Fall in Downtown Kannapolis: Your Seasonal Guide to Fun & Flavor + a GIVEAWAY TO SOUTHERN SCAPE MUSIC FESTIVAL

From craft beer and live music to family-friendly trick-or-treating, fall in Downtown Kannapolis is all about celebration—and 2025 is packed with can’t-miss events. Whether you’re here for festivals, local eats, or a cozy stroll, there’s no better time to experience the heart of this community.

Here’s your complete guide to fall 2025 in Downtown Kannapolis:

Signature Fall Events

1. Kanntoberfest: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 11:00 AM – Evening This lively celebration brings the flavors of fall to downtown with craft beer, live music, food trucks, and artisan vendors. It’s the perfect kickoff to autumn. It's free to enter!

2. SouthernScape Music Festival: Friday & Saturday, October 24–25, 2025

• Friday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Downtown will come alive with two full days of live music, food, and good vibes. The SouthernScape Music Festival features performances across genres, local brews, family-friendly activities, and a community atmosphere that lights up West Avenue. The full SouthernScape 2025 Full Lineup is below: 

• Tyler Hubbard (formerly of Florida Georgia Line)

• Switchfoot

• Lauren Alaina

• Better Than Ezra

• LANCO

• Emily Ann Roberts

• Josh Sanders

• Ryan Perry

• Caroline Keller

• Landon Cline

• Chris Taylor & The Rumor

• Modern Moxie

• Gump Fiction

• Sofie Lynn

• The Phoebes

• Nathan Angelo

• Braden Hull

I am giving away TWO TICKETS to the festival on October 3rd. More details to come in my social media. Follow @christinabrown_realtor to win these tickets! 

3. Hocus Pocus Candy Crawl: Date TBD (October 2025)
   This fan-favorite Halloween tradition turns downtown into a trick-or-treating paradise. Families can stroll West Avenue in costume, collect candy from local businesses, and enjoy themed activities.
   📌 Tip: In 2024, the Candy Crawl was held on October 19—keep an eye out announcements for the 2025 date!

4. Kannapolis Farmers Market: Thursdays 4-7pm through the end of September. You’ll find the market in the Oak Avenue Mall parking lot, right at the corner of Vance Avenue and Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, just behind Pizza Hut.

Featured Vendors at the Market:

• Miller & Sons Produce – Fresh strawberries, tomatoes, corn, cantaloupes, and more from a local family farm

• Southern SweeTees – Delicious breads, cookies, cheese straws, and brownies

• Cannon Honey Mill – Local honey and honey-based products

• Stevie & Me – Handmade jewelry

• For the Birds and the Bees – Native plants and original artwork
  
  

When festivals aren’t filling the streets, Kannapolis still offers plenty of fall charm! 

Everyday Downtown Adventures

Everyday Downtown Adventures

• West Avenue District – Take a leaf-peeping stroll, snap photos with the sculptures, or just enjoy the crisp air along the fountains and green spaces.

• Gem Theatre – This historic, art deco gem recently renovated in 2024, is the perfect spot for a cozy movie date night. (a community staple, one-screen movie theater)

• Atrium Health Ballpark – Home of the Cannon Ballers, the ballpark offers playgrounds and walking trails, plus an unbeatable atmosphere on game days.

• Curb Museum & NC Music Hall of Fame – Dive into North Carolina’s music and motorsports legacy, all in one stop.

Sip, Shop & Savor

• Local Patriot Roasting Co. – Warm up with a pumpkin latte or spiced chai at this veteran-owned coffee shop.

• Old Armor Beer Company – Grab a craft beer that supports local charities.

• 3 Jems & Lennon Boutique – Browse unique fall fashion and gifts.

• Eat Cakes Bakery – Treat yourself to cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, or seasonal specialties.

Other Downtown Favorites

• Boujee Babies – Trendy gifts and lifestyle items.

• The Spice and Tea Exchange – Explore gourmet spices, teas, and unique blends.

• James’ Sweet Spot – Candy and nostalgic treats for all ages.

• The Palomino Western Wear – Boots, hats, and western flair.

• Half-Moon Outfitters – Outdoor gear and apparel.

• Falls Jewelry – Classic and contemporary jewelry pieces.
  
  

Dining & Drinks

• Chophouse 101 – Upscale steakhouse and American fare.

• The Bank Food Hall – Multiple food vendors under one roof, perfect for a casual bite.

• Towel City Tavern – Relaxed bar with local brews and pub eats.

• The Tipsy Hare Ciderworks – Sweet and savory cider options.

• Old Armour Brewing – Another great stop for local craft beer lovers.

• B&K Tea Cafe – Cozy café serving tea, coffee, and light bites.

Beyond the festivals, flavors, and fall fun, what makes Kannapolis so special is the sense of community. Whether it’s neighbors gathering downtown for live music, families enjoying the Candy Crawl together, or friends meeting up for a Saturday coffee, this is a city that feels connected.

It’s also a community that’s growing fast—with a revitalized downtown, new businesses opening regularly, and neighborhoods that balance modern living with small-town warmth. For anyone considering a move, fall is a wonderful time to explore Kannapolis and picture yourself living here year-round.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring layers—mornings can be chilly, but afternoons often warm up.

• Parking is limited on West Ave, but there’s a great shuttle and several options for downtown parking– and it is extremely walkable once you’re there.

• Follow me on social media @christinabrown_realtor, I am always posting about what's happening in Kannapolis since I’m proud to call it home! 

From Kanntoberfest in September to music-filled weekends in October, fall in Downtown Kannapolis is bursting with community spirit and seasonal fun. Whether you’re chasing live music, pumpkin-flavored everything, or just a cozy day out, you’ll find it here.


Christina Brown 
704-686-8405
Christina@jaywhitegroup.com