Free things to do in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach
Listings marked free by their organizer or venue, with no ticket or entry fee stated: weekly free nights first, then dated events. Food, drinks and parking may still cost money, so check each source before going.
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Every week
Blankets, Bonfires & Music (Through Oct 30)
Pumpkin Patch (Through Oct 31)
Family Storytime (Ages 5 and Under, Through Dec 14)
Puzzle Swap
DIY Day for Adults (Registration Required)
Beach Church (Outdoor Sunday Service)
County HazWagon Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
Sunday Worship and Adult Sunday School (Live Stream Available)
Sunday Coffee, Bible Study, and Worship
Sunday Worship (Three Services)
Sunday School and Worship
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Sunday Worship
Wednesday Evening Service
Campus Church Service and Classes
Sunday Worship
Free Hot Community Meal
AA Beginners Meeting
AA Step Study
AA Open Discussion
Open Play Mahjong (Alley Dragons)
Midweek Bible Study on Prayer (Restarts Oct 28)
Trivia Wednesdays With Fun-Ish Trivia: $6 Wine, $6 Select Whiskey, $5 Off Nachos and Quesadillas
Music Bingo (Tapp'd Games)
Live Music
Hold My Beer Trivia on the Patio
Live Music
Sunday Worship (Three Services)
Second Sunday Social (Potluck After Worship)
Martha's Kitchen Free Community Dinner
Trivia Tuesday (What the Duck Trivia)
Trivia With Jeff Smith
Turtle Talk (2027 Summer Series)
Kure Beach Market (2027 Summer Series)
Story Time by the Sea (2027 Summer Series)
Neighbor Night (2027 Summer Series)
DJ Funshine's Music Bingo
Mahjong & Wine Mondays
Music Bingo
October 2026
Carolina Beach Pier Pumpkin Patch
The beachfront pumpkin patch offers photo spots, with pumpkins and refreshments for sale.
Halloween Family Storytime (Pleasure Island Library)
Children ages 5 and younger and their caregivers share 25 minutes of Halloween-themed stories, songs, and movement activities.Children ages 5 and younger and their caregivers share 25 minutes of Halloween-themed stories, songs, and movement activities. Library staff build early literacy skills through singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing.
October's Full Moon Party
The Carolina Beach Pier hosts its October full moon party with live music from Krispee Biscuits, fire pits and s'mores kits.
DJ Funshine's Music Bingo Costume Party
Music bingo with DJ Funshine turns into a costume party for the week before Halloween.Music bingo with DJ Funshine turns into a costume party for the week before Halloween. Costumes are encouraged, and Thanksgiving donation items for Good Shepherd Center are welcome.
Free Tuesday Tasting: Gundlach Bundschu Wines (Neapolitan Wine Bar)
Neapolitan Wine Bar pours a free tasting of Gundlach Bundschu wines.
Spooky Science Storyhour (Pleasure Island Library)
Participants do a spooky science experiment.
Book People (Pleasure Island Library)
Adults 18 and older gather to share current and favorite reads, swap book suggestions, and discover new authors.
CB Trash Walk (Last Walk of the Season)
CB Trash Walkers hold the last trash walk of the season on the Carolina Beach boardwalk.CB Trash Walkers hold the last trash walk of the season on the Carolina Beach boardwalk. Volunteers meet at Hoplite or the stage on the boardwalk and walk for about an hour. Weather permitting: walks are cancelled for rain, snow or heat over 85F. The group is in its 7th year and has collected over 25,000 pounds of trash; it was started by Hurricane Alley's, Cerulean Wealth Management and Hoplite.
Ribbon Cutting: Benny Pazerelli's
Pleasure Island Chamber ribbon cutting for the new Benny Pazerelli's on the Boardwalk.
Live Music: Carolina Aloha
Carolina Aloha plays the Carolina Beach Pier's free Blankets & Bonfires night of live music.
Community Blood Drive (American Red Cross)
The Town of Kure Beach hosts an American Red Cross blood drive. Walk-ins are welcome.
Live Music: Laura Ann
Live music in the Lakeside Beer Garden, with $1 off pumpkin beers on tap.
Live Music: Phantom Playboys
Phantom Playboys play the last Blankets & Bonfires night of the October series at the Carolina Beach Pier, a free evening of live music.
Witches Pub Crawl (11th Annual): Fundraiser for Harry's House
Beaches & Boots hosts the annual pub crawl along the boardwalk, and hats and light-up brooms are encouraged. Funds raised go to Harry's House.
Family Pre-Trick-or-Treat Party With DJ Disco Johnnie
The Carolina Beach Pier hosts a free, all-ages family party before trick-or-treating at the outdoor Tiki Bar, with music from DJ Disco Johnnie and a…The Carolina Beach Pier hosts a free, all-ages family party before trick-or-treating at the outdoor Tiki Bar, with music from DJ Disco Johnnie and a kids costume contest at 3 PM.
Halloween Night Party
The Carolina Beach Pier's Halloween night starts with Dragons With Matches at the outdoor Tiki Bar from 7 to 10 PM, free and open to all ages, with…The Carolina Beach Pier's Halloween night starts with Dragons With Matches at the outdoor Tiki Bar from 7 to 10 PM, free and open to all ages, with an adult costume contest at 9 PM. The 21+ ticketed Spookeasy party follows at 10 PM (listed separately).
Live Music: Tom Choiniere (Halloween)
Live music in the Lakeside Beer Garden, with $4 apple ciders and $5 hot chocolates for kids in costume.Live music in the Lakeside Beer Garden, with $4 apple ciders and $5 hot chocolates for kids in costume. The Veggie Wagon closes early at 6 PM on Halloween.
November 2026
Christmas Shoebox Packing Party
Volunteers pack Christmas shoeboxes right after the Sunday worship service (11 AM). The deadline to turn in filled boxes is Nov 15.
Read to a Dog (Pleasure Island Library)
Children ages 5-12 practice reading aloud to a certified therapy team from Love on a Leash in 15-minute time slots.Children ages 5-12 practice reading aloud to a certified therapy team from Love on a Leash in 15-minute time slots. Caregivers stay with their children, and registration is not required.
Island STEAM Club: Art Creations (Pleasure Island Library)
Kids ages 6-12 make a pom-pom turkey and explore science, engineering, and creativity through hands-on activities.Kids ages 6-12 make a pom-pom turkey and explore science, engineering, and creativity through hands-on activities. Participants work independently or in small groups.
Messy Hands (Pleasure Island Library)
Children ages 2-5 explore their creativity with different art mediums in this child-driven, process-based art program.Children ages 2-5 explore their creativity with different art mediums in this child-driven, process-based art program. An adult must accompany each child, play clothes are recommended, and registration is required.
Carolina Beach State Park Run With a Ranger
A park ranger leads a casual group run on the park trails, with pace and distance adjusted for everyone. Beginners, joggers and walkers welcome.A park ranger leads a casual group run on the park trails, with pace and distance adjusted for everyone. Beginners, joggers and walkers welcome. Meet at the Visitor Center.
Genealogy Interest Group (Kure Beach Community Center)
This monthly family-history group shares research tips and covers DNA and ancestry topics.
Medicare Information Session (Kure Beach Community Center Committee)
The Kure Beach Community Center Committee hosts a Medicare information session presented with the NC Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program…The Kure Beach Community Center Committee hosts a Medicare information session presented with the NC Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). Free and open to the public; no RSVP needed.
20th Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival
Professional kite flyers, live bands, food trucks, and vendors fill the day, followed by the evening Carolina Beach Aglow with LED lights and a dance…Professional kite flyers, live bands, food trucks, and vendors fill the day, followed by the evening Carolina Beach Aglow with LED lights and a dance party. Evening times vary, so check the official social pages.
CB Drone Show (America 250)
The second annual drone show is part of America 250 and takes place at dusk on Friday, Nov 6, 2026, during CB Aglow on the Carolina Beach beachfront.The second annual drone show is part of America 250 and takes place at dusk on Friday, Nov 6, 2026, during CB Aglow on the Carolina Beach beachfront. Hurricane Alley's co-sponsors the show.
Therapy Dog Storytime (Pleasure Island Library)
Children ages 5 and younger and their caregivers meet a therapy dog and share 25 minutes of dog-themed stories, songs, and movement activities.Children ages 5 and younger and their caregivers meet a therapy dog and share 25 minutes of dog-themed stories, songs, and movement activities. Library staff build early literacy skills through singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing.
Carolina Beach Kite Festival Mural Restoration: Kite's Eye View (Nico Amortegui)
Mural artist Nico Amortegui restores the Kite's Eye View mural during Kite Festival weekend.Mural artist Nico Amortegui restores the Kite's Eye View mural during Kite Festival weekend. The Island Women Literacy Group hosts a children's meet-and-greet on Sat, Nov 7, 2:00-3:00 PM (registration required).
County HazWagon Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off (Kure Beach Town Hall)
The New Hanover County HazWagon accepts household hazardous waste, electronics, and food waste at no charge.
Island Women Literary Group Meet & Greet With Mural Artist Nico Amortegui
Meet and greet with the Kite's Eye View mural artist for 20 children ages 5-12; registration required.
Island STEAM Club: LEGO (Pleasure Island Library)
Kids ages 6-12 take on a festive feast LEGO building challenge, part of a monthly series. Registration is required.
Kure Beach AI Roundtable Discussion
This monthly Community Center program explores artificial intelligence. The first session, AI Basics, took place on Oct 13.
Sensory Storytime (Pleasure Island Library)
Children ages 5 and younger and their caregivers take part in an interactive, sensory-friendly storytime.Children ages 5 and younger and their caregivers take part in an interactive, sensory-friendly storytime. Library staff build early literacy skills through singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing.
Puzzle Swap (Pleasure Island Library)
Puzzle fans trade their old puzzles and can join a group that works on a new puzzle each month. The swap meets on the second Thursday of the month.
Teen Art Club (Pleasure Island Library)
Teens ages 12-18 make a new craft project each month or use library art supplies for their own projects. Registration is required.
Stingray Stage Community Mural Painting
The Carolina Beach Mural Project hosts a two-day community painting of a new mural at the Stingray Stage at Carolina Beach Lake, designed by artist…The Carolina Beach Mural Project hosts a two-day community painting of a new mural at the Stingray Stage at Carolina Beach Lake, designed by artist Susan Nuttall. Volunteers of all ages are welcome and no art experience is needed. Volunteers sign up for a painting time slot here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549ACAE23A2FECF8-64997048-stingray#/
Yoga Storytime (Pleasure Island Library)
Kids ages 5 and younger and their caregivers enjoy yoga, stories, and music; bring a yoga mat, beach towel, or blanket, as only a limited number of…Kids ages 5 and younger and their caregivers enjoy yoga, stories, and music; bring a yoga mat, beach towel, or blanket, as only a limited number of mats are available. Registration is required, and there is no charge.
Healthy Aging: Addiction & Substance Abuse (Pleasure Island Library)
Addiction and substance abuse are a growing problem among older adults.Addiction and substance abuse are a growing problem among older adults. The session covers the signs and symptoms of addiction, risk factors to watch for, and avenues for recovery.
Island Readers Book Club (Pleasure Island Library)
Adults 18 and older meet on the third Wednesday of the month to discuss a book with a North Carolina or Southern literature theme.Adults 18 and older meet on the third Wednesday of the month to discuss a book with a North Carolina or Southern literature theme. Copies can be checked out from the Pleasure Island circulation desk.
Kure Beach Holiday Market
The market features handcrafted goods, a DJ, and food trucks.
Open Mic Comedy Night (Coastal Carolina Comedy)
Coastal Carolina Comedy's open mic comedy night at Island Beverage; sign-up at 7:30 PM, show at 8 PM.
Pleasure Island Pop & Shop (Fall Edition)
This fourth annual shop-local day, co-hosted by Island Tackle & Hardware, offers bubbly drinks, bites and in-store raffles at more than 10 Carolina…This fourth annual shop-local day, co-hosted by Island Tackle & Hardware, offers bubbly drinks, bites and in-store raffles at more than 10 Carolina Beach shops. Shoppers who visit three or more shops enter a prize drawing, held Sun, Nov 22, at Island Beverage.
Book People (Pleasure Island Library)
Adults 18 and older gather to share current and favorite reads, swap book suggestions, and discover new authors.
Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake
The Christmas tree lighting countdown at Carolina Beach Lake includes kids' games, hot cocoa, baked goods, a Christmas caroling sing-along, snow, and…The Christmas tree lighting countdown at Carolina Beach Lake includes kids' games, hot cocoa, baked goods, a Christmas caroling sing-along, snow, and Santa. Carolina Beach Parks & Recreation co-presents the event with Island of Lights.
Kure Beach Holiday Market
This is the second day of the holiday market.
December 2026
Island STEAM Club: Art Creations (Pleasure Island Library)
Kids ages 6-12 explore science, engineering, and creativity through hands-on activities. Participants work independently or in small groups.
Messy Hands (Pleasure Island Library)
Children ages 2-5 explore their creativity with different art mediums in this child-driven, process-based art program.Children ages 2-5 explore their creativity with different art mediums in this child-driven, process-based art program. An adult must accompany each child, play clothes are recommended, and registration is required.
Healthy Aging: Dementia
The library hosts a talk on dementia in its Healthy Aging series.
Genealogy Interest Group (Kure Beach Community Center)
This monthly family-history group shares research tips and covers DNA and ancestry topics.
Carolina Beach Christmas Parade
The parade travels north from the lake toward Publix, with Santa closing the parade.
Carolina Beach Holiday Market
The market features local artists and vendors.
County HazWagon Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off (Kure Beach Town Hall)
The New Hanover County HazWagon accepts household hazardous waste, electronics, and food waste at no charge.
Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla
Decorated boats parade along the Intracoastal Waterway from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin for prizes on Sat, Dec 5, 2026, the second…Decorated boats parade along the Intracoastal Waterway from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin for prizes on Sat, Dec 5, 2026, the second Saturday after Thanksgiving. One aggregator lists Dec 12, but this listing follows the organizer's date.
Christmas Palm Tree Lighting
The giant palm tree at Carolina Beach Pier is lit for the holiday season.The giant palm tree at Carolina Beach Pier is lit for the holiday season. The time follows last year's event (4:00 to 6:00 PM); confirm with the source.
Live Music: Nate Gerry Trio
The Nate Gerry Trio plays live at the pier.
Read to a Dog (Pleasure Island Library)
Children ages 5-12 practice reading aloud to a certified therapy team from Love on a Leash in 15-minute time slots.Children ages 5-12 practice reading aloud to a certified therapy team from Love on a Leash in 15-minute time slots. Caregivers stay with their children, and registration is not required.
Kure Beach AI Roundtable Discussion
This monthly Community Center program explores artificial intelligence. The first session, AI Basics, took place on Oct 13.
Sensory Storytime (Pleasure Island Library)
Children ages 5 and younger and their caregivers take part in an interactive, sensory-friendly storytime.Children ages 5 and younger and their caregivers take part in an interactive, sensory-friendly storytime. Library staff build early literacy skills through singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing.
Book People (Pleasure Island Library)
Adults 18 and older gather to share current and favorite reads, swap book suggestions, and discover new authors.
DIY Day for Adults (Pleasure Island Library)
Adults try a new craft or art on the second Wednesday of each month.Adults try a new craft or art on the second Wednesday of each month. Afterward, a featured library resource offers techniques and ideas for practicing the new skill at home.
Puzzle Swap (Pleasure Island Library)
Puzzle fans trade their old puzzles and can join a group that works on a new puzzle each month. The swap meets on the second Thursday of the month.
Teen Art Club (Pleasure Island Library)
Teens ages 12-18 make a new craft project each month or use library art supplies for their own projects. Registration is required.
Holiday Movie at the Lake
A holiday movie screens at Carolina Beach Lake. The title is not listed.
Yoga Storytime (Pleasure Island Library)
Kids ages 5 and younger and their caregivers enjoy yoga, stories, and music; bring a yoga mat, beach towel, or blanket, as only a limited number of…Kids ages 5 and younger and their caregivers enjoy yoga, stories, and music; bring a yoga mat, beach towel, or blanket, as only a limited number of mats are available. Registration is required, and there is no charge.
Island Readers Book Club (Pleasure Island Library)
Adults 18 and older meet on the third Wednesday of the month to discuss a book with a North Carolina or Southern literature theme.Adults 18 and older meet on the third Wednesday of the month to discuss a book with a North Carolina or Southern literature theme. Copies can be checked out from the Pleasure Island circulation desk.
Holiday Whoobie Whatty
The Grinch-themed night includes the Cheermeister announcement, a movie, crafts, cookie decorating, and Grinch photos.The Grinch-themed night includes the Cheermeister announcement, a movie, crafts, cookie decorating, and Grinch photos. Donations are collected for the Help Center of Federal Point.
Holiday Story Time by the Sea
Princesses lead a holiday story time.
Open Mic Comedy Night (Coastal Carolina Comedy)
Coastal Carolina Comedy's open mic comedy night at Island Beverage; sign-up at 7:30 PM, show at 8 PM.
Santa by the Sea
Santa appears alongside holiday activities.
Book People (Pleasure Island Library)
Adults 18 and older gather to share current and favorite reads, swap book suggestions, and discover new authors.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (Kure Beach First Baptist Church)
The community sings carols by candlelight with Kure Beach First Baptist Church; bring a lawn chair and a battery-powered candle.The community sings carols by candlelight with Kure Beach First Baptist Church; bring a lawn chair and a battery-powered candle. The inclement-weather location is Kure Beach First Baptist Church, 208 6th Ave S.
Island of Lights New Year's Eve Countdown and Drone Display
The countdown includes live music, a ball drop countdown, and drone fireworks shows at 8:00 PM and at midnight.The countdown includes live music, a ball drop countdown, and drone fireworks shows at 8:00 PM and at midnight. Carolina Beach Parks & Recreation co-presents the event with Island of Lights.
January 2027
Healthy Aging: Sleep Disorders (Pleasure Island Library)
The session covers how sleep affects health, why sleep matters, and common sleep disorders.The session covers how sleep affects health, why sleep matters, and common sleep disorders. Participants leave with concrete steps to improve their sleep.
Genealogy Interest Group (Kure Beach Community Center)
This monthly family-history group shares research tips and covers DNA and ancestry topics.
Kure Beach AI Roundtable Discussion
This monthly Community Center program explores artificial intelligence. The first session, AI Basics, took place on Oct 13.
February 2027
Kure Beach AI Roundtable Discussion
This monthly Community Center program explores artificial intelligence. The first session, AI Basics, took place on Oct 13.
March 2027
Kure Beach AI Roundtable Discussion
This monthly Community Center program explores artificial intelligence. The first session, AI Basics, took place on Oct 13.
April 2027
Kure Community Fest (2027)
This free family festival features music, games, vendors, food trucks, and a dunk tank.
May 2027
Boogie in the Park Concert (2027 Season)
The free live music series at Ocean Front Park runs on the first and third Sundays, May-Oct, with no concerts on July 4 or Labor Day weekends.
Boogie in the Park Concert (2027 Season)
The free live music series at Ocean Front Park runs on the first and third Sundays, May-Oct, with no concerts on July 4 or Labor Day weekends.
June 2027
Boogie in the Park Concert (2027 Season)
The free live music series at Ocean Front Park runs on the first and third Sundays, May-Oct, with no concerts on July 4 or Labor Day weekends.
Boogie in the Park Concert (2027 Season)
The free live music series at Ocean Front Park runs on the first and third Sundays, May-Oct, with no concerts on July 4 or Labor Day weekends.
July 2027
Boogie in the Park Concert (2027 Season)
The free live music series at Ocean Front Park runs on the first and third Sundays, May-Oct, with no concerts on July 4 or Labor Day weekends.
August 2027
Boogie in the Park Concert (2027 Season)
The free live music series at Ocean Front Park runs on the first and third Sundays, May-Oct, with no concerts on July 4 or Labor Day weekends.
Boogie in the Park Concert (2027 Season)
The free live music series at Ocean Front Park runs on the first and third Sundays, May-Oct, with no concerts on July 4 or Labor Day weekends.
September 2027
End of Season Foam Party (2027)
An end-of-season foam party takes place at Ocean Front Park.
Boogie in the Park Concert (2027 Season)
The free live music series at Ocean Front Park runs on the first and third Sundays, May-Oct, with no concerts on July 4 or Labor Day weekends.
October 2027
Kure Beach Farewell Summer Jazz Funeral (2027)
The annual farewell-to-summer jazz funeral includes a procession and a party.
Boogie in the Park Concert (2027 Season)
The free live music series at Ocean Front Park runs on the first and third Sundays, May-Oct, with no concerts on July 4 or Labor Day weekends.
Boogie in the Park Concert (2027 Season)
The free live music series at Ocean Front Park runs on the first and third Sundays, May-Oct, with no concerts on July 4 or Labor Day weekends.
Halloween Story Time by the Sea (2027)
A Halloween-themed story time takes place at Ocean Front Park.
November 2027
Kure Beach Holiday Market (2027)
The holiday market takes place at Ocean Front Park, with a second date on Nov 27.
Kure Beach Holiday Market (2027)
The holiday market takes place at Ocean Front Park.
December 2027
Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty (2027)
A Grinch-themed holiday event takes place at Ocean Front Park.
Holiday Story Time by the Sea (2027)
A holiday story time takes place at Ocean Front Park.