How to Have the Best Time at Beach Concerts

by Wilmington Today ContributorMay 26, 2016Attractions & Entertainment, Greater Cape Fear, The Blog

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Beaches | Events | Live Music Venue | Live Performances

Sand, sun, and music: It’s time for summer beach concerts! Get set to have the best time at 2016 beach concerts in the Wilmington, NC area. Local beaches have a super summer schedule of bands, so choose your favorites, put on your flip flops, and come on out.

You’ll need:

Beachwear, plus a cover-up. Nights can get cool with the ocean breeze, so bring long sleeves to stay comfortable later.
Sunscreen. It doesn’t take long to get a sunburn on a hot summer evening.
Beach chairs. You can always bring a blanket instead.
Picnic treats. Snacks, beverages, and even whole meals are available nearby, but a cooler and your own snacks are welcome at all the area beach concerts.
Kids. Most of the concerts are before bedtime, so let the kids wear themselves out dancing!

Leave behind:

Alcohol is not allowed, but there are watering holes nearby if you’d like an adult beverage after the show.

2016 Boardwalk Blast at Carolina Beach

Pleasure Island Summers officially begin when the weekly fireworks and concerts kick off on Memorial Day Weekend. Sponsored by the Pleasure Island Chamber, the Boardwalk Blast concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Gazebo Stage. Fireworks on the Beach begin at 9 p.m. Concerts and fireworks are free.

Shows are Thursday nights through Labor Day with exceptions for holiday weekends.

Memorial Day Weekend: JackJack 180 plays on Friday, May 27, 2016.

Independence Day Show: Roots United plays Sunday, July 3, 2016.

Labor Day Weekend: Drew Smith Band plays Friday, September 2, 2016.

2016 Pops in the Park and Summer Fun Fridays on Topsail Island

Summer Fun Fridays come to Soundside Park on Friday evenings 6–8 p.m. Concerts take place at Soundside Park, just over the swing bridge. Don’t miss these shows:

Memorial Day Weekend: The Carolina Band, May 27, 2016.
Independence Day Shows: Snake Malone and the Black Cat Bone, July 1, 2016.
The Mark Roberts Band, July 3, 2016. Followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
End of July Specials: Closin Tyme, July 29, 2016.
Liverpool Carolina Beatles Experience, Aug. 6, 2016.

Parking is an issue, so try to walk, bike, or carpool if you can.

And don’t miss Pops in the Park on Sunday afternoons.

Coastal Bounce brings a Bounce House and Hot Mess Studios sets up Arts and Crafts to keep the kids happy. Bring a chair, blanket, and your dancing shoes (or flip flops)!

In case of rain, shows move to the Community Center, 201 Community Center Drive (off J.H. Batts Rd., on the mainland).

FREE admission to all concerts!

Sounds of Summer at Wrightsville Beach Park

They’re not next to the water, but they’re the next best thing. Check out Sounds of Summer Concert Series every Thursday from June 16–August 4.

June 16: Southern Trouble
June 23: The Schoolboys
June 30: The Fury
July 7: Selah Dubb
July 14: Jack Jack 180
July 21: Machine Gun Band
July 28: Bantum Rooster
August 4: The Imitations

Boogie in the Park at Kure Beach

On Sundays this summer, check out Kure Beach Ocean Front Park for free live music. The Town of Kure Beach will hosting their Boogie in the Park series every Sunday from 5–7 p.m., May through October.

May 1: Tyler Barham (country)
May 15: Rebekah Todd & The Odyssey (rock, blues, soul)
June 5: Mangroove (swing, jazz, blues)
June 19: The Imitations (beach)
July 3: Roots United (reggae)
July 17: South of K (bluegrass)
Aug. 7: Lynne and the Wave (rock, pop, country)
Aug. 21: The Clams (jam, rock)
Sept. 4: The Central Park Band (classic rock, beach)
Sept. 18: Sonic Spectrum (rock, soul)

Fort Fisher Summer Concert Series

Bring the entire family to Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area, 118 Riverfront Road in Kure Beach on Fridays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for FREE concerts.