Plan Your Summer on Topsail Island With These Ideas
Summer on Topsail Island is when the island comes alive as a vibrant coastal community that offers various events, festivals, and activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun, live music, delicious food, or outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are some of the best events, festivals, things to do, and free activities in the area. Another great way to add to all the fun is to have comfortable accommodations to return to each night! If you're looking for the perfect place, check out our beach vacation rentals!
Topsail Beach Craft Market
Unlike farmers' markets and similar summer markets, the Topsail Beach Craft Market focuses solely on arts and crafts. Here, you can find various styles of handmade and homemade arts and crafts, jewelry, soaps, home décor, photography, woodwork, and other unique items you won't find anywhere else! It's the perfect craft market to find unique holiday gifts for your loved ones or something to celebrate yourself!
You can visit this market every Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It is a popular Topsail Beach attraction where you can meet great people and make new friends. Everyone is friendly and excited to celebrate creativity at this market! Visit their website for more information on the talented vendors who will be there, and check out their Facebook page to keep up-to-date!
Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival
The Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival is one of the top festivals in Surf City, NC. This festival has been around since 1971 and celebrates the local shrimp industry. It features live music, delicious seafood, arts and crafts vendors, and various family-friendly activities, such as the Shrimp Festival Pageant and the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Ball. You don't want to miss this event, especially if you love happy, friendly people and celebrating shrimp!Soundside Park's Sip, Shop, & Stroll
Each summer, Soundside Park in Surf City, NC, hosts the delightful Sip, Shop, & Stroll events, offering a series of evenings where attendees can enjoy live music, sample their favorite drinks, and peruse offerings from local vendors and food trucks.
These free admission events are a staple of the community's summer activities, providing a perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the warm, festive atmosphere. Organized by Surf City Parks, Recreation, & Tourism, they encapsulate the spirit of summer on Topsail Island, making them a must-visit for an enjoyable time with friends and family. Check Surf City's official event calendar for the latest details and dates.
Surf to Sound 5K
The Surf to Sound 5K in Surf City, NC, is an inspiring event for runners and walkers of all levels. Starting from Soundside Park, the course takes participants over the scenic Surf City Bridge to Atkinson Point and back, covering a picturesque three-mile loop.
This event promises breathtaking views and serves a noble cause, acting as a fundraiser for the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Participating contributes to the vital efforts in protecting and rehabilitating sea turtles, ensuring their survival and prosperity in their natural habitat. The Surf to Sound 5K is a unique blend of fitness, natural beauty, and philanthropy, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Live Summer Music on Topsail Island
See our blog about things to do in July to find more things to do in summer on Topsail Island! It includes some great places to find live music throughout the summer and more! Or check any of the following bars and venues for their current live music schedules throughout the summer and fall:
Surf City Line Restaurant and Bar
Ironclad Golf's Shaka Beer Garden and Music Space
Monthly Ladies Bingo Night
Once a month, the ladies gather for a night of bingo in North Topsail Beach. Join with $10 at the door, get your goody bag, and play four exciting rounds of bingo. Visit their Facebook page to find out when the next bingo night is and to get pre-registration information.
Take A Dip In The Atlantic
You're right on the North Carolina coastline, so take advantage of every opportunity to cool off in the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you're in North Topsail Beach, Surf City, or Topsail Beach, you'll have ocean access only steps away.
Whether you only dip your toes in or decide to go all in, you'll appreciate the instant and refreshing relief you'll find. Try it! The local ocean temperatures average in the low 80s during the summer months, which is cool enough to be refreshing but not shockingly cold or bathtub warm. You can learn more about Topsail Island weather and water temperatures here.
Embark Upon A Topsail Sightseeing Cruise
Step out onto the deck, feel the salty sea air blow through your hair, and caress your face. The cooling breezes complement the gorgeous Topsail Island views. There are plenty of sightseeing options, whether you prefer a dinner cruise, a sunset cruise, or a dolphin watch cruise.
You can check out our local sightseeing opportunities and start making your plans. All aboard!
Kayak, Canoe Or Paddleboard The Soundside Waters
One of the benefits of a barrier island vacation is the access to two differing bodies of water: the ebb and flow of the ocean plus the calm and peaceful Soundside waters. Whether you go it alone or try out a local paddling company, you have plenty of on-the-water options.
North Topsail Beach offers easy access to the waters around Permuda Island. The calm conditions and flat waters are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Feel the breeze as you move along the local waters and observe the variety of marine life, from shorebirds to shellfish. Nature lovers and birdwatchers are encouraged to visit this unique ecosystem off of Topsail Island and explore what it offers.
Explore The Local Topsail History, Culture, And Marine Life
Topsail Island and the surrounding area are rich with history and maritime charm and offer plenty of indoor options for days when you want to take a break from the outdoors and spend some time inside. We recommend The Missiles and More Museum, Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, Poplar Grove Plantation, The Battleship North Carolina, and the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher for excellent indoor adventures.
See more of our Topsail area attractions and things to do for even more indoor ideas and activities filled with family-friendly fun.
Free Summer Activities in Surf City
Surf City, NC, offers a variety of free public events throughout the year, including but not limited to movies in the park and music concerts. These events provide exciting opportunities for community engagement and entertainment in picturesque settings. For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of activities and events you can enjoy without cost, please visit the official Surf City Things To Do Calendar. If you’re looking for other things to do, check out our blog about Topsail Island summer events.
Stay in Luxury and Comfort on Topsail Island
Topsail Island and surrounding areas, like Surf City, offer visitors a wealth of events, festivals, and activities. Whether looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, you'll find it all in this beautiful coastal destination. Check out our fabulous vacation rentals to have the perfect place to return to after a fantastic day out enjoying your vacation, and plan your trip today!
What is your favorite thing to do on Topsail Island?
Let us know in the comments!
