Mondays: Oak Island Farmers Market
(June 1 through August 31, 2026)
Browse fresh local produce, homemade jams, baked goods, and handcrafted finds from regional vendors at Middleton Park Complex. From jewelry and home décor to furniture, rugs, and coastal-inspired gifts, this weekly market is a favorite for shopping local while enjoying a relaxed summer morning on Oak Island.
Location: Middleton Park Complex
4610 E. Dolphin Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
Cost: Free admission
→ View the Guide
Wednesdays: Southport Summer Market
(May 6 through August 26, 2026; except 4th of July week)
Held weekly at Waterfront Park, the Southport Summer Market brings together local growers, artisans, bakers, and specialty vendors offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and seasonal treats. Scenic views of the Cape Fear River and a relaxed coastal atmosphere make this a favorite midweek stop while exploring historic Southport.
Location: Southport Waterfront Park
Bay Street, Southport, NC 28461
Cost: Free admission
→ Visit Website
Fridays: OKI Summer Concert Series
(May 22 through August 28, 2026)
Live music fills Middleton Park during the Oak Island Summer Concert Series, a longtime seasonal tradition featuring beach music, soul, country, funk, and classic hits. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, gather with friends and family, and enjoy a relaxed summer night under the trees. During 4th of July week, the concert shifts to Wednesday, July 1 for Beach Day festivities.
Location: Middleton Park Complex
4610 E. Dolphin Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
Cost: Free admission
→ View the Concert Guide
Oak Island Beach Day 2026
Beach Day celebrates the July 1, 1999 merger of Yaupon Beach and Long Beach into what is now known as the Town of Oak Island. This annual tradition brings a full day of family-friendly activities, contests, live entertainment, and fireworks to locations across the island. Most events take place at Middleton Park Complex, with additional festivities at the beach access and Oak Island Pier.
Schedule
All events will take place at Middleton Park unless noted:
- 7:00am: Contest Registration at the Recreation Tent
- 8:00am: Volleyball Tournament
- 8:30am: Sandcastle Contest (SE 46th St. Access)
- 9:00am: Horseshoes Tournament
- 9:30am: Stars, Stripes & Snouts Dog Costume Contest
- 10:00am: Cornhole Tournament
- 10:30am: Freedom Scoot Baby Crawling Race
- 11:00am: Water Balloon Toss (Pre-K – 5th Grade)
- 11:00am – 2:00pm: Inflatables
- 11:00am – 2:00pm: Field Games
- 11:00am – 2:00pm: Cape Fear Radio MC’ing
- 11:30am: Bucket Relay (6th–12th Grade & 18+ Divisions)
- 12:00pm: Mic Drop for America Karaoke Contest
- 1:00pm: Liberty Looks Costume Contest
- 2:00pm: 250th Anniversary Activity
- 5:30pm: Welcoming Ceremony
Oak Island Pier Evening Schedule
- 6:00pm: Beach Day Concert with The Extraordinaires
- 9:00pm: Town of Oak Island Anniversary Fireworks
→ Explore Rentals from June 27 to July 4
NC 4th of July Festival and Fireworks
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday during one of the largest and most beloved Fourth of July traditions on the North Carolina coast! The NC 4th of July Festival transforms Southport and Oak Island into a weeklong celebration filled with patriotic events, waterfront entertainment, live music, family activities, and fireworks.
With more than 70 events taking place throughout festival week, visitors can enjoy everything from Oak Island Beach Day festivities and waterfront entertainment to arts and crafts vendors, food concessions, patriotic ceremonies, and live performances across historic Southport.
Festival Highlights
- Fourth of July Parade through Downtown Southport
- Reading of the Declaration of Independence
- Flag Raising Ceremony
- Freedom Flotilla Boat Parade
- Arts & Crafts Market
- Waterfront Live Music & Entertainment
- Food Vendors & Family Activities
- Oak Island & Southport Fireworks Displays
July 4th Signature Events
- 10:15am: Reading of the Declaration of Independence
- 10:30am: Flag Raising Ceremony
- 11:00am: Fourth of July Parade
- 9:00pm: Fireworks Over the Southport Waterfront
→ Explore Rentals from June 27 to July 4
→ Explore Rentals from July 4 to July 11
