Plan Your Musical Weekend in Cabarrus County

After arriving in Cabarrus County, spend the afternoon at the famed North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in Kannapolis. The renowned museum shares the musical history of the state dating back decades and honors the legacies of musicians such as John Coltrane, Roberta Flack, Charlie Daniels, James Taylor, Randy Travis and more. Better yet, admission is free, though you’re invited to support the museum with a donation.

Save time to explore the adjoining Curb Museum, a tribute to both motorsports and music. Owner Mike Curb honors his passion for all things motorsports with the museum’s collection of NASCAR, Indy and modified race cars; this collection sits alongside music memorabilia, a nod to Curb’s role as owner and founder of his eponymously named country-music record label. Current artists under the Curb label include Dylan Scott, Tim McGraw, LeeAnn Rimes (the museum displays her first car), Hank Williams Jr., and many more. See autographed posters from musicians, Gold Record awards and dozens of photos of various recording artists.

Once you’ve spent time exploring our state’s music history, hop over to the West Avenue District of downtown Kannapolis. Shop at local boutiques and specialty stores such as J. King Guitar and have dinner at Chophouse 101 or any of the area’s local restaurants to grab a bite before enjoying more tunes.

The Swanee Theatre first opened in 1940. Today, this restored venue regularly offers opportunities to catch live music inside a historic setting. Experience weekly shag and line dancing, tribute bands from a variety of genres, seasonal performances, and more.

For a laid back evening complete with eats from onsite Armor Grille, head over to Old Armor Beer Company. Here, music lovers will find an eclectic musical lineup featuring everything from DJ sets to dueling pianos. Visiting during the week? Catch Music Bingo every Wednesday night at OA.

Other local favorites for live music on Friday nights include Lil Robert’s Place in downtown Concord and Percent Tap House in Harrisburg.

Start your morning at one of Concord’s independent coffee shops in the downtown area including High Grounds Coffee House, Press & Porter or the new retro-styled Mattie Ruth’s Coffee House.

Then, take a walk through downtown where you’ll find music-related points of interest including the Historic 1876 Courthouse, Mullis Music, and a tribute mural to Grammy-nominated Concord natives, The Avett Brothers. Inside the Historic Courthouse, guests will find fine art inside The Galleries on the first floor and the 227-seat Davis Theatre on the second where musical acts run the gamut from blues and folk to country and Americana. Artists performing here during the 2024-2025 season include The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Jim Avett & Friends, Amythyst Kiah, and more.

The town of Mount Pleasant is home to Southern Grace Distilleries where they’re aging bourbon by blaring rock and roll inside the barrel house. Also know as “Whiskey Prison,” the operation is housed inside a former prison built in 1929 and now offers tours and tastings of their award-winning spirits.

After a tour, head to 73 & Main for an early meal. On Friday and Saturdays, the restaurant opens at 4 p.m., making it a perfect choice for pre-show dinner and drinks. The restaurant is housed in a historic mill, and the menu showcases upscale dishes featuring prime cuts of steak and fresh seafood along with a large selection of antique and rare bourbon.

On your way back from Southern Grace, you’ll spot the highway sign that was dedicated to The Avett Brothers during their 2016 induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. Also a Concord native, Dolph Ramseur of management company and independent record label Ramseur Records was inducted into the NC Music Hall of Fame in 2018.

If you’re not already catching a show at the Davis Theatre, make your musical evening a doubleheader by starting at Cabarrus Brewing Company in Concord. Here you can enjoy craft beers while grabbing a bite to eat from the menu of wraps, burgers, salads and flatbreads. Come 7 p.m. on Saturdays, local singer-songwriter acts take the stage.

Round out the evening with a nightcap at Kodiak Cocktail Bar & Music Lounge. This swanky, low-lit bar features a regular rotation of jazz and soul performances.

If you’re visiting Cabarrus during the summer, be sure to take advantage of the area’s free outdoor concerts. Kannapolis offers a summer concert series every Saturday in Village Park from May to August. Harrisburg’s Rockin’ the Burg Community Concert Series takes place the second Saturday of the month from May to October in Harrisburg Park, and hosts tribute bands who play tunes from the ‘80s, ‘90s and early aughts.

Sunday mornings mean brunch. And at Southern Strain Brewing Company, that means Jazz Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Talented local musicians fill the space with live jazz while diners dive into the menu, which features breakfast burritos, French toast and a brunch smash burger — beef patties topped with a sunny side egg.

The Eatery at Southern Strain is also the reigning champion of Cabarrus Burger Madness. Try their winning “Life’s Gouda With Bacon” Burger from the regular menu.

Before or after brunch, make time to hit Southern Strain’s neighbors and wrap up your music-filled weekend with one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Nothing New is one the largest vintage clothing stores in the Southeast which makes it the perfect place to pick up vintage concert tees or unique pieces to wear to the next show on your list. Inside, you’ll also find Provided Coffee and fresh bouquets from Curiosity Farms.