The Cabarrus County Fair is bringing bull riding, barrel racing and four brand-new themed rodeo nights to Concord beginning Sept. 11, along with discount evenings that could save a carload of six up to $180.

The nine-day fair runs Sept. 11-19 at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4551 Old Airport Road. Formally known as the Cabarrus County Agricultural Fair, the event has run since 1953 and marks its 73rd year this fall.

Rodeo theme nights are a first

The rodeo returns on four nights, but for the first time each gets its own theme, according to Explore Cabarrus, the county's convention and visitors bureau:

  • Friday, Sept. 11 — All-American Rodeo (red, white and blue; bandana giveaway while supplies last)
  • Saturday, Sept. 12 — Retro Rodeo
  • Friday, Sept. 18 — Neon/Glow Rodeo (glow stick giveaway at the door)
  • Saturday, Sept. 19 — Denim and Diamonds

Events include bull riding and barrel racing sanctioned by the Southern Rodeo Association and International Professional Rodeo Association. Rodeo tickets include fair admission and are available through Etix at cabarruscountyfair.com.

"This year brings plenty of brand-new reasons to plan a visit to the Cabarrus County Fair," Julie Hinson wrote in the Explore Cabarrus preview published Aug. 8.

Discount nights to know

Four weeknight deals give residents a cheaper way in:

  • Monday, Sept. 14 — Senior Day: Free admission for ages 55 and older, 4-6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 15 — $2 Tuesday: $2 off entry with a donation of two nonperishable food items; all rides $2.
  • Wednesday, Sept. 16 — School Night: Free admission for Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City School students.
  • Thursday, Sept. 17 — Carload Night: Admission and ride wristbands for up to six people per vehicle, $90 (up to a $270 value).

General gate admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-11 and seniors 55 and older. Children 5 and under and active military and veterans with valid ID get in free. Parking is free. All transactions at the gate are cash only.

What else is new

Livestock shows move into the arena this year, giving spectators more space and seating than in previous years. Balloon artist "Poppin' Penelope" will install a giant balloon display inside the Gold Hall for the entire run of the fair.

The midway features rides and games, and live music acts include Landon Cline, The Towers and Kayla McKinney. Food vendors include local favorite WAB #13, Daley's Dogs, Gus's Greek Foods and Angela's Seafood, plus classics like fried Oreos, turkey legs and corn dogs. Eudora Farms Petting Zoo and Robinson's Racing Pigs round out the animal attractions.

Shoppers can browse local craft vendors and Cabarrus-grown booths inside the mercantile.

Plan your visit

The fair's full entertainment schedule is posted at cabarruscountyfair.com/entertainment. For ticketing questions, call Cabarrus Arena & Events Center at 704-920-3972.

Upcoming community events

  • Sept. 11-19 — Cabarrus County Fair, Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4551 Old Airport Road, Concord. Gates open daily; cabarruscountyfair.com for hours and tickets.
  • Sept. 11, 12, 18, 19 — Rodeo theme nights at the fair (see above for themes and giveaways).
  • Sept. 14-17 — Discount theme nights at the fair (Senior Day, $2 Tuesday, School Night, Carload Night).