August in Rowan County, N.C., brings a dynamic blend of music, visual arts, comedy, and community celebration to center stage. Whether you're exploring world-class masterpieces at Waterworks, catching a live tribute to Pat Benatar or ZZ Top at the Swanee Theatre, or dancing under the stars in Cleveland, this month offers countless ways to experience the creative spirit of Rowan County. From comedy shows to family-friendly concerts, there’s no shortage of ways to get inspired this August.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center Presents: "Never Before Seen...Modern Masterpieces"
Now - August 30, 2025
“Never Before Seen…Modern Masterpieces” includes forty works by twenty-eight leading European modernists, including such greats as Kandinsky, Monet, Picasso, and de Kooning. Spanning more than a century of art history, the exhibition will introduce viewers to several pivotal movements from French Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism.
Discover Fun in Kannapolis
August 1, 2, 9 & 14, 2025
The Discover Fun in Kannapolis series returns with an outstanding lineup of concerts, outdoor movies, and community fun - all for free! This month, enjoy performances by Big & Rich, Too Much Sylvia, a showing of Inside Out 2, and a Stories Under the Stars Shepherd Shakespeare event..
Funny at the Swanee: Show One & Show Two
August 16, 2025
Get ready to laugh out loud at Funny at the Swanee on August 16, featuring a stellar comedy lineup with T Springs, Marvin Hunter, and Ha Ha Davis. Doors open at 5:30 PM, show starts at 6:30 PM, and this 18+ event promises an evening full of fun at the Swanee Theatre.
ZZ Top Notch at The Swanee Theatre
August 22, 2025
ZZ Top Notch grew from the love of the music from that Little Ol’ Band from Texas. The members of the band comprise over 100 years of professional experience performing Classic Rock music. Established in 2022, ZZ Top Notch has performed to crowds that are hungry for the ZZ Top style of Texas Blues and Rock. Come rock with at The Swanee Theatre!
Dancing on Depot Street - Summer Concert Series
August 23, 2025
Get ready to dance the night away at the 8th Annual Dancing on Depot Street Summer Concert Series on August 23, 2025 in Cleveland, N.C., featuring the high-energy sounds of The Entertainers. Enjoy live music, great company, and delicious eats from the Food Truck Fiesta - all in a family-friendly, free community setting. Don’t forget your lawn chairs, blankets, and best dance moves!
Shadows of the Night: Pat Benetar at The Swanee Theatre
August 23, 2025
Experience the power and passion of Pat Benatar’s greatest hits with Shadows of the Night at the Swanee Theatre on August 23. This nationally touring tribute band brings the energy and sound of a live Benatar concert to life with iconic anthems like “Love Is a Battlefield” and “Heartbreaker.”
High Rock Summer Concert Series
August 24, 2025
Paddle out for an unforgettable afternoon of live music and good vibes at Crane Creek, only accessible by water! Whether you float, paddle, or cruise in, this unique concert experience between Goat Island and Waters Edge Dock and Grill is one you won’t want to miss.
From gallery walls to stages, August in Rowan County invites you to connect with the arts in every form. Make the most of your cultural adventure by booking a stay, exploring our rewards, and discovering even more exciting experiences in our full August in Rowan County blog.
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