Whether you’re looking to hit the lake or enjoy your days off giving back, we’ve got just the thing. Here’s our day-by-day guide to what to do this weekend in Lake Norman:
THURSDAY
Deschutes Tapping
Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse, Huntersville | 6 – 8 p.m.
Enjoy a special tapping of four Deschutes Brewery beers, plus giveaways, and drink specials. Beers on tap: Fresh Squeezed, Fresh Haze, Obsidian Nitro and Black Butte Porter.
Open Mic at Brick Row
Brick Row, Cornelius | 7 p.m.
The first and third Thursday of each month means open mic night at Brick Row. Enjoy live performances from your neighbors and friends, and even take the stage yourself. $5 admission, $3 for performers. See the Facebook page for sign-up instructions.
FRIDAY
Gala at the Lake – Pounding For Parker Foundation
Sweet Magnolia Estate, Cornelius | 7 p.m.
Support the Pounding for Parker Foundation with a night of food, live much by Dead Man’s Banjo, wine and beer, a silent auction and wine pull. $100 per person. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s mission to advance research for pediatric brain tumors and improve the lives of survivors. Dressy gray attire.
Music on Main: The Lilly Brothers
413 North Main St., Mooresville | 6:30 p.m.
Americana-roots band The Lilly Brothers will take the stage at the next Music on Main. Free admission.
3rd Annual Chili Cook-off Fundraiser
107 North Main Street, Huntersville | 7 – 9 p.m.
American Legion Auxiliary’s Unit 321 will host its 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off, where local chefs will compete for your vote. Taste and try each recipe in support of Auxiliary programs.
SATURDAY
Grand Opening
Urban Grind Roasters – Artisan Coffee, Mooresville | 8 a.m.
For their grand opening, Urban Grind Roasters will offer 20% off all espresso drinks. If that’s not enough incentive, visit for the ribbon cutting, roasting demo and assortment of local artisan pastries.
Cork & Cask Oktoberfest
Cork and Cask, Cornelius | 4 – 8 p.m.
Cork & Cask’s 6th annual Oktoberfest will feature seasonal brews, traditional fare, giveaways and more. View the full menu here.
Mooresville Fall Garden Tour
Brawley Garden Center, Mooresville | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tour five unique gardens while watching local artists capture the beauty of nature in the fall. An after party features drinks and displays of the finished works. $10 in advance, $12 day of event.
Third Annual Octoberfest Celebration
Ultimate Ales | 3 – 11 p.m.
Head to Ultimate Ales for a day of Hofbrau beers, a German food buffet, stein hoisting contest, giveaways and more.
4th Annual Health and Wellness Fair
Birkdale Village | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event features more than 30 local health and wellness vendors, a blood drive, live music, food trucks and a silent auction benefitting Hospice & Palliative Care of Lake Norman.
SGSR Barktoberfest
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew LKN, Cornelius | 1 – 5 p.m.
At Bartoberfest, meet adoptable pups from Southeast German Shepherd Rescue, participate in raffles and enjoy lunch from Yummy Banh Mi food truck. 10% of all proceeds during event benefit SGSR.
I Love 80’s Weekend
Queens Landing, Mooreville | 7 p.m.
In a two-part “I love the 80s” party, jam out to the sounds of Trail by Fire, then board the Lady of the Lake for 80s music, two bars, appetizers and plenty of the best 80s fashions.
2nd Annual Food Fight
Ada Jenkins Center, Davidson | 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The Ada Jenkins Center’s second annual food fight invites local restaurants and home cooks to compete for the top award in categories like best mac and cheese, best BBQ and best dessert. Guests will sample recipes and enjoy Primary Brewery beer and live music by Rusty Knox. $25 per person. Proceeds benefit Ada Jenkins Center programs.
SoMa Davidson Fall Fest
South Main Square to Wooden Stone Gallery, Davidson | 2 – 7 p.m.
The inaugural SoMa Davidson Fall Fest will include make-your-own personal pizzas kids activities, food and beer specials, plus live music by Billy Jones & Mike Orlando.
18th Annual All American Dog Show
Robbins Park, Cornelius | 3 – 6 p.m.
The 18th Annual All American Dog Show invites spectators and participating owners to partake in contests, demonstrations, vendor tents, children’s activities and more.
High Branch Art Reception – The Lettered Sparrow
High Branch Brewing Co. | 4 – 6 p.m.
Sip on beer while viewing works by Mandy of The Lettered Sparrow. Mandy is a self-taught artist and hand calligrapher.
Denver Fire Department 60th Anniversary
3956 N Highway 16, Denver | 10 a.m.
The whole family will enjoy a day of celebrating the Denver fire department’s 60th anniversary. Kids will love participating in the firehouse hunt, while everyone can dig into free hot dogs. The department will have goodie bags for the first 60 guests.
Book Signing: Darla Desiderio
Main Street Books, Davidson | 10:30 a.m.
Darla Desiderio, author of the Gage the Flying Whippet children’s series, will be signing copies of her books. Meet Desiderio and learn about her inspiration behind the popular series.
WDAV’s Classical Harvest Concert Series: Flute4
Davidson Farmers Market | 10 a.m.
Enjoy classical music by the Flute4 Quartet as you shop local goods at the Davidson farmers market. Performance begins at 10 a.m.
SUNDAY
Reggae on the Lake
Lake Norman | 6 – 9 p.m.
Escape to a carefree Caribbean vacation aboard the three-hour Reggae on the Lake tour. Indulge in hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, non-stop Reggae music and giveaways. $50 per person. Call 704.377.2782 to purchase.
Live Music by Vince Koob
The Cabin, Davidson | 6 – 8 p.m.
Enjoy local beer, wine, and acoustic music by Vince Koob from 6 – 8 p.m.
Aloha Flow SUP Yoga
Aloha Paddle Sports, Cornelius | 10:30 a.m.
Take your yoga practice on the water with a 60-minute Aloha Flow led by experienced instructors. $25 per class (including equipment), $15 (bring your own board) or $119 for a monthly pass.
