Planning a Pleasure Island Beach Wedding?

Who doesn’t dream of a beach wedding? Couples and their families from all over the country come to Pleasure Island to tie the knot because of our beautiful white sand, stunning sunsets, majestic sea oats in the dunes, and of course, the Atlantic—all are the perfect backdrop for that very special day. Our Pleasure Island business community has everything you need to plan and design your ocean-side nuptials.


Whether it’s Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, or a Fort Fisher Beach wedding, all are easily accessible for your guests, as well as vendors.

Planning Your Pleasure Island Wedding

As wedding destinations go, Pleasure Island is tough to beat. With the stunning Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop, picture perfect weather and friendly locals to handle all of the details, it’s no wonder that scores of happy couples are choosing to tie the knot right here. Boasting a pristine beach strand, charming cottages, quaint churches, island inns, party boats and elegant hotels, there are plenty of enchanting settings to choose from. There are also an amazing number of venues for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and send-offs.

Regardless of what you’d like, from a down home oyster roast to a champagne brunch or bridesmaid’s luncheon-no problem! Another big plus is that friends and family love it here too. After the bouquet has been tossed and the newlyweds are sailing off into the sunset, many guests often prefer to stay awhile, soak up some sun and explore the area.

Dinosaurs Take Over Annual Egg Hunt!

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher's annual egg hunt will be one to remember this year!

For 2016, the annual Alligator Egg Hunt officially becomes the Dinosaur Egg Hunt, in honor of the new animatronic exhibit, "DINOSAURS!" opening March 19. The Dinosaur Egg Hunt will take place March 19, 25 and 26.

"While the reptiles are bigger, the fun remains the same with children learning, creating and playing during this much loved tradition," the Aquarium stated in a press release.

Here's what to expect at this year's fun, family-friendly egg hunt:

Aquarium educators will introduce children to a live baby alligator and share fun facts about reptiles, both prehistoric and ones living today.

Kids will create their own dinosaur egg basket and search for candy-filled "dinosaur" eggs in the Aquarium garden, where six new animatronic dinosaurs make their home.

The Dinosaur Egg Hunt is recommended for children ages 3-10 (children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult) and limited space is available. This events sells out quickly every year, so reserve a space now!

Dates and Times:

Saturday, March 19 at 10 am and 1 pm
Friday, March 25 at 10 am and 1 pm
Saturday, March 26 at 10 am and 1 pm

Prices:

The program fee is $20 per child; $11 for N.C. Aquarium members. Regular Aquarium admission applies to adults accompanying program participants. Preregistration is required by March 16 for March 19 programs and March 23 for March 25-26 programs. Register for the Dinosaur Egg Hunt online at http://www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher or call (910) 772-0500.

20th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off Restaurant Contestants Named

The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to officially announce the contestants of the 2016 Chowder Cook-Off!

Congratulations to all the contestants! 

Buzz's Roost CB
8 Pavilion Avenue South on the Boardwalk
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Havana's Fresh Island Restaurant
1 North Lake Park Boulevard
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
910-458-2822

Kure Beach Holiday Market

The Town of Kure Beach is proud to present its Holiday Market, where visitors can find one-of-a-kind handmade treasures just in time for the gift-giving season!

Plan a Holiday Getaway on Pleasure Island

Some beach communities roll up the streets after Labor Day, but nothing could be further from the truth on Pleasure Island!

The holiday season is a magical time here, and if you’re planning a late-season visit to Pleasure Island, you’ll find a whole host of activities that will surely put you in the Christmas spirit. Use this handy guide to plan the perfect holiday getaway to our cozy beach towns.

Holiday Craft Show

The American Legion Post 129 Auxiliary presents the 3rd Annual Holiday Craft Show! The event will take place November 14, 2015 from 9 am until 4 pm at the Post 129 Events Pavilion, 1500 Bridge Barrier Road, Carolina Beach. Come enjoy snacks, beverages, door prizes and of course plenty of fantastic holiday crafts to get you in the spirit of the season!

Free Day at the Aquarium

Looking for something fun to do with the family on Veteran's Day? Take the kids to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher for an entertaining and educational experience - and best of all, it's free!

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is celebrating Veteran's Day by waiving admission fees for everyone on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. 

Cash Bingo - Tonight

Cash Bingo at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS are Bingo Nights at the Boardwalk, beginning at 6:30pm.

Come join us for Cash Bingo every Wednesday night starting May 22nd through August 28th.

For less than $20.00 you can play all games including specials, so bring your friends and join us for a fun filled evening.

Cash prizes are awarded for each game, up to $1,000 in prizes each night!!!

Gregg Allman To Headline the 19th Annual Pleasure Island Seafood Blues & Jazz Festival

The air is crisp, the nights are cool and the sky is blue – Welcome to Pleasure Island in the fall. And there is no better way to bring in Autumn than to attend the 19th Annual Pleasure Island Seafood Blues & Jazz Festival on October 13th & 14th. This years’ Festival brings 1995 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Blues Icon, the legendary GREGG ALLMAN to Pleasure Island. In addition, there will be fourteen other blues and jazz groups on two stages over the two day festival brought to you by Bryant Real Estate and the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area.

GREGG ALLMAN will arrive on Pleasure Island in support of his seventh solo album, his first in 13 years, Low Country Blues. As a founding member of the one and only Allman Brothers Band and in his own storied solo career, Allman has long been a gifted natural interpreter of the blues, his soulful and distinctive voice one of the defining sounds in the history of American music. Produced by T Bone Burnett, Low Country Blues finds Allman putting his own stamp on songs by some of the blues giants whose work has long informed his own, from Muddy Waters and BB King to Buddy Guy and Magic Sam. Named for the coastal Georgia region Allman calls home, Low Country Blues stands as a high water mark in an already remarkable body of work, rich with passion, verve, and the unerring confidence of a true survivor.

Tickets are just $40.00 in advance for a two-day pass or can be purchased at the door for $50.00 for Saturday (Gregg Allman plays Saturday night) and $15.00 for Sunday. Kids 12 and under are free. We ask that you do not bring coolers or pets, but bring your chairs, towels and blankets for a Pleasure Island style weekend. See you there!

Ticket on sale now! Buy them today on Eventbrite.

Keep up to date with the latest on one of the area's most beloved blues festivals:

Official Web Page: http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/seafood-blues-and-jazz-festival/

Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/SeafoodBluesandJazzFestival

2012 Events on Pleasure Island

The 2012 Pleasure Island Event Calendar has been released so it's time to mark your calendar for your favorite Kure Beach and Carolina Beach Events! There's never a dull moment on Pleasure Island! Learn more and stay up to date on the latest at PleasureIslandNC.org and on the official Pleasure Island Facebook Page.

2012 Schedule	Pleasure Island Event
January 6 Friday	American Legion FISH FRY (Carolina Beach) 910-458-4253
January 7 Saturday	Katie B. Hines Senior Center PANCAKE BREAKFAST 910-458-6609
January 28 Saturday	1st Annual Backyard BBQ Cook-off at Carolina Beach Lake(Benefits Step Up For Soldiers) (910-547-0087)
February 3 Friday	American Legion FISH FRY (Carolina Beach) 910-458-4253
February 4 Saturday	Katie B. Hines Senior Center PANCAKE BREAKFAST 910-458-6609
February 18 Saturday	2012 Special Olympics Polar Plunge (910-341-5876)
March 2 Friday	American Legion FISH FRY (Carolina Beach) 910-458-4253
March 3 Saturday	Katie B. Hines Senior Center PANCAKE BREAKFAST 910-458-6609
March 17 Saturday	8th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick's Day Lo-Tide Run (330-417-0144)
March 23-24 Friday & Saturday	Suncoast Cruiser "Back To The Beach" Car Show (910-707-0060)
April 6 Friday	American Legion FISH FRY (Carolina Beach) 910-458-4253
April 7 Saturday	Katie B. Hines Senior Center PANCAKE BREAKFAST 910-458-6609
April 14 Saturday	16th Annual Chowder Cook Off (910-458-8434)
April 28 Saturday	6th Annual Kure Beach Street Fair Joe Eakes Park (910-458-8216)
May 4 Friday	American Legion FISH FRY (Carolina Beach) 910-458-4253
May 5 Saturday	Katie B. Hines Senior Center PANCAKE BREAKFAST 910-458-6609
May 11 Saturday	14th Annual Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman Fishing Tournament (910-264-8397)
May 19 Saturday	Miss Pleasure Island Scholarship Pageant (910-458-5962)
May 19 & 20 Sat & Sun	Seaside Soccer Classic (910-392-0306)
May-Sept Saturday	Carolina Beach Farmer's Market Every Saturday (910-431-8122)
June 1 Friday	American Legion FISH FRY (Carolina Beach) 910-458-4253
June 2 Saturday	Katie B. Hines Senior Center PANCAKE BREAKFAST 910-458-6609
June - Aug Sunday	Weekly Movies at the Carolina Beach Lake (910-458-8534) (movie schedule will be released in early 2012)
June-Aug Thursday	Weekly Fireworks on the Beach and Live Entertainment at the Boardwalk Gazebo(910-458-8434)
June - Aug 2nd & 4th Friday of each month	FREE Summer Concerts at Ft. Fisher Air Force Recreation Area (910-458-8434) (schedule will be posted in early April)
June 2 Saturday	27th Annual Beach Music Festival (910-458-8434) ON THE BEACH
June 2 Saturday	Kure Beach Double Sprint Triathlon(www.setupevents.com)
July 6 Friday	American Legion FISH FRY (Carolina Beach) 910-458-4253
July 7 Saturday	Katie B. Hines Senior Center PANCAKE BREAKFAST 910-458-6609
July 3 Tuesday	Independence Day Fireworks (910-458-8434)
July 13-15 Fri, Sat, Sun	East Coast Got Em 'On Classic King Mackerel Tournament  (910-458-0240)
August 3 Friday	American Legion FISH FRY (Carolina Beach) 910-458-4253
August 4 Saturday	Katie B. Hines Senior Center PANCAKE BREAKFAST 910-458-6609
September 7 Friday	American Legion FISH FRY (Carolina Beach) 910-458-4253
September 8 Saturday	Katie B. Hines Senior Center PANCAKE BREAKFAST 910-458-6609
September 21-23 Fri, Sat, Sun	5th Annual North Carolina Flatfish Tournament (910-452-6378)
October 5 Friday	American Legion FISH FRY (Carolina Beach) 910-458-4253
October 6	Katie B. Hines Senior Center PANCAKE BREAKFAST 910-458-6609
October 13 & 14 Sat & Sun	19th Annual Seafood, Blues and Jazz Festival (910-458-8434)
October 19-21 Fri & Sat	6th Annual Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge (910-452-6378)
October 20 Saturday	4th Annual Salty Paws Festival (910-458-3266)
October 27 Saturday	Carolina Beach Firefighters Association ANNUAL BBQ (910-458-8434)
November 2 Friday	American Legion FISH FRY (Carolina Beach) 910-458-4253
November 3 Saturday	Katie B. Hines Senior Center PANCAKE BREAKFAST 910-458-6609
November 23 Friday	Island of Lights "Light-Up The Lake Celebration" (910-458-5507)
November 24- December 22	4th Annual Christmas by the Sea every Saturday (Carolina Beach Boardwalk) (910-458-8434)
November 30 Friday	Island of Lights Christmas Parade (910-458-5507)
December 1 Saturday	Island of Lights Flotilla (910-458-5507)
December 7 Friday	American Legion FISH FRY (Carolina Beach) 910-458-4253
December 8 Saturday	Katie B. Hines Senior Center PANCAKE BREAKFAST 910-458-6609
December 8 Saturday	Island of Lights Tour of Homes (910-458-5506)
December 31 Monday	Island of Lights New Year's Eve Celebration held in Kure Beach (910-458-8434)

Labor Day Weekend on Pleasure Island

Labor Day Weekend is here!  We know tons of folks are headed to the beach to enjoy the break so we've planned a fun-filled week to close out the regular Summer season full of FREE activities for your vacationing and leisure-time fulfillment.  There is always something for everyone on our little slice of paradise.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Free Concert: Please plan on joining us this FRIDAY night, September 2nd, for a FREE concert from 6:30 until 9:30 at the Carolina Beach Gazebo stage featuring Nags Heads' Mojo Collins.  Mr.Collins is an award-winning, Blues guitarist & songwriter who is also the former lead guitarist for Initial Shock and Sawbuck.
Fireworks: And don't forget to stay for our fantastic TRIPLE Fireworks show at 9:00 pm (weather permitting).  Come join your family and friends at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for a night of FREE fun, music and fireworks.


Saturday, September 3, 2011

Carolina Beach Farmer's Market: Let's not forget, the final and very popular Carolina Beach Farmer's Market held this Saturday from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Carolina Beach Lake featuring over 85 vendors for this final week.
Movies at the Lake: This Saturday, September 3rd, at 8:30 pm, Toy Story 3 (G) will be presented where the toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home. 

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Movies at the Lake: To close out our Summer Movie Series on Sunday, September 4th, we will offer Rango (PG) for your viewing pleasure.  Join Johnny Depp as he brings Rango to the animated screen… Rango is an ordinary chameleon who accidentally winds up in the town of Dirt, a lawless outpost in the Wild West in desperate need of a new sheriff. Bring your chairs, blankets and picnics - Concessions and drinks are available for purchase on site.


Don't forget about the final week of Family Night this Tuesday at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk from 6:30-8:30. The next night will offer Cash BINGO at the Gazebo Stage from 7:00-9:00 on Wednesday evenings.
  
Please contact the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce if you have questions: (910) 458-8434 .

And don't forget to check out our exciting Pleasure Island Calendar of Events.

Touch of Class Charity Auction

The 10th Annual “Touch of Class” Charity Auction is coming up on Friday, May 7, 2010.

This year, the Pleasure Island Foundation for a Sustainable Community is excited to announce that Step up for Soldiers will be the beneficiary for this year’s event.

Event Details:

• What: Touch of Class Charity Auction
• When: Friday, May 7, 2010

For more details contact Gail at (910) 458-8434 or visit www.PleasureIslandNC.org/charityauction.asp

Carolina Beach Gives Initial OK for Freeman Park Music Festival

The Star-News reports that the Carolina Beach town council last night gave preliminary approval to Michael Oliver's Revolution Evolution of Love Music Festival to be held at Freeman Park this summer.  Freeman Park is the undeveloped north end of Carolina Beach accessible only by foot or 4WD vehicle with a purchased daily or annual permit.

Michael Oliver proposed a weekend long, free music festival on the beach featuring local bands of many genres including reggae, bluegrass, folk, jam bands, and classic rock.  The board had some concerns about the logistics but unanimously approved the festival with changes to be worked out to address the board's concerns.

Among the Town Council's concerns are how to supply food vendors with the necessary resources to abide by health codes, supplying enough portable toilets, having extra police officers on duty, and that the timing make way for the beach nourishment project in April.  While some councilman were concerned about excessive partying and drugs, Mayor Joel Macon was quoted as saying "I'd rather it be planned than impromptu if they're going to do it anyway. I'd rather work together to make it a safe environment."

To read the full Star-News article, please see: Carolina Beach gives initial OK to music festival at Freeman Park

Sunday Night Movie at Carolina Beach Lake - 2010 Lineup

Snow might be in the forecast, but the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce is busy thinking about a fun-filled summer season here at the beach!

And to get you all thinking about warmer times ahead, we've announced the 2010 movie line-up for the annual summertime series: Sunday Night Movie at Carolina Beach Lake.


There is something for everyone this year and the series will kick off with the 9-time Oscar nominated Avatar on May 30th! Other movies in the weekly series include Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian, Star Trek, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Blind Side, Where the Wild Things Are and more!

Please visit our website for details on the full line-up: Sunday Night Movie at Carolina Beach Lake.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown - New Hanover County 2010

Sunday, March 7th, 2010 will be the 15th Annual Be A Tourist in Your Own Hometown Appreciation Day for all New Hanover County residents.

Participating area attractions will open their doors to New Hanover County residents free of charge so that they can become “tourists in their own hometown”. Offering free admission is a fun and rewarding way to thank the residents for their support.

A number of Pleasure Island businesses will be taking part in this event.

Those businesses are:

• Carolina Beach Lake Park – Free Paddle Boat rides
• Federal Point History Center
• Fort Fisher State Historic Site
• Fort Fisher State Recreation Area – Free access to the Beach
• Jungle Rapids – Either free round of golf, free go-cart ride or free wall climbing
• Wheel Fun Rentals – Free bicycle and specialty product rentals

Event Details:

• What: Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown Appreciation Day
• When: Sunday, March 7, 2010
• Admission: Free

Some special conditions apply.

To see a complete list of businesses and conditions please visit www.CapeFearCoast.com/hometown.

Pleasure Island Chowder Cook Off - April 17, 2010

It’s time to start the countdown! Mark your calendar now for April 17th, 2010 for the 14th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off.

In addition to serving up some of the best chowder around, this daylong event includes live music….and, we are proud to announce Mark Roberts and Breeze will be entertaining you all day! As always, our Kidz Zone will have face painting, balloon art and a “giant” inflatable. There will also be hotdogs, funnel cakes, beer, wine and much more for sale. (No coolers or pets will be allowed).

Last year’s winner in the Judges Choice and Peoples Choice, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant, will not be competing this year. As most of you know, Michael and Shelly took their chowder recipe all the way to Newport, Rhode Island to compete in their Chowder Cook-Off and won 1st place in the Seafood Chowder Division. How cool is that? This win opens more doors for them to compete for National Titles. So, for those restaurants who ALWAYS claim they won’t enter because Michael’s wins every year, now is your chance!

The food vendor applications are ready, so please call at the Chamber at 458-8434 if you would like to compete.

There are also sponsorship opportunities available. This is a great family event and the perfect opportunity to promote your business...last year we had over 3,000 people in attendance! If you are interested please call Gail at 458-8434 or Donna at 442-4144 for more information.

For more information about the event, please visit: Pleasure Island Chowder Cook Off.

Star News - Carolina Beach Meetup At Surf House February 24, 2010

Star News Meetup

Editors and reporters from the Star News invite Pleasure Island residents - or anyone who works or plays in Carolina Beach,  Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher - to a reader interaction meetup at Surf House Cafe & Shop on February 24th, 2010 from 5pm until 7pm.  The public can come by anytime during those hours.  It is free to attend.

The Star News hosts a meetup each month in a different area of the New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick County coverage region.

Come out to meet reporters who cover Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher as well as other reporters, columnists, and editors from the Star News who will be in attendance.  Let them know what's going on in Pleasure Island, what issues are important to you, what ideas you have for articles, ask questions, or simply meet and chat.

For more information, please see: StarNews meetup scheduled for Feb. 24 in Carolina Beach.

6th Annual Polar Plunge - February 20th, 2010

The 6th Annual Polar Plunge is just around the corner. They will return to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for their Plunge to support Special Olympics New Hanover County.

Please join them on Feb. 20, 2010 in the big tent on the boardwalk starting at 11:00 am and be ready to take the Plunge at 3:00 pm.

They will have entertainment and other activities throughout the day.

Please go to the registration pages for online individual and team registration at www.PlungeNHC.com.

St. Patrick's Day Lo-Tide Run Registration is now Available

UPDATE 2012 - The Lo-Tide Run for 2012 is on March 17 starting at 8:45 am: http://pleasureislandchamber.blogspot.com/2012/01/8th-annual-steve-haydu-st-patricks-day.html
___________________________________________________

This year’s 6th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Day Lo-Tide Run is scheduled for March 13, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

On-line registration is now available through the website at www.LoTideRun.org.

Details
What: Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick's Day Lo-Tide Run
Where: Carolina Beach, NC
When: March 13, 2010
Time: 9:00 am

While on-line registration is preferred, mail-in registration forms will be available for download on the website as well as distributed to local businesses.