Huge boat party will take over Lake Norman this summer
More than 100 boats will be on Lake Norman for Black Boat Weekend on Saturday, July 19.
Why it matters: The organized boat party is almost sold out but there are still a few ways to experience some of the festivities during the three-day event.
Context: Entrepreneur Charisme Dhanani was inspired to start Black Boat Weekend after seeing large boat parties in Florida and Chicago. Since 2022, Dhanani has been hosting the party as a single-day event at Lake Murray in South Carolina.
This year will be the first year at Lake Norman and the first time it has become a weekend-long event. Dhanani hopes to make it an annual event here.
"We're throwing a full-on floating party and this event is open to everyone," Dhanani tells Axios.
Catch up quick: Black Boat Weekend has a list of scheduled events from July 18-20.
Festivities will kick off on Friday with a free meet-and-greet day party at Medusa Lounge in NoDa from 3-9pm.
Saturday is the main event with boats and DJs on Lake Norman from 11am-7pm. An after-party at Explicit Bistro and Lounge will be held from 9pm-2am. Tickets are $20-40.
On Sunday there will be a brunch at RSVP South End from 1-8pm. It's free to attend and food is available for an additional price.
What to expect: At least 100 boats will be tied up in a circle surrounding one boat that'll play music from a rotating list of DJs on the water.
Included in the party ticket is access to jet skis, floats and kayaks. Special jet skis that look like a red convertible and white Lamborghini are available for an additional cost.
The water party will be held near Dog Island, which will have a DJ on its sand bar, plus food and merch vendors.
Food available will include dishes like pineapple bowls, nachos, tacos and hamburgers and quesadillas.
If you go: Bring your own boat and pay a $125 tie-up fee for full access to all water activities at the party.
A full weekend VIP ticke t is $2,850 for 10 people. It includes a section and bottle service at Medusa Lounge, a boat with a driver for the Saturday tie-up party, plus a section and bottle service at Explicit and a section with food at RSVP South End.
What's next: Dhanani tells us he's already planning ways to add more fun experiences toBlack Boat Weekend next year by adding a water trampoline and more boats to the party.
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