Holden Beach, North Carolina has a way with scenery, sun, and fun that makes it an endlessly appealing vacation destination year-round! When you’re headed this way with family and you’re looking to maximize fun while cutting costs, the following are some of the best family-friendly events in Holden Beach to add to the itinerary that won’t break the bank.

Enjoy the North Carolina Festival by the Sea

A trip to Holden Beach with the entire family in tow is always something to look forward to. If your travel plans happen to bring you this way toward the end of October and you’re looking for a fun event that doesn’t cost a dime to enjoy, you’ll find the North Carolina Festival by the Sea is an ideal option to add to the itinerary! This fun annual event is free to the public and is hosted by the Greater Holden Beach Merchants Association. This group has been in place for over 30 years and puts together exciting local events and activities that promote business and tourism throughout the Holden Beach area. In 2022, the North Carolina Festival by the Sea will take place on October 29th through October 30th. Those looking forward to the fun will want to make their way to the Holden Beach Pavilion where they’ll find a lineup of activities and entertainment to enjoy on Saturday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm as well as Sunday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Free parking is part of the agenda too, so there’s no need to worry about added costs to drive over.

Starting at 9:00 am on Saturday, guests can take time to enjoy live music on the festival stage while the kid’s costume contest kicks off at 11:00 am. A 3:30 pm street dance is also on the agenda for Saturday while guests will want to be sure to stick around for the raffle drawing where proceeds will go back to the Holden Beach Police Department. On Sunday, festival attendees can show up early starting at 8:00 am to enjoy a Sunday service before a gospel band takes to the stage. Live music, great food, and family-friendly fun continue throughout the day following the morning events. Some of the performances lined up to take the stage this year include Creekside, and Randy Atwood & The Renegades.

Check out the Days at the Docks Festival

Springtime family adventurers whose travel plans have them heading to Holden Beach in spring will want to align their plans with a stop at Days at the Docks Festival while they’re in town. This April annual favorite event typically falls around the 24th and 25th of the month and provides families with access to festival fun without any high costs included. Days at the Docks Festival is hosted by the Greater Holden Beach Merchants Association but dates back to the 1980s when local vendors took to selling their crafts and wares under the Holden Beach Bridge. Today, the festival invites over 50 vendors to showcase their crafts and fare to guests over two days of fun. Each day of the Days at the Docks Festival, guests can enjoy activities, events, and entertainment between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm right at Holden Beach Pavilion. There’s no admission cost associated with this festival and those heading here with kids will love the inclusion of kite-flying activities, face painting, games, and inflatable rides to enjoy. All festival attendees will have access to live music throughout the festival and it’s common for those country beats to encourage line dancing too. There are also a variety of customized contests on the agenda that are fun for everyone to try!

Build Castles on the Sand

Holden Beach is home to beautiful and inviting stretches of shoreline that make for a great place to savor the sights, soak up the sun and enjoy a family-friendly time without having to worry about expenses. Consider setting aside some time the next time you’re here to grab a beach chair and head to the waterline to settle in and spend an afternoon making sandcastles with the kids. Beaches here are quiet, clean, and relatively uncrowded depending on what time of year you arrive. Building sandcastles are a great way to spend quality time with your family while teaching your kids a new skill that’s fun and creative!

Book Your Holden Beach Adventure Today

When you’re ready to turn those Holden Beach travel plans into a well-deserved reality, the team at Proactive Vacations is here to make sure you have luxurious accommodations to match. Get in touch today to learn more about our exciting area property options that can double as your vacation home away from home the next time you’re in town.

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