There's much to do. If you know of anything fun, informative, or a benefit event to lift our spirits, please let us know and we will report it here and on our facebook page!
August 26
BSL Founders Day Festival
10am-5pm | Spring Lake Park
Pine Road
Join us for a full day of family fun to celebrate the 62nd birthday of Boiling Spring Lakes. Enjoy a Family Fun Run, Kayak Races, Children’s Stage with entertainment including Dana Hill Magic, dance performances, photography contest, arts & crafts bazaar, live music, inflatable play zone, carnival games midway, and special guests including Princesses to meet the kids! Our large food truck rodeo will keep everyone satisfied throughout the day!
Tuesdays Thru August 8
Tide Dye
1-2:30pm
Holden Beach Pavilion
Participants must be in line by 2:00 p.m. to participate because the process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. There will be no program the week of July 4th. Fee is $7 per shirt for youth sizes through Adult XL and $10 per shirt for 2XL. Payment via cash or check only.
July 14 & September 29
Swing Dance
7-10pm
Leland Cultural Arts Center
1212 Magnolia Village Way
$12
You’re invited to an evening of swing dancing! During the event instructors will teach a group lesson with open dancing afterward! No partners or experience is necessary. Come right at 7 PM for a beginner lesson. Buy your tickets online or in person at the LCAC.
July 28, August 25 &
September 22
The 4th Friday Art Market
4-8pm
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
Looking to enjoy some local arts/crafts, delicious food, and music? 30 local vendors will be on hand with their handmade items. Paintings, pottery, resin art, candles, body products, plants, furniture, photography, jewelry, home decor, and more!
August 18
Live @ The Center: Luau
7pm
Leland Cultural Arts Center
1212 Magnolia Village Way
$15
Come listen to the sound of the islands played by Da Howlies! We’ll have a limbo contest, hula hoop contest, and more.
Buy your tickets online or in person at the LCAC.
M-F - Thru July 31
Youth Sailing Trips
9am-3:30pm
Dutchman Creek & Cape Fear River
Oak Island Resident Fee - $190
Non-Resident Fee- $200
In collaboration and partnership with Oak Island Parks and Rec, the Cape Fear Yacht Club will host Summer Youth Sailing Camps for 2023. The focus of this one-week course is learning the fundamentals of sailing, boating safety, proper sailing terminology, rigging, and how to skipper boats. Courses are available for Beginner and Intermediate Sailors ages 9-17. Classes Run M-F
June 19th: Optimist Dinghies
June 26th : Optimist Dinghies
July 10th: Optimist Dinghies
July 17th: 420 Dinghies
July 24th: 420 Dinghies
July 31st: 420 Dinghies
910.278-5518, https://oakisland.recdesk.com/Community/Program
Mondays - Thru September 4
Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
8am-1pm
Middleton Park
4610 Dolphin Drive
The Oak Island Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market is a great opportunity for the public to see, and financially support the very best of Oak Island’s local growers and crafters. Farmers and artisans alike can be found in this great showcase of baked goods, produce, handmade crafts, and artistic. For questions, or more information, please contact Program Supervisor, Ryan Gordon at rgordon@oakislandnc.gov or by calling 910-278-4747.
July 21
Crabbing to Cuisine
6- 9pm
Oak Island Recreation Center
3003 E. Oak Island Dr.
$40 Residents - $45 Non-residents
This partnership with Steve’s Crab Shack discusses different methods of catching crabs, types of bait, local areas where crabbing is permitted, and methods for preparing and steaming your catch.
At the completion of the workshop, class participants will put their new culinary skills to work with hands on practice in
picking Blue Crab for a taste test that is sure to have your taste buds screaming for more! Participants 12 - 15 years of age must be accompanied by a registered adult participant. Register: www.OakIslandNC.gov/RecDesk
May-September
Tuesdays Thru August 29
Summer Market
9am-1pm
5 West 3rd Street
Come explore a world of handmade products that tell the stories of the people who created them. Browse one-of-a-kind fashions, find unique gifts for everyone on your list, and treat yourself to something weird and wonderful that can’t be found anywhere else.
May-August
July 12, 19, 26
Pancakes with Pirates
9-11am
Museum of Coastal Carolina
21 East 2nd Street |
$15
Set sail on adventure for a hearty breakfast with me hearties. Pancakes with Pirates is an opportunity to get up close and personal with your favorite treasure seekers. Black Sails Adventures will be onsite to bring your dreams of to life while Castaway Grill presents delicious pancakes topped with gold (butter and syrup). Purchase tickets for 9:00 am or 10:00 am and include a pancake breakfast with 50 minutes of pirate fun.
https://museumplanetarium.org/product/900-am-pancakes-with-pirates-ticket/
August 2, 9
Scavenger Hunt
10am
Town Center Park
11 E 2nd St.
Let the kids explore their creative side at this FREE craft-making activity.
August 16
Bubble Bash
10am-12pm
Town Center Park
11 E 2nd St.
FREE
POP on by for a BUBBLY good time!
We will be making bubbles of all shapes and sizes, playing games and serving treats.
Saturdays in July & August
Second Helping OIB Drop-Off Food Drive
8-11am
Museum Parking Lot, Ocean Isle Pier Parking Lot,
and East First St.
Checking out? Drop off your extra groceries with us! A community project to collect unopened + unexpired perishables and non-perishables to help feed the hungry.
July 11, 18, 25
August 1, 8, 15
Art in the Park
10-11am
Town Center Park
11 E 2nd St.
FREE
Come join the fun with the Town of Ocean Isle Beach’s Scavenger Hunt!
Registration is from 10:00 - 10:30 am at the Amphitheater at Town Center Park (11 E 2nd St). Kids will be given a bag and clue sheet to search for prizes around the island. All children must have a responsible party to accompany them.
Contact: Hayley Burgess, 910-579-2166, hayley@oibgov.comV
Saturdays - Thru July 29
Market on Mulberry
9am-12:30pm
Mulberry Park
123 Mulberry St
Produce, local vendors, food trucks, arts and crafts, soap, jewelry. If you are interested in becoming a vendor please fill out the application below and email it to: Ssroberson@tatmc.net or drop off at Town Hall (106 Cheers Street Shallotte). If you have any questions please call Megan Bellamy or Sheila Roberson at 910.754.4032 at Town Hall.
JULY 12 & 26
Kids Day at Mulberry
9am
Mulberry St Park
Join us for our Nature day in the Park! Kids will be able to complete a craft, look for insects, birds, etc. and enjoy the outdoors!
July 12: Nature Day & Treasure Hunt
July 26: Meet a Super Hero & Princes
Happy Birthday America - Get Out & Celebrate!
Our Story
The history of Southport’s Fourth of July Festival celebration was first recorded in a newspaper in 1795. When ships lying at anchor in the harbor would discharge salutes from their cannons at daybreak and throughout the day, with the ships officers and town officials sharing companionship toasting the young nations independence. In 1972 we were incorporated as the N.C. 4th of July Festival.
Here are some of this year’s festivals highlights:
For a complete, up-to-date listing visit https://www.nc4thofjuly.com
Arts & Crafts Festival
Franklin Square Park, 130 E West Street, Southport
Sunday, July 2: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Monday, July 3: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday, July 4: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday, July 1
Oak Island Beach Day
Beach Day is chocked full of events including Athletic Tournaments: Horseshoe, Corn Hole, Bocce Ball & Volleyball Tournaments; Youth Activities & Contests, Inflatable Rides, Food and Contests at Middleton Park Extension, a Sand Sculpture Contest and more.
Enjoy a concert by Carl Newton Review, at Middleton Park, Shag Contest and top the day off with the Town of Oak Island Anniversary Fireworks at Oak Island Pier.
Saturday, July 1 - Tuesday, July 4
So many events to partake of! From the 38th Annual Fire Fighters Freedom Competition & Apparatus Expo to the Red, White & Blue
Freedom Flotilla on the Southport waterfront, to live music on the Waterfront Stage throughout the festival.
On Tuesday, July 4th, The Fourth of July Festival Parade at Moore and Howe Street kicks off at 11am.
Check out Wrestling at Middleton Park, on Oak Island.
The festival ends with an explosion of fireworks at Waterfront Park in downtown Southport.
Ocean Isle
July 4th Parade
Tuesday, July 4 | 10am
The July 4th Parade begins travels down East First Street.
Line-up for the parade will begin at 9:15 am at intersection of W First Street and Clinton Street.
July 4th Market
Tuesday, July 4 | 1-5pm
5 West Third Street
July 4th Fireworks
Tuesday, July 4 | 9:15 pm
Ocean Isle Beach Pier
Sunset Harbor
4th of July Parade
July 1 | 9:15am
Sponsored Brunswick Co Fishing Club
• Free to enter!!!
• Fun Awards for:
1. Best representation of Sunset Harbor
2. Best Fishing/Nautical Theme
3. Most Patriotic
4. Most creative/original
5. Funniest
• Line-up will begin at 8:45am at the big tree near the end of Sunset Dr. SE
• Parade will Start at 9:15am sharp.
• The parade will end at the Brunswick County Fishing Club.
• Awards will be given out shortly after the parade is over.
Wednesdays - Thru August 30
Summer Market
9am-2pm
Franklin Square Park
Corner of Howe & E West Streets
Local farm fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, flowers and herbs, arts and crafts.
August 5
Southport Food Truck Rodeo
11am-3pm | In front of Fort Johnson Museum | 146-176 E Bay St.
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a great day of delicious food.
Summertime and live music just go together. and Brunswick County has it!
Grab your lawn chair and listen to your favorite
tunes under the summer sky.
BOILING SPRING LAKES
July 21, August 18
Concert at the Lake
6-8pm | Spring Lake Park | Pine Road
Bring a chair, snacks and relax to the sounds.
July 21: Chance Union Band
August 18: Hoods Creek
CALABASH
Tuesdays Thru August 15
Summer Concert Series
6 - 8:30pm | Calabash Town Park
868 Persimmon Rd.
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a great night of free entertainment.
July 4: The Embers
July 18: The Extraordinaires
July 25: Chocolate Chip & Company
August 1: Southisde Saints
August 15: Thomas Road Band
HOLDEN BEACH
July-September
Summer Concert Series
6:30-8pm | Pavilion Under the Bridge
July 2nd: The Tams
July 9th: Chairman of the Board
July 16th: The Entertainers
July 23rd: Band of Oz
July 30th: Blackwater Band
August 6th: Jim Quick and Coastline August 13th: Too Much Sylvia
August 20th: Gary Lowder & Smokin Hot
August 27th: Carolina Kool
September 3rd: North Tower
OAK ISLAND
Fridays, Thru September 2
Summer Concert Series
6:30-8:30pm | Middleton Park
The sun is out, the fun is back, and the “Bands by the Beach” are once again ready to rock, groove, swing and swoon their way through the soundtrack of your perfect summer! For 15 weeks, from May to September, we turn the amps up to “11” and come together for the annual Town of Oak Island Summer Concert Series.
July 1: Carl Newton’s Review
July 7: Chocolate Chip & Co.
July 14: Rivermist
July 21: Too Much Sylvia
July 28: The Sand Band
August 4: The Powell Brothers
August 11: The Embers feat:
Craig Woolard
August 18: Carolina Line Bluegrass Band
August 25: Back Porch Rockers
September 2: The Main Event Band
OCEAN ISLE
July-September
Summer Concert Series
Fridays 6:30-8pm | Town Center Park
July 7: The Main Event Band
July 14: The Entertainers
July 21: Chocolate Chip & Company
July 28: Too Much Sylvia
August 4: North Tower Band
August 11: Gary Lowder & Smokin Hot
August 18: Continental Divide
August 5: Cat 5 Band
September 1: The Extraordinaires
Shallotte
July-August
Summer Fest
Thursdays* 7-9pm | Mulberry Park
123 Mulberry Street | FREE
*Unless otherwise noted
Grab your chair, blanket & family and come enjoy some wonderful music at
Mulberry Park Amphitheater!
July 6: Chocolate Chip & Company
July 13: Band of Oz
July 20: Sweetgrass Band (local band)
July 27: Main Event Band
August 3: The Tonez
August 10: Blackwater Band
August 17: The Extraordinaires
August 24: Randy Atwood & Renegades (local band)
August 31: North Tower Band
September 7: Carolina Soul Band
September 14: Too Much Sylvia
SUNSET BEACH
July-August
Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays 6-8pm | Town Center Park | 206 Sunset Boulevard North
July 5: Too Much Sylvia
July 12: Julio & the Saltines
July 26: Southern Trouble
August 2: Cat 5 Band
August 9: Jan Michael Fields
August 16: JB & the Get Down Brown
August 23: The Tonez
August 30: The Extraordinaires