Live music, warm ocean breezes, and good vibes are at the forefront of a perfect summer vacation to North Carolina's Brunswick Islands. Not only do our beautiful beach and mainland towns host free summer concerts from May through September, but many of our area's restaurants and bars host live music throughout the summer. Ready to enjoy that carefree island feeling from listening to a band play while sipping a cold drink on a patio? Below are some of the best spots to enjoy live music in the Brunswick Islands.

*Music schedules are subject to change. Visit the bar's/restaurant's website or Facebook page for its latest live music and event schedule. 

Restaurants, Bars, and Pubs  

  1. Mermaids Island Grill – Enjoy stunning views of Holden Beach from this rooftop bar with fresh local seafood, delicious cocktails, and nightly live music held each Monday–Saturday.

  2. The Pub of Southport – Indulge in traditional Irish cuisine, a whiskey collection of over 90 different bottles, and live music each Friday night.  

  3. Castaways Raw Bar & Grill –  Relax in this tiki hut atmosphere across from the ocean on Holden Beach with open-air dining while listening to nightly live music. 

  4. Inlet View Bar & Grill – Enjoy stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Shallotte River at this hidden gem where the drinks are delicious and the seafood is caught by local fishermen and served fresh on site. Live performances accompany the amazing views on select nights. 

  5. Jinks Creek Waterfront Grill – This local favorite on Ocean Isle Beach offers live music on select nights throughout each week that guests can enjoy with a drink at the covered outdoor deck bar perched on the top patio with sweeping views of Jinks Creek.

  6. Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar – Snack on succulent local oysters and shrimp at this popular chain's location in Leland and enjoy live music on the weekends.

  7. House’s Place – On the Sea Trail Resort property in Sunset Beach, House's Place is open to anyone, including those not staying on the property. The restaurant offers karaoke, live music, game nights, wine nights, and more.  

  8. Lazy Turtle Oceanfront Grille – Relax at this waterfront, family-friendly eatery that offers a dog-friendly patio and tiki bar, along with live music and karaoke each weekend.  

  9. Second Wind – Enjoy a weekly rotation of live music, open mic nights, and karaoke at this fun local hangout on Oak Island.

  10. American Fish Company – Heading to Southport’s historic Yacht Basin? This waterfront bar is the perfect place to catch the sunset with a cocktail, and their weekends are filled with live music during the summer.

American Fish Company in Southport

Breweries and Taprooms 

  1. Brunswick Beer & Cider – Indulge in a diverse menu with fresh ingredients and delicious brews that capture the essence of the area's coastal heritage at this Leland brewery where live music takes place each Saturday. 

  2. Lonerider – Enjoy great food, beer, spirits, and an amazing view of Oak Island with live music on weekends and select weeknights. 

  3. Solar Brewing – Oak Island's very first brewery, Solar Brewing offers a large selection of draft beer and delicious wings and pizza that you can enjoy with live music on select nights. 

  4. Southport Tap & Cellar – Located in historic Southport, this craft beer and wine bottle shop offers 22 taps and over 150 bottles and cans of beer, and live music on select nights.

Southport Tap and Cellar, Southport NC

Ocean Piers

  1. Ocean Crest Fishing Pier – Spending the day on the beach in Oak Island? You may not even have to leave the beach to enjoy live music! The 893-foot Ocean Crest Fishing Pier hosts a variety of bands and local artists during the summer on the pier deck, with the beautiful Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.  

  2. Sunset Beach Pier – Over in Sunset Beach, live music is scheduled each Thursday from late May through the end of August at the Sunset Beach Pier. Bring your beach chair or blanket to sit on the beach and watch the band play, or you can sit on the pier for $1 per person.  

  3. Ocean Isle Beach Pier – Catch live music right from the beach at the Ocean Isle Beach Pier Backyard on select nights. From dueling pianos to open-mic nights, the OIB Pier Backyard is perfect for enjoying a beautiful view with a wide variety of live entertainment. Live music at the Ocean Isle Beach Pier

Photo courtesy of Ocean Isle Beach Pier.  

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands has an endless supply of live music happening throughout the summer to provide you with the perfect soundtrack to your beach vacation. Visit ncbrunswick.com to plan your trip and get exploring! 

Updated July 11, 2023