If you’re looking for fun things to do on your autumn vacation, we have the perfect list for you in our Oak Island Fall Event Guide! In this guide, we cover some of the best events happening nearby to keep you busy on your beach vacation to Oak Island. From a haunted fishing derby to live and local music, there’s something for everyone in the area this fall.
If you’re still in the planning stages of your fall vacation, we’d love to help you find the perfect vacation rental! Browse our vacation homes and book your next beach getaway, today.
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Inside This Piece:
- October 2 - 4, 2025: U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament
- October 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2025: Live & Local - Market and Music
- October 14, 2025: Halloween Fishing Derby
- October 25, 2025: 5th Annual Oak Island Witches Ride
- November 7 – 9, 2025: Cape Fear Kite Festival Weekend
- November 22 and 29, 2025: Kure Beach Holiday Market
- Book Your Oak Island Vacation Today!
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Oak Island Fall Event Guide
October
October 2 - 4, 2025: U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament
The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is a fishing competition that was started 47 years ago! It attracts up to 400 boats each year, making it one of the largest king mackerel tournaments on the East Coast. Come watch the competition, enjoy the local food trucks and entertainment, and cheer for the lively sportsmanship!
- When: October 2nd to October 4th, 2025, times vary
- Where: Dutchman Creek Park - 4750 Fish Factory Road SE, Southport, NC 28461
- Admission: No fee for spectators
- Website
October 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2025: Live & Local - Market and Music
This event series allows you to enjoy live music, tasty food, and shop at numerous vendors. The highlight of the evening is that each weekend features a new local musical act that will have you singing and grooving along!
- When: Each Saturday in October. Markets start at 4:00 PM, and concerts start at 6:00 PM
- Where: Middleton Park Complex - 4610 E Dolphin Dr. Oak Island, North Carolina 28465
- Admission: Free!
- Website
October 14, 2025: Halloween Fishing Derby
This fun event encourages participants to wear their best costumes and head to the Oak Island Pier for a good old-fashioned fishing derby! Bring your own fishing pole and bait and see what you can catch. It’s sure to be a blast.
- When: October 14, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
- Where: Oak Island Pier - 705 Ocean Drive, Oak Island, North Carolina 28465
- Admission: Free, but pre-registration is required
- Website
October 25, 2025: 5th Annual Oak Island Witches Ride
Put on your favorite witch or warlock costume and join the 5th Annual Oak Island Witches Ride! This adults-only bicycle ride is all about supporting awesome causes like the Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter and Oak Island Water Rescue. After the ride, stick around for the Witches Dance at Middleton Park. Don’t miss out on the fun for some great causes!
- When: October 25, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Where: Visit as many venues as you’d like. Venues are listed on the Facebook event page
- Admission: A $10 donation is suggested. No registration is needed!
- Website
November
November 7 – 9, 2025: Cape Fear Kite Festival Weekend
The Kite Festival is a magical weekend of kite fliers showcasing their wonderful kites for all to see. You can watch colorful and exuberant kites of all shapes and sizes at Kure Beach, just a ferry ride away from Oak Island. Not only can you watch these spectacular figures dot the sky, but you can enjoy all sorts of music, local beer and spirits, and food trucks. This unique event is a must-visit!
- When: November 7 – 9, 2025, times vary
- Where: Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and Fort Fisher
- Admission: Free!
- Website
November 22 and 29, 2025: Kure Beach Holiday Market
Do some Holiday shopping with the Atlantic Ocean as your scenery! Hop on the ferry to Kure Beach and visit this perfectly located Holiday Market. Patronize local shops, artisans, and crafters and get one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones for the upcoming holiday season. In addition to amazing vendors, there will be a DJ and food trucks! Enjoy the gorgeous views and the special items you can only buy here at the Kure Beach Holiday Market.
- When: November 22 and 29, 2025, all day
- Where: Kure Beach Ocean Front Park and Pavilion - 105 Atlantic Ave, Kure Beach, NC 28449
- Admission: Free!
- Website
Book Your Oak Island Vacation Today!
Featured Property: Saltwater Gospel
Now that you’ve read our Oak Island Fall Event Guide and are excited about all the fun things you can do, it’s time to book your vacation rental. Here at Better Beach Rentals, our selection of homes offers something for everyone! We’ve got dog-friendly homes for those who want to bring their four-legged friends along with them, as well as homes that have private pools and beach walks. On top of all that, our friendly staff is always available to answer your questions, provide recommendations for things to do, and ensure a smooth and delightful vacation from beginning to end.
If all of this sounds amazing, then it’s time to book your beach adventure to Oak Island! Browse our vacation rentals, today.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Oak Island Fall Event Guide
Are all these events in Oak Island?
Some of these events are in nearby Southport (12 miles away) and Kure Beach (21 miles away).
Do I have to take a ferry to Kure Beach?
Yes, there is a very scenic ferry to Kure Beach!
Are all these events family friendly?
Except for the Witches Ride, all of these events are family friendly. Feel free to bring the kiddos!