Sure it may always feel like a vacation when you live by the lake, but we’ll gladly welcome the unofficial start of summer with a sunny three day weekend. Fill your holiday weekend to the brim with fun events around the lake. Here’s what to do and where to go in Lake Norman:
The New Beach
Opens Saturday, May 28 at 10:30 am
Ramsey Creek Park
It’s finally here. The long-awaited public beach on the shores of Lake Norman opens this weekend just in time for Memorial Day. So stay in town, pack a picnic and your best sandcastle building tools and take in the sun. Know before you go: 500 people are allowed on the beach, so plan to leave early. Parking is $3 per car for residents and lifeguards will be on duty. If you plan to swim, consider wearing flip flops in case it’s rocky. Local officials are making it easy to stay safe in the sun by giving out free suntan lotion on Saturday, the beach’s opening day.
15th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Party
Thursday, May 26-Monday, May 30
The Rusty Rudder
You know the saying…if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! That’s the spirit as The Rusty Rudder celebrates the start of their 15th summer entertaining lakeside. Each night, they’ll have live music on the stage and the tiki bar. Here;s the line-up:
May 26th: Jay Mathey at the Tiki Bar 6pm
May 27th: Roy Daye Jr at the Tiki Bar 6pm, Uphonix on the Main Stage 10:30pm
May 28th: Scott & Woody at the Tiki Bar at 6pm, Early Ray on the Main Stage at 10:30pm
May 29th: Scott & Woody at the Tiki Bar at 6pm, Blue Monday on the Main Stage at 9pm
May 30th: Pushh at the Tiki Bar at 4pm
The Brew Bus
Friday, May 27
Bayne Brewing Company
All aboard! For just $10 you can ride the Brew Bus around four of the Lake’s best bottle shops and taprooms. The bus stops at Bayne Brewing Company, Bottled & Tapped, Cornelius Drafthouse and Bottle Shop, and Old Town Public House.
Concord Pedals & Pints
Friday, May 27
High Branch Brewing Co.
Ride into the weekend with the Concord Pedals & Pints Cycling Club. Both Cabarrus Brewing Company and High Branch Brewing Company team up for this weekly no experience necessary bike ride.
Stand-Up Comedy Showcase
Saturday, May 28
Oak Street Mill
Plan a hilariously fun date night or GNO with Bella Love’s Stand-Up Comedy Showcase. For $8 in advance and $10 at the door, enjoy some laughs from local comedians and a beer and wine cash bar.
Here’s the line-up:
Blair Nias
Lorenzo EL Gee Gladden
Kaz Sortino
Vernon Mack
Mike Buczek
Lamar Jackson
Terrence Miller
Surprise Special Guest
The For All Ages Comedy Improv Musical Variety Extravaganza Starring the Chuckleheads
Saturday, May 28
Warehouse Performing Arts Center
The We Missed You Cornelius Comedy Improv Musical Variety Extravaganza Starring the Chuckleheads will celebrate good humor and good friends with unscripted improvisational comedy games (ala Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Improv-a-ganza, and the Second City,) musical games and activities, game show elements, and the heavy-duty audience participation that are staples of the eight-year-old Chuckleheads’ improv comedy troupe’s shows. And it’s all made up on the spot. Get your tickets here.
Huntersville Growers Market
Each Saturday 8 am-12 pm
Huntersville Elementary
Pick up your fresh produce for that Memorial Day cookout while the kids enjoy music, face painting, balloon twisters and a bounce house.
Coca-Cola 600
Sunday, May 29
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Start your engines for the race of the season at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Start off with a pre-race show honoring our military heroes and concert by country favorite Lee Brice. Then they’re off with the 57th running of the Coca-Cola 600, one of NASCAR’s most popular races.
Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks Memorial Weekend Cookout
Sunday, May 29
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte
It’s a cookout for a cause at Lucky Dog’s Memorial Weekend celebration. Bring your pup from 1-4 pm and enjoy a hot dog or hamburger plate for free with a donation to Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks Rescue.
