Throughout the year, Southport and Oak Island highlight a variety of holidays and national observations (as well as the importance of just plain fun with your neighbors) with special events. The most well-known of these events would have to be the North Carolina 4th of July Festival in Southport. This annual event is the largest 4th of July celebration in the state with various activities and entertainment planned locally for the entire week. (If you haven’t booked your stay for that week, you may want to do so as that week’s rentals fill up fast! On the other hand, don’t worry if you can’t make it to Oak Island in July as there are plenty of events happening all year long.) Be sure to check this page regularly as we will continue to update with event information as it is made available.
ON-GOING EVENTS
EVERY MONDAY BETWEEN MAY 21ST & SEPTEMBER 3RD
Oak Island Farmers & Artisans’ Market | Middleton Park Soccer Field | Oak Island | 8am to 1pm
Starting May 21st and continuing through the season, head down to the Oak Island market to enjoy local fresh produce, homemade jams, cakes, and a variety of homemade goods including jewelry, furniture, rugs and much more! You’ll find plenty of parking in the cabana lot directly across the street. Join us and support our local vendors/businesses!
EVERY MONDAY & WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH
Oak Island VFW Bingo | 103 SE 50th Street | Oak Island | 6:30pm to 10:30pm
The public is invited to join the Oak Island VFW for a game (or two) of bingo. A fee is required to participate and cash prizes are awarded to winners. For more information, call (910) 278-9978.
EVERY TUESDAY BETWEEN JUNE 12TH & AUGUST 14TH
Turtle Talks | 3003 E Oak Island Drive | Oak Island | 6pm
Come discover all that there is to know about Logger Head Sea Turtles on Oak Island and how to help save them with conservation tactics. Be sure to stop by the rec center for this free and educational program.
EVERY WEDNESDAY BETWEEN MAY 2ND & AUGUST 29TH
Southport Waterfront Market | Ft Johnston Museum Lawn | Southport | 8am to 1pm
Starting May 2nd and continuing through the season, head down to the Southport waterfront market to browse beautiful local produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items. The breeze off the Cape Fear river and occasional live musical entertainment make it a real treat!
EVERY THURSDAY BETWEEN MEMORIAL DAY & LABOR DAY
Summer Concert Series | Franklin Square Park | Southport | 6pm to 8pm
Grab a lawn chair or your blanket and join the crowd for music under the majestic live oak trees in Franklin Square Park. Music lovers will enjoy everything from Americana to Blues, Blue Grass to Beach Music. For an up-to-date schedule of concerts, visit the City of Southport site.
EVERY THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH
NC Maritime Museum Adult Program | 223 E Bay Street | Southport | 7pm to 9pm
Join fellow history buffs for an evening of educational discussion about North Carolina’s maritime history. Topics vary from month to month.
FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
First Friday Gallery Walk | 211 N Howe Street | Southport | 5pm to 7pm
Browse and shop the latest creations from area artists at the First Friday Gallery Walk. Wine and appetizers kick off this monthly event where guests stroll through downtown Southport viewing featured artists at Franklin Square Gallery, Art @ 211, Ricky Evans Gallery, Howe Outrageous, Lantana’s Gallery and Southport’s Silver Coast Winery and Gallery. You may even enjoy a bit of live music along the way! For more information, call (910) 457-1129.
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
Southport Movie Night | Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn | Southport | 8:45pm
Bring the kids as well as your chair and popcorn to enjoy a movie under the stars on the Garrison Lawn in Southport. Weather permitting, movies will be shown at dusk (approximately 8:45pm) during the summer season. A complete schedule/list of movies being shown can be viewed on the City of Southport’s website.
EVERY SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
Children’s Petting Farm | Greenlands Farmstore | 668 Midway Road SE | Bolivia | 10am to 3pm
Enjoy a close encounter with a variety of farm animals while learning interesting animal facts with your kids. For more information, call (910) 253-7934.
EVERY SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
Summer Concert Series | Middleton Park | Oak Island | 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Grab a lawn chair and/or blanket and enjoy the sounds of summer every Friday evening at Middleton Park soccer field between May 18th and September 7th. Weather permitting.
EVERY 2ND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
Sale At The Trail | Ocean Trail | 630 Fodale Avenue | Southport | 8am to 1pm
Join Ocean Trail Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center for their monthly yard sale at their location on Fodale Avenue in Southport.
JULY EVENTS
JULY 24TH
Wine & Cheese Pairing | Uncorked By The Sea | Southport | 6pm to 8pm
Join Uncorked by the Sea and Southport Cheese Shoppe for an educational cheese tasting pairing cheeses with the wines that compliment them. Feel free to call the store or stop by to reserve your spot! The price per person will be $25.
JULY 24TH
Shakespeare Comes to Franklin | Franklin Square Park | Southport | 7pm
Make Trouble Theatre is back this summer with a five-week program in partnership with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington Department of Theatre, the UNC Office of the Arts, and Alchemical Theatre. This short production of Romeo and Juliet will capture this timeless classic and is suitable for teens and older.
JULY 25TH
Latin Ballroom Dancing Classes | Inspirations Dance Centre | Southport | 5:45pm
Join Inspirations Dance Centre for their weekly latin ballroom dance classes. Class is every Wednesday and you may register online or in person before class begins. All ages are welcome and students may come with or without a partner.
JULY 27TH
Shakespeare Comes to Franklin | Franklin Square Park | Southport | 7pm
Make Trouble Theatre is back this summer with a five-week program in partnership with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington Department of Theatre, the UNC Office of the Arts, and Alchemical Theatre. This 90-minute, free production of Loves Labors Lost will capture this timeless classic and is suitable for teens and older.
JULY 28TH
Nature Is Wild About Reading | Oak Island Nature Center | Oak Island | 11am
Visit the Oak Island Nature Center for a fun-filled morning for you and the kids! Members of the volunteer staff will read a great book or two and then complete a wildly fun craft you can take home. This event is great for ages 4 and up and pre-registration is required. The topic for this session will be “All About Birds”. Contact (910) 278-5518 to register.
AUGUST EVENTS
AUGUST 1ST
Latin Ballroom Dancing Classes | Inspirations Dance Centre | Southport | 5:45pm
Join Inspirations Dance Centre for their weekly latin ballroom dance classes. Class is every Wednesday and you may register online or in person before class begins. All ages are welcome and students may come with or without a partner.
AUGUST 2ND
Nature Is Wild About Reading | Oak Island Nature Center | Oak Island | 11am
Visit the Oak Island Nature Center for a fun-filled morning for you and the kids! Members of the volunteer staff will read a great book or two and then complete a wildly fun craft you can take home. This event is great for ages 4 and up and pre-registration is required. The topic for this session will be “Alligators”. Contact (910) 278-5518 to register.
AUGUST 8TH
Latin Ballroom Dancing Classes | Inspirations Dance Centre | Southport | 5:45pm
Join Inspirations Dance Centre for their weekly latin ballroom dance classes. Class is every Wednesday and you may register online or in person before class begins. All ages are welcome and students may come with or without a partner.
AUGUST 9TH
Wonder Of Whales | 3003 E Oak Island Drive | Oak Island | 2pm
Dive into the deep as you discover more about our oceans’ gentle giants. Take a virtual journey into the ocean and discover what dolphins, whales and humans have in common. Interactive props and engaging activities bring participants close to these amazing marine mammals.
AUGUST 11TH
Nature Is Wild About Reading | Oak Island Nature Center | Oak Island | 11am
Visit the Oak Island Nature Center for a fun-filled morning for you and the kids! Members of the volunteer staff will read a great book or two and then complete a wildly fun craft you can take home. This event is great for ages 4 and up and pre-registration is required. The topic for this session will be “Seashells”. Contact (910) 278-5518 to register.
AUGUST 16TH
Nature Is Wild About Reading | Oak Island Nature Center | Oak Island | 11am
Visit the Oak Island Nature Center for a fun-filled morning for you and the kids! Members of the volunteer staff will read a great book or two and then complete a wildly fun craft you can take home. This event is great for ages 4 and up and pre-registration is required. The topic for this session will be “Land & Sea Turtles”. Contact (910) 278-5518 to register.
AUGUST 18TH
CFF Family Fun Run | Bill Smith Park | 4446 Fish Factory Road SE | Southport | 9am to 11am
Mark your calendars! Join Cape Fear Fitness for this year’s Fun Run and End of Summer Celebration at Bill Smith Park! Registration starts at 9am with the Fun Run starting at 10am. Family friendly fun awaits with bounce houses, face painting and more!
AUGUST 18TH
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Public Meeting | Mt. Carmel AME Church | Southport | 9am to 12pm
Learn more about the Gullah Geechee people and their unique culture during this quarterly meeting of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission. The commission only meets four times per year in different locations throughout the corridor. A Gullah style luncheon will follow the meeting. Seating is limited and RSVPs are required. Email whittfieldgriffin@gmail.com if you wish to attend.
AUGUST 18TH
Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament | The Lakes Country Club | Boiling Spring Lakes | 9am
Grab your clubs and join the Mayor of Boiling Spring Lakes for this golf tournament at The Lakes Country Club. The start time is 9am. For more information, contact Boiling Spring Lakes.
AUGUST 21ST
Mary Read & Anne Bonney | NC Maritime Museum | Southport | 7pm to 9pm
Join the NC Maritime Museum for its Third Tuesday Evening Program on Mary Read and Anne Bonney, two women pirates who disguised themselves as men and often surpassed the abilities of their male counterparts. This free program does require advanced registration through the Museum.
AUGUST 24TH & 25TH
11th Anniversary Party | Cattail Cottage | Southport | 10am to 6pm
While you’re out strolling the live oak-lined streets of Southport, be sure to stop by Cattail Cottage to help them celebrate their 11th anniversary! Shoppers will find anniversary specials, refreshments and giveaways!
AUGUST 24TH & 25TH
Cape Fear History Symposium | Fort Caswell | Oak Island | 5pm (24th) to 4pm (25th)
If you’ve ever looked at the numerous historical structures along Fort Caswell and wondered how they functioned and the context in which they were built, you won’t want to miss this year’s symposium! This educational event’s theme will be “Focus On Forts”. Hear from John Weaver, Quentin Schliare and Glen Williford while also enjoying sessions focused on forts, artillery, food and a detailed tour of the campus.
AUGUST 25TH
Building BrunsCo Kids Expo | Brunswick County Chamber | 114 Wall Street | Shallotte | 10am to 1pm
Join the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce in celebrating their first Kids Expo! Young entrepreneurs are welcome to create, brand, market and then set up shop to sell their products or service for one day only! For more information, please visit the Chamber website or Facebook page.
AUGUST 25TH
Nature Is Wild About Reading | Oak Island Nature Center | Oak Island | 11am
Visit the Oak Island Nature Center for a fun-filled morning for you and the kids! Members of the volunteer staff will read a great book or two and then complete a wildly fun craft you can take home. This event is great for ages 4 and up and pre-registration is required. The topic for this session will be “Trees, Leaves & Bark”. Contact (910) 278-5518 to register.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 1ST
Go! Jump In The Lake | Spring Lake Park | Boiling Spring Lakes
Join the Southport Rotary Club for its annual Labor Day “Go! Jump In the Lake” 5K, 10K and 1.5-mile run/walk at Spring Lake Park. This family-friendly event promotes health and wellness in our community while raising funds for New Hope Clinic and other Rotary-funded programs. There will be a park and ride shuttle at Boiling Spring Lakes City Hall.
SEPTEMBER 1ST
Labor Day Surf Off | Near Ocean Crest Pier | Oak Island | 8am to 6pm
Grab your board and your board shorts and head down to Ocean Crest Pier for the annual Oak Island Labor Day Surf Off surfing, body board and stand-up paddle board (SUP) competition for youth and adults. Entry forms are available at local surf shops as well as the Oak Island Recreation Center. For more information, call (910) 278-5518.
SEPTEMBER 1ST
Art Guild Arts & Crafts Festival | Middleton Park | Oak Island | 9am to 4pm
Come out and enjoy more than 100 arts and crafts vendors at the 29th annual Oak Island Art Guild Arts & Crafts Festival at Middleton Park Extension Soccer Field. Profits from this event support the Art Guild’s philanthropic activities. To find out more about this annual event, please contact Penny Prettyman at oiagacf@ec.rr.com or Mary Beth Springmeier at maryspringmeier@gmail.com. The rain date for this event will be Sunday, September 2nd.
SEPTEMBER 8TH
MAD Southport Military Appreciation Day | Southport Marina | Southport
The City of Southport has proclaimed September 8th to be Southport Military Appreciation Day. This annual event allows the community to show its appreciation for our service members and their families. Traditionally, the event takes the troops out on volunteer fishing boats while entertaining their families at the Marina. Lake in the afternoon, a large family-style picnic is provided. Please visit http://militaryappreciationday.org/wp/ for more information.
SEPTEMBER 15TH
International Day of Peace | Franklin Square Park | Southport | 2pm to 4pm
Celebrate the International Day of Peace in Southport with this 5th annual commemoration including an opening ceremony, peace songs, dances, children’s crafts, and peace educational literature.
SEPTEMBER 21ST
The Gentleman Pirate Tricentennial Dinner & Grog w/Buccaneers Party | NC Maritime Museum | Southport | 5:30pm
Party like a pirate at this catered event with sea shanties, keynote address and delicious victuals served by the best galley around! Refreshments and music will begin at 5:30pm with the keynote and dinner following at 6:30pm. Register for this adult-only event by calling the NC Maritime Museum at (910) 457-0003.
SEPTEMBER 21ST
Stede Bonnet 300th Anniversary Commemoration | Ft Johnson Garrison Lawn | Southport
It’s been 300 years since Stede Bonnet plied the waters of the Cape Fear. Join the NC Maritime Museum and the City of Southport along with pirate reenactors, the Loose Cannons and the Vigilant Crew as we commemorate this 300th anniversary of the Battle of the Sandbars. There’s sure to be hands-on activities, historic interpretation and the merriment suitable for all ages.
SEPTEMBER 22ND
9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Run | BSL Community Center | Boiling Spring Lakes | 9am to 1pm
We are still waiting for information on this event and will update you when there is more to offer.
SEPTEMBER 29TH
8th Annual Southport Wooden Boat Show | 107 Yacht Basin Drive | Southport | 10am to 4pm
Vote for your favorite boat entrant for People’s Choice Award while meeting and talking with wooden boat makers and owners at this year’s show. All along the waterfront, guests will enjoy a model boat exhibit, nautical and maritime demonstrations, children’s activities and exhibits.
OCTOBER EVENTS
OCTOBER 4TH TO 6TH
US Open King Mackerel Tournament | Southport Marina
The Granddad of all NC King Mackerel tournaments returns to Southport for another year! Over $100,000 in prizes will be given in the tournament’s guaranteed prize structure. Spectators of the tournament are free; however, there is a fee for entry. Entertainment, delicious food and more await!! For more information, visit http://www.usopenkmt.com.
OCTOBER 6TH
Captain Charlie’s Kids Fishing Tournament | Southport City Pier | Southport | 9am to 12pm
While you and the crew are here for the US Open King Mack, take a day trip over to Bald Head Island for great music, craft beer, fine wine, craft cocktails and the best food the South has to offer! Co-hosted with Southern Living magazine, the weekend kicks off Friday night with a limited seating four-course wine dinner or old fashioned oyster roast. Saturday offers tastings of drinks and delicious bites all day with a live concert under the stars at night. Sunday, you may enjoy a de
OCTOBER 5TH TO 7TH
Roast & Toast On The Coast | Bald Head Island
While you and the crew are here for the US Open King Mack, take a day trip over to Bald Head Island for great music, craft beer, fine wine, craft cocktails and the best food the South has to offer! Co-hosted with Southern Living magazine, the weekend kicks off Friday night with a limited seating four-course wine dinner or old fashioned oyster roast. Saturday offers tastings of drinks and delicious bites all day with a live concert under the stars at night. Sunday, you may enjoy a delicious brunch. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.roasttoastcoast.com.
