Fall for the Coast: Your Ultimate Guide to Autumn 2025
The summer crowds have drifted away like the tide, the air has a crisp, salty edge, and the Carolina sun casts a golden glow. With autumn officially here, the secret season on the North Carolina coast is just beginning. The Surf City, Topsail, and Hampstead region is alive with a unique, laid-back charm, and this guide has the specific dates you need to plan the perfect fall getaway. 🍂
Mark Your Calendar: Key Fall 2025 Events
This isn't just a season; it's a series of celebrations. Here are the specific, can't-miss events happening in and around our area this fall.
NC Seafood Festival (October 3-5, 2025): Make the beautiful one-hour drive up to Morehead City for one of the state's largest and most beloved festivals. This massive event celebrates the best of North Carolina's coastal cuisine with endless seafood vendors, live music, cooking demonstrations, and the incredible Blessing of the Fleet. It's a perfect coastal day trip.
Wilmington Riverfest (October 4-5, 2025): Head to Wilmington's biggest party of the year! Historic Downtown Wilmington comes alive with a classic street fair featuring hundreds of vendors, live music stages, spectacular fireworks over the Cape Fear River, and a ton of family-friendly activities.
Surf City's Spooktacular (Week of October 27, 2025): Get into the Halloween spirit! While the exact date for 2025 will be announced by the town, Surf City Parks, Recreation, & Tourism typically hosts a fantastic family-friendly Halloween event in Soundside Park during the week leading up to the 31st. Expect trunk-or-treating, costume contests, and festive fun for all ages.
Autumn with Topsail (October 25-26, 2025): This is the crown jewel of Topsail's fall calendar. Held at the historic Assembly Building grounds in Topsail Beach, this juried art festival features over 100 regional artists. Enjoy live music, indulge in delicious food from vendors (think shrimp burgers and funnel cakes!), and let the kids have a blast on the inflatables.
Get Outside and Explore
The milder temperatures make it the ideal time to enjoy the natural beauty of the coast.
Uncrowded Beaches & Pier Fishing: This is the ultimate perk of a fall visit. Enjoy long, peaceful walks along the shores of Surf City or North Topsail Beach. Cast a line from the iconic Surf City Pier or the Jolly Roger Pier in Topsail Beach, where you'll find seasoned locals reeling in spot, mullet, and drum.
Paddling the Sound: The waterways are incredibly serene. Rent a kayak from a local spot like Herring's Outdoor Sports and launch from Soundside Park in Surf City. Paddle through the calm marshes of the Intracoastal Waterway, keeping an eye out for herons and egrets.
Farm Fun at Mike's Farm: A short, scenic drive from Hampstead, Mike's Farm in Beulaville is the epitome of fall. Throughout October, their famous pumpkin patch and hayrides are a delight for all ages. Starting in November, the farm transforms with its spectacular "Festival of Lights" hayride, a must-do holiday tradition.
Historic Wilmington:
Ghost Walks: As Halloween approaches, lean into Wilmington's reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the US. Take a spooky evening stroll with the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington to hear chilling tales of the city's past.
Riverwalk & Brewery Hopping: Enjoy the cooler weather with a walk along the scenic Cape Fear Riverwalk. Afterwards, explore the burgeoning brewery scene in the Soda Pop District, with spots like Hi-Wire Brewing and Catawba Brewing.
Airlie Gardens: Stroll through 67 acres of stunning fall foliage. The ancient Airlie Oak is particularly beautiful this time of year, and the serene paths are perfect for a crisp autumn afternoon.
Cozy Up and Enjoy the Indoors
When you're ready to come in from the crisp air, there are plenty of cozy spots to enjoy.
Grab a Warm Drink: Start your morning like a local. Pop into The Daily Grind in Surf City for a pumpkin spice latte or The Second Story Coffeehouse and Eatery in Hampstead for a cozy atmosphere.
Savor Seasonal Flavors: Our local restaurants and breweries embrace the season. Grab a pint of a seasonal brew at Salty Turtle Beer Company. For dinner, warm up with a delicious meal at the Topsail Steamer, where you can get a take-home steam pot perfect for a cozy night in.
This fall, trade the ordinary for the coastal. With a calendar full of events and the beauty of the season all around, there's no better time to discover Surf City, Topsail, and Hampstead. We promise you'll fall in love.