Fair Information

Ferris Wheel

September 11 - 19, 2026

Quick Links

Operating Hours

Day Special Time
Monday (opens at 3pm for Seniors) 4 pm - 10 pm
Tuesday (2-can night) 4 pm - 10 pm
Wednesday (school night) 3 pm - 10 pm
Thursday (carload night) 4 pm - 10 pm
Friday 4 pm - midnight
Saturday 1 pm - midnight
Sunday 1 pm - 10 pm
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Gate Admission

Level Cost
Ages 5 and Under Free
Ages 6 - 11 $6
Ages 12 and Over $8
Ages 55 and Better $6
With Military ID Free
CabCo Government Employees Free
Parking Free

Ride Information

Ride Ticket Pricing

• Powers Midways uses the FunTagg Digital card system for ride tickets. It is fast, easy, convenient to use, and reduces lines so you can spend more time enjoying the Fair!

What to Know

Tickets are "Credits"

The great part? Credits DO NOT expire and can be used at future fairs and cards can be reloaded!

Once inside the grounds, visit one of the Ride Ticket Kiosks and there you'll load credits onto a card using cash or credit.*

Prices below do not include a one-time FunTagg card activation fee of $2 per card. Reloading your card will not incur another $2 fee.

• Pricing

  • 1 Credit – $1
  • 8 Credits - $8
  • 18 Credits - $18
  • 38 Credits - $38
  • 62 Credits - $58
  • 108 Credits - $98

* Tickets/credits purchased with a credit card incur a small credit card processing fee which will be posted at the point of sale.

Ride Wristbands

  • Cost - $37*
  • Allows you unlimited mechanical ride access for one day. Air Raid is not included and requires additional tickets/credits with a wristband.
  • Rides take 4-7 credits each
  • Wristband purchasers will receive a voucher to hand to the wristband redemption station near the FunTagg kiosk to get your band.

*Wristband price does not include a one-time FunTagg activation fee of $2 per wristband.

Ride Safety

Powers Great American Midways have NAARSO (National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials) inspectors, all of whom are employed full time. These inspectors report to a full-time safety coordinator who oversees the safety of the midway. Not only do the ride operators look overlook over and approve rides every day for safety but nationally certified safety inspectors inspect all aspects of the PGAM midway to ensure guests have a safe experience.

 

Children

  • If your child is under 36 inches tall they can ride the Merry Go Round, Fun Slide, and Kiddie Wheel for free with a paying adult (16 years +). All other rides require everyone to pay to ride.
  • Ride credits are purchased inside the fairgrounds at one of the Powers Midways FunTagg Kiosks.

Observe the Following Rules While on the Midway

  • Observe age, height, and weight requirements.
  • Follow instructions of the ride operator.
  • Keep hands, arms, and legs inside ride at all times.
  • Use safety equipment such as seat belt, shoulder harness, or lap bar when provided.
  • Watch the ride in operation and make sure your child can ride it safely.
  • Children must be able to hold themselves upright and stable.
  • Shoes must be always worn.
  • Do not force a child to ride if he or she is frightened.

Secure all cell phones, keys, wallets, and any other loose articles. We are not responsible for lost or damaged items.

Quick Facts

Refunds & Fair Re-Entry

There is no re-entry and the Fair does not provide refunds.

All sales are final.

Rides

Rides are not included with General Gate Admission.

Ride Information

Rides and games are provided by Powers Great American Midways.

Conduct

Zero tolerance for bad behavior.

The Cabarrus County Fair reserves the right to refuse admission or eject any person.

No exceptions.

General Weather Information

The Fair puts your safety 1st!

Helpful Weather Information:

The Fair is open rain or shine. However, bad or severe weather can close, delay or cancel the fair entirely or just some attractions and events. In the event of cancelations and/or inclement weather, the Cabarrus County Fair does not offer refunds or rainchecks.

Location

The Fair is located on the grounds of the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center.

Is GPS giving you issues on your location?

A helpful tip is to put 4751 Old Airport Road, Concord, NC 28025 in your mapping system so that you are sure to find us without issue!

Interacting With Our Animals

Your safety comes first!

Live animals, in competition and educational displays, are an important part of the exhibitor and public experience. Some things to remember in the livestock building and petting zoo area:

  • Wash Your Hands - Washing hands with soap and water after touching any animals or animal areas is the best way to combat transmission of disease
  • Don't eat or drink in the livestock building
  • Adhere to all warning and informational signs regarding animal contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are livestock animals well cared for?

Livestock animals are fed and watered daily. They receive proper care.

Are ride tickets sold at the front gate?

Midway ride ticket booths are located inside the fairgrounds.

Are there ATM's at the Fair?

ATM’s are located throughout the fairgrounds, but do include a surcharge. The Fair does not provide refunds. Plan ahead.

Are there jobs available?

The Cabarrus County Fair does not hire for any of the food vendors, carnival or rodeo. If you are interested in a job, you must apply with them directly. The carnival company provider is Powers Great American Midways. The rodeo company provider is Southern Rodeo Company.

Are there scooter, wheelchair, stroller or wagon rentals?

We do not currently provide rentals for scooters, wheelchairs, strollers or wagons. Fairgoers are encouraged to bring their own. Though there are some grass and gravel areas, the majority of the fairgrounds walkways are paved. Plan ahead.

Can I bring a stroller or wagon?

Strollers or wagons are welcome. Walkways are mostly paved, but there are some grass/gravel areas.

Can I bring my pet with me

Leave your pets at home. This is a Fair with livestock and entertainment animals. Pets brought into the Fair create a safety hazard and are not allowed on the premises.

Can I bring outside food and drink?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted to be brought into the fairgrounds.

Can I promote my business, campaign, sell a product or fundraise at the Fair?

All sales, marketing, campaigning and fundraising must happen from inside an officially contracted booth space only. The following is strictly prohibited:

  • handing out flyers, promotional, campaign or other marketing materials
  • placing signs
  • conducting business of any kind or soliciting for sales or donations on Fairgrounds property, including parking lots and easements, without a contract. Contracted vendors may only conduct business from inside their booth.

To find out how to be a vendor, visit the “ Vendor Information” section of our website very early in the year as spaces fill up quickly.

Do teachers and college students get a free admission to the Fair on school night?

Only students (with tickets sent home from Cabarrus County or Kannapolis City Schools) get free admission to the Fair on school night.

Do the buildings close before the Fair does each night?

Exhibit Halls and the Livestock Area close 1 hour prior to the fairgrounds.

Do you accept credit/debit?

All transactions are cash only so plan ahead.

Do you have a policy on drones?

Recreational drones are not allowed to fly within 5 miles of a public event. Commercial/Government Drones must have an authorization from the FAA for a valid airspace permit that lists the type of drone, geographical area for flying, airspace and altitude. Law enforcement officials will be notified immediately if this policy is violated.

Do you offer any group specials?

Carload night is Thursday, September 17. A carload of up to six people get admission to the Fair and a ride wristband for $90 (up to $270 value). You don’t all have to ride in the same car, but you do need to enter together. Even if you only have 4 or 5 people in your group, you can still take advantage of the discount.

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