Annual Events

The calendar will stay full all year with exciting events around the lake! Begin planning for a good time on the Lakeside of Charlotte with friends and family by browsing some of the annual festivals and events listed below for 2023-24.

 


 

Luck of the Village

March 17, 2023

Birkdale Village  |  More info

Bagpipers, Irish dancers, food trucks, outdoor bars, great drink specials, Irish cuisine, raffles & games, and merchandise! Join us at the region's largest St. Patrick's Day party! This event will leave you feeling like you have the luck of the Irish and will keep you coming back!


 

April is for Arts!

April 26-28, 2024

704.892.7591 |  https://www.ci.davidson.nc.us/611/April-is-for-Arts

April is all about the arts at Lake Norman! Gallery crawls, Art on the Green, art crawls, art exhibitions, Concerts on the Green, and shows are only a few colorful events held around the area in April! For a more detailed and complete list of art galleries and cultural attractions, visit the listings here.


 

Loch Norman Highland Games

April 20-21, 2024

Historic Rural Hill

704.875.3113  |  http://lochnorman.com/

This event is a celebration of Scottish culture and heritage. The two-day event features competitions and attractions like blackheart throwing, turning of the caber, hammer tossing, highland dancing, battle axe contests, kilt races, bagpipes, whisky seminars, traditional Scottish folk music, and authentic fare and libations. 


 

North Carolina Brewers & Music Festival

May 12-13, 2023

Historic Rural Hill

704.875.3113  |  http://www.ncbrewsmusic.com/

This event is for those with a palate for quality craft brews made in North Carolina and those who enjoy an excellent outdoor jam!


 

Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Race    

May 11, 2024

Ramsey Creek Park

704.336.8869  |  http://www.charlottedragonboat.com/

The Asian Festival is held at Ramsey Creek Park and is an annual family-oriented event for the Asian and non-Asian communities throughout the Carolinas. The festival celebrates Asian cultures, diversity, ethnicity, roots and history.


 

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

June

Founded in 1932, the Charlotte Symphony is the largest and most active professional performing arts organization in the central Carolinas, giving nearly 70 performances each season and reaching an annual attendance of 130,000 listeners. 

Duke EnergyExplorium

980.875.5600  |  https://www.duke-energy.com/energy-education/energy-centers-and-programs/energyexplorium-at-mcguire

If you cannot make that concert, then fear not! The Charlotte Symphony will be returning to Bailey Road Park. Fireworks will be held after the concert!

Bailey Road Park

704.892.6031  |  https://www.cornelius.org/388/Symphony-in-the-Park-Fireworks

 


 

Fourth of July Celebrations

July 1-4

Lake Norman is THE place to be for the 4th of July! It will surely be a great time, from cookouts to watching fireworks on the lake! For more detailed information on events held around the area, visit our July 4th events page.


 

The Amazing Maize Maze

September 16 - October 28, 2023

Historic Rural Hill

704.875.3113 |  https://ruralhill.net/events/rural-hill-amazing-maize-maze/

Get lost in the giant seven-acre corn maze featuring over two miles of interconnecting paths. One of the largest in the Southeast, the maze is sure to please! Looking for an even bigger challenge? Traverse the maze in the dark during one of the famous Friday Night Mazes! 


 

9th Annual Huntersville Fall Festival

September 2023

Historic Rural Hill

704.875.3113 |  https://www.facebook.com/huntersvillefallfestival/

A yearly festival is held in Huntersville, NC. There are plenty of great vendors and activities for the family. The community hosts this event, and is free to attend.


 

Carolina Renaissance Festival

October 5 - November 24, 2024 (Sat-Sun)

Carolina Renaissance Festival

877.896.5544  |  https://www.carolina.renfestinfo.com/

The Renaissance Festival is a 16th-century European-style art and entertainment festival combining outdoor theater, circus entertainment, an arts and crafts marketplace, a jousting tournament, a feast fit for royalty, and much, much more.


 

Ghosts of Davidson Tour

October 2023

Downtown Davidson

Ghostsofdavidson@gmail.com  |  https://www.ghostsofdavidson.com/

Downtown Davidson is beautiful, especially in the fall. The Ghosts of Davidson tour allows visitors to see the town's history. The tour is a scary walk, 1-mile walk that lasts about 90 minutes. The website mentions this event is not for all ages.


 

Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival

November 4-5, 2023

Historic Rural Hill

704.875.3113 | https://ruralhill.net/rural-hill-sheepdog-trials-and-dog-festival/

What better way to wrap up the fall season than with your canine pal and several hundred of their new best friends? Bring your family, friends, and dog(s) to this fun-filled festival for one of the area's best-known dog events! At this event, there is plenty to do, and food, drink, merchandise, and much more are available for purchase while attending.


 

Christmas Events at Lake Norman

December

Get in the spirit and join in the festivities on the lake! Holidays spent at Lake Norman are not a disappointment and will bring you jingling back to the area for years to come! A few notable Christmas events include Christmas in Davidson, the North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade, The Huntersville Christmas, A Candlelight Christmas, and the Lighted Boat Parade. 

For more details on events, visit our Calendar of Events page.

Spotlight

Scottish Festival
This event is a celebration of Scottish culture and heritage. The two-day...
April is for Arts
April is all about the arts at Lake Norman! Gallery crawls, Art on the...
NCBMF
This event is both for those with a palate for quality craft brews made right here in...
Asian Festival
The Asian Festival is held at Ramsey Creek Park and is an annual...
Amazing Maize Maze
Get lost in the giant seven acre corn maze featuring over two miles of...
Carolina Renaissance Festival
The Renaissance Festival is a 16th century European style art and entertainment...