Fun Summer Festivals and Events in Concord, North Carolina

Even though Concord is still considered a small town, with a population of over 57,000 residence, you can still find some fun summertime festivals. "I'm bored" are two words you will never hear from the locals in Concord. Here is a list of fun summertime festivals that are sure to entertain you and your family.

#1 ~ The Cabarrus County Fair in Concord. This is a tradition for most families living in Concord. The fair pretty much wraps up at the end of summer and what a way to end the hot summer months. Families from all over the area travel to the Cabarrus County Fair and its new location off of Old Airport Rd and Hwy. 49. The location is a great improvement over the previous location on Cabarrus Ave.

Now the location is larger, which means more attractions and fun activities. The Cabarrus Arena & Events Center is the new home to the fair and most of the local residence say the new site is a great improvement. You will find your usual rides such as the Ferris Wheel and The Zipper but the talk of the town is the famous "Pig Races."

Besides the rides, you will find some great food while visiting the Cabarrus County Fair. Some of the unusual items are "deep-fried snicker bars" and other deep fried items. This year the Cabarrus County Fair will be open September 11 through September 19. Hours are 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. on the weekdays. On Saturday the fair operates from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Ticket prices are pretty reasonable. Ages 5 and under are free. Ages 6 to 11 are $3 and ages 12 and over are $7. Parking is always free so that is one less expense and allows you to spend more money on the fun inside.

One of the best values to purchase is the "Ride Wristbands." For $20, the wristbands allow you to have access to unlimited rides. Nothing says summertime fun like attending the Cabarrus County Fair.

#2~ The Summer Shootout Series. Concord, North Carolina is truly the heart of NASCAR. It is home to the Lowe's Motor Speedway, the newly built zMAX Dragstrip and is home to several NASCAR team such as Hendrick Motor Sports. This event can be considered a festival because it runs from June to August.

The Summer Shootout Series involves the racing of Legend Cars, Bandoleros and Thunder Roadsters. However, it offers more than the usual racing events. How would you and you family enjoy watching several yellow school buses racing around the 1.5 mile track? How about watching a spectacular fireworks display after each race? Of course the series just wouldn't be complete without its famous mascot "Lug Nut" who holds the title as the "worlds fastest mascot."

On top of this, The Summer Shootout Series, offers family fun and has activities geared towards family fun. Family fun is what you can expect when you attend this event. Tickets are available at the gates. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the events start at 7:30 p.m. and wrap up at 10:15 p.m. Just go to the Lowe's Motor Speedway located at 5555 Concord Parkway South or visit their website at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com

#3~ The Food Lion 600 Festival also known as "Speed Street.". Sticking to the theme, Concord, North Carolina has deep roots in the NASCAR scene. The Food Lion 600 Festival links the surrounding counties and brings the fun festivities into downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. This is the 15th year of the event and it transforms the streets of the downtown area into 3 separate stages to showcase NASCAR drivers along with local entertainers and national recording artists.
This event is very family oriented and one entire block is dedicated to children and activities to keep them entertained. The event starts Friday May 22 and ends on May 23. The events start at 12 p.m. and continues until 11 p.m. on each day. The entertainment is free and so is the fun.

So take your family to the event and enjoy the festivities, listen to great music and fill your stomach with tasty food. Concord, North Carolina has many events to help you beat the summertime blues. You are sure to find something to participate in when you visit this little town.