Live Music & Nightlife in Carolina Beach, NC

Island Tunes

Reggae fans will love the bands that frequently perform at the Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill, which features a wrap-around bar, sprawling outdoor deck and a gigantic Tiki Hut. The Lazy Pirate books local favorites as well as nationally-acclaimed artists – and even hosts a Sunday Reggae Festivus every Sunday evening in the summer.

Sip drinks on a pier and hear summertime tiki shows from local and regional bands at Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, named one of “America’s Best Beach Bars” by Thrillist.com. Enjoy live performances while you drink, dine and dance at SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar, which features a regular lineup of year-round entertainment Tuesday through Sunday.

A Colorful Boardwalk

When the sun begins to set, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk lights up during the weekly summer Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast. Stroll along the vintage Boardwalk to the beach strand, where you’ll find live tunes at the Gazebo stage, and witness vibrant fireworks from the shore.

Boardwalk bars and restaurants cater to music-loving crowds with options from cozy taverns to oceanview tiki bars. Hurricane Alley's is a popular favorite with live music every weekend during the summer months on its large rooftop deck overlooking the ocean. Channel your inner rockstar and head to Silver Dollar and Buzz’s Roost at the Beach for karaoke nights. Just steps from the Boardwalk, a local hotdog spot, Nauti Dog, hosts local musical acts most weekends year-round.

Bars with Local Beach Charm

One of the most unique bars in free-spirited Carolina Beach is The Fat Pelican, voted as one of the “Diviest Dive Bars in America” by Impulcity.com, thanks to its legendary walk-in cooler and a bar made out of a boat. Another option for capturing the local beach charm is The Last Resort, a small, out of the ordinary colorful bar with a laid-back vibe and an outdoor patio.

Carolina Beach Music Festival

Dance on the sand to the sounds of the South’s hottest beach bands during Carolina Beach Music Festival. The annual summertime event held the first Saturday in June is one of the country’s longest-running music festivals, as well as the largest and only music festival held on the beach along the North Carolina coast. Music fans can access the festival from the Boardwalk.

Coastal Craft Beverages

Craft the perfect night out with a delicious dinner and specialty drinks. Enjoy dishes with Caribbean influences alongside Mai Tais and other beachy beverages at Salt Fish Restaurant and Bar. Belly up to the bar at Soul Flavor Kitchen & Bar, where cocktails are created using house-made syrups and bitters.

The Vault Coffee and Pour House features an indoor beer and wine gathering area. Find a curated selection of specialty wines inside the wine vault or indulge in local craft beer from 16 rotating taps. At Hoplite Irish Pub and Restaurant, enjoy Irish-inspired favorites like Jameson and Guinness along with traditional dishes like bangers and mash.

Brewery and Beer Garden

Visit the island's local craft brewery, Good Hops Brewing, where small-batch brews rotate seasonally and include a range of styles from brown ales and pale ales to stouts and IPAs. Step into the beer garden to enjoy games like giant Jenga and cornhole. Or, head out to the Trinity Disc Golf Course, a PDGA-registered disc golf course located behind the brewery, for a round of active fun.