With summer just around the corner, Memorial Day weekend offers the perfect opportunity to kick off the season. From the opening of public beaches to events honoring those who have sacrificed for our freedoms, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy over the holiday. Read on to discover how you can make the most of 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 24 at noon! They will be open all weekends, including Memorial Day on Mon, May 26. Starting June 13, the beach will be open Wed-Sun through Aug 22 and then will transition back to weekends only until Labor Day, Sept 1 at 6 pm.

With a 40-acre swimming area, boat launching facilities, docks, a playground, picnic shelters, nature trails, and an ADA-compliant fishing pier, Ramsey Creek Park offers something for everyone. An admission fee per car is required over the weekend. Shelters are available for rent, providing a perfect spot for a lakeside picnic.

For more information on pricing and FAQs, check out our Ultimate Guide to Ramsey Creek Park. 

Ramsey Creek Park Beach
Ramsey Creek Park

Fishing in Lake Norman

Fishing is a fantastic way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Norman. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, there are plenty of great fishing spots to explore. Guided tours are also available for those looking to venture into deeper waters.

Quest Center at Latta Nature Reserve
Latta Nature Preserve

For solo fishermen, consider visiting Patriot Pier at Ramsey Creek Park or the shorelines of Jetton Park for a chance at catching largemouth bass.

If you don't have your own equipment, you can borrow a rod from the Quest Center at Latta Nature Preserve and try your luck at catching blue catfish or crappies. Remember, all anglers aged 16 and older will need a North Carolina fishing license. Check out our list of the best fishing guides in Lake Norman.

Parks in Lake Norman

Lake Norman boasts several beautiful local parks perfect for outdoor activities. Blythe Landing offers waterfront views and sand volleyball courts. Bradford Park features an award-winning disc golf course open to the public for 9-hole and 18-hole games. For those seeking adventure, Latta Nature Preserve in Huntersville offers over 16 miles of trails and ample shoreline.

Read our blog on 7 Memorials & Monuments to find places to visit and pay your respects over the weekend.
 

Veterans Park landscape

Focus on the Food & Drinks

 

Where to BBQ

If you're craving smoky, saucy barbecue in the Lake Norman area, three standout spots deserve your attention. In Huntersville, Midwood Smokehouse at Birkdale Village delivers hickory-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and tender ribs in a lively, modern setting. Over in Cornelius, Mac's Speed Shop brings the biker-bar vibe with bold flavors like St. Louis ribs, Tabasco fried pickles, and a strong craft beer lineup. And in downtown Davidson, The Crazy Pig serves up hearty, no-frills barbecue classics like brisket sandwiches and Frito pie, all with a Southern homemade touch. Each spot offers a unique take on Carolina ‘cue and is well worth the visit.

Midwood BBQ
Midwood Smokehouse
Seaboy
Seaboy

Seaboy

Seaboy is one of Cornelius’ newest gems and a perfect spot for Memorial Day dining. Located on N Main Street near the lake, this chef-driven seafood restaurant offers a fresh, seasonal menu with a focus on sustainability and local ingredients. The cozy, coastal-inspired interior and relaxed patio seating make it ideal for warm-weather meals. We recommend starting with the Grilled Oysters or the Yellowfin Crudo, and if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, try their signature Controversial Spritz. With a thoughtful menu and a welcoming vibe just 2 blocks from the water, Seaboy is a must-visit Memorial Day weekend.

 

Hello, Sailor

Waterfront dining is always a treat, especially on a long weekend. Hello, Sailor in Cornelius is one of Lake Norman’s few lakefront dining spots and even offers boat-up access. Owned by Joe and Katy Kindred, this casual seafood spot blends mid-century charm with a laid-back marina vibe, complete with a sunny patio and scenic views. The seasonal menu highlights fresh seafood and Southern flavors. Favorites include the Steelhead Trout, Popcorn Shrimp Basket, Blackened Shrimp Tacos, and 16oz New York Strip. Don’t miss the creative cocktails like the Yacht Club or a frozen margarita slushy. Pet-friendly and welcoming to all, Hello, Sailor is a perfect spot to kick back and enjoy lakeside dining at its best.

Hello Sailor
Hello Sailor

How about a cold one? 

After a day at the lake, unwind with a craft beer at King Canary Brewing Co. in Davidson. Located at 121 Depot Street, this brewery offers a variety of in-house brews, including IPAs, fruited sours, and dessert-inspired stouts. Their taproom provides a cozy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing with friends for Memorial Day. 

If you're exploring other breweries nearby, check out Lost Worlds Brewing in Cornelius for their creative beers or Primal Brewery in Huntersville for a welcoming atmosphere and a variety of craft beers. D9 Brewing is another great spot to try. Each spot offers something special for beer enthusiasts!

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. The bar is 21+, in human years, of course, but all well-behaved and fixed pups can enjoy the park. The pet-loving staff will make sure they're pampered and cared for while you enjoy a stress-free vacation.   

Lucky Dog Bark & Brew 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 23rd:

Live Under the Oaks

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 24th:

Davidson Farmer's Market

9am - 12pm
120 South Main St, Davidson | More Details

This producer-only, year-round market features over 35 farmers and local producers within a 100-mile radius. Find certified organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed beef, pastured pork, free-range eggs, NC seafood, fresh baked goods, confections, homemade pasta and sauces, cheeses, honey, herbs, fresh flowers, and more. Enjoy chef demonstrations, seasonal produce events, music, and educational activities.
 

Huntersville Growers' Market

8am - 12pm
Veterans Park | More Details

Established in 1999, this outdoor market offers fresh produce, eggs, baked goods, dog treats, select craft items, free chef samples, and more. Enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere every Saturday through October.
 

Concerts on the Green

6pm - 8pm
119 S Main St, Davidson | More Details

A summer family favorite! Bring friends, family, comfy chairs or a blanket, and a picnic to enjoy live music on the green. Stroll the town and visit local restaurants and shops beforehand. Concerts are free, open to the public, and fun for all ages!
 

NBT Memorial Day Fashion Show

6pm - 8:30pm
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville | More Details

Kick off Memorial Day weekend in style at Rural Hill! The NBT Memorial Day Fashion Show brings fashion-forward flair to the Lake Norman area with a dazzling runway event featuring the latest trends and chic designs. Expect high-energy looks, striking models, and a vibrant crowd of fashion lovers.

Monday, May 26th:

Memorial Day Observance

10am-12:30pm
Cain Center for the Arts | More Details

Each Memorial Day, the Town of Cornelius and American Legion Post 86 invite everyone to honor our nation’s servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Susan McClamorock is the keynote speaker this year. She is the mother of PFC James Fleet McClamrock, U.S. Army, who was killed in action on September 7, 2010. Susan continues to speak in remembrance of her son, sharing, “When we stop speaking their names, they truly die.” 
 

Memorial Day Ceremony

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!