Black Boat Weekend expected to draw thousands to Lake Norman this summer

By the numbers: More than 3,000 people attended last year for their one-day event, and Dhanani expects even bigger crowds this time.

• "I expect the same amount of people, if not more. I definitely think it's going to be bigger," Dhanani says. "We've added an extra day to see more people come and participate."

What to expect: Black Boat Weekend runs June 20–21, with lake parties happening both days. There will be multiple DJs on the water, jet skis, floats and kayaks, plus an expanded lineup of food and drink vendors on Dog Island.

• The Saturday party runs 11am–7pm, with DJs playing a mix of hip-hop, R&B, dancehall and Afrobeats.
• Sunday is an Afro-Latino lake day from noon–6pm, featuring a Latin and Caribbean music mix.

Zoom out: A list of scheduled events at local businesses are planned around the main lake parties and some ticket proceeds will be donated to local charities.

• The weekend will kick off Friday, June 19 with a welcome day party at Fumee in University City from 6–11pm. An after-party is scheduled at Tattooz & Booz in Uptown from 10pm–2am.

• Saturday there will be an after parties at Alibi and Aura Hi-Fi from 10pm-2am.

If you go: The main events on the water are free to attend this year, but you'll need to rent or bring a boat to reach Dog Island. An optional boat tie up next to the floating DJ stage is available for $350.

Go deeper: 10 boat rentals near Charlotte starting at $200