2 days ago
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.
