Nine days of Fair fun returning to Cabarrus

Published on September 02, 2026

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The Cabarrus County Fair is bringing extra attractions, expanded experiences and familiar favorites to the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center September 11 through 19.

This year’s edition features a massive new balloon art installation, the return of four nights of professional rodeo action, more local vendors, more live music than ever and the livestock shows fairgoers know and love.

“The County Fair is a tradition that brings our community together year after year, and I’m excited to see it come to life again,” said Fair Executive Director Courtney Wyatt. “From longtime favorites to new experiences, there’s something for everyone. We hope folks will come out, make memories and celebrate with us.”

To kick off the nine-day event, a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11 is set for Friday, Sept. 11, at 3:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the fair opens. The ceremony will feature a pipe and drum performance, the national anthem, an honor guard and other special tributes.

Fair pricing and discount nights

Fair admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-11 and seniors 55 and older. Children 5 and younger and all military personnel get in free with a valid ID or badge.

This year’s theme nights include:

  • Senior Day (Monday, Sept. 14): Free admission from 4-6 p.m. for ages 55 and older; Senior Bingo starts at 2:30 p.m. in the Cabarrus Rooms
  • $2 Tuesday (Tuesday, Sept. 15): Get $2 off admission with the donation of two nonperishable food items and all rides are also $2/2 credits.
  • School Night (Wednesday, Sept. 16): Free admission for students at Cabarrus County Schools and Kannapolis City Schools
  • Carload Night (Thursday, Sept. 17): Admission and ride wristbands for up to six people are $90, a $270 value. That’s just $15 per person for a group of six. The ‘carload’ group doesn’t need to arrive in the same vehicle. The group does need to be together when purchasing tickets at the booth. Savings start at just 3 people

Professional rodeo

Back for a second year, the fair will host four nights of professional rodeo action on Sept. 11, 12, 18 and 19. Theme nights include All-American Rodeo, with a fair bandana giveaway while supplies last; Retro Rodeo; Neon/Glow Rodeo, with a glow stick giveaway; and Denim and Diamonds.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Events begin at 6:30 p.m. and include traditional rodeo favorites such as bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback riding, barrel racing, team roping, calf roping, breakaway roping and steer wrestling.

The rodeo is produced by Southern Rodeo Co. (SRC), a Georgia-based, family-owned group named International Professional Rodeo Association Stock Contractor of the Year in 2023 and 2024.

Rodeo tickets are $25 for general admission. Children 2 and younger are free. A rodeo ticket includes same-day fair admission, and ticket holders can enter the fair before and after the rodeo.

Other attractions and features for this year’s fair include:

  • The Dynamo Dogs
  • Dangerous Feats of Comedy
  • Eudora Farms petting zoo
  • Robinson’s Racing Pigs
  • Youth tractor driving competition

Free musical performances include:

  • Sept. 11: Mak Marie, 7-7:45 p.m. and 9-9:45 p.m.
  • Sept. 12: The Legacy Motown Revue, 7-7:45 p.m. and 9-9:45 p.m.
  • Sept. 13: The Towers, 3-5 p.m.
  • Sept. 14: Corey Stevenson Band, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Sept. 15: Landon Cline, 6-9 p.m.
  • Sept. 17: Robert Hunter, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Sept. 18: Kayla McKinney, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Personal lawn chairs are allowed at the shows but will be subject to search at the gate.

Livestock shows are once again in the main arena this year, offering more space and seating. The shows include:

  • Open Horse/Mule/Donkey Show: Sunday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m.
  • Youth Sheep Show: Monday, Sept. 14, at 4:30 p.m.
  • Youth Goat Show: Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 4:30 p.m.
  • Youth Dairy Show: Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 4:30 p.m.
  • Youth Beef Show: Thursday, Sept. 17, at 4:30 p.m.

The Fair Mercantile in Gold Hall 2 will highlight local arts, crafts and artisan food vendors. Offerings will include a hat bar, tallow products, homemade cookies, jams, jellies and much more.

New this year, Gold Hall 1 will feature Poppin’ Penelope, who will take over the building with a massive balloon art display. Penelope works around the clock to bring an entire environment to life using tens of thousands of balloons. Fairgoers can visit the display before and after exploring the midway to see how it transforms throughout their visit.

Online tickets 

Fair and Rodeo tickets can be purchased exclusively through Etix at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/37389/cabarrus-arena-and-events-centerperformance_id=90139470 or visiting www.cabarruscountyfair.com and clicking the “Tickets” link. Additional fees apply when purchasing online. Discount nights can only be purchased in person. 

For more information, visit www.cabarruscountyfair.com. Follow the Fair on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

 

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