Multiple Days: Free Beer & Wine Tastings
View their calendar for more details and to learn what's happening at their Southport location.
Mondays: Oak Island Farmer's Market
Browse an extensive variety of fresh produce, homemade jams, cakes, assorted baked goods, and handcrafted treasures made by local artisans at Middleton Park!
2025 Dates:
June: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th
July: 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
August: 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th
Wednesdays: Southport Summer Market
Enjoy coastal charm and community spirit at the Southport Summer Market, held weekly at Waterfront Park! Sponsored by the City of Southport, this open-air market brings together local growers, artisans, and bakers offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and delicious treats. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer day — shopping, strolling, and soaking in scenic views of the Cape Fear River.
When: May 7 to August 27 (excluding July 2)
Location: Waterfront Park
Address: Bay Street, Southport, NC
Thursdays: Kayak Trips Down the Davis Canal
Discover the natural beauty of Oak Island from the water on a guided kayak adventure! These two-hour eco tours are led by experienced guides and include everything you need — kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned paddler, it's the perfect way to explore the island’s scenic waterways. Tours run on select Thursdays throughout the summer and are open to both residents and non-residents. Advance registration is required.
When: May 15, May 29, June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, August 12, and August 26
Cost: $30 Residents / $40 Non-Residents
Location: Tidalwaves Kayak & Canoe Launch
Address: SE 31st Street, Oak Island, NC
Registration: Contact the Recreation Programs Supervisor at 910-278-4747
Fridays: OKI Summer Concert Series
Enjoy live music at Middleton Park almost every Friday this summer! The annual events offers a mix of R&B, soul, beach, country, and funk throughout the entire season from May 23rd to August 30th:
Southport Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
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05-26-2025 @ 10:30 am
- visit website
Gather your golf carts, bikes, family, and friends — it’s time for a beloved Southport tradition. The annual Memorial Day Parade returns with a coastal flair, winding its way through charming streets and ending in a heartfelt ceremony at John N. Smith Cemetery. Immediately following the parade, join us for the Memorial Day Ceremony, a moving tribute to those who have served our nation and community with honor and sacrifice.
Parade Lineup starts at 9:30 AM
Parade Begins: 10:30 AM
Parade Route: 10th Street → Howe Street → E Leonard Street
Ceremony: John N. Smith Cemetery, 225 E Leonard Street
4th of July Festival Freedom Run
Start your Fourth of July celebrations with a breath of fresh, coastal air at the Freedom Run, part of the official North Carolina 4th of July Festival in historic Southport! This family-friendly event offers both a 1-mile and 5K run/walk, winding through the charming oak-lined streets and along the scenic waterfront with sweeping views of the Cape Fear River. Registration is required.
Location: Southport Waterfront Park
7:00am: 1-Mile Run/Walk
7:30am: 5K Run/Walk
Oak Island Beach Day 2025
On July 1st, 1999, the Towns of Yaupon Beach and Long Beach merged together to become what is now known as the Town of Oak Island! Beach Day on Oak Island commemorates this merger each year with a full day of fun in the sun and family-friendly activities. All activities will be held in the Middleton Park Complex unless noted otherwise:
7:00am: Registration
8:00am: Volleyball
8:30am: Sandcastle Contest (SE 46th Street Access)
9:00am: Horseshoes
9:00am: Dog Costume Contest
10:00am Cornhole
10:00am to 2:00pm: Open Play Bocce Ball
10:00am: Baby Crawl Race
11:00am: Water Balloon Toss (Pre-K to 5th grade)
11:00am: Spike Ball Contest (6th grade - adults)
11:00am to 2:00pm: Inflatables
6:00pm to 9:00pm: Food Vendors
6:00pm to 9:00pm: Summer Concert Series
Sunset: Fireworks at the Oak Island Pier
