Special Events


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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M
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W
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F
S
39th Place West Boat Ramp 13+ Years 50/50
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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M
T
W
T
F
S
Middleton Park Complex 18+ Years 0/30
Register
Splashpad after hours 18 and older 07/18/2026
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Middleton Park Complex 18+ Years 0/30
Register
Trunk-Or-Treat
Trunk-Or-Treat

Trunk-Or-Treat Vendor

Saturday, October 31, 2026

WHEN: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

WHERE: Oak Island Recreation Center • 3003 E Oak Island Drive

Sign up to be a Trunk-Or-Treat Vendor and help the Recreation Department fill the parking lot by joining in on the fun, passing candy out to the kids!

 

Decorate your car and pass out candy, with First, Second, and Third Place awards being presented for Best Decorated Car.

To register as a Vendor, visit OakIslandNC.gov/PROGRAMS.

For questions or to learn more, contact Emily Kincer at 910-278-5518 or email ekincer@oakIslandnc.gov.

Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Trunk or Treat 10/31/2026
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F
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Recreation Center 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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M
T
W
T
F
S
Recreation Center 19/100
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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M
T
W
T
F
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Middleton Park 0/0