September 22, 2025
A chilly nip in the air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, steaming mugs of cider: Get out your scarf and prepare to indulge in the season. From a corn maze and ghost tours to Halloween parties in the park, there are plenty of reasons to visit Cabarrus County in autumn.
Spooky Sights
Kids will love going to Concord’s Great Wolf Lodge during the month-long Howl-o-Ween event. From crafting parties and “Boo Bingo” to Monster Bash Dances and a candy-stocked trick-or-treat trail, everyone in your crew will find some Halloween fun.
For another family-friendly experience, dress up the kids and take them to Harrisburg’s Trick or Treat in the Park. Held the last Friday in October, Harrisburg Park welcomes families with food, vendors, inflatables, Halloween games, costume contests and candy collecting.
A spooky outing awaits at Southern Grace Distilleries in Mount Pleasant when you sign up for the Convicted Spirits Investigations. Led by a professional paranormal investigator, this tour explores the dark corners and dusty depths of the 90-year-old prison the distillery calls home. You’re welcome to bring along any ghost-hunting equipment you have, too.
For a less spooky experience at Southern Grace, visit for the inaugural Fall Faire at Whiskey Prison on October 4.
Pumpkin Patches
At family-owned Almond Farm in Concord, not only can you choose your pumpkin from the farm’s patch, you can hop on a wagon farm tour, get lost in the four-acre corn maze and enjoy a meet-and-greet with the farm’s animals.
Throughout October, Riverbend Farm in Midland opens its grounds to the public, allowing visitors to meander through its field of pumpkins. A farm wagon escorts guests to and from the field where gourds of all sizes and shapes await selection. Once you find your perfect pumpkin, let the kids frolic on the farm-themed playground.
Also in Midland, Midland Farms offers a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, fall-themed photo area, games, tractor-drawn hayrides, hay mazes and a playground and bounce house during their Fall Festival on October 4 and 11. Don’t miss the farm store stocked with fresh goodies such as local honey and cheese; goat’s milk soap and lotions; and pasture-raised beef, pork and chicken.
Fall Flavors, Festivals & Special Events
Raise a toast to autumnal adventures! On September 26-28, Oktoberfest at Cabarrus Brewing Company in Concord serves up authentic German food, plus specials on the brewery’s killer beers, all while showcasing a full lineup of live music throughout the weekend-long festival. Don’t miss all-day brunch on Sunday, complete with Oktoberfest-themed menu items.
In downtown Kannapolis, check out the 6th Annual Kanntoberfest on September 27, a day of food, drinks, vendors and entertainment. Be sure to visit veteran-owned brewery Old Armor Beer Company for games and competitions with prizes, giveaways, live music, and more— and don’t miss seasonal brews like Kanntoberfest Märzen and No Guts, No Glory Pumpkin Ale.
September 22 is the first day of fall, and while the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals helped us speed into the season, there’s still plenty of racing to enjoy. Motorsports is a must-see during any time of year in Cabarrus County, and the cooler months pack plenty of high-speed action. Fans can take in a full weekend of racing on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s ROVAL on October 3-5, including the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 as well as the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track, November 5-8.
The free Concord International Festival celebrates countries and cultures across the globe. Plan to visit historic downtown Concord on September 27 as the streets are filled with lively performances and music, arts and crafts, and international cuisines.
On Saturdays and Sundays from October 4-November 23, visit the Carolina Renaissance Festival and be immersed in entertainment throughout the Village of Fairhaven. Take in a show, shop the open-air artisan marketplace and warm up with hearty eats like giant turkey legs or steamy soup served in a bread bowl.
Savor the Season
These are just a few of the endless ways to experience autumn in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. For a full list of special events, bookmark our Events Calendar. A day spent enjoying hayrides and picking pumpkins can work up an appetite. Explore our Places to Eat guide and experience the flavor of fall at one of Cabarrus County’s many local restaurants.
