February 7, 2022
Like many small Southern towns, it was the railroad that put Harrisburg on the map. In the 1850s, local landowner Robert Harris sold a piece of property for the railroad right-of-way and the railroad station, Harris Depot, was named in his honor. The town came to be known as Harrisburg when the post office was renamed two decades later.
Today, the fast-growing suburb of Charlotte is known for its tight-knit community, parks and family-friendly atmosphere — and some of the best things to do here capitalize on that vibe.
This list of five fun things to do in Harrisburg is just a start! Get inspired and explore even more adventure all throughout town.
1. Explore the Outdoors
After an extensive expansion and renovation, Harrisburg Park reopened in 2021. The 33-acre outdoor playground features walking and mountain bike trails, a splash pad, soccer fields, 9-hole disc golf course and cornhole courts. It’s also home to an amphitheater with a 20-foot film screen and a concession stand, making it a popular spot for special events like Movies in the Park and Rockin’ the Burg Summer Concert Series.
Other spots to enjoy the outdoors in Harrisburg include Veterans Park, Stallings Road Park and Pharr Mill Park, a 37-acre park along the Rocky River that includes a portion of the Carolina Thread Trail. Adventuring on a summer day? Cool down with a frosty treat from Frozen Kups or Susa’s Ice Cream Café.
2. Shop Small, Get a Glimpse of the Past
Homegrown treats are available at the seasonal Harrisburg Farmers Market. Located by the Historic Post Office and General Store at Harris Depot Park, the market is open on Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m., starting in early May and running through September. After shopping, take time to visit the museum, which is filled with artifacts like the original post office boxes and historic photos.
3. Fuel Up on Local Eats
There is no shortage of great places to eat and drink in Harrisburg. Stop at Rocky River Coffee Co. for your daily java jolt (plus extras, like New York bagels, homemade ice cream and fresh pastries).
Need something more substantial? Near Town Hall, you’ll also find favorites like Hawthorne’s New York Pizza and Bar. Just down the road, Harrisburg Family House Restaurant has been serving up homestyle favorites like fried chicken, grilled pork chops, homemade spanakopita and sirloin beef tips since 2007.
Vortex Bottle Shop is another popular spot. Pair selections of flatbread and tapas with one of the 250-plus beers on the menu. The list of local eats goes on with local favorite spots like Louis’ Grill, A.J.’s and Pub 49, all of which are conveniently located off of Highway 49 in Harrisburg.
4. Sip a New Brew
When Percent Tap House opened in 2018, it was Harrisburg’s first brewery. In addition to pulling pints of craft beer, the single-barrel brewery in the Harrisburg Town Center serves a variety of beverages for all tastes, from seltzer, wine and cider to cocktails and cold brew. Try something new from the selection and be sure to check out the brewery’s social channels for a weekly rundown of taproom happenings, including trivia, live music, bingo, food trucks and more.
Harrisburg is also home to Pharr Mill Brewing & BBQ, a brewery named after the grain mill where locals once purchased grain for their livestock. The brewery makes hoppy ales, stouts, fruited ales and sours, and serves them with delicious dishes like brisket, pulled pork and street tacos.
5. Stay for Special Events
Harrisburg hosts several signature special events every year. The annual Harrisburg Multicultural Festival, Harrisburg Art Walk, Trick or Treat in the Park and Rockin’ the Burg Summer Concert Series are big hits for family entertainment.
But the town’s annual 4th of July celebration attracts the largest crowds. Held at Harrisburg Park, the Independence Day celebration — easily one of the most popular events in town — features a parade, fireworks, live music, carnival rides and more.
Plan Your Trip to Harrisburg
Learn more about all that Harrisburg has to offer and start planning your trip with these places to stay throughout Cabarrus County, North Carolina!
