From artisan markets to tap takeovers and plenty of pup-friendly outings, there’s no shortage of fun to be had around the lake this weekend. Sixteen top picks of where to go and what to do this weekend in Lake Norman:
FRIDAY
Tails & Ales Adoption Event
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company, Concord
5 p.m.
In a twist on the weekly Food Truck Friday events, Tails & Ales combines the cuteness overload of local adoptable pups and cold, craft brews from Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company. Special t-shirts will be available for sale.
Weekend-long
Spring Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, May 20 – Sunday, May 21
Birkdale Village, Huntersville
Get your wardrobe ready for Spring and Summer as your favorite retailers in Birkdale offer great deals and specialty items throughout the weekend. Participating shops include Banana Republic, Fab’rik and Corkscrew Wine Bar. View the full list of retailers here.
Carolina Roots MusicFest
Friday, May 19-Saturday, May 20
​260 Hangar Drive, Statesville
Ok, ok. So this isn’t technically taking place at the Lake, but if you’re looking to jam out this weekend, the drive to Statesville will be worth it. At the Carolina Roots MusicFest, Americana, folk, blues and rock and roll bands will fill a two-day line-up, complemented by a Hops Garden on Saturday. View the line-up here. Weekend tickets are $35.
SATURDAY
Old Town Cornelius Jazz Festival
Smithville Park, Cornelius
3 p.m.
Smithville Park will be filled with the smooth sounds of the 3rd Annual Old Town Cornelius Jazz Festival this Saturday. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and prepare for a day of food trucks, wine and beer, artisan vendors, children’s activities, and of course, a full line-up of jazz music. Performances include:
- Calvin Edwards Trio
- Holly Hopkins Jazz
- Pacific Coast Highway Jazz Band
- Lovell Bradford Trio
- Shades of Brown-Charlotte
Proceeds benefit the Smithville Community Coalition’s partnership with YMCA’s “send-a-kid-to-camp” program. This event is free and open to the public.
Race City Festival
Downtown Mooresville
9 a.m.
Spend a day discovering downtown Mooresville as the Race City Festival returns for its 33rd year. Browse  activities from over 200 vendors, feast on food truck offerings, toast in the beer garden and so much more. Entertainment abounds from two music stages and street performers spread throughout the festival, while eateries, art galleries and more open their doors to visitors and extend specials with sidewalk sales. Free parking and free admission.
Bullies 2 the Rescue Bulldog Swimsuit Contest
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew LKN, Cornelius
4 p.m.
Think you’re the only one working on their beach body? Think again. Bullies 2 The Rescue is calling all bulldogs to strut their stuff in their famous bulldog swimsuit contest, and the humans who love them to support the cause with drink specials, island music and a day of fun in the sun. 10% of all bar sales benefit Bullies 2 The Rescue. Register early here.
Allagash Brewing 16 Tap Takeover
bottled & tapped, Cornelius
12 p.m.
Allagash Brewing Company is taking over all sixteen taps at bottled & tapped this Saturday. Spend a chill day jamming to live music and trying out their best brews.
Off the Cuff
Bayne Brewing Company, Cornelius
8 p.m.
Now Are The Foxes has teamed up with Charlotte Comedy Theater for a short-form night of improv at Bayne Brewing Company. Grab a beer and get ready to belly laugh.
Spring Artisan Market
The Shoppes at Home Heart & Soul, Cornelius
11 a.m.
The Shoppes at Home, Heart & Soul are hosting a one-of-a-kind artisan market where you can watch local artists and potters as they work. After marveling at their handiwork, shop the finished products from a selection of original art and pottery.
Carm’s Low Country Boil at High Branch
High Branch Brewing Company, Concord
5 p.m.
High Branch Brewing Company has teamed up with Carm’s Cafe of downtown Concord to serve up delicious buckets of low country boil with all the fixin’s. Seatings are at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m., and reservations are required. Call 704.960.4394 to reserve your bucket! $50 per bucket, serves three people.
Racing for Rescues 5K
Piedmont Animal Rescue, Mooresville
8 a.m.
Join either the 5K or 1-mile Fun Run route in support of Piedmont Animal Rescue, a local non-profit that has rescued over 4,200 animals over the past eight years. $30 per person. Register here.
SUNDAY
Laps & Taps Craft Brewery & Speedway Tour
Cabarrus Brewing Company, Concord
12 p.m.
Celebrate two of our areas favorite things, craft beer and racing, with a full day of touring and driving. First, get a behind-the-scenes look into Cabarrus Brewing Company and Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company, then buckle up for a few laps around the Charlotte Motor Speedway Track. The day includes transportation, an expert escort, breweries tours and tastings, souvenir glasses and laps around the track. $49 per person. Purchase tickets here.
Ride for Good
Lake Norman CycleBar, Cornelius
2 p.m.
Hop aboard a bike at Lake Norman Cycle Bar to support the health missions of the United Way of Central Carolinas. Since no good deed goes unrewarded, indulge in a well-deserved mimosa after class. Reserve your bike here.
Bevello x Gotta Yoga x Clean Juice
Birkdale Village, Huntersville
9 a.m.
Don’t you love it when your favorite places all team up? Kick your week off to a healthy start with a free yoga class (plus 20% off of a package!) at Gotta Yoga and 20% off of Bevello purchases plus free samples and coupons from Clean Juice. Space is limited, reserve your spot at birkdale@bevello.com or 704.896.1329.
Dig and Swig Again
Primal Brewery, Huntersville
12 p.m.
Can your gardening skills use some refreshing? Get expert guidance with container garden workshops, tips and plants for sale, all benefiting local charities. Grab a beer and start planning you garden.
Huntersville Seasonal Artisan Market
Magnolia Woods, Huntersville
1 p.m.
The Huntersville Chamber, Blue Farm Family Table and Angie’s Door Decor host the city’s first-ever pop-up artisan market at scenic Magnolia Woods. Browse offerings from local Huntersville vendors while learning about the talent that exists in your own backyard.
