We’ve got special events throughout the year that highlight a variety of holidays, national observances and just plain fun!
First Friday Gallery Walk
Downtown Southport / 910.457.0957
Hours: 5pm-7pm, Every Friday
Cost: Free
The First Friday Gallery Walk in downtown Southport is a great opportunity to see creative local art of all types, enjoy refreshments and mingle around town.
North Carolina Azalea Festival
Wilmington, NC / 910.794.4650
Dates: Apr 6-10, 2011
This year the 64th Annual N.C. Azalea Festival is being held in the greater Wilmington area and includes: a parade, street fair, circus, concerts, pageantry and much more. K✔
Ride the Tide Kayak Float
Oak Island, NC / 910.278.5518
Dates/Times: April 9th, 2011, 1pm
Cost: $15/person
The Oak Island Recreation Center and The Adventure Kayak Company are sponsoring this kayak float and race from the Rec Center to Blue Water Point Marina. There will be various age group awards and kayak rentals are available. K✔
Southport Easter Egg Hunt
Southport, NC / 910.457.7965
Dates / Times: April 9th, 2011, 10am
Cost: Free
The Southport Recreation Center is sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt will be located in Franklin Square Park for children ages 7-12 and immediately following is a hunt for children ages 6 and under on the Garrison Lawn. K✔
Oak Island Lighthouse 5K, 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run
Caswell Beach, NC / 910.457.6964, 800.457.6964
Dates / Times: April 16th, 8:30am
Cost: See website for registration details, www.lighthouse10K.com
Whether you are participating or just cheering from the sidelines, the Lighthouse Fun Run is exciting and fun for all and follows a beautiful race route through Caswell Beach and Oak Island. K✔
Southport Spring Festival
Southport, NC / 910.279.4616
Dates / Times: April 22-23rd, 2011, 10am
Cost: Free
The Southport Spring Festival showcases local crafters, food vendors, plant sales and live entertainment. There is also a chili cook-off and a 5K Run/Walk on Saturday. K✔
Oak Island Easter Egg Hunt
Bill Smith Park, Fish Factory Road, Oak Island, NC / 910.278.5518
Dates / Times: April 23rd, 2011, 10am
Cost: Free
The Oak Island Parks and Recreation Department are sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt for various age divisions. K✔
1st Crawl Environmental Festival
Middleton Park, 4601 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC / 910.278.5518
Dates / Times: May 14th, 2011, 8am (triathlon), 10am (festivities)
This festival highlights the good work being done in our community to save our natural marine resources with a triathlon, live entertainment, speakers, kids games/rides, arts and crafts and food vendors. K✔
Big Toy Day
Cape Fear Regional Jetport, Oak Island, NC / 910.457.2916
Dates / Times: May 21st, 2011, 11am-5pm
Cost: $5/person (under 5 years old free)
Bring the entire family to play with the big toys – planes, dump trucks, fire engines and more. K✔
Summer Sundays in the Park – Concert Series
Keziah Park, Southport, NC / 910.457.7927
Dates / Times: Jun 12th – Sep 25th, 2011, 2pm-4pm
Cost: Free
Every 2nd and 4th Sunday in June, July, and August and every Sunday in September you can enjoy an outdoor concert series in beautiful Keziah Park. K✔
Annual N.C. 4th of July Festival Freedom Run
Southport Waterfront Park, Bay Street, Southport NC / 910.457.5578
Dates / Times: Jun 25th, 2011, 8am
Cost: $20 registration
The 5K and 1 mile Freedom Fun Run/Walk leaves from Southport’s Waterfront Park and is great fun for participants and observers. K✔
N.C. 4th of July Festival Beach Day
Middleton Park Extension (46th Street and Beachfront Cabana Area), Oak Island, NC / 910.278.5518
Dates / Times: July 1st, 2011, 10am
Cost: Free
This event is organized and sponsored by the Oak Island Parks and Recreation Department and features youth activities and contests, such as surfing and skating, beach music and shag contest (sponsored by N.C. 4th of July Festival). K✔
N.C. 4th of July Festival
Downtown Southport / 910.457.5578
Dates / Times: July 1st-July 4th, Times vary per event
Cost: Most events are free
The N.C. 4th of July Festival is an unforgettable event that features numerous events and festivities such as a parade, fireworks, arts, crafts, 5K run, food, entertainment, children’s games and more. See the festivals website for details www.nc4thofjuly.com. K✔
Annual Oak Island Surf-Off
Oak Island, NC / 910.454.8252
Dates / Times: Sep 3rd, 2011, 8am
Cost: Participant fee charged
Surfers and body-board riders of all ages and skill level (from 8 y/o up) can show off their agility in the water. There are divisions for men, women, boys and girls and winners will be awarded great prizes/trophies. K✔
Labor Day Art & Craft Fair
Middleton Park Extension (Soccer Field 46th Street), Oak Island, NC / 910.201.4090
Dates / Times: Sep 3rd, 2011, 9am-4pm
Cost: Free
This year is the 19th Annual Labor Day Arts & Craft festival and celebrates the local and regional artists and craftspeople who display and sell their handmade goods. K✔
Annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament
Southport Marina, Southport, NC / 800.457.6964
Dates / Times: Sep 29th – Oct 1st, 2011, 10am
Cost: Free for spectators
This is a great tournament and celebration that features entertainment, food, fishing and fun. There are over $100,000 in prizes up for grabs by participants. K✔
Southport Pirate Fest
Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn, Bay Street, Southport, NC / 910.279.4616
Dates / Times: Oct 21st-22nd, 2011
Cost: Free
This is a great event for children of all ages and features a pirate invasion, pirate and militia encampments, weapons demonstrations, kids activities, costume contest, a trial of Stede Bonnett and much more. K✔
Christmas By The Sea Festival
Southport-Oak Island Area / 910.457.6964, 800.457.6964
Dates / Times: Dec 2nd-Dec 17th, 2011, times and fees vary
Get in the holiday spirit with the Christmas By The Sea Festival. The event features home tours, entertainment, parades, concerts, flotilla and more. K✔
Southern Cape Fear Coast Bridal Showcase
Southport Community Building, Southport, NC / 910.457.6964
Dates / Times: Feb 19th, 2012, 1pm-4pm
Cost: $5/person, Brides Free
This growing event can help you pull together the perfect wedding. Meet representatives from catering firms, reception venues, entertainment, florists, photographers, jewelers and get great ideas for your special day.
