Discover Fun in Kannapolis returns this summer with an incredible lineup of great concerts, movies, and of course, fireworks. Events will be held from May to September. All events are free to the public.
Watch your mailbox – a mailer with the complete event schedule for the City is coming soon, or download it here now!
Children 18 & under must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. You are welcome to bring your lawn chairs. No pets or smoking please. Food and drinks will be on sale in the parks during the events.
Village Park Concerts: 7p.m.
Saturday, June 7 The Fray
Join The Fray for How to Save a Life: The 20th Anniversary Tour in July, celebrating the milestone of their iconic debut album. When the Colorado-bred group first emerged in the early 2000s, The Fray introduced the world to a deeply emotional, alt-rock sound—timeless yet inventive, arena-sized yet profoundly intimate. Over the years, their soul-searching songwriting and dynamic sound earned them four GRAMMY Award nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, multiple Billboard Top 10 hits, and a devoted global fanbase. Their breakout single, “How To Save A Life,” spent an incredible 58 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the unofficial anthem of ABC’s Emmy-winning show “Grey’s Anatomy.” Rolling Stone praised their “stick-in-your-head hooks and eloquent narratives,” while the Los Angeles Times called their music “melodically rich.” Their 2005 debut full length project, How To Save A Life, is RIAA-certified 4x Platinum in the U.S. and remains one of the best-selling digital debuts of all time.
Saturday, June 21 Ambrosia with special guest, John Ford Coley
Ambrosia, the band known and loved by a multitude of fans since the 1970’s, is now more alive and compelling than ever. This 5-time Grammy Nominated ensemble is exploring new musical territory and bringing an exceptional musical performance to stages everywhere.
During Ambrosia’s early recording history, they garnered 5 Grammy Nominations, received frequent radio airplay, and gained the admiration and respect of the musical community – in addition to their sold out concerts around the world. Ambrosia achieved 5 Top 40 hit singles on Warner Bros. Records, released between 1975 and 1980, including “How Much I Feel” and “Biggest Part of Me”. In 2015 the group released a new single, “Hopes and Dreams”, which was featured on the series called The Sparrows that aired on the Fox television channel. As of 2017, the new Ambrosia material keeps coming.
John Ford Coley is an American singer, guitarist, classically trained pianist, actor, and author. He is most revered as half of the Grammy nominated duo, England Dan and John Ford Coley.
John has created many memorable hits such as: “Love Is The Answer”, “Gone Too Far”, “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight”, “We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again”, “Nights Are Forever Without You”, and “Sad To Belong”. John Ford Coley has performed stunning shows at casinos, large theaters, cruise ships, and more. His style of music is perfect for intimate events or big concerts, pleasing audiences of all kinds and of all ages.
Saturday, June 28 Charlotte Symphony (fireworks will follow the concert)
Saturday, July 12 The Marshall Tucker Band
When you wake up and want to put a smile on your face, you think of the songs that always manage to reach down and touch your soul the moment you hear the first note. The Marshall Tucker Band is one such group that continues to have a profound level of impact on successive generations of listeners who’ve been "Searchin’ for a Rainbow" and found it perfectly represented by this tried-and-true Southern institution over the decades. “I’ve been in tune with how music can make you feel, right from when I was first in the crib,” explains lead vocalist and bandleader Doug Gray, who’s been fronting the MTB since the very beginning. “I was born with that. And I realized it early on, back when I was a little kid and my mom and dad encouraged me to get up there and sing whatever song came on the jukebox. It got to the point where people were listening to me more than what was on the jukebox! There’s a certain gift I found I could share, whether I was in front of five people or 20,000 people. I was blessed with that ability and I’m thankful I can share with others.
Friday, July 26 Sister Sledge, featuring Sledgendary
Sister Sledge, featuring Sledgendary, continues the group's sensational legacy. Under the vocal direction of founding member Debbie Sledge and the genius of Musical Director Dominic Amato, along with an ensemble of insanely talented musicians, the group has achieved a 'Sledgendary' place in the entertainment industry. Specializing in BRINGING THE PARTY with the family's classic hits, Debbie Sledge, Camille Sledge, Tanya Tiet, Thaddeus Sledge and David Sledge make one funky family affair. Sister Sledge continues to deliver the "Sledgendary" message: "Nothing is Greater than LOVE", honoring sister Joni Sledge's memory, the gift of family, and spreading joy and togetherness that uplifts and celebrates life through love and music.
Saturday, August 9 Big & Rich
Big & Rich are America’s technicolor, Cowboys brother-in-arms in service to the creed that great music has no boundaries. Individually Big Kenny and John Rich are first-rate, musicians, songwriters, producers, and entertainers. Together, they are one of the most truly original musical forces ever unleashed on a welcoming world. Their hits, Save a Horse (Ride A Cowboy), Run Away with You, and California are crowd pleasers.
Veterans Park - Thursdays on Main: 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 8 Gary Lowder and Smokin’ Hot
Thursday, June 12 The Embers
Thursday, July 10 Band of Oz
Thursday, August 14 Too Much Sylvia
Thursday, September 11 The ToneZ
Village Park Movies: 8:45 p.m.
Friday, May 16 Elemental
Friday, May 30 Despicable Me 4
Friday, June 13 Moana 2
Friday, July 18 Twisters
Friday, August 1 Inside Out 2
Kannapolis Library - Stories Under the Stars: 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 10 Shadow Puppets with Matt Sandbank**
Saturday, June 14 Storyteller Donna Washington
Saturday, July 19 Dog Performances – Stories with Sugar
Saturday, August 2 Shepherd Shakespeare
**This performance will be at the Swanee Theatre (200 West Ave).
Other events in Kannapolis to enjoy in 2025 include the Run Kannapolis 5k Series, Gem Theatre Summer Movie Matinees, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Baseball Games (www.milb.com/kannapolis), the Kannapolis Farmers Market, Christmas Events and much more.