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Speedway Christmas

Nov 20, 2023 – Jan 7, 2024

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Celebration of Lights 

Nov 20 – Dec 30, 2023

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Concord

Cabarrus County’s largest city is home to some of the most popular and exciting sites in North Carolina.

History

In the late 1700’s, there was a disagreement over where the seat of the newly formed Cabarrus County would be located. To honor the compromise that was made to settle the dispute, the city was founded in 1796 on a 26-acre tract of land and given the name Concord, meaning “harmony” and the main thoroughfare was called “Union Street.” Today, Concord still embodies this spirit with a harmonious combination of experiences that showcase the area’s culture.

Downtown

This charming historic district is lined with locally owned restaurants, shops and breweries and welcomes guests with a colorful mural dedicated to beloved locals, The Avett Brothers. The centerpiece of downtown is the Greek Revival-style Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse, home to the Concord Museum, curated art galleries in the Cabarrus Arts Council and live performances inside the intimate Davis Theatre. Don’t miss other downtown favorite spots like The Basement Arcade for retro games over local craft beers, and Cabarrus Creamery for more than 25 ice cream flavors including their signature Moon Pie flavor inspired by the Southern chocolate graham cracker cookie with marshmallow filling.

Gibson Mill

The city of Concord became a textile hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, many former mills have been transformed into community gathering hubs including Gibson Mill. Just down the way from historic downtown, Gibson Mill is a collection of entertainment, shopping and local dining. Indulge in BBQ, tacos, seafood and more at the Gibson Mill Market food hall, admire cool cars inside the AutoBarn Classic Cars showroom, then sample locally made craft beer at Cabarrus Brewing Company and High Branch Brewing Co., the first craft breweries in Concord. Try your hand at axe throwing inside Iron Axe Society, learn how to juggle or fly through the air on a trapeze at Cirq-U or break out of custom futuristic escape rooms at The Valcarol Missions.

family shopping at concord mills family walking through underwater tour in aquarium

Concord Mills

If shopping is on your mind, look no further than Concord Mills, North Carolina’s largest outlet and value retail shopping center. Take your pick of more than 200 stores, including Coach, J. Crew Factory, Best Buy, Bass Pro Shops, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, UGG and so many more. Also at Concord Mills is Dave & Buster’s, The Speedpark and SEA LIFE, an indoor aquarium featuring North Carolina’s only ocean tunnel filled with more than 800 sharks, rays, rescued sea turtles and more aquatic life.

pit crew changes a tire during a race

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Race fans can get their thrills in Concord at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which hosts major annual NASCAR races and tons of high-speed entertainment year-round from car shows to cruise-ins. You can even get behind the wheel yourself at the NASCAR Racing Experience or the Mario Andretti Racing Experience. Watch hot rods zip by at the zMAX Dragway, a four-lane drag-racing strip, take in even more action at The Dirt Track or snap a pic next to a collection of antique cars and muscle cars at the nearby Morrison Motor Car Museum.

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Upcoming Events in Concord

Nov 17 – Dec 31, 2023

Movie Nights at Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Concord

Enjoy watching a bevy of Christmas movies while experiencing the lights at Speedway Christmas!

Nov 20, 2023 – Jan 7, 2024

Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Concord

Get ready for one of the largest holiday celebrations in the Southeast. Speedway Christmas, presented by Atrium Health, features five-million Christmas lights strewn across a four-mile course.

Nov 30 – Dec 10, 2023

Christmas Kumbaya
Old Courthouse Theatre

Make your holiday plans to see the premiere of Andy Rassler’s Christmas Kumbaya at Old Courthouse Theatre.

Book Your Stay in Concord

Whether you’re looking for a cozy hotel near it all or you want to stretch out in a suite, Concord has options.

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