Hi neighbors,

I officially know summer is getting close because my pool has already turned green and I can’t seem to get it completely under control yet. Every year I think it’ll somehow be easier than the year before, and every year I’m wrong.

Stacey and I were in Monterrey, Mexico this past week visiting a horse breeder she works with, so coming home to North Carolina humidity and pool maintenance was a quick return to reality.

Lily and I grabbed lunch today at Big Tiny’s BBQ in Mooresville, and it got me thinking about how many good BBQ spots we have around the Lake Norman area now. Everybody seems to have a strong opinion on who’s best.

So now I’m curious, who has your vote for best BBQ around Lake Norman?

Feels like we’re officially heading into cookout, lake day, and BBQ season.

— Scott

The Gist: The North Meck Community Farmers Market is back at Cornelius Town Hall on Wednesday mornings, and this year the team is also rolling out monthly night markets on the last Wednesday of every month from May through September. Vendors include Austin Kidd Farm, Harvest Roots, Wild Daisy Farms, Butter Crust, Blue Goat Dairy, and many more.

Why It Matters: Night markets pull in different vendors, local breweries, and food trucks, so the after-work crowd finally gets a version of market night that fits their schedule. It's also one more reason to spend a Wednesday evening in town instead of in traffic.

What's Next: The first night market lands on Wednesday, May 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Cornelius Town Hall.

The Gist: Hope of Mooresville, the local nonprofit that provides temporary shelter and support services to homeless women and children, raised $21,000 through its inaugural 2026 Housing Heroes Challenge. Prospect Presbyterian Church took the top fundraising spot at $7,533. The funds go directly toward shelter, case management, financial education, and resources that help families move toward stable, permanent housing.

Why It Matters: Mooresville reports an average of about 100 homeless children across the MGSD and ISS school districts in any given year. HOMe is one of the few organizations focused specifically on getting those families back on their feet, and the campaign brought in support from teams across the lake.

Seaboy is the result of a seasoned chef trading high-volume kitchens for a ten-table passion project in his own backyard. Recently recognized by Esquire as one of the best new restaurants in the country, this North Main spot captures the effortless ease of a summer dinner party.

The rotating menu highlights peak-season sustainability. For a cooling finish, the mezcal-laced espresso martini is a local legend.

With summer hours shifting to a noon start on weekdays, afternoons at Frankie's of Charlotte will be bound to get a bit longer. There is a quiet sense of pride in the name, honoring the owner’s uncle and his legacy of service.

Between the three distinct go-kart tracks and the immersive 7D motion rides, the energy remains steady whether you are outdoors on the mini-golf course or retreating inside to the bowling lanes.

🌳 Under the Oaks: This Year’s Model | Birkdale Vill. | Huntersville | 05/15 | More
Outdoor concert featuring catchy rock melodies beneath a canopy of majestic trees.

🐉 Charlotte Asian & Dragon Boat Festival | Ramsey Creek Park | Cornelius | 5/16 | More
Forty boats, dancers, food, and races on the lake. Free.

🐟 Cornelius Fishing Derby | Robbins Park | Cornelius | 5/16 | More
Friendly competition with prizes; loaner poles available. Must register.

🎨 Concerts @ the Circles: The Big 80's Band | Jetton St | Davidson | 5/16 | More
Permed-out 80s anthems on a closed-down street, all ages, totally free.

🚀 Blast Off to Summer! | Beckett Clubhouse and Pool | Huntersville | 05/16 | More
Neighborhood pool kickoff: food trucks, lawn games, and a community raffle.

🎷 Cornelius Jazz Festival | Smithville Park | Cornelius | 5/16 | More
Local jazz acts, food trucks, kids' zone, and craft beer. Free community event.

🥁 The Legends Block Party | Primal Brewery | Huntersville | 05/17 | More
All-day music festival showcasing fifteen student bands, local food trucks, and fun!

❄️ Sisters Forever! Meet Elsa and Anna | Cloud Nine Play | Mooresville | 05/20 | More
Magical evening of dancing, singing, and play with beloved winter princesses.

🏝️ Island Adoption Social | Eleven Lakes Brewing | Cornelius | 05/14 | More
Includes two beverage tickets and a food truck to learn about adopting a lake island.

🏎️ 69th Hot Rods and Hops Cruise In | 149 Cayuga Dr. | Mooresville | 05/15 | More
Show car meet: BBQ, beer, dessert trucks, and music from DJ Wheels.

🎤 Completely Unchained with Orange Plush | BoatYard Lake Norman | Cornelius | 5/16 | More
Van Halen's full catalog plus 90s/2000s alt rock to open. $15 advance.

🎹 M@SA: Noel Freidline and Maria Howell | St. Alban's Episcopal Church | Davidson | 05/17 | More
Elegant blend of jazz standards and soulful vocals in an intimate sacred space.

🎸 Live Double-Header! | LangTree Lake Norman | Mooresville | 05/21 | More
Season kickoff featuring alt-rock from dialUp Radio and 80s hits from Kids in America.

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