Carowinds will keep Carolina Harbor closed Saturday, May 23, delaying the water park's planned opening day as thunderstorms move through the Charlotte area.
Carolina Harbor was scheduled to start its 2026 season Saturday inside the Carowinds amusement park. The delay lands right at Memorial Day weekend, when regional water parks usually try to catch the first big summer travel wave.
The National Weather Service forecast for the Carowinds area calls for showers and thunderstorms Saturday, a high near 76, a 100 percent chance of precipitation, and new rainfall between a half-inch and three quarters of an inch during the day. More rain and storms remain in the forecast Saturday night and Sunday.
Carolina Harbor includes Boogie Board Racer, Blackbeard's Revenge, Coastal Currents, Kiddy Hawk Cove, Myrtle Turtle Beach, Surfer's Swell, Tidal Wave Bay, cabanas, and water park dining. Admission to Carowinds includes the water park during its operating season.
Guests heading to the main park should check Carowinds' calendar and app before leaving, since water park and theme park schedules can split during weather weekends.