Fall & Holiday Events on Bald Head Island
From fall fishing and fashion to Halloween celebrations, Thanksgiving feasts and holiday festivities, Bald Head Island has a full calendar of events from October through December. If you’re planning a stay at The Inn at Bald Head Island this fall or during the holidays, here’s a look at what’s happening around the island.
OCTOBER EVENTS
Thad Wester Fishing School
October 2–4 | Various times
Bald Head Island Conservancy
Hosted by the Bald Head Island Conservancy, the Thad Wester Fishing School begins Friday with classroom sessions covering tackle, rigging, bait, and where and when to fish, followed by beach instruction in cast netting and casting. Saturday includes beach fishing in small groups with experienced instructors, followed by a fish fry social. Register Here
Fall Fashion Show at Island Passage
October 15 | 3 p.m.
Island Passage, 14 Maritime Way
See the latest fall styles during an afternoon fashion show at Island Passage.
Fall Fashion Preview at Island Passage
October 16 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Island Passage, 14 Maritime Way
Continue the fall fashion weekend at Island Passage with an opportunity to preview the season’s latest styles.
3rd Annual Cape Fear Marathon & Half Marathon
October 18 | 10 a.m.
Starts from Old Baldy Lighthouse Grounds
Runners take to Bald Head Island for the third annual Cape Fear Marathon & Half Marathon, with both full-marathon and half-marathon distances beginning at Old Baldy Lighthouse. Organized by AdventureCORPS®, the event’s nonprofit partner is the Bald Head Island Conservancy. Learn More
Women's Autumn Spa Weekend
October 22–25 | Various times
Island Retreat Spa & Salon
Spend a fall weekend focused on wellness and self-care, with special spa offerings, small-group rates, specialty workshops and take-home treats. Learn More
Music Bingo at Latitudes
October 23 | 4:30-6 p.m.
Latitudes at the Shoals Club, 100 Station House Way
Enjoy a light-hearted early evening of favorite tunes as the sun sets over the Atlantic. Learn More
Mahjong and Margaritas
October 24 | 12 noon
Sandbar Grille at the Shoals Club, 100 Station House Way
Break out those dots, craks and bams at this garden-themed mahjong gathering for ages 21+. Learn More. Reservations: 910-454-4888
Howl at the Moon
October 26 | 5–7 p.m.
Beach Access #39, 188 Station House Way
Gather at Access 39 for one of Bald Head Island’s favorite traditions, with sunset and moonrise views, bagpipe music, soup from Chef Taylor, shared appetizers and a group howl as the moon rises. Bring an appetizer to share and your own beverage. Hosted by the Maritime Market.
Oyster Roast at the Bald Head Island Club
October 29 | 5–9 p.m.
Bald Head Island Club, 301 S. Bald Head Wynd
Enjoy an evening of oysters and island hospitality at the Bald Head Island Club. Reservations: 910-477-5010
Cape Fear Haunted Trail
October 30 & 31 | 4–8 p.m.
Bald Head Island Club, 301 S. Bald Head Wynd
Get into the Halloween spirit with an evening on the island’s haunted trail. Learn More: 910-457-7300
Old Baldy After Dark
October 30 & 31 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum, 101 Lighthouse Wynd
Experience Old Baldy after dark with a nighttime climb, spooky ghost stories and puzzles throughout a haunted graveyard. Purchase Tickets
Hocus Pocus Halloween Party
October 31 | 5–8 p.m.
Bald Head Island Club, 301 S. Bald Head Wynd
Celebrate Halloween island-style with a costume party at the Bald Head Island Club. Reservations: 910-477-5010
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Music Bingo at Latitudes
November 20 | 4:30-6 p.m.
Latitudes at the Shoals Club, 100 Station House Way
Enjoy a light-hearted early evening of favorite tunes as the sun sets over the Atlantic. Learn More
Howl at the Moon
November 24 | 4–6 p.m.
Beach Access #39, 188 Station House Way
Gather at Access 39 for another sunset and moonrise celebration with bagpipe music, soup from Chef Taylor and a bonfire, weather permitting. Bring an appetizer to share and your own beverage. Hosted by the Maritime Market.
Thanksgiving Day Feast
November 26 | 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bald Head Island Club, 301 S. Bald Head Wynd
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a special holiday feast at the Bald Head Island Club. Reservations: 910-477-5010
Continental Cuisine Prix Fixe Menu
November 27 & 28 | 5:30-8 p.m.
AQUA at the Shoals Club, 100 Station House Way
An exceptional evening of dining awaits at the Shoals Club’s premier dining venue. View Menu. Reservations: 910-454-4888
Smith Island Art League Exhibition & Sale
November 27 & 28 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Bald Head Association Center | 111 Lighthouse Wynd
Browse and shop original artwork during this annual exhibition and sale featuring members of the Smith Island Art League. Learn More
Winter Wonderland & Posh Pet Parade
November 27 | 12–8 p.m.
Bald Head Island Club, 301 S. Bald Head Wynd
Kick off the holiday season with Winter Wonderland festivities and the island’s ever-popular Posh Pet Parade. Learn More: 910-457-7300
Turtle Trot for Thanksgiving
November 28 | 8:30–11 a.m.
Bald Head Island Conservancy, 700 Federal Road
Come out for a good cause on Thanksgiving weekend with the Bald Head Island Conservancy’s 5K Turtle Trot. The race begins promptly at 8:30 a.m., with prizes for the top male and female finishers in each age group. Register Here
Annual Tree Auction
November 28 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. – trees awarded at 6 p.m.
Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum, 101 Lighthouse Wynd
Help “Light Up the Holidays” by bidding on a decorated tabletop Christmas tree while supporting the Old Baldy Foundation. Learn More
Luminary Night at Old Baldy
November 28 | 4–7 p.m.
Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum, 101 Lighthouse Wynd
Enjoy a beautiful holiday evening as hundreds of glowing luminaries illuminate the grounds of Old Baldy and the Village Chapel. Take a stroll along the pathways and enjoy one of Bald Head Island’s most memorable holiday traditions. No charge. Learn More
DECEMBER EVENTS
Santa Golf Scrambler
December 5 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Bald Head Island Club, 301 S. Bald Head Wynd
Head to the Bald Head Island Club for a relaxed golf event featuring a holiday-themed scrambler. Registration: 910-457-7310
Howl at the Moon
December 23 | 4–6 p.m.
Beach Access #39, 188 Station House Way
Gather at Access 39 for a holiday-season Howl at the Moon featuring bagpipe music, soup from Chef Taylor and a bonfire, weather permitting. Bring an appetizer to share and your own beverage. Hosted by the Maritime Market.
Christmas Eve Lunch
December 24 | Call for Hours
AQUA at the Shoals Club, 100 Station House Way
A divine mid-day meal worthy of the day awaits at AQUA. View Menu. Reservations: 910-454-4888
Christmas Eve Feast
December 24 | 5–8 p.m.
Bald Head Island Club, 301 S. Bald Head Wynd
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a special holiday dinner at the Bald Head Island Club. Reservations: 910-477-5010
Pros vs. Joes Golf
December 26 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Bald Head Island Club, 301 S. Bald Head Wynd
Enjoy a post-Christmas day of golf with this laid-back event at the Bald Head Island Club. Registration: 910-457-7310
New Year's Eve Celebration
December 31 | 6–10 p.m.
Bald Head Island Club, 301 S. Bald Head Wynd
Ring in the New Year with a sparkling celebration at the Bald Head Island Club. Reservations: 910-477-5010
Whether you’re visiting for a fall weekend or the holidays, there are countless ways to celebrate the season. Don't forget—you’ll enjoy access to Bald Head Island Club and Shoals Club amenities and dining when you stay at The Inn at Bald Head Island. Explore our available rooms now.
Event dates, times and details are subject to change. Please check with the individual event organizer before making plans or traveling to the island.
