Old Armor Beer Company | Open Jam Events

Old Armor Brewing Company

Tucked into downtown Kannapolis, North Carolina, Old Armor Beer Company has carved out a cozy, community-centric niche. Veteran-owned and proudly local, it offers more than just craft beer—it’s become a kind of gathering ground for music lovers, foodies, and folks who enjoy a relaxed social vibe. Here’s a closer look at what gives Old Armor its character: the space, the brews, the eats, and the regular events that help bring people together.

A Brewery with a Mission & a Space with Heart

From the moment you walk in, you get the sense that Old Armor is grounded in identity, purpose, and community. The brewery is owned and operated by combat veterans, and you can feel that ethos in how they run things: honoring service, supporting first responders, and embedding that spirit into their branding and operations.

They’ve created a “Pay It Forward Board” system, wherein patrons can prepay a beer (or “Pint of Freedom”) to be redeemed later by a veteran or first responder. It’s a meaningful touch that reflects their values in a tangible way.

Old Armor is located at 211 West Avenue, Kannapolis, NC—right in the heart of downtown. The site is welcoming: there’s outdoor seating, dog-friendly policies, and rotating food trucks that set up nearby (especially on busy nights) to supply eats.

Visitors often speak of a laid-back, friendly, “homey” atmosphere. Reviewers highlight both indoor and outdoor seating, comfortable gathering spots, and a sense of openness. One reviewer noted a community table made from a helicopter blade as part of the décor, nodding to the military roots of the owners.

Inside, it’s not extravagant—but it’s intentional. The brewery balances rustic, polished, and personal design touches that complement good lighting, a lively taproom, and room for music and events without feeling cavernous or empty.

Beer, Cocktails & Drinks: What’s on Tap

Old Armor offers a solid roster of craft beers, many with thematic, evocative names—often nodding to military or first responders motifs. Some of their signature or recurring offerings include:

Stinger Ale
Earnhardt Outdoors Ale
Stewart Haas Summer Ale
Specialty or seasonal brews tied to causes or tributes

Their menu page emphasizes variety, and their social media suggests they also mix in cocktails (or non-beer beverages) to broaden their appeal.

On Untappd, you’ll also find beers like Dustoff IPA, SGT Poppy Sour, 7.62, Oh Dark Thirty Stout, Tacti-cool Wheat, Helo Haze IPA, Blue Falcon, Lost Lieutenant, and more. These names continue the military / tactical motif, which helps reinforce their brand identity.

Because the brewery doesn’t operate as a full restaurant, they lean on partnerships with food trucks or nearby eateries more than an in-house kitchen.

Food & Pairings

Strictly speaking, Old Armor is not a full-fledged restaurant, so you won’t find a full menu of entrees inside. Their “menu” listings in directories describe them largely in the context of a brewery.

However, rotating food trucks frequently partner with the brewery on popular nights, making good eats readily available. In past reviews, patrons have mentioned BBQ trucks, burger order options, or linking with nearby restaurants to bring food in. One reviewer noted that years ago you could bring in food from Chophouse next door; more recently that policy seems more restricted (i.e. you order from the food truck rather than bring it in).

If you’re planning a visit, it’s wise to check their social media or events page to see which food trucks will be present. That tends to be when the venue feels most vibrant.

Events, Music & Open Mic Nights

One of the real draws of Old Armor is its event programming. The brewery doesn’t just pour beer— it hosts live music, open mics, jams, and themed gatherings that invite local artists and community members to engage.

Open Mic Night

Held every other Monday, typically from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm (with signups starting at 6:30 pm).
Hosted by Chris Rigo, and welcomes all genres—originals and covers alike.
The open mic is free to attend, making it an accessible night for both new and seasoned performers.
Instagram posts from Old Armor promote the “hot mics” starting at 7 pm, which suggest the event is a staple in their lineup.
Promos and event pages list upcoming dates, making it easy to plan ahead.

This open mic night is one of their recurring “anchor” events—something locals and regulars lean on as a dependable space to share, listen, and connect.

Live Music & Concerts

Beyond open mic, Old Armor also books established performers, dueling pianos, acoustic sets, and themed shows. Their event schedule (published online) lists a variety of live music nights.

Some examples from recent listings:

Kyle Dills (Oct 18, 2025, 8–11 pm)
Ryan Michaels (Oct 24, 2025)
Uptown Dueling Pianos (Oct 25, 2025)
Reverse Cowgirl, Kris Hitchcock, FULLER among others on the bill for upcoming dates.

These are often free shows (unless otherwise noted), making them accessible for folks wanting a night out with live tunes and local vibes.

Other Events & Community Gatherings

Old Armor also hosts periodic special events like a Summer Kickoff Luau (e.g. June 15, 2024) to draw larger crowds and create festive moments.

Their “Events” page lists a variety of happenings—some rotating, some seasonal.

Because the brewery is community-focused, they sometimes lean into auxiliary events like trivia, “run nights,” or themed brewery gatherings. A prior reviewer mentioned trivia nights, for instance.

The Vibe, Audience & Community Culture

Walking into Old Armor, you’ll likely sense a few defining traits:

Casual, welcoming, and local: The atmosphere encourages lingering, conversation, and discovery. Many visitors treat it like a neighborhood hangout or local meetup.
Veteran / service-oriented identity: Because it’s run by veterans, a sense of respect, nods to military symbolism, and service culture underlie the décor and operations. Patrons often comment on how that grounding gives the brewery more depth than a generic taproom.
Musically attuned: With regular open mics and music nights, it attracts musicians, listeners, and folks exploring local talent.
Community cross-pollination: On event nights, you’ll see folks from across Kannapolis and the surrounding region; the brewery helps draw foot traffic downtown, and people often pair their visit with stops at nearby shops, parks, or restaurants.
Flexible & adaptive: Because they rely partly on food trucks, rotating events, and crowd dynamics, the space shifts its energy depending on the night. A quiet weekday might feel cozy and mellow; Friday or Saturday often feel vibrant and packed.
Supportive & participatory: The open mic nights, Pay It Forward system, and willingness to collaborate with musicians and the community all reinforce a sense of shared ownership and inclusion.

What to Expect: Tips for Visiting

Check the event schedule before going. Some nights are major music gigs; others are quieter or open mic nights. Their website, Facebook page, or Instagram (e.g. “Old Armor Brewery” and “Old Armor Open Mic Night”) are good resources.
Arrive early for open mic nights. Signups usually start at 6:30 pm, with performances beginning around 7 pm.
Plan for food. If you visit on a night with a food truck, that’s ideal. Otherwise, pair your brewery visit with a nearby eatery or grab food beforehand.
Bring your ears and curiosity. The open mic nights and music events lean local and eclectic—genres vary, voices vary, and part of the fun is discovering something new.
Support the mission. If you appreciate their veteran / first responder mission, the Pay It Forward board is a meaningful way to contribute and show support.

Respect the space. Because the brewery functions as both taproom and live venue, it’s good etiquette to adhere to any performance etiquette cues (volume, respect for performers, etc.).