Discover the Best Fall Activities in Sunset Beach
2026
Written by Terrance Davis
Terrance writes for Sunset Properties, highlighting the best events, attractions, and sights in and around Sunset Beach.
Maybe it’s the fantastic weather. Maybe it’s the feeling of having the entire beach to yourself. Or maybe it’s the wonderful community events. Whatever the reason, fall in Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach is one of the most magical times of the year to visit.
Whether you’re enjoying time at the beach or getting to know the locals’ side of things as you explore the area, you’re guaranteed to find plenty of things to keep you entertained.
To help you make the most of your trip during Sunset Beach's secret season, we’ve curated a list of the best fall activities in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Check them out and see how many unique things you can do on your next trip!
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In this Blog:
- Fall Activities in Sunset Beach
- NC Oyster Festival in Ocean Isle Beach
- Calabash Oktoberfest
- NC Festival By the Sea
- Trunk or Treats in North Myrtle Beach and Oak Island
- Other Exciting Fall Activities Around Sunset Beach, North Carolina
- Book Your Fall Getaway to Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Fall Activities in Sunset Beach
From Oktoberfest celebrations to Trunk or Treat festivities, there are tons of fun ways to experience fall in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, this year. Here are a few of our favorite celebrations you won’t want to miss.
NC Oyster Festival in Ocean Isle Beach
Event Date: October 17 – 18, 2026
Celebrate the Annual Ocean Isle Oyster Fest this October at Town Center Park. Enjoy all things oyster, from delicious food and drink to kids’ activities, crafts, and live music.
Try your skills at the oyster shucking contest on Saturday and shop for the perfect Ocean Isle keepsake as you browse the many beautiful creations from local artists. Music will be playing all weekend long, so wear your dancing shoes or bring a chair or blanket to relax while you listen. This year’s lineup features bands such as The Sea-Cruz Band, The Embers, and more! View the entire lineup and get excited for this beloved fall event!
Calabash Oktoberfest
Event Date: October 24, 2026
Get ready for a thrilling Oktoberfest in Calabash this October 24th at 947 Carter Drive. The local celebration will take place from 11 AM to 5 PM, featuring a full day of cultural spectacles, including arm-wrestling and bierstein-holding competitions.
Beyond fun-filled competitions, the Harbour Towne Fest Band and Alpine Horn Player Duo will be on-site playing music throughout the events. Food vendors will serve tasty German delicacies, and of course, there will be plenty of cold German beer for you to enjoy. So be sure to stop by this exciting fall festival during your beach vacation.
NC Festival By the Sea
Event Date: October 24-25, 2026
Make the half-hour drive to Holden Beach, where you can round the weekend with a day at the NC Festival by the Sea for a total immersion into local fun by the water!
This popular coastal arts and crafts fair will have you entertained from the second you arrive until the last note is played. Shop clothing, custom tumblers, gemstones, jewelry, art, home décor, and so much more as you peruse more than 100 vendors. Food trucks will be serving up tasty coastal fare, and live bands will keep the party going all day long.
Trunk or Treats in North Myrtle Beach and Oak Island
In North Myrtle Beach, toward Little River, the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex Soccer Fields turn into the Halloween BOOnanza. Come down and enjoy a monster mash DJ, marshmallow roasting, and a series of fun games. Be sure to dress up and bring a bag for the trick-or-treating session at this $5 event.
Oak Island will host a free Trunk-or-Treat at the Oak Island Recreation Center. Park at a spot and walk around the center to collect sweet treats with the local Oak Island community.
Other Halloween and Trick-or-Treat events are likely to be scheduled in and around Sunset Beach; however, details for said events are yet to be confirmed.
Other Exciting Fall Activities Around Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Beyond these beloved seasonal events, fall is a great time to just relax and enjoy the calm coastal vibes. Head to Silver Coast Winery for a wine tasting and learn all about the exceptional wines grown at this local vineyard.
The season is a great time to slow down and explore the island, with smaller crowds and a more laid-back feeling.
Back at your Sunset Properties vacation rental, you can spend your time wandering the shores in search of beautiful shells or building sandcastles right outside your front door. At night, cozy up with the family for a movie night, or relax and just enjoy the sounds of waves crashing in the distance.
Book Your Fall Getaway to Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Featured Property: 409 SSB - Coast of Somewhere Beautiful
Now that you’re armed with a list of exciting fall events in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, the only thing left to do is book your stay! At Sunset Properties, we have the perfect vacation rental for your family. Whether you need a pet-friendly home where Fido can tag along or you’re looking for an oceanfront oasis, you’ll find the ideal spot when you browse our complete list of Sunset Beach properties.
Once you find your dream home away from home, remember to book directly with Sunset Properties for the best rates and service in the area! Fall is one of the best times to plan your trip for lower rates and 2+ night stays are available for arrival starting in September, so check out our available properties! We can’t wait to welcome you to the beach this fall.
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