Fall is upon us and it's time to start looking at what festivities lie ahead at Topsail Island! With so much to do we are sure you will find something entertaining as the temperatures start to cool and the autumn leaves set in bringing their brilliance and beauty across the landscape.

What a great time of year to plan a beautiful vacation at the beach. If you are looking for a vacation rental, check out some of the best places to stay on Topsail Island!

And then you can add any of these great events to your vacation itinerary. We know you will have an amazing time here with any or all of them.

Holly Ridge, NC

Unfortunately, this festival happened over the weekend and is now over. But we wanted to give an honorable mention since it is such a great event that hosts live music, children's activities, vendors, and even fireworks!

Since this is an annual event, you can look forward to it next year.

Surf City, NC

On Saturday, September 17, 2022, Paddle 4 Troops will host an event for stand-up paddle board  (SUP) racing. You can choose to sign up competitively for the 5K or 10K race or decide on the 3K non-competitive Fun Paddle, all of which take place at the Sears Landing Boat Dock & Grill.

They will have live entertainment, a silent live auction, 50/50 drawing, food and drinks, and lunch provided to any registered paddlers.  

Paddle 4 Troops is a nonprofit that supports local veterans through a paddle race that is fun and/or competitive for all who attend. These proceeds go directly to assisting veterans and their families. If you dont want to race, you can still donate.

If youd like to learn more about this event and signup, go to their signup page for Paddle 4 Troops Competitive and Fun SUP Race.

Surf City, NC

Have you ever played poker in a boat by having to go to different stops to get your hand? Introducing The Surf City Auxiliary 3rd Annual Boater Poker Run! This is not a boat race, but a run to get your poker hand and play your cards at the end. 

Registration already started on August 1, 2022, but you still have until September 24th to get registered. On the day of the event, each participant will get one card at each designated stop along the ICWW from Topsail to New River Marina.

At 7pm that night, the grand prize ($2500) will be announced at Sears Landing Grill & Boat Docks. But stick around for door prizes too.

If you’d like to participate in this exciting event, make sure to get your waiver in and check the full rules before you pick up your Participant Packet/Bucket. For more about this and other information, please visit their website, Surf City Fire Aux or visit their Facebook event Boater Poker Run page.

Surf City, NC

If you love people, nature, the ocean, and the beach, you are going to love this weekend-long event. Ocean Fest is a free, two-day beachside entertainment fest. There will be live music, arts, surf, eco festival with eight live bands, beer gardens, vintage surf contest, eco exhibits, kids zone, food trucks, artisan vendors and more.

There is even a 5K Packet Pickup Party, the night before on Friday, Oct. 7, with the Ocean Fest Kickoff Concert. Enjoy the Fat Tire beer garden, food trucks, and two live bands. How could one not?

There is a little something for everyone at this event. Please go to their Ocean Fest signup page or their website The Ocean Fest for more information and to register for all this fun and run.

Topsail Beach, NC

This annual festival started back in 1988 and is held on the grounds of the Historical Society of Topsail Island and the Assembly Building that houses the Missiles & More Museum in Topsail Beach, NC.

Here you can enjoy 3 days of live music, amazing food offerings with wine and beer, inflatables and crafts for kids, and over 100 regional artists featuring and selling their creative passions.

Free Shuttle services will get you from various parking areas to the event, but please remember, no pets are allowed unless licensed to service.

Check out this event at Autumn with Topsail or on the event Facebook page Autumn with Topsail Festival for more information and directions.

North Topsail Beach, NC

What better way to burn off those holiday calories than with a 5K run supporting a good cause? At the Gobble Wobble 5K, you can do just that. This casual, no-frills event wants your help to support Share the Table financially and with food donations. Their goal is bringing people together to support families and communities.

They have a race, shirt, medal, delicious post-race food and drinks, and a load of fun for everyone. Join this flat 5K race and support a wonderful charity while honoring NTB friend and pillar to the community, Ryan Hansen.  

Get signup information on their website NTB Gobble Wobble and their Facebook page.

This is a lot of fun excitement for the Fall season on Topsail Island. With so much to do you are bound to meet new people, ward off those end-of-summer blues, and make memories to last a lifetime.

If you would like help planning a vacation on Topsail Island during the off-season, we would love to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us and we can tell you about all our beautiful island has to offer, including some great Fall Specials you can rent for your vacation!