With summer in full swing, there’s no better way to enjoy the warm weather than with outdoor live music. Carolina Beach invites music lovers of all ages to sway along to tunes ranging from reggae to rock in our vibrant beach town.Whether sitting al fresco at a restaurant or jamming out at an outdoor bar, these melodies are sure to get your toes tapping.
A Bite of Live Music
No trip would be complete without a great meal, and lucky for you, many of Carolina Beach’s restaurants offer live music while you dine. Listen to upbeat tunes by the sea as you drink, dine and dance at SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar’s Outdoor Music Concert series throughout summer. Furry family members are permitted to join in on the fun on the dog-friendly outdoor patio. Check out the full schedule of concerts and daily drink specials via their website.
Lounge the evening away in a casual beachfront bar offering fresh, coastal cuisine paired with stunning views of the ocean as well as live music each Thursday from June 2 to Aug. 25. Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar is situated on a pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and has been named one of “America’s Best Beach Bars” by Thrillest.com. Grab a refreshing drink and enjoy the live tiki shows and make sure to check the website to peruse the weekly performances.
If you’re a reggae fan, plan an evening at Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill, where they host local artists year-round as well the Summer Sunday Reggae Festivus. The family-friendly restaurant boasts indoor seating as well as a wrap-around bar, a sprawling outdoor deck and gigantic Tiki Hut. Nosh on delicious bites like Conch Fritters and Baked Lobster Macaroni alongside plentiful drink options. Get lost in a game of checkers or a darts match as you breathe in the ocean breeze.
Outstanding barbeque and hardwood-smoked meats are accompanied by live music at Carolina Smokehouse. Check out the family recipes that have been featured on PBS and the Food Network from the restaurant’s second-level deck boasting beautiful ocean views and groove to the regularly occurring live music.
Rockin’ Nightlife
If you prefer to be the one holding the mic, channel your inner rock star and take on some karaoke. Head to Silver Dollar or Buzz’s @ the Beach for a casual night of drinks, light eats and signature karaoke fun on the Boardwalk.
Enjoy light snacks, local craft beers and beachy beverages at Hurricane Alley’s on the large rooftop deck overlooking the ocean. During the summer months, rock out to live music every weekend and take in the spectacular views. Make sure to check out their social media for daily food specials as well as details on performers and show times for the week.
Annual Events
Each summer at Carolina Beach, the fun kicks off with Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast, taking place each Thursday evening until the final show the Friday before Labor Day. Stroll along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk all the way to the beach strand for the best vantage point to take in the spectacular fireworks show and enjoy live music at the Gazebo stage. This free, family-friendly annual event takes place from 6:30-9 p.m.
Some of the hottest beach music bands in the South grace our shores each June for the Carolina Beach Music Festival. Known as one of the country’s longest-running beach music festivals – and one of the only ones actually held on the beach on the North Carolina coast – it’s a can’t-miss occasion. Previous headliners at this annual event include Jim Quick & Coastline, The Band of Oz and North Tower.
