Fall festival season is officially in full swing in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, and one of our area’s signature events, the North Carolina Festival by the Sea is coming up. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of attending this year’s festival:

a festival held under a concrete bridge - NC Festival by the Sea in Holden Beach, NC

Schedule and Signature Events

The NC Festival by the Sea takes place October 25 through October 26, 2025, in Holden Beach, NC. Festivities, including live music, over 100 local vendors, food trucks, and children’s activities, will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday.

The North Carolina Festival by the Sea is Holden Beach’s ultimate community celebration. This year, over 150 talented artists, vendors, and businesses will line the streets below the Holden Beach Bridge, so you’re sure to find more than just the perfect seasonal souvenir for your trip to the Brunswick Islands.

There’s fun for the kids too! The festival’s “Kids Zone” will feature kid-friendly games, activities, and inflatables.  

Live music performances will run throughout both days of the festival.

Saturday:

Creekside Band will kick off the show at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 25. Their country and southern rock tunes will soundtrack a morning full of fun.

Solo act Ryan Ayers will take to the stage at 11 a.m.

The live music takes a short break for the children’s costume contest at 2 p.m.

The dance-rock group Sunshine & the Hurricanes will follow at 3 p.m.

Finally, The Tonez kick off the evening’s largest street dance party. They’ll be on stage from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Sunday:

A morning church service marks the start of the festival’s second day at 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025. A performance from the Pleasant Hill Men’s Choir will follow and continue until 10 a.m.

If you miss him the first day, Ryan Ayers returns to the stage at 10 a.m.

Hunter Varnam will follow at noon and play through the afternoon.

The dog costume contest will begin at 1 p.m.

a plate of fair food at the NC Festival by the Sea in 2017

A variety of local food trucks offering everything from fair food favorites to seafood, gyros, donuts, and more will operate throughout the day.

The festival’s signature parade across the Holden Beach Bridge will not take place this year.

Getting Here and Parking

Please visit our Map and Travel Information page for more information on average travel times, regional airports, and a map of NC’s Brunswick Islands to help you get here.

Holden Beach parking fees are waived for attendees of the NC Festival by the Sea. Parking will be limited in the immediate area of the Holden Beach Bridge. The nearest parking spaces include the Town Hall, Re/Max at the Beach, and Bridgeview Park parking lots.

a girl sitting on a rocking chair on a deck of a vacation rental house on the beach

Where to Stay

Holden Beach is the perfect homebase for your stay. With numerous restaurants in close vicinity, family friendly things to do, and a beautiful beach strand you can’t go wrong sticking around for a little while longer. October is also the season to take advantage of off-season rates on vacation rental homes across the Brunswick Islands.

After enjoying the festival, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the rest of NC’s Brunswick Islands. For more information on the area, including restaurants and things to do, please visit our Islands and Towns page.

Other Important Festival Information

Admission to the NC Festival by the Sea is free!

Pets are allowed on festival grounds, but please remember to pick up after them.

For more information on festival rules and vendors please visit the Greater Holden Beach Merchant’s Association website at https://ghb-ma.org/ or Facebook page.  

Join the Fun

For help planning the rest of your visit to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands ahead of the festivities please visit www.ncbrunswick.com.