The Towns of Lake Norman Huntersville

Rich in history and exploration

COMPILED FROM STAFF REPORTS

Huntersville is the first Lake Norman town north of Charlotte in Mecklenburg County. The Town was renamed from Craighead to Huntersville in honor of major landowner and cotton farmer, Robert Boston Hunter. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly festivals, a chance to explore the outdoors or places to shop and dine, the town of Huntersville continues to attract new residents each year.

SIGNATURE EVENTS:

Carolina Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace. History comes alive each October and November with non-stop, day-long, immersive and interactive entertainment. The open-air artisan market is filled with arts and crafts, games and rides, jousting knights on horseback, falconry, mermaids, fairies, dragons and feasting. www. carolina.renfestinfo.com.

The Rural Hill Amazing Maize Race. Each fall, participants gear up to navigate the giant seven-acre corn maize featuring more than two miles of interconnecting paths. Take a hayride around the farm; enjoy local beer, wine and cider; and play a round of cornhole at Historic Rural Hill. www.ruralhill.net.

Fairy House Festival. This annual festival held each February at Latta Nature Preserve is one that everyone can enjoy while building fairy houses and reconnecting with nature. Fairy, gnome and other appropriate costumes are encouraged but not required.

Huntersville by the numbers

Year incorporated: 1873

Population: 63,035

Median household income: $102,335

Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $332,600

Source: www.census.gov

Loch Norman Highland Games. The Loch Norman Highland Games is a family-friendly event presented by Historic Rural Hill each April. Featuring Highland dancing and athletics, bagpipe bands, a giant Kid’s Zone, Scottish merchants, haggis, Celtic rock and traditional performers, historic reenactments, hearth cooking, N.C. beer and wine, whiskey tastings and kilted running events. The next games will take place in April 2024. www.lochnorman.com.

Hello Huntersville. This festival takes place every May in downtown Huntersville. It celebrates the works and talents of local artists and is a wonderful event for families. While you’re there, stop in Discovery Place KIDS for even more fun. www. huntersville.org

North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival. This celebration of North Carolina brewing and real music takes place at Historic Rural Hill every May. More than 40 brewers bring their goods to the festival and a variety of bands perform. Guests can camp on the grounds throughout the weekend to fully enjoy the festival. Check out the website for the 2024 festival date. www.ncbrewersandmusic.com

Christmas in Huntersville & The Holiday Market. Held in early December, this event features a tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, shopping at The Holiday Market designed to support local businesses, food and drink, artists and vendors.