Black Boat Weekend

Lake Norman’s High‑Energy Raft‑Up You Don’t Want to Miss

Every July, Lake Norman in Mooresville, North Carolina, morphs into a floating dance floor for Black Boat Weekend—a three‑day celebration of Afro‑centric boating culture, infectious beats, and warm‑weather camaraderie.

From 18–20 July 2025, more than 100 vessels—from sleek center consoles to double‑decker pontoons—will anchor bow‑to‑stern in a massive circle around a thumping DJ barge. Think of it as the aquatic cousin to Freaknik, but with lifejackets, lake breezes, and miles of Carolina blue horizon. Ready to raft‑up? Let’s chart the course together.

Where—and When—Does the Party Happen?

• Dates: Friday 18 July – Sunday 20 July 2025
• Coordinates: Marker D7, just south of Queens Landing and minutes from the Mooresville public boat ramp.
• Floating Arena: Boats tie off into a 300‑foot‑wide “party circle” with a central 40‑by‑20‑foot DJ barge pumping hip‑hop, afrobeats, and 90s R&B.
• Why it matters: The circular layout keeps wakes down, conversations flowing, and selfies framed by nothing but water and sky.

Here’s a day-by-day, hour-by-hour breakdown for what’s happening throughout the entire weekend. Come back to this page, because it’s your game plan for the whole week.

Friday, July 18 – Welcome Float + Sunset Lounge

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM:

• Early arrival suggested for VIP and inner-ring mooring.

• Onboarding check-in for charter passengers and wristband verification at Queen’s Landing dock.

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM:

• Boats begin rafting up into the signature floating circle.

• DJ Th3rdLevel kicks off the Welcome Float with smooth midday vibes from the central barge.

• Drink stations open: punch buckets, mojito coolers, and frozen daiquiris in full swing.

5:00 PM – Sunset:

• Cigar Lounge Hour on the top deck of the barge featuring Carolina Blue Cigars and curated bourbon tastings by Seven Jars Distillery.

• Icebreaker games, paddleboard float challenges, and VIP photo sessions with host Jerrod “Captain J-Rod” Hayes.

Saturday, July 19 – The All-In Turn-Up

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM:

• Dockside boarding and barge access wristband checks.

• Jet-ski arrival choreography and sound check with rotating DJs.

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM:

• The Main Event:

  • DJ Chevi Red vs. DJ Loui Vee – Battle of the Lake

  • Live twerk-off judged by radio host Cocoa Lou from 105.3 RnB

  • Water gun showdown: East Bank vs. West Bay edition

  • Raffle drawings: win a two-night pontoon charter or jet-ski weekend rental from Mooresville Watersports

4:00 PM – 4:20 PM:

• Legendary Champagne Spray

  • 100+ bottles, synchronized to Beyoncé’s “Before I Let Go”

  • BYO goggles & waterproof pouches—phones will get soaked!

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM:

• Cool-down DJ set + Soulful Sundown

  • Live saxophonist Jason Jet floats in on pontoon stage

  • Charcuterie dinghies and float-in taco service by Tacos El Patron

Sunday, July 20 – Mimosa Motors & Floating Brunch

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM:

• Floating gospel brunch set featuring the Charlotte Jubilee Chorale

• Mimosa & peach Bellini barge opens with bottomless pours and citrus-infused water

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM:

• Mimosa Motors Cruise Parade

  • Decorated boats coast to Hello, Sailor for a casual dock-and-dine finish

  • Reserve your dockage 48 hours in advance; slips fill quickly

FAQ:

Do I Need My Own Boat?

No. Day‑pass holders can hitch a ride:

• VIP Charters – Private captains, stocked coolers, shaded decks (from $225 pp).
• Share‑a‑Seat Program – Register solo and crew up with friendly skippers—BYO snacks and fuel split.
• Kayak & SUP Zone – A quieter outer ring for human‑powered craft; perfect if you love the music but prefer a paddle.
• Ready to book? View curated charter listings on Lake.com’s Lake Norman hub and lock in your seat before they sell out.

Vibe Check: What Makes Black Boat Weekend Special?

• Soundtrack on Splash‑Play: A‑list Carolina DJs remix Luther Vandross into amapiano—every beat drops across crystal‑clear water.
• Float-Friendly Eats: Tie-on food barges serve fried catfish tacos, vegan plantain bowls, and crowd-favorite rum snow cones.
• Water Games: Giant unicorn inflatables double as goalposts for floating dodgeball, while the annual Captain’s Cannonball rewards the biggest splash with a free 2026 VIP pass.
• Inclusivity: Whether you’re a first‑time renter or a yacht owner, the “no‑judgment, all‑joy” code means everyone’s welcome.

What Is Black Boat Weekend and How Did It Start?

Born in 2018 as a small reunion of HBCU alumni, Black Boat Weekend quickly evolved into the Southeast’s largest Black‑led boating meetup. Organizer Jerrod “Captain J‑Rod” Hayes recalls, “We wanted a space where Black boaters, beginners and vets alike, could link up, vibe out, and rep our culture on the water.” Today, the event raises scholarship funds for Charlotte‑area students while highlighting diversity in the marine world. That mission means you’ll see everything from first‑time renters to seasoned captains trading playlists and grilling jerk chicken on open transoms.

Safety & Etiquette 101: Keep the Party Smooth

• Life Jackets: Required for paddlers; strongly encouraged for everyone after dark.
• Designated Captains: Random breathalyzer checks at the barge dock—line up a sober skipper before hopping off the swim platform.
• Trash‑Back‑In: Mesh bags handed out on arrival keep cans and confetti out of Lake Norman’s 520 shoreline miles.
• Noise Cut‑Off: Music drops to 70 dB at 8 p.m.; after‑hours jams move to onshore venues like The Boatyard Eats.

Lodging & Launch Logistics

• Closest Launch: Stutts Marina (fuel, ice, extended parking). Arrive at dawn; ramps clog fast.
• Stay Lakeside: Browse Mooresville waterfront rentals on Lake.com—options range from six‑bed retreats with private docks to cozy carriage houses.
• No‑Wake Commute: Plan 25 minutes of delay time from most south‑shore marinas to Marker D7.

Packing List for the Perfect Raft‑Up

• Wide‑brim hat & SPF 50 spray
• Bluetooth towel clip (windy decks!)
• Reusable tumbler—bartenders offer $1 eco refills
• Glow sticks for twilight paddle‑backs
• Extra fenders—boats bump, friendships shouldn’t

Ready to Secure Your Spot?

Black Boat Weekend is already 80 percent sold out. Reserve your VIP charter, snag that lake‑view rental, and prep your best water‑resistant dance moves on Lake.com. Together, we’ll soak up the July sunshine, celebrate culture on the open water, and toast a North Carolina night sky bursting with connection. See you on the lake—don’t forget your floatie crown!