Vacations aren’t just a time to recharge your batteries, they are also an ideal opportunity to expand your horizons. And what better way to do that than by experiencing the island’s year-round special events and traditions?

Days at the Docks features a King Mackerel and Flounder Fishing Tournament, live music and children’s activities. The Conservancy’s nightly Turtle Walks allow you to witness firsthand the miracle of the loggerhead turtle.

Pirate Festival

Located two miles across the Cape Fear River from Southport is the hub of Bald Head Island events. This small, wild, car-free beach community is the best place to unplug and tune into nature. The waves rolling in, chirping birds and the wind through the trees are the soundtrack to your vacation on this charming North Carolina island.

The island is home to the Old Baldy Lighthouse which is open for tours. The lighthouse has guided ships safely into the mouth of the Cape Fear River for 86 years. This tiny island is also a history buff's paradise with many historic sites and buildings.

During the Pirate Festival, you can enjoy a Sea Battle, visit a pirate encampment, listen to pirate songs and sea chanties and watch sword fighting demonstrations. There is a Saturday evening Pirate Block Party, Sunday pancakes with the pirates and a Ghost Walk where you may be lucky enough to run into that scoundrel Black Beard himself!

During the spring, enjoy fishing off shore for Wahoo and tuna. Surf fishing for pompano, red drum and Spanish mackerel is popular throughout the summer. The island also has a great golf course. Bird watching is also a big part of this islands appeal. Osprey, eagle kingfisher and sandpipers are common sightings on the islands lagoons, salt marshes and nature trails.

Fourth of July Golf Cart Parade

When you board the ferry to Bald Head Island, leaving your car at the dock, you’ll be entering a world of natural beauty that invites you to explore by foot, bike or golf cart. The 12,000-acre island can only be accessed by passenger ferry or private boat and is home to a number of wildlife species including osprey, egrets, sandpipers, herons and more. The island’s lagoons, nature trails and creeks are ideal spots for bird watching.

When it comes to Independence Day, the island knows how to celebrate. While parades featuring marching bands and truck-pulled floats are typical of towns across America, the island’s annual Fourth of July Golf Cart Parade takes things to a whole new level. Residents and visitors decorate their golf carts for the contest, which is judged in three categories: Patriotic, Old Baldy or Anything BHI, and proceeds benefit the foundation that supports the island’s 200-year-old lighthouse.

Other island events that benefit the community include a Family Fun Run, a golf cart parade and a seafood festival. Island Artisans host a showcase where their handmade jewelry, pottery and quilts are for sale. You can also shop for souvenirs that reflect the spirit of BHI including photos of the area taken by drone, local coffee and snacks and more.

Howl at the Moon

In summer, the beaches of Bald Head Island are crowded. But the shoulder seasons in spring and fall can be quiet and more remote. It’s also a great time to explore the islands creeks and tributaries by kayak or take surf lessons at Coastal Urge, which offers 90-minute land-based courses designed for first-time surfers to learn how to hang ten on a board.

When the full moon rises out of the ocean, it’s a sight to behold. You might gasp or simply say “ahhhh.” And you may also pull out your smartphone to try and capture the moment in a photo. But you can’t beat the peace and power of being there in person.

The full moon is even more special this month, as it is a super moon—which means it will appear larger than normal due to its closer proximity to Earth. So, if you’re planning to be on the island for the event, be sure to check out the forecast and make your plans soon.

There are so many things to do on Bald Head Island. From learning to kayak on the island’s creeks and tidal rivers, to exploring the history of Old Baldy Lighthouse with a guide, or to riding bikes around the island’s 14 miles of trails, you’ll find that there is always something new to discover.

Christmas on Bald Head Island

The sounds of nature are the soundtrack to a vacation on this beautiful North Carolina island. The crashing waves and birds chirping are just a couple of the ways you’ll surround yourself with stunning beauty. Whether your beach rental from Bald Head Island Services is oceanfront or tucked away in a private neighborhood like the Maritime Forest, these luxury homes are filled with everything you need for a relaxing escape.

While you’re here, make sure to enjoy the annual Fourth of July Golf Cart Parade with a festive twist. Then, celebrate the holiday season at events like the Light Up the Holidays Old Baldy Lighthouse Benefit in November or head to Southport for WinterFest.

If you want to learn more about the island, consider joining the Bald Head Island Conservancy for kayaking tours of the salt marshes and tidal creeks or to take part in the Christmas Bird Count. These volunteer surveys are vital to monitoring the health of coastal ecosystems and to ensure the survival of sea turtles.

If you’re planning a wedding, the quaint Bald Head Island Chapel is the perfect spot for a more traditional ceremony. Then, guests can travel by golf cart to an oceanfront reception at Shoals Club overlooking Cape Fear and Frying Pan Shoals. The club’s amenities are a wonderful venue for family reunions, corporate events and special celebrations.