For some people, Labor Day indicates summer's end and signals the beginning of fall. For others, it's a weekend full of picnics and cook-outs or the start of football season. Labor Day Weekend is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the workforce that has helped grow our Lake Norman area to be the great place it is, and this year, our workers deserve this more than ever. Read more to learn how to enjoy your long weekend here at Lake Norman!

 

Outdoor Activities To Enjoy For Labor Day Weekend


 

Water view of Ramsey Creek Park

Ramsey Creek Park

End the summer with a splash! Ramsey Creek Beach will be open for one last weekend this Labor Day, including Monday! A free shuttle from the Northcross Park and Ride Lot will be available at 17126 Northcross Drive. 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. Shelters are available for rent and provide an instant picnic shelter along the shores of Lake Norman. 
 

Quest at Latta Nature Preserve

The Quest Center is a nature experience in Huntersville that is open daily. This 13,000 sq. ft. facility is the starting point for your outdoor adventure at the Latta Nature Preserve, with educational programs and information on the preserve's natural communities, flora, and fauna. Quest is a joint facility of Mecklenburg County Park & Rec and Carolina Raptor Center, conveniently located just minutes away!

People viewing animals at the Quest Center

Ramsey Creek Park Pier Fishing

Fishing in Lake Norman

Fishing is a great way to spend time with friends and family while relaxing in the beautiful natural scenery of Lake Norman. 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. 

Parks in Lake Norman

Enjoying the great outdoors is easy at Lake Norman, with several beautiful local parks. Jetton Park is known for its waterfront views and trails, and you can even have a lakeside cookout with its public grill pits. Bradford Park has an award-winning disc golf course for 9-hole and 18-hole games open to the public. For those with little ones, Smithville Park has a playground and a splash pad where kids can expend their energy while staying cool.

Jetton Park Waterfront

Places To Eat During Labor Day Weekend


 

Midwood Smokehouse

Would it be Labor Day Weekend without a heaping plate of BBQ? If you don’t have the chance to have a cookout this weekend, Midwood Smokehouse has you covered! This restaurant has regional BBQ specialties served up on plates & in sandwiches in a roadhouse setting. With their classic mac & cheese and homemade coleslaw, you’ll undoubtedly find the authentic flavors you’d expect in a backyard barbecue. Don't miss out on trying their nutty pecan cobbler or their campfire blondie for dessert!

Midwood bbq

A pint from D9 Brewing

D9 Brewing

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 has become one of Charlotte's most prominent breweries! Enjoy huge notes of tropical lime and passionfruit in their “Oh Be Hazy” IPA, or introduce your taste buds to a luau with the classic "Hakuna Matata" IPA. 

 

BoatYard LKN

BoatYard LKN is the place to gather with family and friends and is a great dining option for your Labor Day Weekend. Their menu features American dishes with classic options like Beef Brisket and a ¼ lb hot dog and an expansive drink menu featuring beer, wine, and spirits. However, their enormous patio is the main attraction, with abundant outdoor seating and event space. 

A large group of people at BoatYard Eats

Two dogs with beers in front of him at Lucky Dog

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 offers daycare, boarding & baths. You can bring the dog in for a beverage or two or drop off the pup while you spend your day on the lake.

Hello, Sailor

Waterfront dining is always a treat and a long weekend is the perfect time to treat yourself. Hello, Sailor is renowned for its beautiful waterfront patio and is one of three waterfront dining options in the area. You can even come to dine straight off of the boat! Their menu will often change based on the availability of fresh ingredients, but some staples to try to include peel-eat shrimp, citrus crab Louie salad, and the crispy catfish with beef fat fries.

Hello Sailor flat lay - credit Kyo H. Nam for QC Exclusive

Labor Day Weekend Events In Lake Norman


Various events are being held over Labor Day Weekend in the Lake Norman area. Many events will suit you whether you're looking for a concert, family fun, or something in between!

Live Music: Simplified

Sept 1 @ 8:30pm
BoatYard LKN | More Details

Acoustic duo Chris Sheridan and Clee Laster created a quartet known for bringing back the island rock sound. 

Davidson Farmer's Market

Sept 2 @ 9 am - 12 pm
Downtown Davidson | More Details

The Davidson Farmer’s Market is a producer-only, year-round Market featuring more than 35 farmers and local producers within a 100-mile radius. The Market is a lively gathering place for meeting friends and learning about food, agriculture, and nutrition.

Live Music: Blue Monday

Sept 2 @ 8:30pm
BoatYard LKN | More Details

Blue Monday is a tribute to the MTV generation. The 80s/90s classics and a few guilty pleasures of today.

Battle of Charlotte

Sept 2-3 @ 10 am
Rural Hill | More Details

Head out to Historic Rural Hill on Labor Day weekend for The Battle of Charlotte! This weekend will mark the 243rd anniversary of this pivotal time in the history of The American Revolution and Charlotte Mecklenburg County. Through multiple interpretive demonstrations such as kids' drills, weapons demonstrations, cooking, music, camp life, and more, you can truly immerse yourself in the 1700s—a rain-or-shine event.

Live Music: Dave Matthews Tribute Band

Sept 3 @ 8:30pm
BoatYard Lake Norman | More Details

This 5-piece ensemble strives to pay homage to their famous counterparts by matching the excitement, energy, intensity, and intimacy of a DMB live show, performing sold-out shows worldwide for nearly 20 years.

Monday Trivia 

Sept 4 @ 7 - 9 pm
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Lake Norman | More Details 

General Knowledge Trivia every Monday starting at 7 pm. Free to play. The top 3 teams take home prizes! 

 


 

Labor Day 2023 will be an action-packed weekend of events and activities for all ages. Tell us how you spend your holiday weekend by tagging us in your pictures @visitlakenorman. Have a great weekend, and stay safe!