Fall in NC’s Brunswick Islands is welcomed with festival season, and one of our area’s signature events, the Sunset at Sunset Festival will kick it off in early October. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of attending this year’s festival:
Schedule and Signature Events
The 19th Annual Sunset at Sunset Festival takes place October 3, 2026, in Sunset Beach, NC. Festivities, including live music, over a hundred local vendors, food trucks, and children’s activities, will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Sunset Beach Town Park.
Vendor Market and Kid Zone
The Sunset at Sunset Festival is the ultimate community celebration, and its signature event has to be the local vendor market. This year, over 120 talented artists and businesses will attend, so you’re sure to walk away with one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends.
There’s fun for the kids to have too! The festival’s “Kids Zone” will feature kid-friendly games and activities, including face painting.
Live Music
As you shop, the sound of coastal breezes and live music will set the tone. Expect music from Brunswick Stew and The Tonez to keep you dancing all day long.
Food Trucks and Local Brews
A variety of local food trucks offering everything from fair food favorites to seafood, hibachi, donuts, and more will operate throughout the day. Beer and wine from local breweries will also be available.
Getting Here and Parking
Available parking in the festival’s vicinity is limited. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the free motorcoach shuttle that will service the festival all day long. More information on the festival shuttle can be found in the “Festival Shuttle” section below.
- Handicapped parking for the event will be located in the marked median spaces along Sunset Boulevard between Sunset Beach Town Park and Dave's Outpost.
- Golf cart parking will be situated off the side of Sunset Blvd. N along the park's rope fence nearest the Veteran's Memorial.
- Passenger drop-off and pick-up will be allowed across the street from Sunset Beach Town Park at neighboring business, Mavericks Pointe.
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.
Festival Shuttle
Visitors to the Sunset at Sunset Festival are encouraged to use the festival’s free shuttle service due to limited parking in the immediate area. The shuttle will operate non-stop during festival hours and service the satellite parking location at Seaside Methodist Church (1300 Seaside Rd SW).
Parking in the shuttle lot is free.
Where to Stay
Sunset 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 Sunset at Sunset Festival is free!
Pets are allowed on festival grounds, but please remember to pick up after them.
For questions about festival rules, vendors, parking and the shuttle please visit the Town of Sunset Beach’s website or contact the town at 910-579-6297.
Join the Fun
To start planning the rest of your visit to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands ahead of the festivities please visit www.ncbrunswick.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When and where is the Sunset at Sunset Festival held?
The Sunset at Sunset Festival will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2027. The festival’s events will take place in Sunset Beach Town Park, located off of the island of Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
2. Is the Sunset at Sunset Festival free?
Yes! The Sunset at Sunset Festival is free to attend for all ages.
3. Can I bring my dog to Sunset at Sunset Festival?
Leased pets in the control of their owners are allowed on festival grounds in Sunset Beach Town Park. Pet owners are asked to pick up after their pets.
4. Where do I park for the Sunset at Sunset Festival?
Parking near Sunset Beach Town Park will be limited.
Visitors to the Sunset at Sunset Festival are encouraged to use the festival’s free shuttle which will operate non-stop during festival hours and service the satellite parking location at Seaside Methodist Church (1300 Seaside Rd SW). Parking in the lot is free.
For more information about handicap parking and golf cart parking, please visit the “Getting Here and Parking” section above.
5. Is the Sunset at Sunset Festival wheelchair accessible?
The Sunset at Sunset Festival is an event designed to be fun for everyone. Reserved handicap parking is available near Sunset Beach Town Park. Park pathways are accessible at street level, but visitors should be mindful that park pathways are not flat. For questions regarding event accessibility, please contact the Town of Sunset Beach at 910-579-6297