From solemn ceremonies to concerts, splash pads, and nature walks, here are nine no-cost ways families can enjoy the long weekend.
1. Memorial Day Ceremony at Sunset Beach Veterans Memorial
When: Monday, May 25, 10:00 a.m. Where: Sunset Beach Town Park Notes: A quiet, respectful ceremony with local veterans, a wreath-laying, and brief remarks. Bring folding chairs; parking fills early.
2. Oak Island Outdoor Recreation & Family Play
When: Open daily throughout Memorial Day Weekend Where: Oak Island Pier, beach accesses, town parks, Pirate Ship Playground Notes: The Oak Island Pier is open for sightseeing and fishing, and all public beach accesses and parks are available for the long weekend. Families can enjoy the Pirate Ship Playground at Middleton Park, and early-season Oak Island Loggerheads baseball games at W.T. “Bill” Smith Park in Southport offer an easy, family-friendly outing.
3. Shallotte Memorial Day Service
When: Sunday, May 24, 6:00 p.m. Where: Rourk Gardens, Main Street, Shallotte Notes: A solemn service featuring patriotic music, a gun salute, and a wreath-laying to honor fallen service members. The Craig Woolard Band typically performs, creating a reflective atmosphere for families gathering to pay their respects.
4. Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens Family Walk
When: Open daily throughout Memorial Day Weekend Where: Vereen Memorial Gardens, 2250 Hwy 179, Little River, SC Notes: Just minutes from Calabash, this peaceful park offers free, shaded boardwalks through salt marshes, wooded trails, and scenic waterfront overlooks, an easy, quiet nature break for families.
5. Ocean Isle Beach Summer Concert – The Entertainers
When: Sunday, May 24, 6:30 p.m. Where: Town Center Park, Ocean Isle Beach Notes: The Entertainers bring beach music and crowd-friendly favorites to open the 2026 summer concert season. Free to attend; bring chairs. Food vendors typically set up along the park walkway.
6. Leland Splash Pad – Open for the Season
When: Open daily Memorial Day Weekend, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Where: Leland Municipal Park, 113 Town Hall Dr., Leland Notes: A free, fenced splash pad ideal for younger kids, with shaded seating, restrooms, and an adjacent playground. A reliable cool-down stop for families.
7. Southport Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
When: Monday, May 25, 2026, Parade lineup: 9:30 a.m., ILA Hall parking lot (10th & Lord Streets) Parade begins: 10:00 a.m. Memorial Day Ceremony: 11:00 a.m., John N. Smith Cemetery, 225 E. Leonard Street Route: 10th Street → Howe Street → E. Leonard Street → ending at John N. Smith Cemetery Notes: All are welcome to join — golf carts, bicycles, and community groups. The ceremony at John N. Smith Cemetery follows immediately after the parade.
8. Oak Island Loggerheads Baseball – Early Season Games
When: Select dates over Memorial Day Weekend Where: W.T. “Bill” Smith Park, Southport Notes: The region’s summer collegiate team begins early-season play in late May. Games offer an affordable, family-friendly evening with concessions, shaded seating, and a relaxed ballpark atmosphere. Check the 2026 schedule for exact game times.
9. Brunswick Nature Park – Trails, Boardwalks & Kayak Launch
When: Open daily throughout Memorial Day Weekend Where: 2601 River Road SE, Winnabow Notes: A quiet, wooded county park offering shaded walking trails, boardwalks, picnic areas, and a free kayak/canoe launch on Town Creek. A peaceful, no-cost outdoor option for families looking to explore nature without crowds.
10. Shallotte Mulberry Park – Playground, Splash Pad & Walking Paths
When: Open daily throughout Memorial Day Weekend Where: 123 Mulberry Street, Shallotte Notes: Mulberry Park features a large playground, shaded picnic tables, paved walking paths, and open green space ideal for families. The small seasonal splash area (if active for 2026) provides a quick cool-down for younger kids. Restrooms are on site, and the park connects to the Shallotte Riverwalk entrance for those wanting a longer stroll.
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