Mark your calendars! The North Carolina Festival by the Sea is always the last full weekend of October on Holden Beach. Hosted by the Holden Beach Merchants Association, this year's two-day festival promises to be another unforgettable experience!
A Weekend Full of Community and Family Fun
The weekend starts with community floats, bands, and dignitaries parading down the Holden Beach causeway Saturday morning. It’s actually the only time each year the Holden Beach bridge is closed to traffic, allowing for gorgeous views of the waterway as you walk across – and cool photo opps with your family and friends from atop the bridge!
After the parade, head over to the Holden Beach Pavilion to check out the arts and crafts vendors. They’re open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday and 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Sunday. Bringing the entire family? Your children will love the activities geared just for kids, including face painting, kite flying, costume contests, and bouncy houses. Come hungry because there’s no way to resist the concession goodies of the food vendors on site.
A weekend of live musical entertainment at the pavilion is always popular throughout the day and Saturday evening, so pull up a seat or hit the dance floor! The festival also holds a sandcastle building contest (our favorite!) and horseshoe tournament for those who are down for a little competition.
How much does the North Carolina Festival by the Sea cost? Nothing at all! Enjoy free admission and free parking - a great reason to keep coming back all weekend long to enjoy the salt air and ocean breeze. Of course, if you’re staying on the island, it’s an easy walk or bike ride down the island to the center of all of the festivities.
We look forward to the Festival all year long. Whether you’re a local, a neighbor, or vacationing, you don't want to miss the fun!
See You Soon
Have questions about the festival or want to know about future events at Holden Beach? Be sure to check out our events page for upcoming activities or join our newsletter for regular updates. Join us to make your own island memories this year at the North Carolina Festival by the Sea! If you need help finding the perfect vacation rental, explore our available rentals on our website or contact our #Hobbspitality Team at (800) 655-3367 for some expert guidance for all things Holden Beach!
We hope to see you soon... at the beach!