August 8, 2025
Every true fan knows that tailgating is part of the fun, and here in Cabarrus County we love a good gathering. Whether you’re spending the evening at a picnic or a backyard barbecue, or heading to the lot to enjoy some pre-game festivities before a big NASCAR event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, there’s no sense in settling for sub-par grub.
You can support the local community and get the perfect flavor-packed spread with ingredients from nearby businesses that will make for an event to remember. Here are three key steps to having a great tailgate or picnic — and where to go in Cabarrus County to get exactly what you need.
Start With Great Mains and Meats
Great tailgates begin with hearty entrees, whether you’re grilling or picking up ready-made food. If you’re itching to fire up the grill yourself, make Concord’s full-service meat market your first stop for premium proteins. Since 2009, The Stock Market has offered fresh cuts of pork, beef and poultry along with an array of other quality grocery items.
Owned by the same folks, The Smoke Pit does smoked meat like nobody else. Located right alongside The Stock Market, this local favorite barbecue joint offers excellent cuts of Angus beef, steroid-free chicken, turkey, pork and other specialty items, with barbecue that draws inspiration from styles all over the country. Order ahead for pickup and catering, and get ready to lick your fingers.
You’ll also find fresh meats from local providers like Cook Cattle Farm at the year-round Winecoff School Road Farmers Market in Concord. Open every Saturday, it’s the perfect place to pick up fresh herbs, seasonal vegetables, and more to complement your main dish.
For more hearty entrees that come pre-made — like handcrafted sandwiches and heroes, baby back ribs, big steak salads, and so much more – look no further than Leo’s Gourmet Market in Concord. You’ll find the mouthwatering daily menu posted online, and they also offer recipe staples like fresh-ground sausage and housemade mozzarella, too! Call or send an email to place a catering order.
A variety of quality meats, cheeses, and seasonal produce can also be found at local farm stores across Cabarrus County including:
- Barbee Farms in Concord – Farm Stand open Monday-Saturday
- Barrier Farms & Farm Store in Mount Pleasant – Open Monday-Saturday
- Midland Farms Store in Midland – Open Tuesday-Saturday
- Porter Farms Store in Concord – Open Thursday-Saturday
Add Sides, Sauces and Sweets
No meal survives on just meat, of course. You need all the fixings. Our recommended spots for mains also serve up incredible sides. Leo’s Gourmet Market will fix you up with deli salads, pies, and fresh-baked bread. The Smoke Pit offers a full complement of sides, like mac and cheese, deviled egg potato salad, fried okra and smoked pork BBQ beans. And at the Winecoff School Road Farmers Market, you can find vendors offering baked goods, speads, and sauces.
Another great place to turn is Tutti’s Italian Market and Deli in Concord. They offer scrumptious sandwiches — like a meatball parm or a “Rocky,” which comes loaded with Mortadella, pistachios, stracciatella, arugula and balsamic glaze. But their market is also full of high-quality treats, like sausages, nuts, condiments and candies, many of which are imported from Italy. And they do catering, too!
Don’t Forget the Drinks
Tailgaters get thirsty, so turn to Cabarrus County’s local bottle shops and breweries for drinks that will satisfy. Vortex Bottle Shop in Harrisburg focuses on locally made beverages, many of which you can try out when having a meal inside this bottle shop and restaurant. Their selection of over 200 beers ranges from several made right here in Cabarrus to international options, and new craft brews are delivered daily.
For wine lovers, a wide variety of bottles from local spots and beyond are on offer at Cellar Door Wine Shop in Downtown Concord. Carve out some time to chat with their team and take a look at what they’ve got to find the perfect complement to the menu at your elevated event. Head over to Spring Street to round out your beverage selection with the refreshing fruity flavors of Borinquen Kombucha, a great option whether you’re hanging out in the backyard or gearing up for the big game.
Find a Reason to Celebrate
No matter your tailgate style or picnic preferences, Cabarrus County is full of fun sporting events to enjoy with your crew. Check out all the ways we play, and begin planning your next opportunity to gather around good food with good friends and celebrate good times!
