12 Best Things To Do In Kannapolis, North Carolina

1. Atrium Health Ballpark

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Atrium Health Ballpark is a state-of-the-art centerpiece facility in downtown Kannapolis. It is a stadium that serves as the home of Kannapolis Cannon Ballers since March 2021. Every spectator can get a great view of all the action in the ballpark’s field as there are 4,930 seats available for the fans. It also features eight suites and a wide banquet space to provide a hospitality venue during game days and an event rental space year-round.

Another unique feature of the park is that it acts as a public park on non-game days where the community enjoys the playground, splash pad, and the walking trail around the concourse.

Atrium Health Ballpark

Address: 210 Oak Ave, Kannapolis, NC 28081

Website: Atrium Health Ballpark

2. Gem Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Have a classic movie experience in Gem Theatre. As one of the oldest single-screen movie theaters still in operation today, you’ll feel a nostalgic vibe from the ambiance of this registered historic place. The theater started operating in 1936 but was engulfed by fire in 1942. It was rebuilt in 1948 and featured a balcony section and a total of 916 seats. Since then, Gem Theatre has become a landmark in Kannapolis as a family and group place to watch blockbuster movies.

Aside from being a go-to destination for films, the theater is also an event space. It has a dedicated event area that can accommodate 40 to 75 guests for parties, business meetings, and rehearsal dinners.

Gem Theatre

Address: 111 W 1st St, Kannapolis, NC 28081

Website: Gem Theatre

3. Foxfire Lanes

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Get your game face on when you hit the pins at Foxfire Lanes. As a bowling league for all ages and skill levels, it is one of the Kannapolis activities sure to be a hit for friends and families. The facility has a well-stocked equipment rack, a great snack bar, and an automatic scoring system where you can keep track of your game standing on the 43-inch monitors.

If you are interested to learn more about or to get better at knocking down pins, Foxfire offers bowling classes that are facilitated by certified bowling coaches. On weekends, the place turns livelier with free games and prizes on its Friday Blast event and lights and sounds show on Saturdays.

Foxfire Lanes

Address: 225 Security St, Kannapolis, NC 28083

Website: Foxfire Lanes

Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 11pm; Mon: 11am - 11pm; Tue: 9am - 10pm; Wed: 11am - 11pm; Thu: 1pm - 10pm; Fr - Sati: 9am - 12am

4. Old Armor Beer Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Old Armor Beer Company is open to serve you an ice-cold pint of freedom. Founded and owned by former combat veterans, this community-based brewery is focused on those who currently serve the country or community in any capacity. If you are for veterans, law enforcement, first responders, firefighters, and those that support them, and also happen to have a taste for great craft beer, you are most welcome to the warm atmosphere of Old Armor Beer Company.

Currently, there are 15 beers in its selection, 12 of these unique brews are dedicated to charitable foundations that support the veterans’ community. You can also show your support to veterans through Old Armor’s “Pay It Forward Board”. This is a small act of kindness where you buy a beer in advance to cover a veteran or first responder’s drink.

Old Armor Beer Company

Address: 211 West Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28081

Website: Old Armor Beer Company

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm

5. Skateland of Kannapolis

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Still wondering about what to do in Kannapolis, NC? Take the road less taken by checking out Skateland of Kannapolis and glide through its 51.8-meter (170-foot) wood rotunda skate floor. You can choose from regular quad skates or upgrade to inline or speed skates. Additionally, clip-on skates are available for beginners and skate mates for those who are still learning to balance.

Every Saturday, Skateland offers one-hour skating lessons for kids ages 12 and under. Other forms of recreation like a large variety of redemption and skill games in the arcade area are also within the property. During your break, head over to the concessions area and choose among pizza, chicken nuggets, nachos, and French fries for a snack.

Skateland of Kannapolis

Address: 311 Brookdale St Kannapolis, NC 28083

Website: Skateland of Kannapolis

Opening hours: Thu: 6pm - 8:30pm; Fri: 6pm - 9pm; Sat: 2pm - 5pm, 6pm - 9pm; Sun: 2pm - 5pm (closed From Mon - Wed)

6. Irish Creek Golf Course

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Play a few rounds of golf at the Irish Creek Golf Course, named consistently one of North Carolina’s top 50 golf courses, each year. This Davis Love III Signature golf course boasts a 400-acre (161.8-hectare) lake and 18 holes. It also hosts various tournaments and events every year, which includes the PGA Tour Q Qualifying Stage and the Collegiate Championship. The club hosts weddings and other special events and there is some great food to be at at the Grille Tavern.

Irish Creek Golf Course

Address: 1196 Fairway Dr., Kannapolis, NC 28081

Website: Irish Creek Golf Course

7. The Dale Trail

NASCAR lovers love Kannapolis, because of its rich history with the driving sport. If you’re a motorsports fan then you know that Kannapolis is the home of driving legend, Dale Earnhardt. The Dale Trail is a self-guided tour that will take you through the life and times of Dale Earnhardt’s life, and visitors will get the chance to learn all about how his driving career blossomed.

Some of the landmarks you can visit are the garage where he and his father worked on cars, the nine foot (2.7 meter) 900 pound (408.2 kg) Dale statue in downtown Kannapolis, and the roads where he would drive his ’56 Chevy, when he was a teenager.

The Dale Trail

Address: The self-guided tour starts from 10099 Weddington Rd, Suite 102, Concord, NC 28027

Website: The Dale Trail

8. Stewart Haas Racing and Haas F-1

The Stewart Haas stock-racing base is located in Kannapolis and will have motorsports fans excited for more. Come learn about the history of this world famous stock racing base and the careers of some of its admired drivers, such as Danica Patrick, Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Kurt Bus, and Cole Custer. End your visit by stopping at the gift shop to find NASCAR memorabilia and souvenirs to take home to family and friends.

Stewart Haas Racing and Haas F-1

Address: 6001 Haas Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081

Website: Stewart Haas Racing and Haas F-1

9. Curb Museum for Motorsports and Music

Located right by the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, you’ll find the Curb Museum for Motorsports and Music. Just like Stewart-Haas Racing and the Dale Trail, this museum will have NASCAR lovers racing down memory lane. Not only does it feature exhibits by numerous famous musical acts, but it also showcases some of NASCAR’s most memorable exhibits.

Visitors can come see the number 2 racing car driven by Dale Earnhardt during his championship season, as well as the number 43 car, driven by Richard Petty during his 199th win.

Curb Museum for Motorsports and Music

Address: 600 Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, Kannapolis, NC 28081

Website: Curb Museum for Motorsports and Music

10. Douglas Vineyards

Sip some wine at the family owned Douglas Vineyard, that brings together wine lovers from all walks of life. The vineyard provides a relaxed atmosphere that makes wine enthusiasts come from everywhere to taste their handcrafted wines. Come enjoy a wine tasting, sit back, sip some wine and have all of your questions answered by the friendly staff that works there.

They have a wide variety of wines on offer, including sauvignon and merlot, as well as some unique flavours, such as “Just Peachy” and “Wicked Watermelon”. The vineyard is also a popular place for weddings and other special events, due to its gorgeous scenery.

Douglas Vineyards

Address: 7696 Freeze Rd, Kannapolis, NC 28081

Website: Douglas Vineyards

11. Village Park

What better way to spend a bright sunny day than in a park? Pack a picnic and enjoy the day at Village Park. Every summer, the park hosts an event series that features a variety of exciting family friendly activities and entertainment. Experience some live music at one of their outdoor concerts, or lay out a blanket, bring some snacks, and enjoy an outdoor movie with friends and family.

Other activities at the events include live art shows and story telling. Want to cool off on a hot day? No problem. The park features a big splash pad that little ones and grown ups love. Make sure to pack towels and a change of clothes, for a fun filled day at the splash pad.

Village Park

Address: 700 West C St., Kannapolis, NC 28081

Website: Village Park

12. North Carolina Music Hall of Fame

The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame was created to recognize, commemorate and promote North Carolina’s music heritage and musicians. Come learn about some of North Carolina’s finest musicians such as Nina Simone, Thelonius Monk, Charlie Daniels, and Donna Fargo. Music lovers will surely enjoy all of the sights this hall of fame has to offer. They also have an annual induction ceremony, in October, which the public can attend, to welcome the addition of new musicians to the hall. Tickets and information can be found on their website. Admission to the hall is free, but donations are always appreciated.

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame

Price: Free

Address: 600 Dale Earnhardt Boulevard

Website: North Carolina Music Hall of Fame

Visit Kannapolis

Whether you’re a music lover, a NASCAR fan, or just visiting to see the sights, Kannapolis, North Carolina surely has something for everyone. Come book your next fun filled trip today and see what this vibrant town has to offer.