Next date: Friday, September 05, 2025 | 04:00 PM
to Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 12:00 AM
- Adults: $8
- Children (ages 6–11): $6
- Seniors (55+): $6
- Children 5 and under: Free
- Cabarrus County Government employees (with ID): Free
- Active military and veterans (with ID): Free
TICKETS
• Do I need a separate rodeo ticket? → Yes! Rodeo tickets are $25 and include fair entry for ANY NIGHT of your choice.
• Do I have to buy tickets in advance? → Nope! Fair and rodeo tickets can be purchased onsite. (Rodeo tickets at the Arena box office, Fair tickets at the entry gate.)
Cash only onsite.
• Do kids get in free? → Children 5 & under get free fair admission. Kids 2 & under get into the rodeo free.
• How much are wristbands? → Wristbands are $37 onsite and give you unlimited rides for one day. (Some specialty rides may require extra credits.) You’ll find ride ticket/wristband kiosks set up throughout the fairgrounds for easy purchase.
• If you choose tickets, also known as credits. Here’s the credit pricing: 1 = $1, 8 = $8, 18 = $18, 38 = $38, 62 = $58, 108 = $98
RODEO & LIVESTOCK
• When is the rodeo? Sept. 5, 6,12 and 13, starting at 6:30 p.m. each night.
• How long does the rodeo last? → About 2–2.5 hours.
• Do I get to pick my seat? Rodeo seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. (one hour before showtime).
• Where are the livestock shows? → In the main arena (same as the rodeo).
• What's the livestock show schedule?
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 @ 1 p.m. Open Horse Show
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 @ 4 p.m. Youth Sheep Show
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 @ 4 p.m. Youth Goat Show
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 @ 4:30 p.m. Youth Beef Show
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 @ 4:30 p.m. Youth Dairy Show
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 @ 1 p.m. Open Mule and Donkey Show
• How often are livestock animals cared for? → Animals are fed and watered daily and properly cared for.
RIDES & KIDS
• Do parents need tickets to ride with kids? → Yes. Children under 36" can ride the merry-go-round, fun slide and Kiddie wheel free with a paying adult (16+). All other rides require tickets or wristbands for everyone.
• Can I bring a stroller or wagon? → Yes! Walkways are mostly paved, but there are some grass/gravel areas.
FOOD, VENDORS & MONEY
• Can I bring outside food/drinks? → No, outside food and drinks aren’t allowed.
• What food will be there? → All your fair favorites: funnel cakes, turkey legs, roasted corn, fried oreos + local vendors.
• Do you take cards? → Some vendors accept cards, but many are cash only. Plan ahead.
• Are there ATMs? → Yes, located throughout the fairgrounds (surcharges apply).
HOURS OF OPERATION
• Fridays: 4–midnight
• Saturdays: 1–midnight
• Sundays: 1–10 p.m.
• Monday: 4–10 p.m. (opens at 3 p.m. for Seniors)
• Tuesday (2-can night): 4–10 p.m.
• Wednesday (School Night): *3–10 p.m. (opening one hour early since it’s a half day of school for CCS students)
• Thursday (Carload Night): 4–10 p.m.
PARKING & ACCESS
• Is parking free? → Yes!
• Is the fair accessible? → Yes, wheelchair accessible. Service animals are welcome, pets stay home.
SPECIAL NIGHTS/DISCOUNTS
• Do teachers and college students get free entry on School Night? → No, only students (with tickets sent home from Cabarrus County Schools or Kannapolis City Schools).
• How does Carload Night work? → $90 gets entry + wristbands for up to SIX people (a $270 value). You don’t all have to ride in the same car, but you do need to enter together. Even if you only have 4 or 5 people in your group, you can still take advantage of the discount.
LIVE MUSIC
• What's the entertainment schedule?
Catch live music on the main stage during Fair week:
Monday – The Delmonico’s @ 7 p.m.
Tuesday – Landon Cline @ at 6 p.m.
Wednesday – Too Much Sylvia @ 6 p.m.
More entertainment details will be shared as we get closer.
WEATHER & RULES
• What if it rains? → The fair runs rain or shine. Severe weather may delay or cancel some attractions. No refunds or rainchecks.
• Will there be alcohol? → No alcohol sales at the Fair or Rodeo.
• Any other rules? → No pets, weapons or outside food/drinks. Smoking/vaping only in designated areas. Backpacks and bags larger than 17” x 14” x 8” are not permitted. All bags are subject to search before entering.
WHO RUNS THE FAIR?
The Cabarrus County Fair & Rodeo is managed by Cabarrus County Government. Rides & games are operated by Powers Great American Midways. The rodeo is operated by Southern Rodeo Company.