Another Jam Packed Weekend on Pleasure Island - Schedule of Events

Photo by Renee Bunting

Summer is in full swing and it's a great time to visit Pleasure Island! Here is a snapshot of just some of the fun taking place this weekend. For the full lineup check out the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Event Calendar.

Friday, June 4th:

• American Legion Fish Fry - 5:00 pm at 1500 Bridge Barrier Rd, $8 per person, call 910-458-4253 for more info.
• Free Concert at the Boardwalk - Beach Music Festival Kick-Off featuring Sea Cruz! 6 - 9 pm at the Gazebo at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
• Backatcha Playing at The Last Resort - Popular local beach music band playing at the smallest bar in NC in honor of the Beach Music Festival Weekend.

Saturday, June 5th:

• 25th Annual Beach Music Festival - 10:30 am - 5:30 pm on the beach in front of the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
• Carolina Beach Farmers Market - 8 am - 1 pm at the Carolina Beach Lake
• Pancake Breakfast at the Katie B. Hines Senior Center - 7:30 - 11 am at 308 Cape Fear Blvd in Carolina Beach, $8 (Kids over 8 - $4, Kids 8 and under - Free) Call 910-458-6609 for more info.
• Aquarium Surf Festival - 9 am - 5 pm at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (also Sunday)

Sunday, June 6th:

• Aquarium Surf Festival - 9 am - 5 pm at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (also Saturday)
• Free Movie at the Lake - Night At The Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian at the Carolina Beach Lake starting at dusk (around 8:45 pm)

And don't forget the rides at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, waterslides on Hamlet Ave, and the beautiful beach. Have a great weekend!

Beach Music Festival This Weekend in Carolina Beach

The 25th Annual Pleasure Island Beach Music Festival is this Saturday, June 5th, with a special Kick Off Friday evening. This highly anticipated event features some of the hottest Beach Music acts around.

Festival Schedule:

Friday, June 4th:
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Sea Cruz
At Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo (Cape Fear Blvd)
Admission - FREE!

Saturday, June 5th:
11:00 - 12:15 - The Holiday Band
12:30 - 2:00 - Mark Roberts and Breeze
2:15 - 3:45 - The Magnificents Band
4:00 - 5:30 - The Fantastic Shakers
On the beach in front of the Carolina Beach Boardwalk (Cape Fear Blvd)
Admission -$15 in Advance, $20 at the Gate

Tickets are available at the following locations:
The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce
Linda's Fashions
Olde Salty (on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk)
Silver Dollar (on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk)

And Don't Forget The 4th Annual Shag Contest!
Saturday, June 5th
Doors open at 7:00 pm, Contest begins at 8:00 pm
At Shanty's II Beach and Blues Club in Carolina Beach
Tickets - $5 in Advance, $8 at the Door

For more information call the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce at 910-458-8534 or visit www.pleasureislandnc.org

Pleasure Island Businesses Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend

Photo: ICW by Lexi DiBenedetto

Check out these specials and events courtesy of Pleasure Island restaurants and shops just in time for Memorial Day:

The SeaWitch is open for business! Although a fire recently damaged part of the SeaWitch's Tiki Bar, the remainder of the SeaWitch will continue to be open, serve food and be a hotspot for your favorite bands. The entertainment line up for this weekend includes Hot Water Wagon on Friday Night and Just Woke Up on Saturday Night. According to management, the Tiki Bar will be rebuilt and be even better than before.

The Carolina Beach Seafood Company is celebrating its Grand Opening this Memorial Day Weekend. Featuring fresh local seafood, come in and check out their large assortment of fresh shellfish & fish - including just caught Spanish Mackerel. You will also find an appealing assortment of beer, wine & gourmet food products.

Shanty's II provides you with a week full of entertainment. Friday night will be "Dance Mix" with all of your favorite "Shag" tunes featuring the Island's own DJ Mike Worley Saturday night is "Shag Night". Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. each night. Wednesday, June 2nd is Line Dancing Lessons for $5.00. Thursday night is the first session of beginning Shag lessons which is a four week session for $30. For those who wish to drop in to brush up on a step, it's only $10. Shanty's II is a private club and membership is only $10.00 for the entire year. For more information, please call Shanty's at 910-233-3266.

Island Colors is kicking off the summer with a sidewalk sale on Saturday, May 29th. Select merchandise from some of your favorite brands including Fresh Produce Sportswear will be on sale from 25-75% off. They need to make room for the new merchandise that is arriving at the store. There will be a free gift with purchase on Saturday. For more information, please call (910) 458-7736.

Southern Charm will hold their Memorial Day Sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 29th and 30th. Select jewelry and merchandise will be 20% off. Kick off the summer season looking your best. New summer sundresses just arrived as well as a new shipment of Funky Bandz!

And of course don't forget the live music and fireworks at the boardwalk Friday night, the Carolina Beach Farmers Market Saturday morning, and a free showing of Avatar at the Lake on Sunday night. We might need more than a three day weekend to fit it all in!

Stay Safe In The Water This Holiday Weekend - Watch Out For Rip Currents

Photo: "Kure Beach" by Kelly Lawso

The water off the Pleasure Island coast is beautiful, fun, and refreshing, but it can also be dangerous. Rip currents, or strong channels of water flowing away from the shore, are common along the beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher.

To increase your safety this Memorial Day weekend, or any time you are enjoying the ocean here are a few tips:

• Swim near the lifeguard stands. Lifeguards are on duty from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm seven days a week during the season.
• Pay attention to the flags posted on the lifeguard stands which indicate surf conditions. Green = safe swimming conditions, Yellow = moderate to rough surf, caution is advised, Red = surf conditions are dangerous and swimming is prohibited.
• If caught in a rip current don't panic or attempt to swim against the current. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Learn more from the Town of Carolina Beach Lifeguards.
• Keep a close eye on children playing in the water. Communicate with other adults in your party so everyone is aware of who is watching any children.

Stay safe and have fun!

Get Set For a Great Memorial Day Weekend

The official start to summer is finally here! It is going to be a wonderful weekend on Pleasure Island. Whether you are looking forward to relaxing on the beach, spending time with family and friends, or attending Carolina Beach events you won't be disappointed.

The weather outlook for the weekend is a little iffy - according to weather.com the temperature will be in the low 80s with scattered thunderstorms Friday through Sunday, but sunny and 85 degrees on Monday. There should be plenty of good beach time, but if you do get stuck indoors by a storm here or there check out the many Pleasure Island attractions available for inside fun!

Have a great holiday weekend. Take time to remember the men and women in the military who paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country, and be sure to be safe!

Get Your Summer Off To A Great Start On Pleasure Island

Photo By Diane Boissiere

Summer is almost here and there are lots of fun events and activities taking place on Pleasure Island to help you celebrate the start of the season. There is something for everyone. Bookmark the Pleasure Island Event Calendar so you can keep track of the fun events all summer long!

Tuesday, May 25: Boardwalk Blast Family Night Fun for the whole family including karaoke, bouncy toys, line dancing, face painting, and more. At the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

Wednesday, May 26: Boardwalk Blast Cash Bingo 6:30 - 8:00 pm at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

Thursday, May 27: Free Concert - Mojo Collins & FIREWORKS!! Entertainment at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo from 6:30 - 9:00 pm, and the fireworks start once it's dark out, around 9:00 pm.

Friday, May 28: Free Concert - Machine Gun & FIREWORKS!! Entertainment at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo from 6:30 - 9:00 pm, and the fireworks start once it's dark out, around 9:00 pm.

Saturday, May 29: Farmer's Market & Art Show 8 am - 1 pm at the Carolina Beach Lake

Sunday, May 30: Free Movie at the Lake - Avatar At the Carolina Beach Lake starting at dusk (around 8:45 pm.)

The best part is that these Carolina Beach events continue each week all summer long!

6th Annual Battle for the North End Cup Volleyball Tournament - Saturday, May 22 in Carolina Beach

Come down to the Carolina Beach Fishing Pier on May 22nd and enjoy a day of fun in the sun and sand as our lifeguards compete for the Battle of the North End Cup.  Proceeds help support your Pleasure Island Lifeguard Association.  

Sponsor a lifeguard team for $50 or form your own team.  There will also be a Paintball Human Target Shooting and a 50/50 drawing.  

Applications can be picked up at The High Tide Lounge or Tangerine Caribbean Grill or call Josh Flemming at 336-830-5876.