May 8, 2024
No two music fans are created alike. Where one might prefer a low-key show at a local brewery, another loves a seated event inside an historic theater. Some like a Sunday afternoon concert on the lawn, while others are ready to rock out at a high-energy festival. The good news: There are many ways to listen live in Cabarrus. Here’s your guide.
Savor a Summer Evening
During the Rockin’ the Burg Community Concert Series, concertgoers head to Harrisburg Park the second Saturday of the month from May to October (excluding July) to listen to tribute bands play homage to hitmakers like Garth Brooks, Journey and pop favorites from the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s. The free event features food trucks and a beer garden, but attendees are invited to bring their own snacks and drinks. Leashed dogs are welcome, too!
The airy amphitheater at Village Park in Kannapolis is home to the town’s Summer Concert Series, a free event that runs May to August. Shows kick off on Saturdays at 7 p.m. and feature music from a range of genres — from ‘60s soul to ‘90s rock. Upcoming performers include Night Ranger, Gin Blossoms, Pam Tillis, Tracy Bird, the Charlotte Symphony (with fireworks!) and more.
At Veterans Park in downtown Kannapolis, live music lovers can enjoy Thursdays on Main performances once a month from May to September. Shows begin at 6 p.m. and the 2024 lineup for this series includes The Embers, Too Much Sylvia, Band of Oz and more.
Enjoy a Show at an Historic Theater
Step back in time — to the 1930s to be exact — at the Swanee Theatre in downtown Kannapolis. The venue has been lovingly restored to its original glory, including the neon Art Deco marquee. The Swanee’s music calendar stacks live acts such as tribute bands celebrating the songs of Van Morrison, The Beatles and Tom Petty, plus the classic-rock stylings of Nashville band The Woods or the funky R&B sounds of Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot.
Don your fancy duds for an evening out with a live performance at the Davis Theatre. Situated inside downtown Concord’s Historic 1876 Courthouse, the intimate theater brings guests up close and personal to the stage, allowing for an experience like none other. This past season included unique musical acts like Windborne Singers — a harmonizing quartet — and the country, blues, folk and Americana sounds of the Black Opry. In addition to live music, the Davis Theatre also showcases Broadway revues, artist talks, film screenings and staged plays.
Stop by a Local Bar or Brewery
Looking for a local bar with live music? Downtown Concord’s music scene gets an elevated touch thanks to Kodiak Cocktail Bar & Music Lounge. Here, expertly crafted cocktails and fine food meet an exciting rotation of performances: jazz, indie, neo soul, even spoken word poetry and comedy. The lounge’s setting skews swanky Prohibition-era, perfect for a moody evening of libations and live sets.
Music-seekers will also find plenty of live shows at Cabarrus County’s craft breweries. If you’re in Concord, every Saturday at 7 p.m. you can catch local singer-songwriter acts at Cabarrus Brewing Company while sipping the brewery’s notable beers on tap such as Cotton Blonde, Rocky River IPA, Sour Drop Sour Ale or the crisp Olde Cabarrus Lager. In Kannapolis, the veteran-owned Old Armor Beer Company keeps guests entertained with a musical lineup that spans genres. Pop in on any Friday or Saturday and you might hear dueling pianos, a roots-rock band, a country duo or a DJ set.
Take in an Outdoor Festival
When Breakaway Music Festival returns to zMAX Dragway in Concord in September, music-lovers are in for a treat. As part of a multi-city festival tour, Breakaway Carolina’s highly curated lineup will feature two days of tunes from some of the hottest artists in pop, house and electronic dance music.
Each year in May, the city of Kannapolis hosts Jiggy With the Piggy, a festival featuring one of the largest sanctioned events by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. This annual event shines a spotlight on barbecue but also offers tons of live entertainment, including music. Stay tuned for 2025 festival dates and concert announcements!
Mark Your Calendar & Explore More Music
Save the date for these live music events and explore attractions that share the harmonic history of North Carolina. Bookmark this page of music-related happenings, articles and things to do for quick reference while you’re exploring Cabarrus County.
