Beach Day
Beach Day commemorates the July 1, 1999 merger of the Towns of Yaupon Beach & Long Beach into what is today known as the Town of Oak Island. It is held each year on July 1, unless that falls on a Sunday, in which case it is observed on the Saturday before.
Beach Day is filled with fun and family-friendly activities organized by the Oak Island Recreation Department; with some events often held in collaboration with the North Carolina 4th of July Festival in neighboring Southport, NC, celebrating our nation's Independence Day.
Read the following for more information on Beach Day.
2026 Beach Day Events Schedule - COMING SOON!
All activities listed will be held in the Middleton Park Complex unless noted otherwise:
- 7:00 AM Registration (open until filled)
- 8:00 AM Volleyball
- 8:30 AM Sandcastle Contest (SE 46th St. Access)
- 9:00 AM Horseshoes
- 9:30 AM Stars, Stripes, & Snouts Dog Costume Contest
- 10:00 AM Cornhole
- 10:30 AM Freedom Scoot Baby Crawling Race
- 11:00 AM Splash for the Stars Water Balloon Toss
(PRE-k - 5th Grade)
- 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM Cape Fear Radio MC’ing
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Inflatables
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Large Field Games
- 11:30 AM Red, White and Blue Bucket Relay
(6th - 12th Grade and 18 = Divisions)
- NOON Mic Drop For America Karaoke Contest
- 1:00 PM Liberty Looks Costume Contest
- 2:00 PM 250th Activity
- 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM July 4th Welcoming Ceremony
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Food Vendors
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Summer Concert Series with The Extraordinaires
Oak Island Pier
- 6:00 PM Music at the pier
- SUNSET Fireworks Display
2026 Fireworks & Traffic Information - COMING SOON!
Beach Day always ends with a spectacular fireworks display, performed from the Oak Island Pier.
The Oak Island Police Department maintains traffic control before, during and after the display. Due to ongoing road construction and established detours, managing traffic for such events can be a challenge.
Once the fireworks show plans have been finalized for 2026, this page will be updated with Event & Traffic information.
Thank You Oak Island!
Provided below is an "American Eagle-eyed" view of a Beach Day Fireworks Finale, as seen from 400' in the air!