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.
JUNE EVENTS
JUNE 19TH
Quest For Blackbeard | Southport Community Building | Southport | 7pm to 9pm
Was Blackbeard a notorious pirate or was he, like Stede Bonnet, from a well-to-do family? Historian and author, Baylus C. Brooks will share his theories and research during this interesting program sure to delight all of the history- and pirate-buffs in your crew!
JUNE 21ST
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 “Bees”. Contact (910) 278-5518 to register.
JUNE 22ND
Wine River Cruise Information Session | The Grape & Ale | Oak Island | 5pm to 8pm
Join the Grape & Ale and Lu Ann Haygood of Watercolor Boutique Travel to learn more about a cruise trip they are planning for the spring of 2019. The cruise will take guests through the Burgundy and Provence regions of France and is sure to be a great time!
JUNE 23RD
Food Truck Rodeo & Jam | Middleton Park | Oak Island | 11am to 8pm
Bring your taste buds and desire for a good time to this year’s Food Truck Rodeo & Jam sponsored by the Oak Island Parks and Recreation Department. This family-friendly event features a variety of onsite food trucks serving up delicious food as well as live music. A suggested admission donation of $5 will benefit the Middleton Park Redevelopment Project.
JUNE 23RD
Premium Wine & Food Pairing | Live Oak Cafe | Southport | 6pm to 8pm
Join Uncorked By The Sea at Live Oak Cafe in downtown Southport to taste specially prepared culinary works of art by Chef Sean along with highly rated and hard to find wines from California. Reservations are suggested as this small venue is sure to fill quickly. The cost is $75.00 per person or $140.00 per couple. Please call (910) 454-0633 to make your reservation today.
JUNE 30TH
Friends Of The Library Book Sale | Inside Southport Realty | Southport | 9am to 12pm
Join the Friends of the Library for their June Used Book Sale. There, you’ll find hardcover and paperback books in good to excellent condition along with music CDs, puzzles and children’s books. For the month of June, travel books are half price! Proceeds directly benefit the Barbee Library in Oak Island and the Harper Library in Southport.
JUNE 30TH
NC 4th Of July Festival Beach Day | Middleton Park Extension | Oak Island | 9am to 9pm
In conjunction with the NC 4th of July Festival, head out to Oak Island Parks & Recreation’s annual Beach Day for a fun-filled and family-friendly day on our gorgeous beaches!
JUNE 30TH
35th Fire Fighter’s Freedom Competition | 111 Nash Street | Southport | 10am to 3pm
Join the Southport Fire Department for this year’s Fire Fighter’s Freedom Competition. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for June 30th with competitive events like barrel push, bucket brigade, and tanker tug following. This family-friendly event will also feature displays, raffles, food, fun, kid’s water sprinklers and much more!
JUNE 30TH
9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit | Fire Department Substation | 111 Nash Street | Southport | 9am to 3pm
View actual artifacts from the Twin Towers attack from September 11th. This mobile exhibit will feature 100 feet of items from the attack and will be featured at the Fire Department Substation both days from 9am to 3pm.
JUNE 30TH
Small Business Summer Bash | Barn & Beach Designs | Southport | 10am to 5pm
Spring on over and meet your local businesses during this one day vendor show. Join Barn & Beach Designs and Klassy Konsignment for their 3rd annual Summer Bash. Local area vendors, artisans, restaurants and other small businesses will be located at 2 easy locations to service you!
JUNE 30TH
Golf Cart & Bike Parade | Caswell Dunes Clubhouse | Oak Island | 10:30am
Be sure to decorate your golf cart or bike parade in 4th of July regalia for this fun and family-friendly event! Registration begins at the Caswell Dunes Clubhouse at 10:30am with the parade starting at 11am. Drive/ride through Caswell Dunes, the Arboretum, and Ocean Greens areas before enjoying awards and lunch. Entry fees for carts and bikes are $3 and $1 respectively. (Rain date set for July 2 at the same times.)
JUNE 30TH
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 “Sea Turtles”. Contact (910) 278-5518 to register.
JUNE 30TH
Sea Notes Choral Society Patriotic Concert | BCC Odell Williamson Auditorium | Bolivia | 3pm
Start your Fourth of July fesitivites early by attending the Patriotic Extravaganza “Americana” presented by the Sea Notes Choral Society. This beloved annual event is free to attendees.
JUNE 30TH
Blindside at The Lazy Turtle | The Lazy Turtle Oceanfront Grille | Oak Island | 8pm to 11pm
Come out and party with Blindside at The Lazy Turtle. Cold drinks, great atmosphere and – of course – your favorite tunes await you at this oceanfront spot.
JULY EVENTS
JULY 1ST
9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit | Fire Department Substation | 111 Nash Street | Southport | 9am to 3pm
View actual artifacts from the Twin Towers attack from September 11th. This mobile exhibit will feature 100 feet of items from the attack and will be featured at the Fire Department Substation both days from 9am to 3pm.
JULY 1ST
Sea Notes Choral Society Patriotic Concert | BCC Odell Williamson Auditorium | Bolivia | 3pm
Start your Fourth of July fesitivites early by attending the Patriotic Extravaganza “Americana” presented by the Sea Notes Choral Society. This beloved annual event is free to attendees.
JULY 2ND TO 4TH
NC 4th of July Festival | Southport | Various Times
The patriotic spirit of America is alive and well in the City of Southport. For over 200 years, this small community has celebrated our nation’s independence in a big way as the official location of the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival. Events from street dances and live music to vendor fairs and fireworks are sure to make this family-friendly celebration a BLAST for everyone. For a more detailed schedule of events for the Southport and Oak Island areas, please visit the official festival website.
JULY 4TH
4th of July Shine & Show | Bay Street | Southport | 10am to 4pm
Come join the Cape Fear Cruisers to view classic cars in front of Fort Johnston along Bay Street.
JULY 5TH
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 “Bats”. Contact (910) 278-5518 to register.
JULY 12TH
Living Seashells | 3003 E Oak Island Drive | Oak Island | 2pm
All animals speak, just in different ways. Discover the hidden world of marine invertebrates in this live animal presentation with staff from Fort Fisher Aquarium. Fine tune your observation skills while exploring snails, urchins, crabs, sea stars and other sea creatures.
JULY 14TH
Brunswick Christian Recovery Center Golf Tournament | Carolina National Golf Club | Bolivia | 9am to 3pm
Join the Brunswick Christian Recovery Center for its 4-person Captain’s Choice scramble golf tournament. Entry fee includes breakfast, golf, lunch and prizes with all proceeds benefiting the center directly. Registration can be found at bcrcrecovery.org.
JULY 14TH
Pearl Harbor: This Is No Drill | 3003 E Oak Island Drive | Oak Island | 10am to 11am
Whether you’re well versed or would like to know more about historical battles in the United States, birth of the US Coast Guard, or even the history of Fort Caswell, join Mike Powell for this history series.
JULY 17TH
Port Town Filth, Lewdness & Debauchery | Southport Community Building | Southport | 7pm to 9pm
As 18th Century port towns grew in population, so did the challenges of accommodating residents, and transient sailors and visitors. Join Kristan Philips for a journey through the culture of colonial ports. Advance registration is required for this free informative program.
JULY 19TH
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 “Sharks”. Contact (910) 278-5518 to register.
JULY 21ST
The Honey Bee Flies | Oak Island Nature Center | Oak Island | 12pm to 2pm
Say the word “pollen” and most people think of sneezing! But pollination is an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. Join the Brunswick County Beekeepers Association for this fun and informative presentation about the fantastic flying creatures known as bees and view a live bee observatory! Pre-registration is required for this free event.
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 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 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 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, Qunetin 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/Buccanners 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 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.
