North Carolina Festival By The Sea

The last full weekend in October, the Holden Beach Merchants Association hosts the very popular “NC Festival by the Sea.” This 2 day events is kicked off with a parade down the Holden Beach causeway. This is the only day of the year that you can walk across the Holden Beach bridge and each year several hundred take that high altitude stroll to stake out the perfect spot to view the parade.

Arts and Crafts vendors are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sat. and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sun. You’ll want to plan to be onsite for at least a couple of meals and a snack or two, just to sample a tiny portion of the food on hand.

For the competitive sort, there is a horsehoe tournament and a sandcastle building contest. Children enjoy face painting, huge kites flying overhead and the children’s rides and amusements. There is live musical entertainment both days at Holden Beach’s new Pavilion.

The North Carolina Festival by the Sea is a free event with plenty of free parking. Hosted by the Holden Beach Merchant Association.