Special Events


2026 Ripride Rally
2026 Ripride Rally

March 14th (NOON - 4:00 PM) at Kevin Bell Skatepark

Join us for the second annual Ripride Rally held at the Kevin Bell Skatepark, brought to you by Oak Island Recreation! This FREE event will feature skate contests, food, and more! Contestants can register here for the pre-registration sections of the contests that are taking place at the event. Spectators do not need to register! All skateboard types allowed, and for safety purposes, helmets are required! This event is entirely beginner friendly, and we hope to see you there, whether you are in the contests or just looking to watch. If you have any questions, please email Jacob Hyle at jhyle@oakislandnc.gov for more information!

Events:

  • Skate Jam: For this event, our skate jam will consist of participants doing two runs. Beginner runs are for those wanting to take it easy, and at their own pace, while still showing off their skills. Beginner runs are limited to a max age of 16. Intermediate runs are open to all ages, and gives the chance for more in depth runs where tricks and innovation are encouraged.
  • Best Trick: For this event, the two categories will remain the same as in the Skate Jam. For Beginners, even small tricks like the new ollie you are working on, or getting big air on a jump, counts for this category. For Intermediates, everyone can let it fly, and for this category, we encourage more practiced and difficult tricks if you have them in your locker!
Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Skate Jam (Beginner) 03/14/2026
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Kevin Bell Skatepark Up to 16 Years 0/15
Register
Skate Jam (Intermediate) 03/14/2026
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T
F
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Kevin Bell Skatepark 0/15
Register
Best Trick Contest (Beginner) 03/14/2026
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F
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Kevin Bell Skatepark Up to 16 Years 0/15
Register
Best Trick Contest (Intermediate) 03/14/2026
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Kevin Bell Skatepark 0/15
Register
Ride The Tide Kayak Community Float
Ride The Tide Kayak Community Float

About

  The Oak Island Recreation Department and The Adventure Kayak Company will be sponsoring our Annual Ride the Tide Community Float down the Davis Canal on April 18, 2026.  It will consist of a 5.2 mile float from 39th Place West Boat Ramp to the Oak Island Recreation Kayak Launch (SE 31st St.)

  The Davis Canal is a calm and scenic waterway and the float will take place as the tide is flowing with the paddlers.  Trip difficulty is:  Easy.

Rentals 

Kayaks are available to rent from the Adventure Kayak Company ($30 single/$50 double) (910) 454-0607.  The Oak Island Recreation Department will have kayaks available to be rented as well.  Limited amount.  Please check with the Adventure Kayak company first.   Rental cutoff is noon Friday, April 17, 2026.

Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Ride The Tide Kayak Community Float 04/18/2026
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39th Place West Boat Ramp 13+ Years 37/50
Register
Splashpad after hours 18 and older
Splashpad after hours 18 and older

Splashpad After Hours 18 and Older

When: Saturday June 13, 2026

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Where: Middleton Park Complex

Come join in the fun at Splashpad After Hours.

Register now for this event which occurs AFTER the daily operating hours, when the Splashpad is opened for adults to enjoy!

Complete with games. music, and food trucks.

To register, visit OakIslandNC.gov/PROGRAMS.

For questions or more information, contact Emily Kincer at ekincer@oakislandnc.gov or John Henry at jhenry@oakislandnc.gov

Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Splashpad after hours 18 and older 06/13/2026
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Middleton Park Complex 18+ Years 0/30
Register
Splashpad after hours 18 and older 07/18/2026
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Middleton Park Complex 18+ Years 0/30
Register
Calling All Artist for Art Show
Calling All Artist for Art Show

The Recreation Department is calling all Artists for the Spring Art Show at the Recreation Center.

TO PARTICIPATE AS AN ARTIST:

  1. Register under the Special Events tab at OakIslandNC.gov/PROGRAMS
  2. When registering, pay the $20 Show Entry Fee
  3. When registering, use the embedded tool to upload up to 5 files for entry into the show.
  4. Notification of which entries have been accepted will be sent after Friday March 6, 2026
  5. After the Accepted Entries Notification is sent, Recreation Center staff provide further participation details

The Opening Reception will be Saturday, March 28, 2026, with the

Art Show running though the following Saturday April 4, 2026.

All art work must be collected by Monday April 6, 2026

Between 5:30 AM and 7:00 PM.

All entries must be original, completed art created in the last 5 years.

There are NO REFUNDS for entry fees.

For further questions. please contact Emily Kincer at 910-278-5518 or ekincer@oakislandnc.gov

Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Calling All Artist, Spring Art Show 03/28/2026
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Recreation Center 19/100
Register
2026 Sunset on Summer Music Festival
2026 Sunset on Summer Music Festival
2026 Sunset on Summer
Music Festival
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Middleton Park Complex 
(4610 E. Dolphin Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465)
Food Trucks, Craft Beer, Wine, and Spirits on Site
For more information, visit www.OakIslandNC.gov/SOS
Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Sunset on Summer 09/05/2026
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Middleton Park 0/0