Fall is here and so is the fun in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. With plenty to do, see and celebrate, here’s what you can look forward to this upcoming weekend in the Brunswick Islands!
Before we make our recommendations, remember to sign up for our monthly newsletter! It’s always full of great seasonal trip ideas like the ones below.
Now, check out our suggestions for what to do this weekend in the Brunswick Islands:
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Morning:
Start your morning with a fall sunrise then grab coffee at one of the many coffee shops in the Brunswick Islands.
Afternoon:
If rain keeps you inside, or if you’re just looking for a reason to cool off, there are plenty of fun indoor things to do in NC’s Brunswick Islands.
Visit the House of Pickleball in Leland for a game of pickleball with friends and family but make sure to reserve your court in advance.
Enjoy an afternoon of retail therapy. Explore shopping opportunities in NC’s Brunswick Islands.
Visit the Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach. The planetarium’s “Messengers of Time and Space” show is playing on Thursday.
Shop for a one-of-a-kind souvenir at one of the many art galleries in the Brunswick Islands.
Savor the flavors of NC’s Brunswick Islands at Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach or at one of the taprooms and breweries across the Brunswick Islands.
Cool down with a scoop of homemade ice cream from one of the dozens of shops located across each of our islands.
Evening:
After dark curl up on the couch of your vacation rental home for a movie night. Take in more Brunswick Islands sights on your screen and watch a movie or television show that was filmed in our area. Some of the latest projects include the films Greedy People and Monster Summer. You can also find the series, The Waterfront on Netflix and The Summer I Turned Pretty streaming on Amazon Prime.
Friday, October 16, 2026
Morning:
It’s time for a good breakfast. Looking for recommendations? Check out our blog “Top 10 Breakfast Spots in NC’s Brunswick Islands.”
Afternoon:
Now let’s fit some beach time into this beach trip! Lounge on the sand or go out in search of seashells. Check out our shelling tips before heading out.
For details on beach accessibility, including a list of handicapped accessible accesses and parking lots, please visit our Beach Accessibility page.
Our experienced local charter captains are also ready to take your group out in search of dolphin pods, a fishing trip, or just a relaxing cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway.
Drop a line at one of our ocean piers or try your hand at surf fishing for the first time. Don’t worry, we’ve got a blog with some surf fishing tips here.
Evening:
We think an evening in Southport is exactly what the vacation ordered. This charming town situated along the Cape Fear River is like a scene ripped straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. Duck into local shops in search of souvenirs, stroll the waterfront, and watch the sunset as you dine on fresh seafood from a restaurant along the Yacht Basin.
If you find yourself on the other side of the Brunswick Islands, get into the spirit of the spooky season by visiting the District 31 Haunted Trail in Ocean Isle Beach. Recognized as one of the best spooky attractions in our area for over 15 years, this frightening self-guided trail is complete with interactive props, costumed actors, strobing lights, and sensor controlled special effects. The trail operates every Friday and Saturday evening in October, including Halloween. Enter if you dare!
Also in Ocean Isle Beach, the NC Oyster Festival Community Night Kick-Off Concert with music from Sea-Cruz Band takes place Friday evening. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. and the band will take the stage at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Morning:
Walk to the beach to catch the sunrise, head out for an early morning kayaking excursion, hit the links for an early tee time, or tick another local breakfast spot off your list.
Saturday morning also marks the start of one of the most anticipated festivals in the Brunswick Islands- the North Carolina Oyster Festival! Gates open as early as 9 a.m. and will be open all day until 6 p.m. Visitors can look forward to live music, the festival market, oyster shucking contest, and oyster eating contest on Saturday.
Check out our “Guide to the North Carolina Oyster Festival Blog” for all the answers to your festival questions regarding scheduled events, ticket information, and parking.
Afternoon:
Over in Winnabow, the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site hosts its Port Brunswick Day. The event features activities for all ages to participate in like candle making, blacksmithing, woodworking, and more.
Beyond that there are activities for folks of all ages to enjoy in NC’s Brunswick Islands. From ziplines, to lighthouses, museums and more, check out our Things to Do page!
Traveling on a budget? Check out our blog with “Eight Free Things to Do in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.”
Evening:
Wrap up your day with a delicious meal and another spectacular view. There are several waterfront dining options across the Brunswick Islands open and ready to welcome you.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Morning:
Soak up the final day of the weekend however you choose. Start your day at sunrise on the beach, grab breakfast and enjoy it along the water, visit an art gallery, take yourself on a maritime history walk, and more!
Plus, day two of the NC Oyster Festival begins at 10 a.m. Visitors to the festival on Sunday can look forward to live music, the festival market, and the Oyster Stew Cook-off at 1:00 p.m. Tickets ($5 cash) to sample the Oyster Stew Cook-off are purchased separately.
Afternoon:
Visit Calabash, also known as the Seafood Capital of the World, for its signature lightly floured and fried Calabash-style seafood. Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but we do recommend heading straight to the source for a taste of the real deal. Check out a list of restaurants in Calabash here.
While in town, stop into Callahan’s of Calabash for one last round of souvenir shopping. This 3,000 square foot gift shop is also home to the year-round Christmas store Saint Nick Nacks where you can start crossing things off an already growing 2026 Christmas wish list.
Or choose to explore another one of our islands and towns. Each one has its own character and promises an enjoyable afternoon.
Evening:
Head home after an unforgettable visit to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands and start dreaming about the next one.
For more trip ideas, things to do, and places to eat please visit www.ncbrunswick.com. We wish you, your friends, and family a wonderful weekend in NC’s Brunswick Islands!