The Cabarrus Arts Council has lined up more than two dozen art classes, workshops and community events at library branches in Harrisburg, Concord and across Cabarrus County through November.
The fall calendar, published in the Independent Tribune, spans gemstone jewelry making, plaster ghost painting, a recycled-fashion runway show and more. Most events are free, require no registration and welcome residents of all ages.
Several events land this week. A self-portrait art class for ages 12–18 meets Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 4:30 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant library branch. On Saturday, Oct. 17, adults can try Coffee & Canvas, a step-by-step painting session with light refreshments, at 10:30 a.m. at the same branch. That afternoon, families can learn about painter Paul Gauguin's use of complementary colors at the Fine Art Makers: Junior workshop at 3 p.m. at the Midland branch. Harrisburg's library hosts Art Club for ages 12 and up at 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.
None of those four events require registration.
Frank Liske Park anchors several hands-on sessions. Gemstone jewelry making for adults meets Monday, Oct. 19, at 5 p.m. Registration is required and closes Sunday, Oct. 18, at 11:30 a.m., with 15 spots available. A photography class exploring DSLR and phone cameras meets Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. Teen and adult fashion show DIY workshops on Tuesday, Oct. 27, let participants build runway outfits from recycled and everyday items, then model them at the Afton Games Fashion Show on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 5:30 p.m.
Halloween-themed events fill the final week of October. Plaster ghost painting for adults meets Thursday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. at the Kannapolis branch. Halloween rock painting for all ages meets Monday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. at the same location. In Harrisburg, Halloween Preschool Picassos runs Friday, Oct. 30, at 10:30 a.m., and spooky painted tote bags for adults meet Saturday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m. The tote bag session requires registration, which opens two weeks before the event.
The Cabarrus Art Guild also hosts fall workshops. Locust pastel artist Malia Bryngelson, whose work has earned awards in Pastel Magazine's Pastel 100 Competition, leads an Experimenting with Pastels for Fall session on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1 to 5 p.m. A Rethink Graphite botanical drawing workshop follows Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details for both are at CabarrusArtGuild.org.
The Arts Council's weekly Music and Movement sessions for children ages 3–5 with a caregiver continue on Tuesdays, Fridays and select dates through November at the Midland, Concord, Kannapolis and Frank Liske Park locations. No registration is needed.
The season's anchor event is Dancing for the Arts 2026 on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 5 p.m. to midnight on the Davis Stage in downtown Concord. The Arts Council described the fundraiser as its take on "Dancing with the Stars." The event pairs local celebrities with seasoned professionals in a dance competition to raise money for arts programming. The evening includes a cocktail buffet, performances and an after-party. A VIP option adds a lounge, swag bag and specialty cocktail. Tickets and information are at CabarrusArtsCouncil.org.
Upcoming at a glance:
- Wednesday, Oct. 14 — Self-Portrait Art, Mount Pleasant library, 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 17 — Coffee & Canvas, Mount Pleasant library, 10:30 a.m.; Art Club, Harrisburg library, 3:15 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 19 — Gemstone Jewelry Making, Frank Liske Park, 5 p.m. (registration required)
- Thursday, Oct. 22 — Plaster Ghost Painting, Kannapolis library, 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 7 — Dancing for the Arts, Davis Stage, downtown Concord, 5 p.m.
