Gatesville offers abundant recreational opportunities. From hunting, fishing, and water sports, to organized sports like baseball, softball, soccer and cycling just to name a few. With rodeos, a Business Showcase, antique shows, 4th of July and Christmas parades, and many other community events, Gatesville offers something special to suit every age and interest.

Belton Texas, approximately 30 miles south of Gatesville, is the official home of the Centex Barracudas.  The Barracudas posted an outstanding inaugural season in 2006.  Home field for the Barracudas, Belton Expo Center, is ideally positioned at the crossroads of Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 190, deep in the heart of Central Texas. 

Gatesville’s calendar is filled year-round with entertaining programs and events. The Annual Shivaree, a two-day arts and crafts festival, kicks off the summer on the first weekend in June. Presented by the Chamber of Commerce, Shivaree draws regional attention with a variety of fun-filled activities, indoor and open-air arts & crafts vendors, food vendors, and carnival activities. 

A wide variety of recreational activities are available in or near Gatesville. An active city recreation department offers such facilities as swimming pools, tennis courts, indoor basketball courts, and ball fields for softball, baseball, flag-football, and soccer. The Parks and Recreations Department oversees activities at several convenient locations. The City and school district both have public tennis courts. 

Mother Neff State Park, the oldest State Park in Texas, is located 15 minutes from Gatesville. The Park offers camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and nature trails.