The 12 Best Annual Events on Topsail Island


Topsail Island is a beautiful, relaxing beach vacation destination with many fun events year-round. There is something for the entire family to enjoy! If you are planning a Topsail Island getaway, be sure to add the best annual events in the area to your vacation itinerary. 

Easter Egg Hunt 

Surf City holds an annual Easter egg hunt for kids during Easter weekend at Soundside Park. The dates and times vary, so check the town's website for the most up-to-date information. 

North Carolina Azalea Festival 

Held each April, the North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington is the perfect day trip from Topsail! You don't want to miss this exciting and colorful festival featuring a parade, concerts, street vendors, and more. 

The Topsail Beach Craft Market 

Craft markets are fun and offer a terrific way to shop for unique items and gifts! Each year, Topsail Beach hosts a Craft Market every Thursday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Stop by, browse the vendors, and support our local community of crafters and artisans during your next beach vacation! 

Poplar Grove Herb & Garden Fair 

Poplar Grove Plantation is proud to host their annual Herb & Garden Fair each April. With various unique and locally grown herbs, plants, and flowers, this annual event is perfect for those who want to enjoy a sunny spring day. You and your family will love the live music, craft vendors, food, classes, and a tour of the plantation home and stables. 

Poplar Grove's Farmers' Market 

Each year Poplar Grove Plantation hosts a Farmers' Market throughout the spring and summer. You can shop for natural products, fresh produce, baked goods, handmade soaps, crafts, and more.  

Ocean Fest 

Surf's up! Held annually in Surf City, Ocean Fests' mission is to "surf and protect" our beautiful oceans. This festival is held in May and features fun events like live music, surfing contests, beach yoga, and a beach clean-up day. 

4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations 

Celebrate America's birthday with a dazzling fireworks display in Surf City at Soundside Park. You can also enjoy family-friendly events, food vendors, and live music. 

Ocean City Jazz Festival 

Typically held each July in North Topsail Beach, the Ocean City Jazz Festival will have you moving and grooving to fantastic live jazz music! Talented jazz musicians take to the stage while spectators enjoy tasty food and merchandise vendors. 

Reel Housewives of Topsail Island Annual Bike Ride 

Join the Reel Housewives of Topsail Island Bike Ride in support of breast cancer research and awareness. This annual event takes place on the first Saturday of October and features a 26.2-mile ride around the island. The funds raised go towards helping local patients and families who are fighting the disease. 

Autumn with Topsail Festival 

Celebrate the magic of fall each October at the Autumn with Topsail Festival! This three-day event has been running since 1988 and is a local favorite. Live music, auctions, craft and gift vendors, food vendors, a beer tent, and plenty of things for kids to do are just a few of the activities you can enjoy. 

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting 

Get in the Christmas spirit with a fantastic Christmas parade and tree lighting! The parade is usually held in the afternoon on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, followed by a dazzling tree-lighting event featuring cookies and hot chocolate. Of course, the event would not be complete without a visit from Santa! 

Greater Topsail Island Christmas Market and Flotilla 

The Greater Topsail Island Christmas Market and Flotilla is an annual favorite that locals and visitors cherish. Held annually in December, you can shop at the Christmas Market at Soundside Park for handmade crafts and gifts. You can also expect a variety of food vendors and entertainment. End the night with the dazzling flotilla (this is a boat parade on the water) beside Soundside Park! 

Click here to discover the joy of a Topsail Christmas vacation!

Where to Stay 

To fully enjoy the best annual events on Topsail Island, you'll need somewhere fantastic to stay! We have an incredible variety of vacation rentals that can accommodate large parties or just the two of you. Whether you'd like to stay right on the beach or a few rows back, we've got you covered. Browse our selection of rental homes and start planning your Topsail Island vacation today. 


We hope you'll join us at a few of these fun area events. You are going to love this little slice of North Carolina paradise. 


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