OAK ISLAND, NC — The Town of Oak Island will close out the season with the Sunset on Summer Music Festival on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 12 noon until 8:00 p.m. at the Middleton Park Complex, 4610 E Dolphin Drive.
The end‑of‑summer celebration will feature two stages with performances by The Ford Project at 12 noon, Chandler Carpenter & The Reckless Souls 2:00 p.m., The Main Event Band 3:00 p.m., Chandler Carpenter & The Reckless Souls again at 5 :00 p.m. and closing out the day, Petty Rewind 6:00 p.m.
Festival goers can enjoy a variety of food and drink choices onsite from local food trucks, craft beer, wine, and spirits, creating a full day of music and community fun along the coast with a beautiful firework display planned off shore at dusk.
As residents and visitors make plans to attend the open-air community gathering at the town-run Middleton Park Complex, preparation is key to navigating the day smoothly. Because the event is entirely free to the public, organizers note there are no gate entry fees, perimeter checkpoints, or metal detectors required to access the grounds.
Parking at the complex fills up rapidly given the scale of the all-day festival. The Town of Oak Island does not operate a dedicated off-site park-and-ride tram or golf cart shuttle service, meaning motorists utilizing nearby neighborhood spaces or public lots should expect a short walk to the park. Standard island-wide paid parking rules and hourly regulations apply to designated spaces, and visitors are encouraged to check local signage upon arrival.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs, portable seating, and blankets to set up around the dual stages. Personal food and coolers are generally permitted alongside the variety of onsite food trucks and commercial beverage vendors offering craft beer, wine, and spirits.
For those bringing four-legged family members, dogs are permitted to join the open-air atmosphere provided they remain on a physical leash at all times under town ordinance. Owners are responsible for cleanup and ensuring pets stay hydrated in the coastal warmth. However, pet owners should plan ahead and consider leaving dogs at home before the evening sets in, as the festival concludes with fireworks at dusk – loud noises that frequently terrify animals. As a reminder for public safety, glass bottles and containers are strictly forbidden across the park grounds.
With alcohol actively served onsite, individuals who hold a valid North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit or a recognized out-of-state permit should keep applicable state regulations in mind. While public park carry is generally allowed under state law in municipal spaces like Middleton Park, North Carolina law strictly prohibits carrying a concealed handgun while consuming alcohol or while any alcohol remains in the system. Permit holders who choose to carry must completely abstain from drinking, obey any posted town property notices, and be prepared to immediately notify law enforcement of their permit status if approached in an official capacity.
Mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy a full day of coastal music. Pack your sunscreen and dancing shoes and enjoy this spectacular end-of-summer sendoff.
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