With the start of summer fast approaching, Memorial Day weekend is a great way to kick off the season. From the opening of public beaches to events honoring those sacrificing for our freedoms, there is no shortage of things to do over the holiday. Read more to find out how you can enjoy the three-day weekend here at Lake Norman!
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Ramsey Creek Beach
Start the summer with a splash! Ramsey Creek Beach will open for the season starting Sat, May 25 at noon! They will be open all weekends including Memorial Day on Mon, May 27. Starting June 12, the beach will be open Wed-Sun through Aug 23 and then will transition back to weekends only until Labor Day, Sept 2 at 6 pm.
With the weather warming up and the summer days returning, this is a great chance to lounge on the sandy beach and go for a swim. Not only is there a 40-acre swimming area, but Ramsey Creek also offers boat launching and docks, a playground, picnic shelters, nature trails, and a fishing pier that's ADA-compliant. There will be an admission fee for each car to enter the park over the weekend. Shelters are available for rent and provide an instant picnic shelter along the shores of Lake Norman. No matter what you plan for your Memorial Day weekend, Ramsey Creek Park would be a great option for the entire family.
For more information on pricing and FAQs check out our Ultimate Guide to Ramsey Creek Park.
Fishing in Lake Norman
Fishing is a great way to spend time with friends and family while soaking in the beautiful natural scenery of Lake Norman. There is an abundance of great fishing spots for both seasoned anglers and beginners alike. Plus, with a variety of experienced guides available, everyone has a great chance to make a memorable catch, no matter their level of expertise.
For the solo fishermen, you can head out to Patriot Pier at Ramsey Creek Park or the shorelines of Jetton Park for a chance at a largemouth bass. No rod? No problem! You can borrow a rod from the Quest Center at Latta Nature Preserve and cast out your line for some blue catfish or crappies. All anglers aged 16 and older will need a North Carolina fishing license. Guided tours are a great way to experience deep-water fishing, and this will be your chance to catch record-setting bass or perch. Check out our list of the best fishing guides in Lake Norman.
Parks in Lake Norman
Enjoying the great outdoors is easy at Lake Norman with several beautiful, local parks. Blythe Landing is known for its waterfront views, and you can even play a round of volleyball at their sand courts. Bradford Park is home to an award-winning disc golf course that is open to the public for 9-hole and 18-hole games. For those looking for an adventure, Latta Nature Preserve in Huntersville has over 16 miles of trails and plenty of shoreline! There are also many parks with dedicated monuments to fallen men and women who have served in our military. Read our blog on 7 Memorials & Monuments to find places to visit and pay your respects over the weekend.
Focus on the Food & Drinks
The Crazy Pig
Would it really be Memorial Day Weekend without a heaping plate of BBQ? If you don’t have the chance to have a cookout this weekend, The Crazy Pig has you covered! The Crazy Pig specializes in traditional smoked pulled pork butt and slow smoked beef brisket, and with their delicious mac & cheese & homemade coleslaw, you’ll certainly find the authentic flavors you’d expect in a backyard barbecue. Don't miss out on trying one of their locally crafted beers.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
The Waterman Fish Bar
Sunday Lunch at Waterman Fish Bar
The Waterman Fish Bar is one of Cornelius's great restaurants and is just a few minutes away from the lake. Located off Statesville Road, the Charlotte based restaurant offers fresh seafood cuisine and refreshing cocktails with a fitting nautical theme. The location features a gorgeous three-season, climate-controlled patio perfect for the warming weather. We recommend you try one of their classics like the Lobster Mac & Cheese or the Creole Shrimp & Grits, and if you're in the mood for a drink, go for the Topside Treasure! Be sure to make it there on Friday if you can to enjoy their $1.50 Oyster Happy Hours on weekdays from 2-7pm!
Hello, Sailor
Waterfront dining is always a treat, and a long weekend is the perfect time to treat yourself. Hello, Sailor is renowned for their beautiful waterfront patio and is one of three waterfront dining options in the area. You can even come dine straight off of the boat! Their menu will often change based on availability of fresh ingredients, but some staples to try include peel n’ eat shrimp, citrus crab louie salad, double patty skillet burger, and crudo.
D9 Brewing Co.
After a long day at the lake, you’ll be ready to sit back and relax with a cold one. D9 Brewing is a premier brewery in Lake Norman, and offers a wide selection of craft beers including twelve options brewed in house! Enjoy the refreshing flavors of stone fruit in their “Into the White” beer, or sink into the sweet splash of melon flavor in the “Brewer’s Day Off” beer. There will also be food trucks on Friday & Saturday, and a live music performance from Matt Bush on Saturday!
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew
Who says that dogs have to miss out on the fun? Lucky Dog Bark & Brew is a sports bar with an off-leash indoor & outdoor dog park that also offers daycare, boarding & baths. Let your pup roam while you enjoy a specialty cocktail or one of the 20+ beers on tap, or drop off the pup while you spend your day on the lake. Secure your spot now to ensure a safe, fun-filled holiday weekend for your favorite companion. The pet-loving staff will make sure they're pampered and cared for while you enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Staff with pups during Doggy Daycare
What's Happening This Weekend?
There are several events being held over Memorial Day Weekend in the Lake Norman area. Whether you're looking for a concert, family fun, or something in between, there will be plenty of events suited just for you.
Friday, May 24th:
Live Under the Oaks
Friday @ 6-8pm
Birkdale Village | More Details
It's time to get groovy in The Plaza! Start your weekends unwinding with live musical performances in the Plaza every Friday evening from April to October. Grab your friends and family and get ready to dance the night away!
Saturday, May 25th:
Davidson Farmer's Market
Saturday @ 9am - 12pm
120 South Main St, Davidson | More Details
The Davidson Farmer’s Market is one of the area's most popular Saturday morning destinations. A producer-only, year-round market featuring more than 35 farmers and local producers from within a 100 mile radius. You will find certified organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed beef, pastured pork, eggs from free-range chickens, NC seafood, fresh baked goods, confections, homemade pasta and sauces, cheeses, honey, herbs, fresh flowers and more. You may also come across chef and cooking demonstrations, seasonal produce events, music and educational activities.
Huntersville Growers' Market
Saturday @ 8am - 12pm
Veterans Park | More Details
The Huntersville Growers Market at Veterans' Park is an outdoor, open air market, offering fresh produce, eggs, baked goods, dog treats, select craft items, free chef samples and more.
Concerts on the Green
Saturday @ 6pm - 8pm
119 S Main St, Davidson| More Details
Concerts on the Green are a summer family favorite! Attendees are encouraged to bring friends and family, comfy chairs or a blanket, and a picnic. Stroll the town and visit some of the local restaurants and shops beforehand. Concerts are free, open to the public, and fun for all ages!
Cars, Models, Runway Spring Fashion Show
Saturday @ 6pm - 8:30pm
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville | More Details
Showcasing 9 designers accompanied by luxury, classical and sports cars. Designers and models are bringing their talents to the runway from Atlanta, GA, California, Florida, New York, Philadelphia, PA, South Carolina and Texas.
Monday, May 27th:
Memorial Day Observance
Monday @ 10am-1pm
Cain Center for the Arts | More Details
Join the Town of Cornelius and American Legion Post 86 as they honor our nation’s servicemen and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. WWII Veteran Allen Q. Jones will be the keynote speaker this year. Allen joined the U.S. Army in June 1943, and part of the 717th Tank Battalion, which was attached to the 28th Division in Europe. After returning home in 1945, he has since been involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States organization, including serving as the Department of Pennsylvania State Commander from 1986-1987. Jones grew up in Dunbar Township and Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and now resides in Huntersville with his daughter Marcia.
Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday @ 11am
Veterans Park | More Details
The Town of Huntersville and American Legion Post 321 would like invite you to the 23rd Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Honor your local heroes by coming to Veteran's Park at 11 AM to participate in the ceremony.
Memorial Day Weekend will be an action-packed weekend full of events and activities suited for all ages. Let us know how you spent your three-day weekend by tagging us in your pictures @VisitLakeNorman. Have a great weekend and stay safe!
