February 10, 2023
If you’re ready to mix up the dinner-and-a-movie routine, head to one of these unique fun date night spots in Cabarrus County.
For the Cocktail-Loving Couple:
Whiskey Tasting at Southern Grace Distilleries
Located in Mt. Pleasant, this prison-turned-distillery serves up award-winning whiskey along with a bit of history — and their tours give you a sneak peek into both. The 45-minute Behind Bars tour takes you through old prison dorms and solitary confinement cells and ends with a whiskey tasting. For bourbon aficionados who’d rather focus on the craft, Southern Grace offers private, all-bourbon barrel house tastings.
If you go: Tours are offered Wednesday-Sunday at 12:30, 2 and 3 pm. Tickets are $14 per person, and advance reservations are recommended. Private Barrel House Tastings can be scheduled by email. Find all the details here.
For future date night experiences, cocktail connoisseurs should also add 44 Mills Kitchen + Tap, Kodiak Bar & Lounge, and the Bourbon Bar at 73 & Main to their list.
For the Couple Who Games Together:
Pac-Man and Pinball at Basement Arcade Bar
Retro games are paired with an extensive menu of craft beer, cider and cocktails at this downtown Concord staple. Go head-to-head in old favorites like Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man and Mortal Kombat or become a pinball pro with current titles like Guns N’ Roses, Star Wars and Jurassic Park. And no need to search your couch for quarters — a flat $10 entry fee gives you unlimited free play access.
If you go: The arcade is family friendly until 8 p.m., so if you’re looking for a kid-free evening out, consider going later.
Along with the next idea on this list, game enthusiasts should plan a return visit for an evening of fun at Luck Factory Games, a board game café featuring 1,000+ titles located alongside High Branch Brewing at Gibson Mill Market food hall.
For the Competitive Couple:
Duckpin Bowling at Kingpin Underground
Tucked away beneath Tipsy Hare Ciderworks and Old Armor Beer Company, this hip bowling alley features six lanes dedicated to the lost art of duckpin bowling. With smaller pins and balls, strikes can be harder to come by, but fun is practically guaranteed. If you need a little liquid confidence to keep your ball out of the gutter, craft beer and cider from upstairs are available in Kingpin’s social lounge.
If you go: Kingpin is 21 and up after 7 pm, so don’t forget ID. Walk-ins are welcome, but lane reservations are recommended, especially on busy weekend nights.
Competitive couples will also love challenging each other on the track at K1 Speed. This all-electric indoor go karting facility features a fast track, a café, and a podium for capturing the moment.
For the Music-Loving Couple:
Catch a Show at Davis Theatre
North Carolina’s musical history runs deep, and this intimate theater tucked inside the Historic Cabarrus Courthouse plays host to a variety of performances throughout the year. Here, award-winning artists including homegrown talent like the Grammy-nominated Avett Brothers have graced the stage, so it pays to keep an eye on the calendar of upcoming shows.
If you go: Make plans to dine in downtown Concord and let the restaurant know you’re attending a show. They’ll suggest a reservation time to ensure you get to the theatre 15 minutes before curtain.
Plan to spend time together at another one of Cabarrus County’s downtown historic theatres. In Kannapolis, the Swanee Theatre features live performances with a nostalgic setting situated steps from local drinks and dining.
For the Couple Who Loves to Get Outdoors:
Go on a Hike and See a Concert Under the Stars
Start your date night early with an adventure on one of Cabarrus County’s many trails. Part of a local park or the Carolina Thread Trail, the area features several scenic trails to hike, bike and even kayak together. To enjoy a beautiful summer sunset and dance under the stars, plan your night out on an evening when Cabarrus County’s parks are having live music. Both the City of Kannapolis and Town of Harrisburg host Summer Concert Series with multiple dates featuring live performances, fireworks and more.
If you go: Stay tuned to the Explore Cabarrus events calendar for details on upcoming outdoor concerts to plan your evening around.
For another fresh-air date night idea with plenty of local flair, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers games are a must. Baseball fans will love cheering on the home team and having a blast at Atrium Health Ballpark.
Want to Do It All? Extend Your Stay
Who says fun date nights have to be just one night? Make it a weekend away and find time to explore all the fun Cabarrus County has to offer.
