Carolina Beach, NC, one of the best beaches near Wilmington, offers an appealing lineup of annual events on the calendar. No matter what time of year you arrive, you can be part of fun local festivities and gatherings that celebrate the season, the holidays, special moments in time, and much more. The following list of Carolina Beach annual events is a great starting point when you want to make the most of the fun ahead.
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Our Hand-Selected Carolina Beach Annual Events
Taking time out of a packed schedule to enjoy time on the shoreline is made that much more inviting when you know your final destination will be Carolina Beach, North Carolina. Along with the great restaurants to enjoy and amazing wildlife to watch, take in the Here, there’s plenty of sunshine, sand, and surf during these incredible Carolina Beach annual events.
Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration | December – January
If you’re visiting Carolina Beach when a New Year begins, you can be a part of the annual Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration. Make your way to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk on the 31st to enjoy live DJ’d music, dancing, fantastic refreshments and a giant beach ball drop at midnight followed by fireworks.
The East Coast Shag Classic – Shaggin’ on the Boardwalk
Held the last weekend of January, grab your dancing shoes for the Annual East Coast Shag Classic! Whether you’re an experienced dancer or trying it for the first time, Shaggin’ on the Boardwalk is the perfect place to enjoy the evenings with each night set with a lineup of local entertainment. Join in the fun at the Courtyard by Mariott at 100 Charlotte Ave for the one of the liveliest Carolina Beach annual events!
Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Lo Tide Run 5K Walk/Run & 10K | March
Held on the 3rd Saturday of March, head down to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for the annual The Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Lo Tide Run 5K Walk/Run & 10K St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. This flat course (USATF Certification) run is the perfect way to welcome the spring weather each year. You may even spot some runners in their Irish-inspired costumes during the event!
Pleasure Island Spring Surf Fishing Challenge | April
Held annually in April, Pleasure Island Spring Surf Fishing Challenge is a land-based competition with an opportunity to win up to $10,000 in cash and prizes! Whether you’re entering as a solo fisherman or with a team, you must be 21+ to enter the competition.
The Pleasure Island Jeep Jam | May
If you have a passion for all things Jeep and can’t wait to gather with like-minded revelers, attending the Pleasure Island Jeep Jam in May is a must. One of our favorite Carolina Beach annual events, this annual happening is hosted across Kure Beach and the Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area too. It’s a fun-filled weekend complete with VIP goodie bags, vendor exhibition areas to check out, live music, cornhole tournaments, and food trucks to enjoy. There’s a Poker Run that’s typically part of the event lineup and a 4×4 beach pass available for participants to Freeman Park.
Carolina Beach Music Festival | June
Music enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Carolina Beach Music Festival which comes to town each June and is one of our favorite outdoor music festivals in Carolina Beach. Hosted by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, this music festival is one of the longest running of its kind in the entire country. Droves of visitors head this way in June to enjoy incredible performances by some of the top Southern artists around. Tickets are typically $35 to enjoy a day filled with fantastic shows during one of the most popular Carolina Beach annual events.
Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast | May to September
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year, Carolina Beach proudly presents their Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast event. This is a fun gathering visitors and locals can attend each Thursday night that includes free live music and fireworks over the beach starting at around 9:00 pm. Concerts take place at the Gazebo Stage starting at 6:30 pm and there’s no cost to attend. If you’re in town for Independence Day and looking for one of the best Carolina Beach annual events, this is a 4th of July activity you won’t want to miss out on.
4th of July Fireworks | July
Each year, the sky lights up from above the Carolina Beach Boardwalk with colorful arrays during the Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast. Spend your 4th of July holiday enjoying the live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more. Bringing your pet along with you during your trip? Check out our pet-friendly tips for 4th of July safety.
Community Cookout at Bald Head Island | September
Situated near Carolina Beach is Bald Head Island, the Community Cookout is one of our favorite events to experience this Labor Day! Each year, you and your family will experience free food and live music.
Other Labor Day Activities:
- Fort Fisher and North Carolina’s WWII Experience
- Carolina Beach Fireworks Display
- Oak Island Art Guild Annual Arts and Crafts Festival
The Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival | September
When September rolls around, it marks the arrival of the annual Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival. Mariners and spectators alike look forward to this annual Carolina Beach event which is colorful and vibrant at every turn. The event is designed to celebrate life on the water and in addition to the friendly competition on the waves, attendees can enjoy food, musical entertainment, and arts and crafts vendors to browse.
Take Part in Pleasure Island Restaurant Week | October
October in Carolina Beach, NC marks the tasty arrival of Pleasure Island Restaurant Week. This delicious event invites guests to gather and enjoy some of the area’s best dining spots and dishes over the course of 7 exciting days. Pleasure Island Restaurant Week is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and is designed to inspire participants to expand their palate and try foods that span cultures and flavors too. One of the most family-friendly Carolina Beach annual events, you’ll experience deep discounts on dining, and opportunities to sign up for special dinner events throughout the week as well.
Astronomy Adventures | October
If you find yourself in the mood to discover more about the fascinating nighttime sky, October in Carolina Beach also brings in the Astronomy Adventures Experience. Hosted at Carolina Beach State Park, this annual event is a chance to utilize telescopes set up on-site by the Cape Fear Astronomy Society and view planets, nebulae, constellations, and more when the sun goes down. The lack of light pollution makes the cosmos bright just in time for this free program that begins about 15 minutes prior to the park’s closing time.
Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge | October
Angling enthusiasts will want to be sure to book their Carolina Beach getaway for October when the annual Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge is on, one of the most fun Carolina Beach annual events. This three-day competition highlights the beauty of the North Carolina coast and winners have opportunities to take home prizes of over $30,000. One of favorite fall activities on Carolina Beach, the event is free for spectators while anglers will need to make sure they register online ahead of time.
Monster Dash 5K | October
An October trip to Carolina Beach can also include participation in the annual Monster Dash 5K if you’re a traveler who loves to run your way to fun no matter where you roam. This event is typically held mid-October at Carolina Beach State Park. The 5K trail run is Halloween-themed and open to athletes of all ages and skill levels. The event is free for spectators, but runners will need to register in advance. The Monster Dash 5K showcases a rolling pine-laced single-track course for athletes to enjoy complete with gorgeous water views along the way.
The Cape Fear Kite Festival | November
The first three days of November in Carolina Beach, NC mark the arrival of the annual Cape Fear Kite Festival. This family-friendly event is hosted at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and puts a wide variety of kites on display that are navigated in the hands of talented kite flyers. All shapes, colors, and styles of kites will be on display and there’s even a night flying portion of the event that’s sure to thrill! The event is free for spectators and there is always food and drink options on-site available for purchase.
The Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake Experience
| November – December
At the end of November, those who are looking to get into the holiday spirit can attend the annual Island of Lights: Lighting of the Lake experience in good company. One of our favorite Carolina Beach Christmas events, this is hosted at Carolina Beach Lake Park and begins with an opening ceremony hosted by local officials and is followed with live musical entertainment and the National Anthem. The highlight of the event is the Lighting of the Lake after which guests can walk the one-mile trail around the water to admire the holiday lights in all their festive glory. Santa is on-hand at this event as well to ring in the holiday season in style.
The Carolina Beach Holiday Market | December
In early December, it’s time to get out your holiday shopping list and hit the annual Carolina Beach Holiday Market as soon as it opens. This family-friendly and endlessly fun holiday market is a great place to find handcrafted ornaments, home goods, tasty treats, and more. Whether you’re just browsing or looking to check last minute gifts off the list, it’s worth your while to drop by one of the best Carolina Beach annual events since there’s no cost to attend.
The Carolina Beach Christmas Parade | December
Early December also means the Carolina Beach Christmas Parade makes its appearance once again. Much to the delight of locals and visitors alike, this fun-for-all-ages event hosts holiday floats, music, dancing, candy, and a visit from Santa too. The parade typically runs from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm giving spectators a chance to take in all of the holiday lights that adorn the floats along the way.
Tips To Maximize At the Carolina Beach Annual Events
No matter what annual events you attend in Carolina Beach this year, be sure to take time to pack strategically for the fun ahead.
- Be mindful of the crowds you might encounter at certain times of year.
- Plan to show up at events and gatherings early.
- If you need to purchase tickets, sooner is always better to ensure availability for you and your entire crew.
- Stay hydrated at events in the summertime.
- Wear plenty of sun protection when you’re going to be celebrating on the sand with family and friends!
Book an Amazing Getaway to Carolina Beach, NC with Fantastic Annual Events Included in Your Journey
When you’re looking forward to spending time in Carolina Beach, the team at Victory Beach Vacations is here to make sure you a have stylish, comfortable, and conveniently located vacation rental in place to match the moment. Whether you’re here for a few days or enjoying an extended stay, our property options come with the amenities, features, furnishings, and views in place that make your getaway unforgettable. Reach out today to learn more and to start turning your travel plans into a reality soon.