February 14, 2022
The history of Kannapolis extends back to 1906 after James William Cannon, founder of Cannon Mills, purchased a plot of land and started building the town and new textile mill. By 1914, Cannon Manufacturing became known as the largest producer of sheets and towels in the world.
Though the city’s future was uncertain when the mill closed in 2003, Kannapolis made a comeback. Today, it’s home to museums, restaurants, boutiques, a brewery, a cidery, a restored historic theater, an award-winning minor-league ballpark and enough special events and activities for even the most ambitious itineraries.
While there are countless ways to enjoy the city, here are eight ideas for things to do in Kannapolis to get you started!
1. Catch a Ballgame
Find your seat at Atrium Health Ballpark to watch the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, the Low-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, take the field. The minor-league team and its mascot, Boomer, draw crowds who are eager to watch their team’s players round the bases. Home games happen from April to September, so there are plenty of chances to take in this family-friendly experience.
The ballpark — voted the Best Ballpark in Low-A Minor League Baseball in 2021 — doubles as a public park complete with a playground and splash pad, making it worth a visit even when the team isn’t on the field.
2. Raise a Glass
Old Armor Beer Company in downtown Kannapolis didn’t just choose military-inspired names such as Oh Dark Thirty for its beers — the interior decor, Pay-It-Forward board and various special events at the veteran-owned brewery all pay homage to those who served.
The craft brewery is known for its wide selection of beers, including everything from imperial stouts and IPAs to Belgian-style tripel and German-style Kolsch. Proceeds from the rotating selection of charitable beers are donated to nonprofits serving veterans, first responders and community groups.
Next door to Old Armor, visitors to Tipsy Hare Ciderworks are invited to “Hop on the Cider Train.” As Cabarrus County’s first cidery, this popular spot offers craft ciders that range from the sweetest of their selection, Hunny Tree, to dry varieties such as Forty-Two.
Both the ciders from Tipsy Hare and brews from OA can be enjoyed in the four-lane bowling alley below. Make a reservation at Kingpin Bowling to try out duckpin bowling.
3. Energize Your Adventure
For a quick energy boost, grab a fresh cup of coffee from Local Patriot Roasting Co. or Editions. During lunch or dinner in downtown, power up with a protein-packed meal from Chophouse 101. The menu at this full-service restaurant features seafood, steaks and chops, salads and more. Just a short drive down Lane Street, another local favorite is serving up homecooked classics — fuel up on spaghetti, burgers, BLTs and more at Lee’s Sandwich Shop.
Need something sweet to put a pep in your step? Kannapolis does not disappoint! Any of the confections from My Sister’s Place Ice Cream & Fudge, Eat Cakes Bakery, James’ Sweet Spot and Decadence Popcorn are sure to do the trick.
4. Get the Best Seat in the House
When the Gem Theatre opened on Dec. 31, 1936, it was the hottest ticket in town. The historic single-screen theater has undergone recent renovations and remains a beloved spot to watch first-run movies in downtown Kannapolis. Named on the National Register of Historic Places, the Gem is also one of the few remaining theaters with balcony seating.
Purchase a ticket, order popcorn and settle in to watch a movie and see why it’s been downtown’s favorite movie theater for 85 years.
5. Discover Music & Motorsports History
On Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, two major pieces of North Carolina’s history collide. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and the Curb Museum for Music & Motorsports fittingly share a space that houses storied artifacts from both the racing and music industries. From gold records to winning race cars, this duo displays an incredibly unique selection of memorabilia.
6. Drive the Dale Trail
Kannapolis is the hometown of racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., and the Dale Trail features several important landmarks from his life and racing career. Follow the self-guided tour to racing attractions around the region, including Richard Childress Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. In the neighborhood dubbed “Car Town” where Earnhardt grew up, the streets are named after cars, like Ford, Chevrolet and V8.
The Dale Trail also stops at Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza, where seven steps descending into the plaza represent his seven Cup championships, and the oval layout was designed to resemble a race track. The centerpiece of the urban greenspace is a 9-foot bronze statue of Earnhardt.
7. Stock Up on Local Souvenirs
Whether it’s a bar of handmade soap or a Baller-branded ballcap, the specialty shops and boutiques in Kannapolis will leave you with bags full of goodies to remember your visit by.
From pillows to candles, decor sporting the city’s name or zip code can be found at spots like Sweetest Beginnings and Nostalgia Hollow Co. Grab a Kannapolis crew neck sweatshirt from Lennon Boutique or the popular “Good Gets” tee from Adair, which features the iconic marquee of neighboring Gem Theatre. To show support for the hometown team, stop by Cannon City Supply Co. to pick up all the gameday gear you’ll need.
8. Enjoy Seasonal Events & Festivals
Kannapolis offers something for visitors to enjoy year-round, but special events and festivals add an extra reason to visit during every season. Things heat up in the spring for the Jiggy with the Piggy barbecue competition and festival. Join the community in celebrating race season with festivities like Movies on the Campus and the Zucchini 600. Summer brings a concert series you won’t want to miss, and fall is welcomed with Oktober Family Fest at Atrium Health Ballpark. Then, behold thousands of glimmering lights while on a train ride around Village Park during Christmas in Kannapolis.
Several of the city’s special events take place at Village Park, where the amphitheater, splash pad and double-decker carousel make for a memorable visit. Kannapolis offers even more parks, greenways and spaces to enjoy the outdoors, such as Veterans Park and the Irish Buffalo Creek Greenway, a segment of the Carolina Thread Trail.
Plan Your Kannapolis Vacation
Looking for lodging in Kannapolis? Browse these places to stay throughout Cabarrus County, North Carolina! Learn more about all that Kannapolis has to offer and start planning your trip.
