Summer continues to roll this weekend in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Make plans to attend one of our free outdoor concerts, a market, or explore some family-friendly (and fun) educational opportunities! Check out our suggestions for what to do in the Brunswick Islands this weekend:
Thursday, July 17, 2025:
Morning:
Start your morning with some local shopping! The Sunset Beach Summer Market will set up in Sunset Beach Town Park from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Peruse the stalls of dozens of local vendors selling everything from baked goods to jewelry by the waterfront. Find more event details here.
Afternoon:
While in Sunset Beach, check out the Ingram Planetarium. On a hot summer’s day, it’s the perfect spot to get out of the sun while still learning about our solar system’s largest star. Catch the planetarium’s newest Sci-Dome educational program “Distant Worlds: Alien Life?” or a Taylor Swift laser light show on Thursday.
Evening:
Put on your dancing shoes for these summer concerts happening across the Brunswick Islands.
- The Shallotte Sounds of Summer Concert begins at 7 p.m. This outdoor concert is free and fun for the entire family. There will be music from Chocolate Chip & Company and Southern comfort food for purchase from Savory Southern food truck.
- Southport’s summer concert series continues. Live music from Rock the Dock, begins at 6 p.m. Details here.
Friday, July 18, 2025:
Morning:
Time for breakfast. Looking for recommendations? Check out our blog “Top 10 Breakfast Spots in NC’s Brunswick Islands.”
Afternoon:
How about some time on the water? Our experienced local charter captains are ready to take your group out in search of dolphin pods, a fishing trip, or just a relaxing cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway.
If you’re hoping to pick up new hobbies, there are several outfitters who offer surf lessons for people of all ages and skill levels.
Evening:
Don’t miss out on even more live music before the sun sets on Friday.
- Ocean Isle Beach hosts a free outdoor summer concert at 6:30 p.m. with Chocolate Chip & Company returning. Details here.
- Oak Island’s summer concert features The British Invaders who will take to the stage at 6:30 p.m. Details here.
Saturday, July 19, 2025:
Morning:
After a day full of activity, take the time Saturday morning to wake up slowly. Grab a cup of coffee from one of our dozens of local coffee shops.
If you find yourself in the Leland area, visit the Leland Summer Art Market running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Afternoon:
It’s time to fit some beach time into this beach trip! For details on beach accessibility, including a list of handicap accessible accesses and parking lots, please visit our page here.
Additionally, there are activities everyone in your family can 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 Saturday with a delicious meal and a spectacular view. There are several waterfront dining options across the Brunswick Islands open and ready to welcome you and your family.
Sunday, July 20, 2025:
Morning:
Soak up the final day of the weekend however you choose. 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.
Afternoon:
The town of Calabash, known as the Seafood Capital of the World, is famous 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 cross some items off your winter holiday shopping list.
Cool down and celebrate National Ice Cream Day! Check out our blog “Beat the Heat with Ice Cream in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands” for a list of shops around the area.
Evening:
Dance the weekend away at a free outdoor summer concert on Holden Beach. Live music from The Sand Band begins at 6:30 p.m. You can find more event details here.
Learn about some of our saltwater locals on Sunset Beach. Organized by the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch, Turtle Time is a free and family-friendly discussion about sea turtles, nests, and conservation. It begins at 7:00 p.m. You can find more event details here.
For more trip ideas, things to do, and places to eat please visit www.ncbrunswick.com. We wish you, your friends, and family a happy and safe July weekend in NC’s Brunswick Islands!