With the summer months coming into full swing, the Lake Norman area becomes jam-packed with events you don’t want to miss. Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville all provide a variety of events that are fun for all ages. From farmers' markets and outdoor live music to performing arts and Fourth of July celebrations, make sure to free up your calendar and enjoy these great events in Lake Norman this summer!
Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets provide a direct connection to local vendors in the Lake Norman and Charlotte area, including nurseries, bakeries, farms, specialty food producers, and more. They offer locals and visitors the opportunity to purchase fresh goods throughout the warmer months. Three markets in the area include the Huntersville Growers’ Market, the Davidson Farmers’ Market, and the newly launched North Meck Community Farmers Market in Cornelius. The Davidson Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from April through November, from 9am to 12 pm, while the Huntersville Growers’ Market operates every Saturday from May through August, from 8am to 12pm. The North Meck Community Farmers Market runs every Wednesday from 9am to 12pm behind Cornelius Town Hall, through September 24.
Each market is family-friendly and encourages children to come along. The North Meck market, in particular, emphasizes community connection and conversation around local food systems, aiming to support farmers and small businesses while providing high-quality, organic produce and goods. After you’re finished shopping at the Huntersville Growers’ Market you can visit Discovery Place Kids, grab lunch at one of the downtown restaurants, or enjoy a cold drink at Crafty Beer Guys.
Performing Arts
Lake Norman’s performing arts scene comes alive each summer with live theater, music, and family-friendly shows. Catch Head Over Heels, a high-energy musical set to the hits of The Go-Go’s, presented by Davidson Community Players from June 18–29 at Davidson College. In nearby Cornelius, the Cain Center for the Arts hosts its Lost at the Lake summer concert series, featuring Good Times/Bad Times (a Led Zeppelin tribute band) on May 24, The Cleverlys on June 21, and Sister Hazel on July 26. From musicals to outdoor concerts and community performances, there’s a show for everyone this summer!
Fourth of July Celebrations
One of the most popular days for summer celebrations, the Fourth of July, brings some family-friendly events to attend! Every year, Birkdale Village hosts their 4th of July in the Village, consisting of a bike parade, a block party, and a wet-down by the Huntersville Fire Department! From outdoor concerts to parades to Orchestras at Bailey Road Park, Lake Norman will be buzzing for the fourth!
If you're able to get out on the lake, you're all but guaranteed to be surrounded by the breathtaking sights and sounds of fireworks going off!
Outdoor Movies
Instead of binging a Netflix series indoors, take advantage of these summer nights and enjoy a movie under the stars!
Birkdale Village’s “Lights, Camera, Birkdale” series brings family-friendly films to life on their jumbo screen on select Saturdays on the Plaza. Most movies begin at 7:30pm, with seating first-come, first-served. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and chairs! The 2025 lineup includes “Clifford the Big Red Dog” (June 14), “The Santa Clause” (July 12), “Madagascar” (August 9), “Inside Out” (September 13), and “Hocus Pocus” (October 25). Takeout from Birkdale restaurants is welcome—just no outside food or drinks.
In Huntersville, “Movies in the Park” is held at Veterans Park. Upcoming film dates are June 13, July 11, and August 8. Film selections are coming soon, and all movies start 5 to 15 minutes after sunset. You can also purchase drinks, candy, and popcorn!
All of the movies are free to attend so bring your family and friends as you step up your movie experience!
Outdoor Concerts
Nothing says summer like live music under the stars! Throughout the season, you can catch free outdoor concerts in Lake Norman. Davidson’s Concerts on the Green and Concerts @ the Circles bring a mix of tribute bands, jazz, and family favorites right to the heart of town. In Cornelius, enjoy music lakeside at the Sundown Sounds series at Ramsey Creek Park or grab tickets to Lost at the Lake at Lost Worlds Brewing. Huntersville’s Birkdale Village hosts “Live Under the Oaks” every Friday evening with rotating local acts. Just bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the sounds of summer!
Davidson
Concerts on the Green
Held on select Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Village Green (119 S. Main St).
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June 15: Band of Oz (Beach/Variety)
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June 28: Groove Machine (70s Tribute)
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July 4 (Friday): Buffett & Beyond (Jimmy Buffett Tribute)
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August 9: Shake the Dust (Americana)
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August 24 (Sunday): Gospelfest (Gospel)
Concerts @ the Circles
Takes place on the first and third Saturdays from 5:00–9:00 PM on Jetton Street
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June 7: Blue Monday (MTV Retro)
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June 21: Crucial Fiya (Reggae)
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July 5: Stella Rising (Variety)
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July 19: Shot Thru the Heart (Bon Jovi Tribute)
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August 2: Gump Fiction (90s Tribute)
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August 16: Simple Sole Band (Country)
Cornelius
Sundown Sounds at Ramsey Creek Park (New for 2025!)
Enjoy free concerts from 7:30–9:30 PM at Ramsey Creek Park (18441 Nantz Rd).
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June 20: The Catalinas
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July 18: Too Much Sylvia
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August 15: Gary Lowder & The Smokin’ Hot
Huntersville
Live Under the Oaks at Birkdale Village
Unwind with live music every Friday from 6:00–8:00 PM at Birkdale Village
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June 6: Ryan Bumgardner
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June 13: Matt Stratford
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June 20: Untethered Soul
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June 27: Walter Finley Band
Lake Norman is a great place for family and friends to come together. As always, don’t forget to share your experience and tag us in your posts on Facebook or Instagram @VisitLakeNorman
