Carolina Beach, recognized as one of the “Prettiest Beach Towns in the South” by Southern Living, offers something original to explore around every colorful corner this year – including exciting additions, enhanced experiences and milestone celebrations.Immerse yourself in island inspiration and good times as you discover new adventures in store for 2025.
Centennial Celebrations
2025 marks a major milestone for Carolina Beach as the town celebrates the 100th anniversary of its incorporation. Centennial festivities kick off in early March, with a yearlong lineup of exciting events and new additions throughout the town.
Get a fascinating glimpse into beach fashion over the past century with "100 Years of Bathing Suits," a new exhibit opening April 25 at the newly renovated Fort Fisher State Historic Site Visitor Center nearby on the island. Visitors can also enjoy spring and summer activities like the interactive self-guided "Now & Then" walking tour in downtown Carolina Beach, a decades-themed car show, sandcastle contest and the iconic two-day Carolina Beach Music Festival, which now continues through the weekend with Reggae Sunday.
Local restaurants will feature special centennial-themed dishes and cocktails throughout the year. A 1920s-themed "Who Dunnit?" mystery bar crawl May 18. Participants can visit local bars to uncover clues and solve the mystery of who burned down the Carolina Beach Hotel in 1927.
Additional centennial plans include 100+ Yogis on the Beach all-levels yoga class, Founder's Day Picnic, time capsule burial and 100 Flotilla, a special boat parade commemorating the milestone scheduled for September. Locals are also participating in 100 Acts of Kindness with a different kindness task each month, and 100 Acts of Beautification to help make Carolina Beach shine.
Artful Additions
Carolina Beach is adding more color and creativity to the community this year. On March 6, the new "I Love CB" sculpture will be unveiled at the Carolina Beach Marina adding an artful addition to the town. Venus flytrap statues will also be on display as a tribute to the area's unique native species, along with the "CB on Board" mural project at Carolina Beach Lake Park.
with CB100 MuralFest, a two-day event at Carolina Beach Lake Park on May 17–18. The festival will feature 20 canvases painted by 16 talented artists and four local schools, each showcasing unique interpretations of Carolina Beach's rich history, iconic landmarks and vibrant community. Including food trucks and live music, it is the perfect way to experience the arts while celebrating the island's 100th anniversary.
As part of the Carolina Beach Mural Project's mission to bring "Art for wALL," the murals will remain on display throughout the summer, offering visitors and residents a chance to enjoy this collective celebration of creativity.
New Eats and Drinks
The Proximity, a newly opened mixed-use complex on North Lake Park Boulevard, features a blend of restaurants, retail shops and more. Regional favorites like Drift Coffee & Kitchen, K38 Baja Mexican Grill and Boombalatti’s Homemade Ice Cream are set to join the lineup there, with openings anticipated in 2025. The complex will also house popular local businesses like Island Passage, Sweetwater Surf Shop and Axis Fitness, providing a mix of retail and lifestyle experiences for residents and visitors alike.
For a unique watering hole, head to The BARge, a floating bar at marker 161 in the Carolina Beach Marina. Sip on Aperol spritzes, spicy margaritas and Painkillers, or enjoy frozen daiquiris, wine and local beer. Live music on select days and to-go options for boating adventures make The BARge a must-visit for fun on the water.
Island Burgers & Bites, famous for serving North Carolina’s best burger according to Yelp, is moving to a larger location next door in the former Hardee’s building. The new space, expected to open this spring, will feature indoor seating, a spacious outdoor area and beer and wine options.
A Look into the Past
WilmingtoNColor Heritage Tours will debut a new Seabreeze tour in early spring, offering an in-depth look at the history of Freeman Beach in Carolina Beach. Once a thriving African American resort in the 1920s, Freeman Beach served as a place for recreation and community during segregation.
Behind the Scenes
The binge-worthy Amazon Prime series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” returned to Carolina Beach in 2024 to film its highly anticipated third season, set to release this summer. Previous standout filming locations include The Fat Pelican and Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Adding to the town’s cinematic allure, “Merv,” a romantic comedy starring Zooey Deschanel, was also shot in Carolina Beach, featuring scenes at the Boardwalk and Starlite Inn.
For the latest updates on what’s new in Carolina Beach throughout the year, head to this webpage.
