December 20, 2024
There are endless opportunities to capture unforgettable moments in Cabarrus County, and this list is just the beginning. Whether it’s a family vacation or a quick getaway for two, fill your next adventure in Cabarrus with memories you’ll reminisce about for years to come.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Few locales are more iconic to Cabarrus County than Charlotte Motor Speedway. For more than 60 years, the legendary speedway has served as “America’s Home for Racing,” hosting incredible NASCAR events, as well as ride and drive experiences, national car shows, a summer short track series, and so much more.
Awe-inspiring scenes here include pre-race ceremonies such as Military appreciation activities and performances before the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day Weekend and the race-winning driver’s celebratory burnout. The Fan Zone at Charlotte Motor Speedway also features many fun photo opportunities for race fans.
A visit to the speedway is a must. Time your trip to coincide with a NASCAR event to cheer on your favorite driver as they cross the finish line. Our ultimate race fan itinerary will help you plan your stay.
Downtown Kannapolis
One of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time, Dale Earnhardt Sr. holds an important place in Cabarrus history, and visitors and locals pay tribute to the racing hero at Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza. Located in Earnhardt’s hometown of Kannapolis, the plaza features seven steps — each representing one of Earnhardt’s Cup championships — that descend to a nine-foot, 900-pound bronze statue of the legendary racer. Surrounding this are benches in groups of three to symbolize Earnhardt’s car number and a fan-donated granite monument.
The historic Gem Theatre is another iconic landmark in Kannapolis. The neon marquee is remarkable, both during the day or lit up in the evening, and you’ll find another just around the corner above The Swanee Theatre. Be sure to look up when visiting Atrium Health Ballpark, too. Whether illuminated by fireworks or a colorful summer sunset, the sky above the ballpark is often a wondrous sight to behold.
Outdoor Gems in Midland & Mount Pleasant
Part of the Carolina Thread Trail, the 2.1-mile Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail winds through a host of natural settings. You’ll see the Piedmont oak savanna, which is home to ground-nesting birds and prairie species, and farmlands that cozy up to burbling creeks. Once you pass through a young forest, you’ll emerge on a bluff above Adams Creek. Take a break to snap photos or just soak in the sprawling views of Mount Pleasant below.
In Midland, Reed Gold Mine’s underground mine tunnels and gold panning experience are one-of-a-kind. As the location of America’s first documented discovery of gold, this state historic site offers the chance to be immersed in North Carolina’s past while exploring the outdoors.
Whether you’re sipping a refreshing muscadine wine or enjoying a sweet Moscato, a wine tasting at nearby Rocky River Vineyards is sure to please the palate. But the wine isn’t the only highlight: The panoramic vista at the vineyard is just as stellar.
The 45-acre property unspools over rolling hills dotted with woods while Big Meadow Creek winds through the landscape. Take in the views during a stroll along the walking trail or pick up a charcuterie board in the tasting room for a picnic on the grounds. As you bask in the peaceful environs, keep your eyes out for deer that wander through.
Harrisburg’s July Fourth Celebration
In July, this beloved annual tradition draws thousands to the Town of Harrisburg to honor and celebrate our military and their families. Now one of the most well-attended July Fourth festivals in the region, the event is held over two days and features amusements, rides, live music and entertainment, food, and of course, fireworks.
Festivities kick off at Harrisburg Park on July 3 and on Independence Day, attendees line the street to view the parade as decorated floats travel down Highway 49. Both nights of this free, family-friendly event feature fireworks providing plenty of opportunities to capture the colorful display.
In addition to this local favorite event, the Town of Harrisburg keeps the fun coming back to Harrisburg Park with several special events throughout the year including their free summer concert series, Rockin’ The Burg. Stay tuned for the full lineup of performances for 2025!
Historic Downtown Concord
Considered one of North Carolina’s finest public buildings, the 1876 Cabarrus County Courthouse is a marvel of late 19th-century architecture. Designed by George S.H. Appleget, the stucco-covered brick building showcases Italianate, Second Empire and Greek Revival styles. Note interesting details such as the large arch over the entrance sided by two smaller arches and the clock tower crowning the roof.
Visit the historic Cabarrus County Courthouse to view the current fine art exhibition inside The Galleries on the first floor, or take in a performance inside the intimate Davis Theatre.
Other captivating scenes in Historic Downtown Concord include the stunning springtime display of blooms both at Memorial Garden and alongside more beautiful architecture as azaleas line Union Street. Visitors will also spot vibrant murals including The Avett Brothers tribute mural, and Coca-Cola mural.
zMAX Dragway
In the spring and fall, zMAX Dragway hosts National Hot Rod Association events. As the first four-lane, all-concrete drag strip in the world, zMAX secures its spot on the list of Cabarrus must-sees. For the first time in NHRA history, there will be four-wide racing in Countdown to the Championship as the annual fall event at zMAX also takes on the thrilling four-wide racing format in 2025!
For red-hot fun at night, hit the dragway’s “Night of Fire.” It’s exactly what it sounds like — a full sensory experience with music, speeding dragsters’ header flames big and bright, and fireworks set against the darkness of the night sky. Plus, every ticket is a pit pass at zMAX Dragway so no matter when you choose to visit, plan to explore Nitro Alley to see drivers and crews, shop vendors, and catch even more entertainment.
There’s another venue on the speedway’s campus that hosts firey, can’t-miss happenings. From monster trucks to wild World of Outlaws action, The Dirt Track at Charlotte is a favorite for race fans of all ages. During the annual World Finals event in November, prepare your camera for Friday’s 3×4-wide driver salute as drivers across all three series line the frontstretch and set the stage for the night’s exciting energy and events.
Call It a Night
The cities of Concord and Kannapolis and the towns of Harrisburg, Midland, and Mount Pleasant are home to a variety of exhilarating events and activities, historic locations with a story, and so many more memorable experiences.
Discover each community inside the Destination Guide and after a day of making memories, rest easy at one of Cabarrus County’s comfortable accommodations. Find a place to stay.
