Wilmington Beaches Events Calendar
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Scroll through the calendar to discover exciting events happening year-round along the Wilmington Beaches. This coastal region is known for its vibrant beach-town spirit, rich maritime history, and welcoming community atmosphere—celebrating everything that makes Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, the Topsail area, and Wilmington so special.
Visit in the off season to enjoy some of the area’s best events, from family-friendly festivals and outdoor activities to surf competitions, historic tours, live music, holiday celebrations, seafood festivals, and local culinary experiences.
Whether you’re exploring the shoreline or heading into Wilmington's charming riverfront district, the Wilmington Beaches offer something memorable in every season.
📷: photo courtesy of Oceanfest
Autumn with Topsail Festival
- Location: 720 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach
Celebrate fall by the coast at the Autumn with Topsail Festival, October 16–18, 2026, in Topsail Beach. This longtime island tradition features more than 100 regional artists and craftspeople, live music, festival food, a beer and wine garden, a silent auction, and plenty of activities for kids. Spend the weekend browsing unique art, enjoying beach music and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere of fall on Topsail Island.
Great for art, shopping, and coastal vibes! 🎨🍂
Pleasure Island Fall Surf Fishing Challenge
- Location: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach & Fort Fisher
The annual Pleasure Island Fall Surf Fishing Challenge is a 36-hour, around-the-clock surf fishing tournament held along the beaches of Pleasure Island. Fishing begins at 11:59 p.m. Friday and continues through noon Sunday. It is strictly a surf tournament—no boats, sound fishing or pier fishing.
Anglers compete for the heaviest bluefish, trout, black drum, pompano and sea mullet, with an optional Slot Red Drum competition as well. There are also Junior, Lady and Senior Angler prizes. Organizers anticipate more than $30,000 in cash and prizes, based on 500 entries.
The weekend wraps up Sunday with an awards dinner, raffle and awards ceremony at tournament headquarters in Carolina Beach. The event also benefits First Fruit Ministries.
