CONCORD — The Cabarrus County Fair will open at 4 p.m. today and run through Sept. 15 at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center off N.C. 49.

Fair-a-dise is the theme of this year’s fair, which will include the Butterfly Encounter and Kuriosity planetarium exhibition, as well as longtime features like a petting zoo, livestock displays, sandcastle carving, milking booth and educational exhibits.

Live performances will include Rockstar Karaoke, K9’s in Flight, Mountain Mike Chainsaw Artist, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, and Rust and Flame Blacksmithing.

Live demonstrations will be given by local beekeepers, Master Gardeners, wood turners, and nearly a dozen local craftsmen.

Go to www.cabarruscountyfair.com for entertainment details.

The fair will be open 4-11 p.m. weekdays; 1-11 p.m. Saturday; and 1-10 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $7.50 for ages 12-64; $5.35 for ages 55 and and those with military ID; and $3.25 for ages 6-11. Ages 5 and younger will be admitted free.

Parking is free. All transactions at the fair are cash only. ATMs are located at the main gate and throughout the midway, but there is a surcharge.

Gate specials will be offered. Rides are not included.

• A ribbon cutting will be held Saturday. Gate admission is free for all from 1 to 2 p.m.

• The Cooperative Christian Ministries Canned Food Drive will be Sunday. Gate admission is free from 1 to 3 p.m. with the donation of four canned food items per adult and two canned food items per child.

• Tuesday is School Education Night. Gate admission is $4 for those 12 and older and $2 for ages 6-11.

• Sept. 13 is Salute to Seniors Night. Gate admission is $4.30 for ages 55 and older from 4 to 6 p.m. The price includes sales tax.

• On Fridays, fairgoers can present a high school football ticket stub at the gate after the game and get free admission.

Cabarrus County Transportation Service will provide free parking lot shuttle van service for the satellite parking lots on weekends starting at 6 tonight and noon Saturdays and Sunday.

For more information about the Fair, including entertainment, tickets or times, visit www.cabarruscountyfair.com.