitter handles:

@GastonNCArts Official Twitter account of Gaston County Arts Council

@VisitGastonNC Tourism website for Gaston County