Music is in the air and the crowds are restless after one of the direst summers ever. It is time to experience the joy of live music again, and no place is this better than in the beachside haven of Carolina Beach.
We cover the top four music festivals in Carolina Beach, including when, how, and why you should absolutely join in the fun.
Carolina Beach Music Festival
This definitive Carolina beach music festival is the quintessential event for early summer. The Carolina Beach Music Festival usually launches in June, though 2021 dates have not yet been disclosed.
The event dates back to 1985, making it the oldest of the area’s major music festivals and the oldest music festival in the United States on the actual beach.
Yes, music and guests form along the sands, sitting and dancing right by the Atlantic. The event is scheduled by the Carolina Beach Boardwalk where guests of all ages flock to fish and play volleyball. The family-friendly event begins around 11 a.m. and continues to dark, with bands usually incorporating reggae, R&B, blues, and rock. The event costs around $30 per person.
Details are still pending for the upcoming annual event. Visit the event’s Facebook page and Carolina beach tourism website for up-to-date information.
Cape Fear Blues Festival
Cape Fear stands as one of the most popular Carolina Beach music festivals. The event itself is held in Wilmington, just about an hour north of Carolina Beach. It is a showcase of the best in blues along the east coast, including performances by blues and rock staples Justin Fox and David Morse, The Jeff Fetterman Band and Randy McQuay.
The festival is more than live jamming though. Various venues, restaurants, and galleries host workshops, acoustic shows, and after-parties for the weekend. Venues include the iconic Rusty Nail Saloon and the locally-loved Finckelstein’s Music. Grab some Carolina Beach seafood in the area while you are at it.
Further details are available and updated at visitnc.com. The event is slated annually for mid-June.
Rock the Beach
Rock the Beach is a new music event in the region. The 2020 festival was moved to September, though it is unknown if the event will continue with this late-summer date in future years or move towards mid-summer.
Rock the Beach is a tribute-focused festival, showcasing work from acclaimed artists in rock, pop, reggae, and more. 2019’s event was a major showcase for the classics of Jimmy Buffet! The festival deploys an open BYOB policy, with open coolers and few limits on the drinks you can bring to the beach.
The event occurs on the eastern edge of Cape Fear Blvd. right in Carolina Beach.
Summer Concerts at Fort Fisher
Hop on up to Wilmington, NC again for the Fort Fisher summer concert series. All summer long, check out top bands and artists in a variety of beach-rocking genres like pop, R&B, rock, and blues.
The Summer Lawn Concerts occur at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area located at 118 Riverfront Rd, Kure Beach. It is right near one of Carolina Beach’s best pizza shops, too! You can find music booming every second and fourth Friday in June, July, and August.
The concert usually begins around 6:30 p.m. and finishes up around 8:30 p.m. This is a family-friendly series where kids and families can be playing and running around in the nearby park area. Pets, unfortunately, are not allowed for safety reasons.
The event series is free though a beverage purchase is required. Attendees can bring chairs, umbrellas, towels and even dinner along for the evening.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you come for the jams or just like the vibes of the beach, stay at one of our premiere Carolina Beach vacation rentals. Receive top-quality amenities and care in a rental service that values you and your experience.
