July 1, 2025
Whether you want to shop small businesses or enjoy a drink in the sunshine, explore new public art or have a great meal, Downtown Concord is the place to be. There’s never been a better time to visit!
1. Take in New Streetscapes
The cornerstone of a great downtown is its streets. In 2025, the City of Concord completed its Downtown Streetscape, with features that make getting around easier: 22-foot-wide sidewalks, reduced 11-foot travel lanes, new parking spaces (including two new ADA accessible spaces), designated loading and unloading zones, pedestrian drop-off zones, and features like sharrow markings, brick paver accents and new concrete. Trees and fresh landscaping add greenery and shade.
But they didn’t stop there. Knowing how lighting can set the mood and create magic, the city worked with representatives from Intellistreets to program the festoon poles at the Courthouse Plaza crosswalk. Now, the streets of Downtown Concord are host to one-of-a-kind light shows, with the lights synced to music to create themed light shows throughout the year. Learn more about all the upgrades here.
2. Explore Downtown Concord’s Public Art Scene
Public art is a great way to experience familiar space in a new way and discover local artists. Thanks to the City Council and the Public Art Commission, this year the City of Concord is holding its first one-year sculpture show, which was installed in March on Union Street.
The show features works by Nathaniel Pierce (Connected, at 9 Union Street N), Jim Callucci (Two Gentlemen of Verona, at 4 Union Street S), Bob Coon (Intersection, at 28 Union Street S), and Sam Spiczka (Dawn, at 66 Union Street S). And while you’re on Union Street, don’t miss Charlotte-based artist Jake Summerour’s beautiful mural entitled Vivid Reclamation.
Inside the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse, the Cabarrus Arts Council is the hub of arts and entertainment in Downtown Concord. View exhibitions in The Galleries on the first floor and take in a performance at the Davis Theatre upstairs as their 2025 season kicks off with a Launch Party on July 10.
While sightseeing and admiring art in Downtown Concord, be sure to add vibrant murals including The Avett Brothers Tribute mural (25 Union Street) and the Coca-Coca mural (2 Union Street) to your art exploration.
3. Sip and Stroll in the Social District
Downtown Concord’s social district first opened in August 2024, and it’s become an integral part of the city’s social life. In the social district, between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m., visitors may purchase alcoholic beverages from any of the 15 permitted businesses and drink them as they walk around, including in 18 more participating stores and establishments.
The area is also home to a new Trolley Pub. This pedal-powered experience invites groups of between six and 14 people to hop aboard and tour downtown while enjoying a drink and stopping at local craft beverage spots along the way.
4. Shop Till You Drop
Downtown Concord has always been a great place to shop. In addition to longtime local favorites, the area is bursting with new small businesses, restaurants and boutiques. Here are a few that have opened just since January:
- Cannon Honey Mill (9 Cabarrus Avenue W): All things honey and bees.
- Dive Bar Concord (14 Church Street S): Arcade games and cold drinks.
- Restoration Market (74 Spring Street SW): A boutique experience with thrift store prices.
- Two Scoops Creamery (66 Union Street S): A cool, sweet treat.
- Borinquen Kombucha (82 Spring Street SW): Try their innovative flavors.
- The Mercantile on Market (35 Market Street SW): A vibrant spot for local goods.
More businesses are on the way, including Indigo Tea and Coffee Co. and a new second location for Charros Mexican Restaurant. MJ’s Boutique (18 Cabarrus Avenue W) and Concord Trading Post (37 Union Street S) are also coming soon. And when The District Exchange opens at 22 Union Street N, be sure to check out spots including:
- Barley Jean’s Bakery
- Crane Coffee Company
- Decadence Popcorn (second location)
- Life is Sweet
- A Ceylon Story
- Red Bird Thread Co.
- Vintage Vibes Vinyl
Union Street Cafe
5. Dine Al Fresco
Plenty of Downtown Concord restaurants feature outdoor dining — perfect for those lazy summer days or for just soaking up the sun while you have lunch. Check out the new outdoor seating at Hawthorne’s Pizza (25 Union Street N), Chopbox Asian Cuisine (9 Union Street N), Press & Porter (8 Union Street S), Union Street Café (11 Union Street) and High Grounds Coffeehouse (25 Barbrick Avenue SW), all of which are taking advantage of the new wider sidewalks with outdoor tables and chairs. Other new businesses will join them soon!
6. Enjoy a Concert or Celebration
On June 28, the City of Concord’s outdoor concert series began with a concert in downtown. Keep an eye on our Events Calendar and Downtown Concord’s Events and Promotions page for more details on everything to come.
All year long, you can enjoy Downtown Concord during special events like the Streetlight 5K and Frolic (July 11), Christmas in July (July 12), Art Walk on Union (September 6), Concord International Festival (September 27), Candy Crawl (October 31), Christmas Tree Lighting (November 21), Concord Christmas Parade (November 22) and the Small Business Saturday Holiday Trail (November 29). With that kind of lineup, there’s something for everyone.
Come Explore With Us
You can follow what’s happening in Downtown Concord on social media (@DowntownConcordNC on Instagram and Downtown Concord, NC on Facebook). Check out our Destination Guide for more delicious and exciting experiences throughout Cabarrus County!
