Head to the coast to soak up the unique arts and culture Wrightsville Beach has to offer. From swaying along to live tunes from local bands and perusing a collection of one-of-a-kind, handmade art to journeying through the beach’s history at a local museum, supporters of the arts will find themselves right at home in our island town.
Jam Out to Local Musicians
There are many spots in Wrightsville Beach where you can enjoy live music no matter the season. The Palm Room and Jimmy’s at Wrightsville Beach are known for their live music, specialty drinks and delicious food.
Other local spots, such as the Bluewater Waterfront Grill and Oceanic Restaurant, also offer live music in the summer. Bluewater Summer Patio Sessions, hosted every Sunday afternoon, are a treat for all, where guests of all ages can listen to live music as they enjoy drinks and dinner against the scenic backdrop of the Intracoastal Waterway. Oceanic Summer Music Series offers live tunes every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon to complement the delicious oceanfront dining from its perch on the pier over the Atlantic Ocean.
Just over the bridge, you’ll find Wrightsville Beach Brewery, another spot offering live music on Thursdays and Saturdays (plus reggae every other Sunday) in their outdoor beer garden. Settle in to enjoy the talent and sample 11 different craft beer options and signature eats like Fried Oyster Bites. The brewpub even offers a tasty children’s menu.
Be sure to check out Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series. Taking place the first and third Friday of the month starting in June and ending on Sept. 2, the event offers food and drink for sale alongside casual live music. Pack a picnic blanket and chairs for a relaxing evening outdoors filled with toe-tapping music for the whole family. Make sure to plan and purchase tickets online beforehand, as tickets are likely to sell out. If you visit any time after July 8, keep exploring to find the 10th Annual Art in the Garden: Hoppy Time Rabbits exhibit, featuring larger-than-life rabbit sculptures throughout the garden grounds.
Explore Handcrafted Art
Several island shops showcase one-of-a-kind art, jewelry and more, all created by locals. Hand-cut right here in North Carolina, the handmade bags of Holly Aiken each feature their own unique pattern and color, accented by stripes and intriguing geometric shapes. Stop by the shop to browse the full collection of totes, wallets, passport holders, coffee sleeves and more.
Wrightsville Beach Art Company creates 3D nautical-inspired art made wholly from recycled items found on the beach and around town. Kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by these miniature beach scenes pieces made up of bottle caps, old dock wood and other items that would have otherwise been thrown away. Artist Jazz Undy seeks to reduce waste through his art and educate viewers on the waste buildup in the local community. Visitors can browse pieces and purchase art to take home at the Wrightsville Beach Farmers’ Market every Monday this summer.
Grab a gourmet espresso drink to sip while you peruse unique handmade fossil jewelry at The Workshop, a café-shop combo. You’ll find gorgeous displays and jewelry made from mako, great white, tiger and megalodon shark teeth collected personally by the shop’s owners during their scuba adventures in Wrightsville Beach.
Peruse Island History
The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History gives visitors a peek back in time at the island’s history through photos, video and special memorabilia. Housed in the turn of the century Myers Cottage and the newly restored Bordeaux Cottage, the museum’s exhibits feature the early days of the beach, including a scale model of Wrightsville Beach in 1910.
Come see the creativity that thrives in our beach community by planning a trip to Wrightsville Beach today.
