Last updated August 12, 2026.
Labor Day Weekend is the perfect excuse to squeeze in one more summer adventure before the season winds down. Whether you're looking for family-friendly attractions, local markets and festivals, outdoor fun, live music or a leisurely meal, Rowan County, N.C., offers plenty of original ways to make the most of the long weekend. From Salisbury and Spencer to communities throughout the county, discover what’s happening this Labor Day Weekend and start planning your getaway.
Labor Day Weekend Events
Make the most of the long weekend with local events happening throughout Rowan County. From Friday night through Labor Day Monday, find live music, markets, community gatherings, family-friendly activities and more.
All Weekend
Summer Fun on the Farm at Patterson Farm Market & Tours, Inc.
Pick-Your-Own Grapes at Cauble Creek Vineyard
Formed, Fired and Woven: Women in Material Exhibit at Waterworks Visual Arts Center
When Are We Us? Traveling Exhibit at Rowan Public Library Headquarters
Friday, September 4, 2026
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Home Game - 7 P.M.
Downtown Landis Classic Car Cruise In - 5 P.M. - 9 P.M.
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Salisbury Farmers Market - 8 A.M. - 12 P.M.
Historic Hall House Tours - 1 P.M. - 4 P.M.
Honey Magpie (Indie/Folk Band) In-Concert at Norvell Theatre - 7 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Home Game - 7 P.M.
Sunday, September 6, 2026
First Sunday Brunch at La Cava - 11 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Music Movement Meditation with Sacha Roberts at Shug's at Brooklyn South Square - 12 P.M.
Couples Sip & Shop at Local Focal - 1 P.M. - 6 P.M.
China Grove Farmers Market - 2 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Home Game - 7 P.M.
Monday, September 7, 2026
Wine About Monday at Salty Caper - 11 A.M. - 10 P.M.
Comic Monstore Game Night at New Sarum Brewing Company - 5 P.M. - 9 P.M.
Line Dancing at the Swanee Theatre - 6 P.M. - 8 P.M.
Open Mic Night at Shug's at Brooklyn South Square - 7 P.M. - 12 A.M.
Music Bingo at Gaelic Alley Irish Pub - 7 P.M. - 9 P.M.
Things to Do All Labor Day Weekend
Not looking for a specific event? You can still fill your Labor Day Weekend with memorable experiences. These Rowan County attractions offer plenty of ways to explore, play and make the most of your extra day off.
N.C. Transportation Museum
The N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer is a natural fit for a Labor Day Weekend itinerary, especially for families and train enthusiasts. Explore historic locomotives, rail cars, transportation artifacts and the museum’s historic facilities, then climb aboard for a train ride through the museum grounds. The museum operates Tuesday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Sunday from 12 P.M. to 5 P.M.
For Labor Day Weekend 2026, the museum will be open Monday, September 7, with train rides scheduled at 11 A.M. and 1 P.M. Train rides are also available throughout the weekend, with additional departures on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission and admission-plus-train-ride options are available, with discounts for seniors and military and free admission for museum members and children under age 3.
Check the museum's website for current admission, train ride schedules and any changes before your visit. To start planning your visit, be sure to take a look at our Guide to the N.C. Transportation Museum.
Tiger World
Spend part of your Labor Day Weekend getting up close to wildlife at Tiger World, a nonprofit exotic animal conservation and education center in Rockwell. Visitors can explore the zoo at their own pace, see animals from around the world and participate in educational Keeper Talks throughout the day. Feed cups are also available for select animals, including monkeys, bears and birds.
Labor Day is a special day at Tiger World, with special Keeper Talks scheduled throughout Monday, September 7. The attraction is open Monday through Sunday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., with educational guided tours available at 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. when reserved in advance. On weekends and holidays, visitors can enjoy self-guided Walkabout tours and Keeper Talks. For an added adventure, Tiger World also offers Wild Adventure Mini-Golf, Parakeet Jungle and animal-feeding experiences for an additional fee.
Check ahead for current admission, tour availability and holiday programming. To start planning your visit, be sure to take a look at our Guide to Tiger World.
Lazy 5 Ranch
For a one-of-a-kind animal adventure, head to Lazy 5 Ranch, where you can experience a drive-through animal park from the comfort of your own vehicle. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, and visitors can purchase feed buckets to feed animals along the drive. Admission also includes access to the walk-through petting zoo area.
Want to make your visit even more memorable? Add a guided, horse-drawn wagon ride through the animal park. Wagon rides include general admission and animal feed, and reservations are required on weekdays. Weekend wagon rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Lazy 5 Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Sunday from 12 P.M. to 5 P.M. Be sure to arrive at least an hour before closing so you have plenty of time to enjoy the park.
Check the ranch's website for current admission, wagon ride information and holiday hours. To start planning your visit, be sure to take a look at our Guide to Lazy 5 Ranch.
Patterson Farm
Patterson Farm Market & Tours, Inc. in Mount Ulla is a great stop for families looking to enjoy a little farm fun before summer comes to an end. During Summer Fun on the Farm, kids can explore Pawpaw Carl's Playground, a farm-themed play space with giant slides, climbing areas, interactive games and hands-on activities. Families can also visit the barnyard to meet cows, goats, chickens, pigs, ducks and peacocks, with each guest receiving a cup of animal feed.
Patterson Farm's Summer Fun on the Farm season runs through September 12, 2026, with the farm open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. during the final portion of the season. After playing, cool down with hand-dipped ice cream, milkshakes or a slushee from the market, or grab something to enjoy in the outdoor seating area.
Check Patterson Farm's website for current admission, hours and seasonal offerings. To start planning your visit, be sure to take a look at our Guide to Patterson Farm.
Dan Nicholas Park
Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury is another great choice for families who want to pack plenty of activities into a single stop. The park's attractions include Rowan Wild's Wildlife Adventures and T.M. Stanback Barnyard, where visitors can learn about native wildlife and meet farm animals. Kids can also ride Haden's Carousel, pan for treasures at the Gem Mine, play a round of mini golf or take a paddle boat out on the lake.
During September, the park's Rowan Wild attractions are open Thursday through Sunday from 10 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., with daily admission ending 30 minutes before closing. The park itself is open daily from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. The Splash Pad is also available seasonally, making it another option for cooling off if it's still feeling like summer over Labor Day Weekend.
Attraction hours can vary because of weather and staffing, so check Dan Nicholas Park's website before visiting. To start planning your visit, be sure to take a look at our Guide to Dan Nicholas Park.
More Places to Explore This Labor Day Weekend
Looking to add a little variety to your Labor Day Weekend? Beyond Rowan County's family-friendly attractions, there are plenty of ways to slow down, get outside and explore at your own pace.
High Rock Lake
Spend a sunny afternoon at High Rock Lake, one of North Carolina's largest lakes and a popular destination for boating, fishing, kayaking and other water activities. Pack a picnic, get out on the water or simply find a spot to enjoy the lake views.
Check out our Guide to High Rock Lake to begin planning your adventure.
Downtown Salisbury
Spend a few hours exploring Downtown Salisbury, where historic architecture meets locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries, museums and more. It's an easy place to build your own afternoon of shopping, dining and exploring - and a great option when you want to take a break from a packed itinerary.
RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls
For a more rugged outdoor adventure, head to RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls, also known as "The Bullhole". Located along the South Yadkin River, the park offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, fishing and swimming around its distinctive stone dam and sandy river beach.
Check local conditions and park information before visiting, particularly after periods of heavy rain.
Local Wineries & Breweries
Raise a glass to the unofficial end of summer at one of Rowan County's local wineries or breweries. From wine tasting and vineyard views to locally crafted beer and laid-back taprooms, these spots offer an easygoing way to unwind during a long weekend. Explore the county's local craft beverage scene including New Sarum Brewing Company, Grove Cartel Brewing Company, Cauble Creek Vineyard, Morgan Ridge Vineyard, and Douglas Vineyards and find a new favorite along the way.
