July 7, 2026
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.
Cook Out Summer Shootout, Concord
When: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Gates: 5:00 p.m., Green flag: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Adults: $10 / Admission for kids 12 & under is free
Since June, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Summer Shootout series 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 school bus races to firework shows. Get in on the fun! The last Summer Shootout of the season is Champions Nights and will feature an autograph session and more bus racing!
Concerts in the Park at Village Park, Kannapolis
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026: Andy Grammar w/ Walk Off the Earth, 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free for all
This concert series is a summer-must! This season’s lineup has included performances from the Charlotte Symphony, Cheap Trick, Josh Turner and many more. Bring a picnic blanket or yard chairs and settle in for a fun evening of great music, and catch the final shows of the Concerts in the Park series at Village Park.
Visit during the week for even more free music in Downtown Kannapolis. During the city’s Thursdays on Main series, you’ll see people dancing, kids playing and families gathered for picnics. And you’ll hear music from fantastic artists in beautiful Veterans Park including Too Much Sylvia on Aug. 13 and Jim Quick & the Coastline on Sep. 10, 2026. Shows begin at 6:00 p.m.
Movies in the Park at Village Park, Kannapolis
When: Friday, July 17, 2026: How to Train Your Dragon | Friday, July 31, 2026: Super Mario Galaxy Movie, 8:45 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free for all
Grab you lawn chairs and blankets for an evening under the stars! Bring the kids to watch “Elemental” outdoors in the park on the big screen during the Village Park Movies series.
Cannon Ballers Home Games: $2 Tuesdays, Kannapolis
When: Jul. 28 vs. Salem Red Sox | August 11 vs. Hickory Crawdads
Cost: Ticket prices vary – See website
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 enjoy ballpark favorite food and beverage items for just $2 each.
Rockin’ the Burg, Harrisburg
When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026: September: An Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute | Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026: Departure: The Journey Tribute | October 10, 2026: Gump Fiction, 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free for all.
Get ready to rock in the Town of Harrisburg! At Harrisburg Park, all ages can enjoy the outdoors along with live music during this summer series. Opening acts begin at 7:00 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).
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.
