The Oak Island Summer Concert Series is a fun and easy event to include in your July beach plan when visiting Oak Island, Southport, and Caswell Beach. The following guide is here to help you plan a simple evening in NC’s Brunswick Islands filled with live music, family-friendly energy, and a beach-town atmosphere.
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Best Time to Arrive
The Oak Island Summer Concert Series begins every Friday at 6:30 p.m. in Middleton Park. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early to allow time to park and set up your chairs or picnic blanket before the music starts.
You can expect the crowd to be at its largest as the show wraps up at 8:30 p.m. If staying on the further ends of Oak Island, Caswell Beach, or in Southport plan to leave a few minutes before the show ends to beat traffic.
What to Bring
Plan to bring a foldable chair, blankets, or picnic blanket with you to the Oak Island summer concerts but remember to leave space in front of the stage for dancing.
While you’re welcome to bring your own food and beverages, food trucks will set up at every Oak Island summer concert.
In the heat of summer, it’s also a good idea to bring plenty of water and bug spray with you.

Make it a Full Evening on Oak Island
Don’t let the evening fun begin and end with the show. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your Friday evenings this summer on Oak Island.
Head Out for An Early Dinner – 5:00 p.m.
- The Oak Island summer concerts begin at 6:30 p.m., so plan to take the family out for an early dinner on Friday night.
- Locals and visitors love spots like Shagger Jacks, Tranquil Harbor Restaurant & Grill, KoKo Cabana, and Swain’s Seafood Shack.
Check out a full list of Oak Island restaurants here.
Attend the Oak Island Summer Concert – 6:30 p.m.
- After an early dinner head over to Middleton Park for the Oak Island Summer Concert Series.
- For more information on specific concert dates, visit our Events page.
Catch the Sunset from the Beach - 8:00 p.m.
- Start packing your things a few minutes early and head to the beach in time to catch a spectacular summer sunset on Oak Island.
- There is beach access located across from Middleton Park on E Beach Drive.
Grab a Late Night Dessert and Head Home – 8:30 p.m.
- Grab ice cream from shops open late like Lil & John’s Sweetreat Homemade Ice Cream, Frosty’s Ice Cream, Tropical Treats, and OKI Scoop Shop and Donuts.
- Visit our Ice Cream page for more options.

Plan Your Summer Visit
Grab your dancing shoes and join the fun in NC’s Brunswick Islands this year. Explore our Places to Stay page for accommodation that keeps you close to summer events like the Oak Island Summer Concerts and much more.
For help planning your trip, visit our website and request a free North Carolina’s Brunswick Island Vacation Guide to get started.
FAQs
1. When are the Oak Island summer concerts held?
Oak Island hosts free outdoor concerts at Middleton Park Complex in the summer each Friday. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m. For more information on individual shows visit our Events page.
2. Are the Oak Island summer concerts free to attend?
Yes, the Oak Island Summer Concert Series concerts are free to attend.
3. What should I bring to an outdoor concert?
We recommend bringing a chair or blanket to the outdoor concerts on Oak Island.
4. Is the concert series family friendly?
Yes, the Oak Island Summer Concert Series is a family friendly event.
5. Where should I park for the concert?
Parking for the Oak Island Summer Concert Series is available at Middleton Park. Additionally, Oak Island island-wide paid parking ends at 5 p.m., meaning you can park for free in marked visitor spaces at nearby beach access points.