New Hanover County
Airlie Oyster Roast
October 19th, 6-10pm
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403
Admission: $100
The Annual Airlie Oyster Roast at Airlie Gardens features steamed oysters from Elijah’s Restaurant; appetizers, BBQ, fried chicken and fixins’ from Middle of the Island Catering and cash bar. There will be live music with Band of Oz. Advance tickets only. Proceeds benefit Airlie’s Environmental Educational Programs.
Harvest Festival
October 28th, 10am-4pm
Poplar Grove Plantation
10200 US Hwy 17 North, Wilmington, NC 28411
Admission: $5
The Harvest Festival at Poplar Grove features local artisans and crafters, concessions, carnival games, bouncy houses, food and kids activities. Entertainment provided by Mr. Twister, Mr. Mark from The Broccoli Brothers, and The Folkstone String band.
Brunswick County
NC Festival by the Sea
October 27th-28th; Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 9am-4pm
Holden Beach Pavilion
Jordan Boulevard, Holden Beach, NC 28462
https://www.ncbrunswick.com/event/nc-festival-by-the-sea-holden-beach
Two-day event that kicks off with a parade down the Holden Beach causeway on Saturday. Arts and crafts vendors are available both days. Enjoy a horseshoe tournament and a sandcastle building contest. Children will enjoy face painting, kite flying and children’s rides and musements. Live musical
Boo at the Beach
October 19th, 5:30-7:30pm
Holden Beach Pavilion
Jordan Boulevard, Holden Beach, NC 28462
https://www.ncbrunswick.com/event/boo-at-the-beach-holden-beach-nc
Join the Halloween festivities at the Holden Beach Pavilion featuring booths with carnival games for children. Dress in your Halloween costumes for a chance to win the costume contest. Event is free.
Pender County
Autumn with Topsail
October 20th & 21st, Sat: 9:30am-8pm; Sun: 9;30am-4pm
Historic Assembly Building & Missiles & More Museum
720 Channel Boulevard, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
Admission: $5-8
http://www.autumnwithtopsail.com
Fall festival featuring a juried Artists’ and Crafts Court with over 100 regional artists’ displaying and selling their work. Enjoy live music, food vendors, beer and wine, games, and rides for children. Free shuttle provided.
Surf City Fall Fest
October 27th, 4-6:30pm
Soundside park
517 Roland Avenue, Surf City, NC 28445
https://www.visitpender.com/view-event/name/surf-city-fall-fest/id/552
Kick off for Performance Club’s ‘THRILLER & Other Strange Things’. Includes food vendors, inflatables, games and a costume contest. Be sure to stick around for the showing of Hocus Pocus at sundown.
Onslow County
Onslow Oktoberfest
October 19th-27th
Jacksonville Riverwalk Crossing Park
421 Court Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540
https://www.onslowoktoberfest.org
Enjoy a weekend full of amazing sights and sounds celebrating the German culture. Enjoy authentic German food, beverages, and music by the New River. The weekend includes a Last Man Standing contest, The Foothills Oompah Band, a beer garden, and more.
Fall on the Farm
October 28th, 3-6pm
Trinity United Methodist Church
301 marine Boulevard, Jacksonville, NC 28540
http://www.trinityumc-jax.org/fall-on-the-farm/
Join Trinity United Methodist Church for fun, games and food with Trunk-or-Treat from 5-6pm. All other activities will be from 3-5pm including pony rides, a petting zoo and games. You must have a wristband to participate in activities.
Craven County
Youth Fishing Derby
October 20th, 9am-12pm
Lawson Creek Park
1309 Country Club Road, New Bern NC 28562
https://www.visitnewbern.com/event/2018-youth-fishing-derby/?instance_id=1523
New Bern parks and Recreation present the Youth Fishing Derby at Lawson Creek Park for ages 5-16. Prizes will be awarded for the smallest fish, biggest fish and most fish caught. Hotdog lunch will be provided for participants. Fishing poles, lines and bait will be provided while supplies last.
Hocus Pocus Halloween Ball
October 26th, 6:30-9:30pm
203 South Front Street, New Bern, NC 28560
Admission: $42
https://www.visitnewbern.com/event/hocus-pocus-ball-with-lewis-n-clark-band/?instance_id=1568
Join the Lewis ‘n Clark Band for an evening of dinner and dance to Fall and Halloween inspired songs. Costumes are welcome but not required. Features cash bar. Tickets must be bought in advance.
Carteret County
Oktoberfest Celebration
October 20th, 1-5pm
702 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC
https://www.crystalcoastnc.org/region/all/events
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Crystal Coast Brewing Company with contests, food, and a new beer. Contests are all free to play and include a stein-holding competition, shuffleboard tournament, cornhole, and a Beat the Brewer competition. Winners get swag and gift certificates. German style food and a custom glass will be for sale.
Carolina Kite Festival
October 27th-28th, 10am-4pm
Sand Villas 400 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
Admission: Free
https://www.crystalcoastnc.org/location/31st-annual-carolina-kite-festival
Kites Unlimited presents the 31st Annual Carolina Kite Festival at Sands Vilas in Atlantic Beach. Bring a kite and a camera and enjoy the day.
Newport Hootenanny
October 31st, 6-9pm
200 Howard Boulevard, Newport, NC 28570
Admission: free
https://www.crystalcoastnc.org/region/all/events
Join the Newport Rotary Club for ghoulish games, freaky fun and frightening food. There will also be bounce houses, a DJ dance party, and a costume contest.