As the warm summer air gives way to cooler breezes, Pleasure Island’s Carolina Beach and Kure Beach come alive with a unique, relaxed charm. From September through November 2025, families can enjoy a range of activities that showcase the island’s natural beauty and community spirit without the large summer crowds. This season offers a perfect opportunity for families to explore the area’s parks, fishing spots, and special events.
Fall family fun abounds on Pleasure Island. At Kure Beach’s Ocean Front Park, the popular Boogie in the Park concert series wraps up in early October, with a final free concert to enjoy with a beach chair and blanket by the sea. In November, the sky above Fort Fisher State Recreation Area comes alive with the spectacle of the Cape Fear Kite Festival, featuring professional kite-fliers and a dazzling “Night with Kites” display. For a seasonal treat, don’t miss the annual Halloween Story Time by the Sea at Kure Beach’s Ocean Front Park in late October, offering enchanting tales for the little ones. Beyond the planned events, families can also enjoy quieter beach days, exploring the trails at Carolina Beach State Park, or visiting the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to see sharks, otters, and other marine life.
For those seeking dinner and nightlife, Pleasure Island offers a vibrant culinary scene and evening entertainment. Grab a delicious seafood dinner with an ocean view at the Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar in Carolina Beach, where you can walk the pier after your meal. In Kure Beach, Jack Mackerels Island Grill offers Caribbean-influenced fare and a lively atmosphere with a second-floor deck. Later in the evening, enjoy live music at local tiki bars like the SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar or the Ocean Grill‘s own Tiki Bar. For a more casual night out, catch a game and a bite at Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill.
Beyond the island, the nearby city of Wilmington provides an even wider array of evening festivities. The Riverfest takes place in downtown Wilmington in early October, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with vendors, music, and fireworks. Later in the fall, Wilmington hosts the popular Cucalorus Film Festival in November, known for its selection of films, shorts, and live entertainment. For a more casual taste of the local flavor, head to downtown Wilmington for the Voracious & Rare Beer Festival in October or the Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival, both offering extensive selections from local breweries and wineries.