Budget-Friendly End-of-Summer Events for the Whole Family

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Summer is winding down but the adventures around Cabarrus County are still amping up! With several weeks of the season remaining, it’s time to get your summer strategy in place to make as many memories as possible before Labor Day.

July 27, 2022

With back-to-school shopping coming soon, these family-friendly events offer lots of end-of-summer fun and ways to stretch your dollar — some are inexpensive, and others are even free.

Summer Shootout, Concord

When: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Admission for kids 12 and under is free.

Since June, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 29th season of the Summer Shootout has provided weeknight fun you won’t find anywhere else! Along with racing action on the frontstretch quarter-mile track featuring the future stars of motorsports, this family-friendly event has included everything from mascots driving go-karts to school bus races. Get in on the fun! The last Summer Shootout of the season is Champions Nights and will feature an autograph session and fireworks.

Sunday Music Series at Veterans Park, Kannapolis

When: Sunday, Aug. 7: Renelvis | Sunday, Aug. 21: Phillip Howe | Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022: JMS Trio
Cost: Admission is free for all.

This concert series is a summer-must! Bring a picnic blanket or yard chairs and settle in for a fun afternoon of great music. You’ll see people dancing, kids playing and families gathered for picnics. And you’ll hear music from fantastic artists in beautiful Veterans Park. Don’t worry — the concerts here stretch into fall, so you can keep coming back until October.

Enjoy another live music series at Veterans Park with Thursdays on Main. These evening shows begin at 6 p.m. and will feature Band of Oz on Aug. 11 and The ToneZ on Sept. 8, 2022.

For even more free music in Kannapolis, catch the final show of the Concerts in the Park series at Village Park on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022 as Everclear, Fastball and The Nixons perform live.

Cannon Ballers Home Games: $2 Tuesdays, Kannapolis

When: Tuesday, Aug. 9 | Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022
Cost: Tickets start at $10 each for a concourse pass.

What can beat a summer evening at the ballpark? Maybe one thing — a summer evening at the ballpark with lots of (inexpensive) snacks. When the Cannon Ballers play at home on Tuesdays, guests can get hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, cotton candy, Cracker Jack and soda for just $2 each.

Village Park Movies, Kannapolis

When: Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, 8:45-10:45 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free for all.

Superhero movies need super-sized screens. Bring the kids to watch “Avengers: End Game” outdoors in the park on the big screen during the Village Park Movies series.

Rockin’ the Burg, Harrisburg

When: Saturday, Aug. 13 | Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022
Cost: Admission is free for all.

Start practicing your Moonwalk: It’s time for ‘80s music! On Aug. 13, The Molly Ringwalds will stop their tour in Harrisburg to rock Harrisburg Park, and kids of all ages — especially you ‘80s kids — need to be ready to get up and dance. Then, Journey tribute band Departure takes the stage on Sept. 10.

Opening acts begin at 6:30 p.m. A beer garden and food trucks will be on-site during Rockin’ the Burg, and outside food is welcome to bring (but outside alcohol is not).

Art Lab, Concord

When: Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Cost: $5 per student

Kids can tap into their creativity during Art Lab at the Cabarrus Arts Council. Designed for ages 6-16, this interactive experience includes a guided tour through the current exhibition in The Galleries. Then, students head into the lab to explore the artistic process.

If your family is looking for even more masterpieces, set out on your own self-guided tour of Cabarrus County’s public art.

Circle K Monster Truck Bash, Concord

When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022
Cost: Admission for kids is $10. See website for details on adult tickets and upgrades.

Roaring engines! Crushing metal! Screaming fans! Get ready to get loud at the Circle K Monster Truck Bash in Concord. Head to The Dirt Track to watch 2,000-horsepower machines show what they can do — and what they can crush. For even more fun, upgrade your ticket with a monster truck ride-along.

Movies in the Park, Harrisburg

When: Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, 8-10:30 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free for all.

Spread out a blanket or bring your lawn chairs to watch family-friendly movies on the big screen outside in Harrisburg Park. Come early at 6:30 p.m. if you want to enjoy kids’ games and free popcorn (who doesn’t?). The movie starts at 8 p.m. Movies in the Park may be cancelled for rain; check early for cancellations.

Want More Family Fun?

If you want even more ideas for summer activities, these Family Fun listings feature everything from a gold mine and an aquarium to museums and bike trails.

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Need info on the go? Browse the digital Destination Guide online now for details on restaurants, attractions, shops, parks, museums and more.

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