Just a short drive from Salisbury, Kannapolis comes alive each summer with a packed calendar of concerts, movies, and community events. While not all these experiences take place within Rowan County, they’re close enough to easily add to your visit - making Kannapolis a great nearby stop for even more seasonal fun.
From live music in the park to nostalgic movie nights and kid-friendly entertainment, Discover Fun in Kannapolis runs from May through September and brings energy to every corner of the city.
Village Park Concert Series (Free | 7 p.m.)
Set in the heart of Village Park, this popular concert series draws crowds all summer long. Bring a lawn chair, grab refreshments on-site, and settle in for an evening of live music.
Photo of Andy Grammer with Walk Off the Earth provided by the City of Kannapolis.
2026 Headliners Include:
- June 6: Cheap Trick
- June 20: Josh Turner
- June 27: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (fireworks to follow)
- July 11: The Four Tops
- August 8: Andy Grammer with Walk Off the Earth
Thursdays on Main (Free | 6 p.m.)
Veterans Park sets the scene for music nights that feel quintessentially Carolina. These Thursday evening concerts are easy to pair with dinner in Downtown Kannapolis or nearby Rowan County restaurants. Be sure to bring along a chair or blanket for added comfort!
Photo of Jim Quick & The Coastline provided by the City of Kannapolis.
Featured Performers:
- May 7: Band of Oz
- June 11: Rivermist
- July 9: The Embers
- August 13: Too Much Sylvia
- September 1: Jim Quick & The Coastline
Outdoor Movies in the Park (Free | 8:45 p.m.)
Head back to Village Park for open-air movie nights throughout the summer. Bring a blanket and enjoy a lineup of family favorites.
2026 Movie Nights Include:
- May 22: Inside Out 2
- May 29: Lilo & Stitch
- June 12: Zootopia 2
- July 17: How to Train Your Dragon
- July 31: Super Mario Brothers Galaxy
Stories, Theatre & Kids Programming
Kannapolis keeps younger audiences engaged all season long with interactive programming and original live performances:
Photo of Gravity Check provided by the City of Kannapolis.
Stories Under the Stars
Free events hosted by the Kannapolis Library with rotating performers and storytellers.
- April 18: Porkchop Productions (Main Kannapolis Library)
- May 16: Story Ship (Afton Library)
- June 13: Sparkpoint Innovations (Afton Library)
- July 18: B-Rad Kids Magicians (Main Kannapolis Library)
- August 15: Gravity Check (Main Kannapolis Library)
Swanee Children's Theatre Series
Live productions including Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, and The Cat in the Hat.
- June 11: Peter Pan
- June 25: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- July 9: Dino ROAR
- July 16: The Cat in the Hat
- August 6: The Tale of Beauty and the Beast
Ticket information for the Swanee Children's Theatre Series can be found on the Swanee Theatre's official website.
$2 Summer Movie Matinees at Gem Theatre
A long-running local favorite for affordable daytime entertainment.
- May 26: Minions
- May 28: Minions: The Rise of Gru
- June 2: Curious George
- June 4: Dog Man
- June 9: Gabby's Doll House
- June 11: Kung Fu Panda 4
- June 16: Detective Pikachu
- June 18: Dr. Seuss' The Lorax
- June 23: Sing
- June 25: Bad Guys 2
- June 30: Secret Life of Pets
- July 2: Wild Robot
- July 7: Trolls
- July 9: Secret Life of Pets 2
- July 14: Migration
- July 16: Emoji Movie
- July 21: Open Season
- July 23: Planet 51
- July 30: Sing 2
- August 4: Despicable Me 3
- August 6: Despicable Me 4
Even More Ways to Explore Kannapolis
Make the most of your time in Kannapolis by adding a few more stops to your itinerary:
- Catch a game with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Browse the Kannapolis Farmers Market
- Join the Run Kannapolis 5K Series
- Explore local dining and shops throughout downtown
Plan Your Discover Fun in Kannapolis Visit
Turn your summer outing into a full getaway with our Overnight Stay & Play Package. Spend the day exploring local attractions in Rowan County, then head just down the road to Kannapolis for an evening concert, movie, or fireworks show before settling in for a relaxing overnight stay. It’s an easy way to experience more of the region while making the most of Kannapolis’ summer event lineup.