August 2, 2024
A chilly nip in the air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, steaming mugs of cider: Get out your scarf and prepare to indulge in the season. From corn mazes and ghost tours to Halloween parties in the park, there are plenty of reasons to visit Cabarrus County in autumn.
Spooky Sights
Kids will love going to Concord’s Great Wolf Lodge during the month-long Howl-o-Ween event. From crafting parties and “Boo Bingo” to Monster Bash Dances and a candy-stocked trick-or-treat trail, everyone in your crew will find some Halloween fun.
For another family-friendly experience, dress up the kids and take them to Harrisburg’s Trick or Treat in the Park. Held the last Friday in October, Harrisburg Park welcomes families with food, vendors, inflatables, Halloween games, costume contests and candy collecting.
A spooky outing awaits at Southern Grace Distilleries in Mount Pleasant when you sign up for the Convicted Spirits Investigations. Led by a professional paranormal investigator, this tour explores the dark corners and dusty depths of the 90-year-old prison the distillery calls home. You’re welcome to bring along any ghost-hunting equipment you have, too.
Pumpkin Patches
At family-owned Almond Farm in Concord, not only can you choose your pumpkin from the farm’s patch, you can hop on a wagon farm tour, get lost in the four-acre corn maze and enjoy a meet-and-greet with the farm’s animals.
Throughout the month of October, Riverbend Farm in Midland opens its grounds to the public, allowing visitors to meander through its field of pumpkins. A farm wagon escorts guests to and from the field where gourds of all sizes and shapes await selection. Once you find your perfect pumpkin, let the kids frolic on the farm-themed playground.
Also in Midland, Midland Farms offers a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, fall-themed photo area, games, tractor-drawn hayrides, hay mazes and a playground and bounce house. Don’t miss the farm store stocked with fresh goodies such as local honey and cheese; goat’s milk soap and lotions; and pasture-raised beef, pork and chicken.
Fall Flavors, Festivals & Special Events
Raise a toast to autumnal adventures! Oktoberfest at Cabarrus Brewing Company in Concord serves up authentic German food, plus specials on the brewery’s killer beers, all while showcasing a full lineup of live music throughout the two-day festival. Another local brewery, Percent Tap House in Harrisburg, celebrates the season with its own party: Burgtober Fest. This Oktoberfest-style event pairs German food with axe-throwing, a stein-hoisting contest, stein-carrying races, a costume competition, face painting and live music. In downtown Kannapolis, Old Armor Beer Company hosts Kantoberfest, a weekend of food, drink and entertainment. While you can expect to see all the veteran-owned brewery’s beers on tap — don’t miss the popular Stinger Ale — there will also be fall-themed games, rides and live music.
Over in downtown Mount Pleasant, the Fall Craft Festival (being held October 5, 2024) kicks off a full day of fall fun. While the kids partake in family-friendly activities and games, adults can browse the vendor stalls featuring one-of-a-kind wares from local artists, craft artisans and small businesses.
September 22 is the first day of fall and the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals (on Sept. 20-22) are the perfect way to speed into the season. While motorsports is a must-see during any time of year in Cabarrus County, the cooler months pack plenty of high-speed action. In addition to two-wide drag racing, fans can also take in the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track, Nov. 6-9.
The free Concord International Festival celebrates countries and cultures across the globe. Plan to visit historic downtown Concord on Oct. 5 as the streets are filled with lively performances and music, arts and crafts, and international cuisines.
On Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 5-Nov. 24, visit the Carolina Renaissance Festival and be immersed in entertainment throughout the Village of Fairhaven. Take in a show, shop the open-air artisan marketplace and warm up with hearty eats like giant turkey legs or steamy soup served in a bread bowl.
Savor the Season
These are just a few of the endless ways to experience autumn in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. For a full list of special events, bookmark our Events Calendar. A day spent enjoying hayrides and picking pumpkins can work up an appetite. Explore our Places to Eat guide and experience the flavor of fall at one of Cabarrus County’s many local restaurants.
