Saturday is full of exciting local events, starting with the Butterfly Run, and the opening of the Lake Norman Kiwanis splash parkat Smithville Park. There’s the family-friendly Asian Festival at Ramsey Creek Park, and then Jazz in the Park with cool music from Holly Hopkins Jazz, Dante Lewis, Shableek and Shades of Brown. The family event at Smithville Park includes children’s activities, local artisans, food trucks, beer and wine.
Thursday, May 16
Cornelius PARC is offering sunset paddleboarding tours. Ages 12 and up; participants young than 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 7-8:30 p.m. at Aloha Paddle Sports in Cornelius.
Friday, May 17
Our first juried exhibition will be on display April 26-June 21 at the Cornelius Arts Center.
The Town of Davidson is partnering with the Davidson Community Players to present outdoor performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Free. 7 p.m. May 16-18 on the Davidson Town Green.
Saturday, May 18
The third annual event will feature a live butterfly release. Organized by the Lauren Marie Kimsey Foundation for Synovial Sarcoma. 8 a.m. May 18 at Aquesta Bank in Cornelius.
Strawberries Day! Try strawberry recipes and enjoy live music by the Charlotte Folk Society. 8 a.m.-noon at Veterans Park in Huntersville.
Annual Lake Norman Festival of the Arts with Craft Marketplace will celebrate the best in handmade work of local and national artists. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 18-19 at Birkdale Village in Huntersville.
Celebrate Asian cultures, diversity and history with performing arts, food and dragon boat races. Races start at 9 a.m. Festival is 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius.
The Lake Norman Kiwanis splash park will open for the season. 9 a.m. at Smithville Park in Cornelius.
Leisurely guided bike ride to explore a variety of trees in downtown Davidson, on the greenway and in neighborhoods. Bike and helmet required. 10 a.m.-noon in Davidson. Meeting location will be sent to those who register.
Cornelius PARC and the Smithville CommUNITY Coalition present a jazz festival with four bands, local artisans, food trucks, craft beer, wine and children’s activities. 5-9 p.m. at Smithville Park in Cornelius.
Sunday, May 19
Come shop local craft vendors at our very first artisan market. Noon-6 p.m. at Veterans Park in Huntersville.
Music at Saint Alban’s presents the New Century Saxophone Quartet. 3 p.m. at Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church in Davidson.
Earth to Mars will perform at 6 p.m. on the Davidson Town Green.
A night of feasting, trivia and the final battle for the Iron Throne. 7-10:30 p.m. at Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville.
