Looking for something to do? From NASCAR racing and fall festivals to live theater, local authors, Halloween activities and holiday celebrations, there’s plenty happening in Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Midland, Mount Pleasant and the surrounding area.
This weekend and next week
Friday-Sunday, Oct. 9-11 — NASCAR Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway: NASCAR’s three national touring series return to Concord. The Craftsman Truck Series Ecosave 200 is scheduled for Friday, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Blue Cross NC 300 for Saturday and the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America 400 for Sunday. Fans should check the speedway for schedule updates because of the weather forecast.
Friday-Sunday, Oct. 9-11 — The Collectors Showcase: Sports Wax Promotions brings its Collectors Showcase to the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 N.C. 49 in Concord. The three-day event features sports cards, memorabilia and other collectibles.
Saturday, Oct. 10 — Sip & Script: Cabarrus Brewing Company hosts a brush-lettering and pumpkin-lettering class from 2-3:30 p.m. in the CBC Lounge. Cost is $68 per person.
Saturday, Oct. 10 — Rockin’ the Burg: Harrisburg’s outdoor concert series concludes its season with Gump Fiction at Harrisburg Park. The free event features live music, food trucks and a beer garden.
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 10-11 — Repticon Charlotte: Repticon returns to the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center with reptiles, exotic animals, breeders, vendors and supplies.
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 10-11 — IBJJF Charlotte Fall International Open: Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors gather at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center for a weekend of gi and no-gi competition.
Sunday, Oct. 11 — Old Fashioned Hymn Sing: The Piedmont Choral Society presents an afternoon of traditional hymns, anthems and special music at 3 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 950 Bradley St. in Concord. Admission is free, and no ticket is required.
Through Sunday, Oct. 18 — Spider’s Web: Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW in Concord, presents Agatha Christie’s comedy-thriller Spider’s Web, with performances continuing over the weekends of Oct. 9-11 and Oct. 16-18.
Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 22 — Carolina Renaissance Festival: The Carolina Renaissance Festival continues at its village, 16445 Poplar Tent Road, along the Huntersville-Concord border. The festival features jousting knights, costumed villagers, music, comedy, falconry, games, food and an artisan marketplace. Gates are open from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Thursday, Oct. 15 — Paint & Sip: Cabarrus Brewing Company hosts a Sugar Skulls and Skeleton Tails painting party from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $45 per person, including a drink ticket.
Saturday, Oct. 17 — Household Hazardous Waste Collection: Cabarrus County residents can bring eligible household hazardous waste to the county’s collection facility from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 18 — Vegan Vibes Music Series, Fall Edition: Cabarrus Brewing Company hosts an afternoon of live music, vegan food trucks and vendors from 1-6 p.m.
Later in October
Saturday, Oct. 17 — Fall All Ford Car Show: The Mustang Owner’s Museum in Concord hosts a fall-themed car show featuring Ford vehicles, with lunch available on site.
Thursday, Oct. 22 — Foxtoberfest Car Show Meet Up: Cabarrus Brewing Company hosts a gathering for car enthusiasts from 5-9 p.m. at Gibson Mill in Concord.
Saturday, Oct. 24 — Fall Safe Disposal: Cabarrus County hosts a special collection event at West Cabarrus High School, 4100 Weddington Road in Concord, giving residents an opportunity to dispose of unwanted materials responsibly.
Saturday, Oct. 24 — Hometown Authors, Homegrown Stories: The Friends of the Midland Library will host an afternoon celebrating local authors and their books from 2-5 p.m. at Bethel Elementary School, 2425 Midland Road in Midland. The event will feature opportunities to meet local writers, discover their books, enjoy readings and book signings, and talk with authors about their work. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. For more information, visit friendsofthemidlandlibrary.org.
Saturday, Oct. 24 — Vino & Vibes: ClearWater Arts Center & Studios in Concord is scheduled to host an event featuring wine, art and entertainment. Details should be confirmed with the organizer before publication.
Sunday, Oct. 25 — Sip & Script: Cabarrus Brewing Company hosts a pumpkin-lettering and brush-lettering class from 3:30-5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31 — Touch-a-Truck: Cabarrus County hosts a Halloween-themed Touch-a-Truck event at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center. Families can explore trucks, tractors, construction vehicles and other equipment while enjoying costumes, candy and seasonal activities.
Saturday, Oct. 31 — Kids Candy Crawl: Cabarrus Brewing Company celebrates Halloween from 4-8 p.m. with its Kids Candy Crawl. A free character meet-and-greet is scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
November and December
Nov. 4-7 — World of Outlaws World Finals: The World of Outlaws World Finals brings four days of dirt-track racing to Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Nov. 11-22 — Southern Christmas Show: The Southern Christmas Show returns to The Park Expo & Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road in Charlotte, for 12 days of holiday shopping and entertainment. The longtime holiday tradition features Christmas decorations, gifts, apparel, jewelry, specialty foods and seasonal displays. Information:
southernchristmasshow.com.
Friday, Nov. 13 — Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony: Kannapolis kicks off the holiday season at 6:30 p.m. at Village Park, 700 W. C St., with its annual tree lighting and holiday festivities.
Saturday, Nov. 14 — Wonders of Wildlife Festival: Cabarrus Brewing Company, 329 McGill Ave. NW in Concord, hosts the Wonders of Wildlife Festival from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., featuring activities focused on wildlife education and conservation.
Nov. 13-Dec. 30 — Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express: Village Park in Kannapolis transforms into a holiday destination with thousands of lights and the popular Winterland Express train.
Nov. 20-Jan. 3 — Speedway Christmas: Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts its annual drive-through holiday light display.
Saturday, Dec. 12 — Kannapolis Christmas Parade: The annual Christmas parade brings floats, marching bands, performers and Santa Claus through downtown Kannapolis.
Don’t see your event? Coming Up in Cabarrus helps readers find fun and interesting things to do throughout the area. To submit an event for consideration, email plemmons.mark@gmail.com.
