After Dark @ All Saints’ 2026

Cooking with Pump Social–Sorry, this session is sold out – This session is sold out. Waitlist is available on the registration page.
In this interactive cooking class, participants prepare a vibrant Toasted Quinoa Bowl layered with bold, fresh flavors. Hosted by Chef AJ Donner and Rachael Donner of Pump Social, the class will cover learning tips and tricks to help you streamline your cooking methods, toasting quinoa, marinating shrimp in smoky adobo, quick-pickling red onions, and making herb-forward chimichurri. Grilled corn adds a touch of sweetness, finished with salty cotija cheese, before guests assemble and enjoy their bowls together in a relaxed, social setting.

Macramé Basics: Knots & Creations Steve Coradini
Discover the art of macramé in this hands-on class designed for beginners and curious makers. Students will learn the essential knots used to create a variety of macramé projects, from simple keychains and bracelets to more advanced pieces like plant hangers and wall hangings. Instruction is step-by-step and hands-on, making it easy to follow along and build confidence as you work. By the end of the class, each student will complete a macramé keychain or bracelet to take home. Session is limited to 15 participants.

Mid-Term Elections, Current Primary and Beyond: Ask Me Anything Martin Ericson
Early Voting is underway. Who is on your ballot? How have changes in the law impacted how you can vote? What is the Registration Repair Project? How do you "cure" a ballot? What about Voter ID? Signature verification? How does your vote get counted? How do you know your vote is secure and you can trust in the results? What new laws and rules are in effect? And who are those people who work at the polls or behind the scenes? Martin Ericson, a member of the Cabarrus County Board of Elections since 2017 (and an election worker before that) will answer these questions and any others you may pose. (If he doesn’t know, he will find out and get back with you!)

Poker 101 and then some Mike Wolford
Are you curious about the game of Poker? It has grown in popularity around the world, both around the card table and online. It has gained a place on ESPN and there is an ongoing debate about whether it is a sport and how legal it should be. What are the basic elements of the game and how can you get experience playing? What are some basic strategies to help you be a successful player? Are you already a player, but want to boost your skills? Come and learn from World Series of Poker circuit veteran Mike Wolford as he introduces you to the intriguing world of Poker. Session is limited to 8 participants age 21 and over.

Seasonal Delights: Cooking with Suzanne Doad Suzanne Doad
Embrace the cozy warmth of winter with a hands-on culinary experience focused on transforming the season's best ingredients into tasty dishes! Join Suzanne Doad from the Cabarrus County Extension Agency as we dive into the art of making Sweet Potato Gnocchi from scratch—learning the techniques for achieving the perfect texture. You’ll pair your tender gnocchi with a vibrant, nutrient-packed Kale Pesto, moving beyond basil for a delicious winter twist. We will also construct a beautiful Seasonal Winter Salad, emphasizing crisp greens, root vegetables, and a bright vinaigrette that celebrates the garden's cold-weather bounty. We will enjoy the fruits of our labors as we sit down for a meal together, capped off with a comforting and classic Apple Crisp. Bring a beverage of your choice. Limited to 10 participants, age 21 and up

"Behind the Bars" Southern Grace Tour Alan Dobson
Enjoy a tour of the 90-year-old former prison in Mt. Pleasant. You will learn about the history of the prison as you are taken to different buildings on campus, including both dorms and solitary confinement cells. The retired prison is now home to Southern Grace Distilleries, producer of the award-winning Conviction Bourbon. The prison tour will culminate with a guided tour of their bourbon production facility, aging process, and guided tastings in the historic 1929 Barrel House. When the tour and tasting is over, the distillery will offer our group a Charcuterie board snack and a choice of several beverages. Session is limited to 15 participants age 21 and over.

The Astonishing World of Animal Language Dr. Ralf Thiede
Many of us have an animal (or more) at home, and we know they communicate with us: They greet us, invite us to play, warn us, console us, and they can occasionally be cross with us. If animals can use their voices and body language to communicate with another species (us!), surely they can communicate with each other! It turns out that what they can tell each other is even more informative than what they can tell us. They may even talk about us! Have a look at the astonishing world of animal language, and listen to some fascinating examples of their communication.

Artisan Pizza Don Smith
Making Artisan Pizza will once again be offered as part of After Dark @ All Saints’ at the home of instructor Don Smith (905 Applewood Ave., Kannapolis). Two sessions will be offered, with room for five people in each class. You will learn pizza-making techniques and go home with enough dough for 5 pizzas. You will learn how to make the dough, make a tomato sauce, and how to spread your dough and bake it. We will make pizza using a home oven, just the way you can do it at home. The class is specifically designed to use techniques for the home chef. Over the years, dozens of people have learned these methods to operate their own “pizzeria.” At the end of the class, we will sit down together for a meal, enjoying the fruits of our labor! Those participating are asked to bring a large mixing bowl to take home a batch of pizza dough. Limited to 5 participants.

Hear from Your Mayor Steve Morris
Concord’s new mayor, Steve Morris, will fill you in on the latest in Concord. Come hear about these areas of interest: · Current projects, including water/sewer and Parks & Rec bond projects · Growth and housing availability · Transportation · Major downtown projects including Streetscape, apartments, centers and plazas · Current (somewhat new) board makeup And have an opportunity to bring your questions

Music & Movement Night: Drum Circle and Folk Dance Aimee Pfitzner
Enjoy a lively evening of music, rhythm, and movement in this fun, all-ages event. Participants will join a communal drum circle and learn simple traditional folk dances in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The dances are from a variety of countries. No prior experience is needed for drumming or dancing—just bring your energy and a willingness to have fun. This joyful night is all about connection, creativity, and celebrating music and movement together.

Charcuterie and Mixology Mary Niemeier
Learn the art of creating a perfect Charcuterie board that will wow your guests! Rebeka Englebach of 2 Gals is a specialist and will share her tips. You will create your own, and will take home a charcuterie board that can be used again. To add to your hosting skills, learn to create several types of mocktails and cocktails! Mary Niemeier of 2 Gals will guide you through the steps of mixology. She will include alcohol-free options that taste every bit as good as the “high-test” versions, which will also be demonstrated. You will learn to create two drinks, your choice of mocktail or cocktail. This session will take place at 2Gals Kitchen. Limited to participants 21 and over. Cost is $35, or two for $60.

Dorodango: The Art of Polished Earth Steve Coradini
Dorodango is a traditional Japanese art form that transforms simple soil into a beautifully polished sphere. This meditative and relaxing class guides students through the process of forming a mud ball and slowly polishing it using a cup or jar to achieve an impressive natural luster. Participants may choose to keep their Dorodango in its natural state or add color for a personal touch. The finished piece is sure to surprise and amaze family and friends. Students will also receive instructions to continue refining and polishing their Dorodango at home. Session is limited to 15 participants.

Wild Birds
As we get closer to spring, many songbirds will soon be migrating in a worldwide movement that occurs twice a year. Nesting season – a time where birds raise their young – will occur shortly afterwards. Join Wild Birds Unlimited of Concord to learn how to support these songbirds through providing the right food, nest boxes, or by raising awareness. Not only that, but we will also go over what it takes to certify your yard with the National Wildlife Federation to provide a healthy habitat for birds and other wildlife. If you want to improve your bird identification skills, Merlin ID by Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a free phone app that can help! Download the app before the session and we will provide a crash course on how to use it.

Let's Talk Barbeque Steve Steinbacher
Steve Steinbacher will enlighten us with details of the historical, regional, and cultural significance of barbecue. Where did the tradition start, and how has it evolved over the centuries? You will learn about ribs and brisket and pulled pork, and various types of wood that are used for smoking. Barbeque sauces, too, vary by region. You will enjoy tasting four different meats, and three different sauces. Steve will be joined by Chef Bob of Towel City Tavern, who has presented for us before. You will also have a choice of beers provided by Cabarrus Brewing Company, or you may bring a beverage of your choice. Come hungry and ready to learn the fascinating history of barbeque. Session is limited to 20 participants.

All Things Coffee Press & Porter
Are you overwhelmed by the vast number of options in the world of coffee? Join Anna and Emily, owners of Press & Porter, for a session that will clear the confusion! What are all the differences in things on that menu board? Cappuccino or Espresso or Latte? How to order? And when you can't make it to your local coffee shop, how can you make the best coffee at home? Different kinds of coffee makers? Differences in coffees bought in the store? You will even get tips for steaming milks and making cold foam at home! Enjoy a coffee tasting as part of the session.

Artisan Pizza Don Smith
Making Artisan Pizza will once again be offered as part of After Dark @ All Saints’ at the home of instructor Don Smith (905 Applewood Ave., Kannapolis). Two sessions will be offered, with room for five people in each class. You will learn pizza-making techniques and go home with enough dough for 5 pizzas. You will learn how to make the dough, make a tomato sauce, and how to spread your dough and bake it. We will make pizza using a home oven, just the way you can do it at home. The class is specifically designed to use techniques for the home chef. Over the years, dozens of people have learned these methods to operate their own “pizzeria.” At the end of the class, we will sit down together for a meal, enjoying the fruits of our labor! Those participating are asked to bring a large mixing bowl to take home a batch of pizza dough. Limited to 5 participants.

Acrylic Painting Peggy Barnett
Join art instructor Peggy Barnett for a fun painting session! She will guide you through the composing and acrylic painting of a vibrant sunflower blossom. You will enjoy a no-pressure, relaxing session, and will go home with a beautiful sunflower on canvas. No experience necessary! All supplies, including aprons, will be provided. Wear something that you won’t mind getting paint on. Session is limited to 20 participants, age 15 and up.

Crochet a Comfort Critter Angie Morrison
Learn to create a tiny companion, even if you are brand new to crochet. You will skip past the frustrating part of any crochet project: getting it started. Angie will hand you a hook with the beginning of the pattern already started, and you take it from there. You’ll basically create a ball, then stuff it to make it 3-D, and add little details to bring it to life. You can turn your crocheted ball into a bird, a penguin, a chick, or a blob! Amigurumi is a Japanese art form that involves creating small, stuffed creatures using yarn. The term comes from two Japanese words — "ami," meaning crocheted or knitted, and "nuigurumi," meaning stuffed doll. Join a laid-back and fun session and create your own emotional support cutie. Limited to 15 participants.