Carolina Beach Events – Year Long Round Up
Carolina Beach is a beautiful place to visit just about any time of the year, especially with a variety of festivals and events. In the spring and summer you can check out live music on the beach and in the fall and winter, you can enjoy the boardwalk events. We’ve put together a year-long overview of Carolina Beach events to peruse while planning your next vacation or getaway to North Carolina.
Summer Events in Carolina Beach
North Carolina Treasures Weekend – June 6-7
Come celebrate the many treasures of Bald Head Island with music, activities, beer and wine tasting, and more!
Jolly Mon King Classic – June 11-14
The annual Jolly Mon King Classic is a family-friendly fishing tournament off Brunswick Islands. Tons of prizes and gift cards can be won if you participate in the tournament.
Wide Open Tech Spanish Mackerel Open – June 12-14
50 teams compete in off the coast of Cape Fear in the Spanish Mackerel Open.
Jr. Jolly Mon – Rock the Dock – June 13
The Junior Jolly Mon is open to those too young to participate in the Jolly Mon King Classic. Join these young fishermen and women off Brunswick Island for the fun.
Cape Fear Blues Festival – June 12-14
A highly anticipated annual blues music festival with multiple venues to visit. Admission into each event varies (some are free).
Carolina Beach Double Sprint Triathlon – June 13
An annual triathlon with an ocean swim, bike ride, and a 1.5-mile run.
Kure Beach Market – June 9-August 15
Come to the Kure Beach Market where you’ll find local artisans hand-made goods and locally grown produce.
Family Night at Carolina Beach Boardwalk – June through September
Tuesday nights are for families at Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Tickets for rides and games on the boardwalk are $1.50 each.
Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea – June 28-July 4
Join all the fun and festivities at Carolina Beach this 4th of July weekend. There will be vendors, family activities, fireworks, and more.
Cape Fear Independent Film Festival – July 30-August 1
Referred to as Hollywood in the South showcasing local, regional, and international films and filmmakers.
O’Neil/Sweetwater Pro-Am – August 21-23
Hundreds of amateur and professional surfers flock to Carolina Beach for the annual O’Neil/Sweetwater Pro-Am this summer.
Oak Island Art Guild Arts & Crafts Festival – September 5
Enjoy over 100 vendors of locally made arts, crafts, and other unique hand-made goods at this year’s Oak Island Art Guild Arts & Crafts Festival.
Fall Events in Carolina Beach
Farewell Summer Jazz Funeral – October 2
In NOLA fashion Kure Beach says goodbye to summer in with a jazz funeral. You can enjoy vendors, masks, beads, and of course live Jazz music.
Riverfest – October 2-4
The second biggest festival takes place in Wilmington with family activities, food, fireworks, live entertainment, and more.
North Carolina Oyster Festival – October 17-18
Ocean Isle Beach is where you will find the highly anticipated North Carolina Oyster festival of the year. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under.
Voracious Rare Beer Festival – October 23
Regional brewers come together to bring the Voracious Rare Beer Festival to Carolina Beach. Enjoy food, music, local brews, and brews from around the world.
Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival – October 23-24
Sample hundreds of beer and wine at the Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival. General admission is $49.99.
Wilmington Greek Festival – October 9-11
The annual Wilmington Greek Festival will include food, music, and activities. Admission is $3 for adults, children 12 and under are free.
Cape Fear Fair & Expo – October 30-November 8
The annual Cape Fear Fair & Expo takes place at the Wilmington Airport. Families can enjoy rides, festival food, entertainment, and more.
Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge – October 16-18
Pleasure Island hosts its annual Surf Fishing Challenge in October. $60 per angler to enter.
Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival – November 7-8
The sky comes to life at the annual Cape Fear Kite Festival. Food trucks and other vendors will be out while patrons fly kites on the beach.
Winter Events in Carolina Beach
Kure Beach Holiday Market – November 21-28
Find unique and hand-crafted goods to give as gifts to your loved ones this holiday season.
Annual Christmas by the Sea at Carolina Beach Boardwalk – November
Santa Claus comes to the beach at the end of November for caroling, warm fires, family activities, and more right on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.
Island of Lights Christmas Parade – December 4
Festive floats, Santa on the firetruck, and music come down the Federal Point Plaza.
Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla – December 5
The festivities continue on the water with the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla. Boats get all decked out in holiday decorations in this aqua parade.
Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show – December 11-13
Join this family-friendly free event where favorite holiday characters come to life in the Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show.
Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration – December 31
Ring the new year in style with the Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration. Attendance is free for all to enjoy a live DJ, fireworks, and more!