Sometimes the best night out isn’t about finding one event. It’s about putting together an entire evening.
This week, the LKNConnect Guide to Nightlife in Lake Norman takes you to Cornelius, where you can start with dinner at one of two outstanding local restaurants, head to the Cain Center for the Arts for Million Dollar Quartet, and then keep the night going with drinks — and maybe even more live music.
You choose the stops. We’ll help you build the experience.
A night at the theater deserves more than a hurried bite before the show. Give yourself time to sit down, enjoy dinner and make the meal the first part of your evening.
We’ve selected two Cornelius restaurants, each offering a different way to start the night.
For an intimate, contemporary start to the evening, Seaboy Restaurant & Bar offers a seafood-forward dining experience on North Main Street in Cornelius.
Seaboy feels like the beginning of a special evening rather than simply somewhere to eat before the show. Its smaller, intimate setting makes it particularly well suited for date night.
Fresh seafood, seasonal dishes, shareable plates, cocktails and wine in a relaxed setting where you’ll want to give yourself enough time to enjoy the experience.
Located in Cornelius and opening in the late afternoon, Seaboy makes it easy to enjoy an early dinner before heading to the Cain Center.
20822 N. Main Street, Cornelius
If steaks and seafood are more your idea of a night out, Choplin’s Restaurant offers another excellent way to begin the evening.
Chef Wes Choplin has created the kind of restaurant where dinner itself can become part of the occasion.
Choplin’s has the feel of a classic dinner-before-the-theater experience — comfortable, polished and perfect for slowing down before the evening’s entertainment begins.
Steaks, seafood and thoughtfully prepared dishes in a setting that’s equally suited for date night, dinner with friends or celebrating a special occasion.
An early dinner at Choplin’s gives you time to enjoy your meal before making your way to downtown Cornelius and the Cain Center for the Arts.
19700 One Norman Boulevard, Cornelius
Now we’re headed to the main event.
Imagine walking into Sun Records in Memphis and finding Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis together for an impromptu jam session.
It actually happened.
On December 4, 1956, those four musicians came together for what would become one of the most legendary moments in rock-and-roll history. Million Dollar Quartet brings that night back to life on stage.
Expect an evening filled with music made famous by four performers who helped change American popular music forever.
This isn’t simply a musical. It’s a chance to experience a remarkable moment in music history through the songs and personalities that defined an era.
And you don’t have to drive to Charlotte to see it. It’s happening right here in Cornelius.
Rock and roll, country, gospel and plenty of familiar music in a high-energy theatrical production inspired by one extraordinary night at Sun Records.
Thursday, August 13 — 7:30 PM
Friday, August 14 — 7:30 PM
Saturday, August 15 — 7:30 PM
Sunday, August 16 — 3:00 PM
Cain Center for the Arts
21348 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius
The final curtain doesn’t have to mean the music stops.
After Million Dollar Quartet, the next stop is entirely up to you.
Maybe you’re ready for a craft cocktail or a glass of wine. Maybe you’re looking for a cold beer and some conversation. Or perhaps, after spending the evening with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis, you’re not quite ready for the music to end.
You’re in luck.
On many Lake Norman nights, you’ll find live music continuing at local bars, restaurants and entertainment venueslong after the theater curtain comes down.
So check who’s playing. Pick the atmosphere that fits your mood. Grab a drink, find a table and maybe catch one more set before heading home.
Dinner. A Show. Drinks. More Live Music.
That’s how you Make a Night of It in Cornelius.
Cornelius is only one way to spend your evening.
From Mooresville to Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville, Lake Norman comes alive after dark with live music, theater, cocktails, breweries, entertainment and plenty of places to gather with friends.
So whether you’re looking for a complete night out, one great performance, a favorite local band or simply somewhere to unwind after a long week, we’ve gathered more possibilities for you.
Continue below for this week’s comprehensive LKNConnect Guide to Nightlife in Lake Norman.
Find something that sounds good.
Call some friends.
And Experience Living Lake Norman.
These are just three of LKNConnect’s Weekend Picks. For even more ideas, explore our growing collection of Lake Norman Guides, including:
Planning your entire weekend? Be sure to visit these other LKNConnect favorites:
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