2nd Annual NCACCHRP Conference

 

Things to Do While You're Here

Welcome to Kannapolis! We hope you enjoy your time at the NCACCHRP Annual Conference—and we encourage you to explore the area while you're here.

Downtown Kannapolis offers restaurants, local shops, entertainment, history, and outdoor spaces near the conference venue. Whether you're looking for a place to grab dinner with colleagues, do a little shopping, enjoy an evening activity, or simply explore the area after conference sessions, there's plenty to discover.

Explore Downtown Kannapolis

Conference sessions may end, but your Kannapolis experience doesn't have to! Explore downtown, grab dinner with your NCACCHRP colleagues, shop local, or venture over to Concord Mills.

Explore Downtown Kannapolis

Take some time before or after conference sessions to experience Downtown Kannapolis. From entertainment and local history to outdoor spaces and unique attractions, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your visit.

Explore Downtown Kannapolis

Featured Attractions

  • Gem Theatre – Catch a movie at this beautifully restored historic theater in the heart of downtown.
  • Atrium Health Ballpark – Home of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and one of the centerpieces of Downtown Kannapolis.
  • Swanee Theatre – Check out this historic downtown venue for live entertainment and special events.
  • Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza – A must-see stop for NASCAR fans and visitors interested in Kannapolis history.
  • North Carolina Music Hall of Fame – Discover North Carolina's rich musical history and the artists who have helped shape it.
  • Village Park – Enjoy walking paths, green spaces, and an opportunity to relax outdoors.
  • West Avenue – Take a walk through the revitalized downtown area featuring public art, fountains, swings, gathering spaces, and more.

View the Downtown Kannapolis Map

Eat & Drink Downtown

Make dinner part of your conference networking experience! Downtown Kannapolis offers several places where you can enjoy a meal, grab a quick bite, or meet up with colleagues after the day's sessions.

Featured options include:

West Avenue Social District

Downtown Kannapolis also features the West Avenue Social District, where beverages purchased from participating businesses may be enjoyed within designated outdoor areas in accordance with Social District guidelines.

View the Downtown Kannapolis Map

Shop Local

Take home something from your visit! Explore Downtown Kannapolis boutiques, specialty stores, and locally owned businesses.

Visit The Shops on West Avenue and explore businesses throughout the downtown area, including specialty shops, gifts, clothing, home décor, and more.

View the Downtown Kannapolis Map

Looking for Something Fun to Do?

Keep the networking going after conference sessions!

Explore entertainment options such as:

  • Gem Theatre - Movie theater
  • Swanee Theatre - Live entertainment venue in a restored historic movie theatre. Centrally located in downtown Kannapolis, featuring live music concerts, comedy shows and more.
  • Game Show Arena Live - Step into the spotlight at Game Show Arena Live, where you and your co-workers become the stars of an electrifying live game show experience!
  • Putthaus - Putt Putt Golf - PuttHaus is bringing indoor golf simulators, putt-putt, friendly competition, and a whole new way to play
  • Kingpin Bowling - Kingpin Underground is proud to bring you six pin bowling lanes, arcade games, craft beer, a karaoke stage, and so much more!

and other activities throughout Downtown Kannapolis.

Be sure to check the local calendar to see what special events may be happening during your visit.

See What's Happening in Kannapolis

Take a Short Trip to Concord Mills

Want even more options? Take a short drive to Concord Mills, one of North Carolina's largest shopping and entertainment destinations.

Concord Mills
8111 Concord Mills Boulevard
Concord, NC 28027

In addition to extensive shopping, Concord Mills offers dining and entertainment options, including:

  • SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium - SEA LIFE is the world’s largest family of aquariums and includes SEA LIFE Aquariums in North America
  • AMC Theatres - 
    • IMAX with Laser at AMC
    • Dolby Cinema at AMC
    • SCREENX at AMC
    • Discount Tuesdays and Wednesdays
    • Discount Matinees
    • Open Caption (On-Screen Subtitles)
    • Sensory Friendly Films
    • AMC Signature Recliners
    • Laser at AMC
    • AMC Artisan Films
  • Dave & Buster's - The all-new Dave & Buster’s is here! Explore our remodeled locations with exciting new games like High-Tech Darts and Social Shuffle. Catch every play on our epic 40-foot WOW! Wall, or go VIP in a private Watch Room with plush seating and your own big screen. Grab your crew and experience how we’re transforming the eat, play, and watch experience!
  • The Escape Game - Forget everything you know about escape rooms! The Escape Game Concord makes you the main character in an epic adventure. With movie-quality sets and games that span multiple rooms, The Escape Game offers puzzles that go beyond the typical lock and key and pull you into a story.
  • The Speedpark - The speedpark at concord mills offers go-karting, Junior karts, two seaters GO KARTS, single seater GO KARTS, Super karts, 4 GO KART tracks, 18 hole miniature golf, bungee jump, 110 ft fun slide, SPIDER WEB, VIDEO GAMES and PARTY PAVILION.

Explore Concord Mills


Make an Evening of It

Not sure where to start? Gather a few NCACCHRP colleagues and create your own after-conference outing:

Dinner + Downtown Walk
Enjoy dinner downtown, then take a stroll along West Avenue.

Food Hall + Entertainment
Grab dinner at The Bank Food Hall and enjoy a nearby activity.

Shopping + Dinner
Explore Downtown Kannapolis shops before meeting colleagues for dinner.

Concord Mills Evening
Shop, have dinner, catch a movie, visit the aquarium, or enjoy one of the entertainment attractions at Concord Mills.

Enjoy your time in Kannapolis—we hope you make some great connections and a few great memories while you're here!