Saddle up: The 2025 Cabarrus County Fair returns soon

Published on August 29, 2025

Cabarrus County Fair

The wait is almost over: The Cabarrus County Fair opens September 5, packed with rides, food, four nights of rodeo action and fresh new features for everyone. 

The fair returns to the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center September 5 through 13. To kick-off the nine-day affair, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Friday, Sept. 5 at 3:30 p.m. (30 minutes before the Fair opens).  

“As we get closer to opening day, I get more excited for what’s in store for fairgoers this year,” said Fair Executive Director Courtney Wyatt. “I want people to have pride in the fair and enjoy everything we have to offer this year.” 

Fair pricing and discount nights 

Fair admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 to 11 and seniors 55-plus. Cabarrus County employees, kids 5 and under and all military personnel get in free with a valid ID/badge.  

Tickets purchased at the gates are cash only. 

This year, the fair offers themed discount nights, including: 

  • Senior Day (Monday, Sept. 8): Free admission from 3 to 4 p.m. for ages 55 and up 

  • 2-Can Tuesday (Tuesday, Sept. 9): Get $2 off admission with the donation of two nonperishable food items 

  • School Night (Wednesday, Sept. 10): Free admission for Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City School students 

  • Carload Night (Thursday, Sept. 11): Admission and ride wristbands for up to six people per vehicle for $90 (up to a $270 value). Payment is collected at the gate—not while parking. 

Rodeo and other attractions 

New this year, the fair will host four nights of live professional rodeo action on Sept. 5, 6, 12 and 13 (Fridays and Saturdays). 

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 under are free. A rodeo ticket includes fair admission.  

“We believe in family entertainment that’s across the board, from the youngest to the oldest, said SRC Director of Operations Josh Brooks. “Instead of watching one or two events, you get eight, so from the time you sit down, and we buck a horse through the end, it’s just non-stop action.”   

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

  • Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show 

  • First Bite fishing 

  • Hog Diggity Dogs stunt team 

  • Dangerous Feats of Comedy 

  • Eudora Farms petting zoo 

  • The Cabarrus County Fair Pageant (Sunday, Sept. 7 at 3 p.m.) 

  • Free musical performances by The Delmonico’s on Monday at 7 p.m., Landon Cline on Tuesday at 6 p.m. and Too Much Sylvia on Wednesday at 6 p.m. 

Livestock shows will move into the arena this year, offering more space and seating. Those shows include: 

  • Open Horse Show: Sunday, Sept. 7 at 1 p.m.  

  • Youth Sheep Show: Monday, Sept. 8 at 4:30 p.m.  

  • Youth Goat Show: Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 4:30 p.m.  

  • Youth Beef Show: Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 4:30 p.m.  

  • Youth Dairy Show: Thursday, Sept.11 at 4:30 p.m.  

  • Open Mule and Donkey Show: Saturday, September 13 at 1 p.m.  

The Fair Mercantile, staged in Gold Hall 2, will highlight local craft vendors and feature Cabarrus-grown booths. 

Online tickets 

For the first time, tickets can be purchased exclusively through Etix at https://loom.ly/yNDHamc or visiting www.cabarruscountyfair.com and clicking the ‘Buy Tickets” link. Additional fees apply when purchasing online. 

For more information, visit www.cabarruscountyfair.com. 

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