Spend your Saturday morning strolling Carolina Beach Lake Park, where local vendors offer fresh produce, handmade goods, artisan finds, food, drinks, and more—all with live music in the background. Held Saturdays from April through October, it’s the perfect laid-back way to shop local and see what treasures you discover.

Kick back by the ocean with free live music at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park during Boogie in the Park! Held select Sundays from May through October, this family-friendly concert series brings everything from rock and funk to pop and soul—just bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the show.

Celebrate the Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival with colorful races, live music, local vendors, food and family-friendly fun. Cheer from the sidelines or register to paddle with a team and join the action on the water.

Oktoberfest on the Beach returns to the Carolina Beach Pier for a festive day of live oompah music, German-inspired food and drinks, a seaside pumpkin patch, stein-holding contests, and plenty of beachside fun. This free, family- and dog-friendly celebration brings a little Oktoberfest spirit to the coast, with additional event details announced closer to the date.

The Farewell Summer Jazz Funeral brings a little New Orleans spirit to Kure Beach with a lively jazz procession, festive attire, live music, and traditional Cajun-inspired food. Grab your fanciest hat or parasol and join the fun as the community sends summer off in style at Ocean Front Park.

Step back in time at Fort Fisher’s World War II Living History Day, featuring military and civilian re-enactors, historic vehicles, educational displays, and interactive demonstrations. This family-friendly event offers a fascinating look at Fort Fisher’s WWII history and life on the home front, with general admission free for spectators.

Celebrate Carolina Beach’s four-legged friends at Pets in the Park, a family-friendly lakeside event featuring a pet parade, costume contest, local vendors, pet portraits, food trucks, and more. Bring your well-behaved furry, or not-so-furry, friend and join the fun; all pets are welcome, even ponies!

Come hungry for a day of BBQ, live music, local vendors, and family fun! Sample barbecue from 20+ local pitmasters, vote for the People’s Choice Award, enjoy waterfront views, and grab beer or wine while the kids check out the entertainment area.

Price: $15 admission (includes 10 tastings) | Kids 10 & under free | Food & drinks available for purchase

Celebrate spooky season by the sea at Halloween Story Time, a free family-friendly morning at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park featuring favorite characters, festive stories, and plenty of Halloween fun. Dress the kids in their favorite costumes, bring your camera, and get ready for a magical morning by the ocean.

Shop local with an ocean view at the Kure Beach Holiday Market, featuring handcrafted goods from local artists, artisans, and makers. Enjoy holiday shopping by the sea along with a DJ, food trucks, and plenty of festive coastal cheer.

Kick off the holiday season at the Island of Lights Opening Celebration! Watch Carolina Beach Lake come alive with festive displays, stroll the one-mile lighted trail, snap holiday photos, and visit Santa. The lights remain on display throughout the holiday season.

Celebrate the season at Santa by the Sea! Stroll through the sparkling lights at Carolina Beach Lake Park and enjoy special holiday activities, festive displays, and plenty of Christmas cheer on select evenings throughout the season.