Kannapolis

Be immersed in legendary music and motorsports history, have a blast at the ballpark, and discover local gems in revitalized downtown of this storied city.

In 1906 J.W. Cannon purchased the farmland that later became Kannapolis to open a new textile mill, Cannon Manufacturing. By 1914, Cannon Manufacturing was the world’s largest producer of sheets and towels. Today, the City thrives as home to the North Carolina Research Campus, motorsports history and innovative racing facilities, exciting small businesses, and so much more.

Discover Downtown

There’s so much fun to discover in Downtown Kannapolis. “Have a Blast” at a Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Minor League Baseball game at the beautiful Atrium Health Ballpark. If there’s no home game, feel free to stop by the ballpark to enjoy the concessions, splash pad and playground.

Enjoy dinner, then take in a performance inside The Swanee Theatre, a former historic movie theater turned live entertainment venue. Steps away at another historic theater, catch a movie at one of the oldest single-screen theaters still in operation at the Gem Theatre. Originally opened in 1936, then rebuilt in 1948, the art deco-style landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Find Food & Drinks

Dine on classic steakhouse fare at Chophouse 101, enjoy barbecue, beer and bourbon right alongside the ballpark at Towel City Tavern, or stop in for a quick helping of authentic Latin street food at Sabor Latin Street Grill.

The West Avenue district allows visitors to stroll through the area while enjoying a drink from local establishments. Try locally made hard cider, sip a cocktail from the Irish Pub, or sip expertly crafted brews and pay it forward at veteran-owned hangouts Old Armor Beer Company and Local Patriot Roasting Co. where you can buy a drink in advance for veterans and first responders.

Music, Past and Present

Village Park is home to the city’s outdoor Summer Concert Series where music lover can enjoy live performances under the stars at the park’s amphitheater. Held at Veterans Park, Thursdays on Main is another popular event for live summertime tunes. At the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, exhibits showcase the legacies of artists like Thelonius Monk, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack and The Avett Brothers, among others. Less than a mile from downtown, the history of two of North Carolina’s favorite pastimes are housed in this one spectacular location.

Motorsports History

The Curb Museum for Music & Motorsports hosts the NC Music Hall of Fame on one end and a racing museum on the other. Take a peek at NASCAR, IndyCar and other race cars, including cars driven by Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. A trip to Kannapolis isn’t complete without an immersion into the life of hometown hero, Dale Earnhardt Sr. Kannapolis remembers the NASCAR legend at the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza where the centerpiece is a nine-foot bronze statue. The plaza is one of many stops in Cabarrus County that tells the story of Earnhardt’s life and legacy.

Parking in Downtown

There are plenty of options for free public parking while visiting Downtown Kannapolis. Arrive prepared by browsing this information which includes maps and details on where to park during special events, Cannon Ballers game days and more.

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Upcoming Events in Kannapolis

Knitting 101: One-on-One Beginner Lessons

Editions Coffee Shop & Bookstore
Kannapolis

Always wanted to learn how to knit? In this private beginner lesson at Editions Coffee Shop & Bookstore, you’ll get hands-on instruction covering essential skills like casting on, basic stitches, and reading simple patterns—all at a pace that feels comfortable.