From 25,000 lights illuminating a historic gold mine to pumpkin patches, haunted tours and Oktoberfest celebrations, Cabarrus County offers a full season of fall events

CONCORD, N.C. (September 9, 2026) – This fall, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, is giving travelers plenty of reasons to plan an autumn getaway. Across the county’s five communities of Concord, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, Midland and Mount Pleasant, visitors can experience everything from pumpkin patches and hayrides to haunted history, Oktoberfest celebrations and a brand-new nighttime experience that will transform one of North Carolina’s most historic sites with 25,000 lights.

Making its debut this October, Reed Glow Mine will offer visitors a completely new way to experience Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site in Midland, the site of the first documented gold discovery in the United States. On Oct. 17, the historic property will glow after dark as 25,000 lights illuminate the mine and surrounding grounds. Families can venture through the light-filled mine, follow colorful walking paths and try illuminated gem panning during the one-night-only event. Advance tickets are required and are $5 per person.

“Fall is one of the best times to experience Cabarrus County because every one of our communities brings something different to the season,” said Donna Carpenter, President and CEO of the Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Whether you’re exploring our historic gold mine after dark, picking out a pumpkin at a local farm or enjoying one of our longstanding community traditions, there are so many ways for families and visitors to make lasting memories.”

Additional fall highlights throughout Cabarrus County include:

Cabarrus County Fair | Concord | Sept. 11-19
Kick off the season at one of the area’s favorite annual traditions. Held at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, the 2026 Cabarrus County Fair will feature four nights of professional rodeo action, expanded agricultural showcases, discount theme nights and classic fair fun.

Deer Run Farm Fall Festival | Midland | Sept. 19-Oct. 31
Head to Midland for a perfect farm day complete with a pumpkin patch, hayrides and family-friendly attractions including the Corn Pit Express, Harvest Hopper Bounce House and Big Mountain Slide.

Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge | Concord | Sept. 24-Oct. 31
Halloween takes over Great Wolf Lodge throughout the season with family-friendly activities and special events for overnight guests, adding some spooky fun to the resort’s year-round indoor waterpark experience.

9th Annual CBC Oktoberfest | Concord | Sept. 25-27
Cabarrus Brewing Company brings a taste of Germany to Concord with a weekend of authentic German food, beer, live music and festivities.

Fall Festival at Almond Farm | Concord | Sept. 26-Nov. 1
Celebrate harvest season at this family-owned Concord farm, where visitors can take a wagon ride around the property, visit farm animals, play in the corn pit and find the perfect pumpkin to bring home.

Carolina Renaissance Festival | Weekends, Oct. 3-Nov. 22
Travel back in time during one of the region’s signature fall traditions. Each Saturday and Sunday, the Carolina Renaissance Festival brings together an artisan marketplace, costumed characters, medieval entertainment, food and more.

History & Haunts Walking Tours | Concord | Oct. 2-24
As the sun goes down, Downtown Concord’s past comes to life. Lantern-lit History & Haunts tours take visitors through the historic downtown while local storytellers share tales of the people, places and paranormal happenings that have shaped the community.

Midland Farms Fall Festival | Midland | Oct. 3 & 10
Families can embrace classic autumn fun at Midland Farms with a barnyard, pumpkin patch, tractor-drawn hayrides, fall photo opportunities and more.

Fall Second Saturdays Maker’s Market | Kannapolis | Oct. 10
Downtown Kannapolis gets into the fall spirit with a seasonal edition of its Second Saturdays Maker’s Market, inviting visitors to browse local vendors and support small businesses while enjoying an autumn day downtown.

Reed Glow Mine | Midland | Oct. 17
For the first time, Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site will shine after sunset with 25,000 lights transforming the historic property. Visitors can walk through a glimmering mine, explore illuminated paths and experience glow gem panning during the new family-friendly nighttime event. Tickets are $5 per person and must be purchased in advance.

Convicted Spirits Investigations | Mount Pleasant | Select Dates, Oct. 3-31
Those looking for something a little scarier can step inside Southern Grace Distilleries at Whiskey Prison after dark. Housed in a former North Carolina prison, the distillery invites visitors to turn out the lights and investigate the historic property for paranormal activity during its Convicted Spirits experiences.

Trick or Treat on Main Street | Harrisburg | Oct. 30
The Town of Harrisburg’s annual Trick or Treat event is moving to Main Street! Visitors are invited to dress up in their best costumes and join Main Street Harrisburg for food trucks, dozens of local vendors offering crafts, and of course, candy for all trick-or-treaters. Plus, free games, inflatables, and fun photo opportunities!

Cabarrus County’s fall offerings extend to local farms, restaurants, breweries, shops and attractions that make it easy to turn an event into a weekend getaway.

For a complete and updated list of fall festivals and Halloween events throughout Cabarrus County, visit ExploreCabarrus.com/fall-festivals-halloween-events/ . Images are available here.

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About the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau
As the official destination marketing organization for Cabarrus County, North Carolina, the CCCVB is dedicated to promoting Cabarrus County as a visitor destination and enhancing the complete visitor experience. We also represent and support the interests of the local tourism industry and promote public awareness of the importance of tourism. For more, visit CabCoCVB.com or connect with Explore Cabarrus on social media.

About Cabarrus County, NC
Cabarrus County is in south-central North Carolina in the Piedmont region, about 30 minutes north of Charlotte. The area encompasses five municipalities: the cities of Concord and Kannapolis, and towns of Harrisburg, Midland, and Mount Pleasant. Known as a hub of engaging experiences, Cabarrus County is home to premier motorsports entertainment, shopping, family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, historic sites, charming downtowns, and more. Visit ExploreCabarrus.com to learn more.

Media Contacts:

Julie Hinson
Cabarrus County CVB
JulieHinson@ExploreCabarrus.com
704-575-9379

LOU HAMMOND GROUP
Cabarrus@LouHammond.com