PLEASURE ISLAND UPCOMING EVENTS

two fisherman shore fishing at dusk.

Pleasure Island Spring Surf Fishing Challenge

April 15th - 16th, 2023
Municipal Docks
224 Canal Dr.
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Providing the perfect coastline for surf fishing, Pleasure Island home to Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Fort Fisher, holds the area's premiere land-based surf fishing tournament. Everyone is welcome to come and join this weekend of fishing for a chance to win over $10,000 in cash and prizes. This event welcomes either Teams or Solo Anglers Age 21+. Please check for the latest updates on their social media.

5K and One Mile Fun Run: Race for the Planet

April 23, 2023
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
900 Loggerhead Rd.
Kure Beach, NC 28449

Join the excitement when the 5K and One Mile Fun Run Race for the Planet welcomes racers of all skill levels to an easy flat course beginning and ending at the Aquarium. Serious runners can take advantage of the excellent course for a fast pace. The fun, no-pressure atmosphere makes it a great choice for families and both power and leisure walkers. The flat, mostly asphalt course runs through scenic Fort Fisher with amazing views of the ocean, maritime forest and the majestic Fort Fisher State Historic Site.

island art festival dream catchers in the wind

Island Arts Festival

May 5, 2023 - May 6, 2023
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Atlantic Ave. at S. Lake Park Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Celebrate visual, culinary and performing arts by the sea when the Island Arts Festival expands to a two day celebration. Friday brings an evening indoor group of exhibits at the Community Life Center on 300 Harper Avenue featuring arts, fine crafts and specialty culinary arts. On Saturday, enjoy artist vendors outside at Carolina Beach Lake Park displaying their fine arts and crafts, demonstrations of creative processes, an interactive art area for kids, artists' performances and much more. Visit their social media for updates.

fisherman talking on a pier

Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman Fishing Tournament

May 12, 2023
Kure Beach Fishing Pier
Kure Beach, NC 28449

Join the fishing fun when Got-Em-On Live Bait Club provides a day of fishing, food and fun for those with disabilities on the Kure Beach Fishing Pier. With hundreds of participants annually, and an exciting awards ceremony at the end of the event, this is a fishing favorite for lots of folks. If you would like to bring a Group of Five or More Fishermen- please call (910) 612-3407 to Pre-Register with Luanne LeBlanc. Please check back with their Website or Social Media for more details.

row of jeeps along the oceanfront of kure beach

Pleasure Island Jeep Jam

May 18 - 20, 2023
118 Riverfront Rd.
Kure Beach, NC 28449

Calling all Jeep lovers for a pet-friendly celebration of all things Jeep at Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher. The central location and site of the Show and Shine Jeep Exhibition, will also have live bands, food trucks and other festivities with dates and times to be announced. They will even have special activities for the kids. See the latest updates on their social media page. No Jeep? No problem, it’s not required…but you definitely will want one after attending. Come celebrate the beach, music, and joys of Jeep life!

Carolina Beach Market Logo

Carolina Beach Farmers Market

May 20, 2023 - September 30, 2023
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Atlanta Avenue and Lake Park Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Stroll around the beautiful fresh water Carolina Beach Lake and pick from locally produced fruits and vegetables, plants, baked goods, dairy products, meats, wines and more at the Carolina Beach Farmers' Market. Each market will also feature local artists, artisans and crafters as well as live entertainment from local musicians. This is a relaxing way to begin your Saturday morning.

Historic Boardwalk Tours

Recurring Weekly on Tuesday
May 30, 2023 - August 29, 2023
Carolina Beach Boardwalk by the Hampton Inn
1 Harper Avenue
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Join a member of the Federal Point Historic Preservation Society for a newly revised Historic Boardwalk Tour. This guided tour features interesting revelations from the ast as you stroll along today's Carolina Beach Boardwalk and envision it in its heyday. Phone reservations are suggested but not required. Meet near the Hampton Inn and parking is available at the Municipal Parking Lot. See website for prices and more detail.

Fireworks by the sea and boardwalk

Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast

Recurring weekly on Thursday
May 26, 2023 - September 1, 2023
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Cape Fear Blvd and Carolina Beach Ave
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Pleasure Island Summers 'officially' begin with the weekly fireworks display the Friday before Memorial Day and then continue every Thursday evening until the final fireworks show the Friday before Labor Day. The best place to view this Thursday spectacular show is on the beach strand located in front of the historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk, where live music plays at the Gazebo stage. So 'pack up' the family and head to the Boardwalk in Carolina Beach. The music usually starts at 6:30 PM followed by the fireworks at 9:00 PM. Please check their Website and Social Media for latest updates.

movies by the lake

Free Summer Movies at the Lake

Recurring weekly on Sunday
May 28, 2023 - September 3, 2023
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Lake Drive and Lake Park Boulevard
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Enjoy a series of free outdoor movies through September 3, 2023. Grab your kids, blankets and beach chairs and head to Carolina Beach Lake Park to enjoy a free outdoor movie on a 'gigantic' screen! Movie goers can purchase cotton candy, popcorn, candy, soft drinks and much more. You can also bring your own food and beverages. Movies start at dusk. Bring your chairs and find a spot on the lawn where the whole family can enjoy this true summertime treat for adults and kids alike! Movies announced closer to the event date.

Carolina Beach Music Festival

Recurring Daily
June 2- 3, 2023
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Cape Fear Blvd & Carolina Beach Ave S
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Here is your chance to dance barefoot on the sand or just sway to the Beach Music Beat while standing in the surf. Hosted by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, the Carolina Beach Music Festival is billed as "the biggest and only beach music festival actually held on the beach on the North Carolina coast" and one of the longest running beach music festivals in the US. The fun starts Friday with a live Kick Off Show at the SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar starring The Tams and The 14Kt. Gold Band. On Saturday swing in the sand to the sounds of Band of Oz, Cat 5 Band and Jim Quick & Coastline. Sunday brings a Shag Dance Contest at the Lazy Pirate. Come out and enjoy a full day of live entertainment with the hottest beach music bands in the South! You can access this festival Saturday via the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

Kure Beach Market

Recurring Weekly on Tuesday
June 13, 2023 - August 29, 2023
Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion
105 Atlantic Avenue
Kure Beach, NC 28449

This open air market offers local fruits and vegetables as well as handmade artisan crafts. It's a great way to enjoy the view, and get your shopping done at the same time. Bring the whole family including well behaved pets. Please check their Website and Social Media for the latest updates.

CAROLINA BEACH FIREWORKS ON THURSDAYS

Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast

June 30, 2023
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Cape Fear Blvd & Carolina Beach Ave N
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Celebrate Independence Day early with a special display of free fireworks by the sea. Be sure to arrive early to grab your spot on the beach to enjoy spectacular fireworks. Pack a picnic or get takeout from one of the many local restaurants. Music usually starts at the Gazebo Stage at 6:30 PM. This is weather permitting and schedule is subject to change without notice. Please check their Website and Social Media for the latest updates.

East Coast "Got-Em-On" King Mackerel Classic

Recurring Daily
July 7 - July 9, 2023
Canal Drive
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Celebrate Independence Day early with a special display of free fireworks by the sea. Be sure to arrive early to grab your spot on the beach to enjoy spectacular fireworks. Pack a picnic or get takeout from one of the many local restaurants. Music usually starts at the Gazebo Stage at 6:30 PM. This is weather permitting and schedule is subject to change without notice. Please check their Website and Social Media for the latest updates.

Free Summer Concerts At Fort Fisher

Recurring Every Other Friday
August 11 - October 27, 2023
118 Riverfront Rd
Kure Beach, NC 28449

Enjoy family-friendly free Friday Summer Lawn Concerts at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area. Close to both Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, delight in the outdoors, and bring blankets and chairs for the whole family. Pack your picnic to enjoy dinner with the grooves of live music. Some restrictions apply.

Whomparama: Body Surf Extravaganza

August 12, 2023
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Carolina Beach Ave S & Harper Ave
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Join the slightly off-the-wall fun on the beach near the award winning Carolina Beach Boardwalk for the body surfing extravaganza Whomparama! Delighting both spectators and participants of all ages for over a decade, this is almost as much fun to watch as it is to participate, with body surfers age divisions ranging from Super Grom (little ones) to Old As Dirt. Morning brings the start of the competition at Hamlet Avenue. The after party and award ceremony happen later in the day at Carolina Beach Boardwalk Pavilion Stage with live music. Details and registration on website closer to the event.