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Wrightsville Beach Music & Nightlife

Hot Spots and Island Nightlife All Year Long

Wrightsville Beach is known for its year-round welcoming social community and vibrant nightlife scene. As the sun sets, the energy from the day’s activities melts seamlessly into the night with options ranging from craft beer at the local tavern to beach bars and seasonal live music on an oceanfront pier or at a waterfront restaurant. No matter what your after-dark style is, you’re sure to enjoy a variety of entertainment in this walkable beach town near or by the water and under the stars.

The Palm Room

Year-Round Live Music

Featuring year-round live music in a variety of genres, The Palm Room has been a popular destination for specialty drinks and live music since the 1950s. Known for its great bands and talented bartenders, Jimmy's at Wrightsville Beach provides a fun, colorful atmosphere to spend an evening dancing to live music 365-days a year or catch a Carolina Panthers’ NFL football game. Featuring live music in their outdoor beer garden, Wrightsville Beach Brewery, just over the bridge, is known for its 11 different craft beer options – like the seasonal Airlie Amber Ale, Oysterman Stout, Wilmywood Wit and Waterway IPA – and its great food – especially signature and unique items like the fried oyster bites and the shrimp po’ boy pizza. 

Bluewater - Experience Live Music

Seaside Soundtrack

With venues featuring live music combined with waterfront views, delicious food and your favorite beach drinks, you're sure to find the perfect spot to dance the night – or day – away during the summer months. Soak in live music set against the backdrop of the Intracoastal Waterway during the Bluewater Summer Music Series at Bluewater Waterfront Grill on Sunday evenings. Hear oceanfront tunes and enjoy fresh seafood from the Crystal Pier at Oceanic Restaurant during the Oceanic Summer Music Series on Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons. Bring a blanket, picnic, lawn chairs and the family for an evening at the nearby Airlie Gardens' Summer Concert Series, which takes place on the lawn under the iconic Airlie Oak. Relax and enjoy summer tunes with a picnic at Wrightsville Beach Park during the WECT Sounds of Summer Concert Series. View our calendar of events for a full listing of live music.

Bluewater Sunset

Lounge with a View

The name says it all at Oceanfront Lounge located inside Shell Island Restaurant, where frozen drinks, craft beers and wines by the glass make up the menu along with small bites and desserts. Grab a drink from the bar at the lounge located inside the Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort and head out onto the Surfside Beach Bar & Grille overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Wind down at the EAST Bar at EAST Oceanfront Dining surrounded by a relaxing aquarium full of colorful fish and views of the oceanfront gardens at Blockade Runner Beach Resort. Take in views from the Jetty Bar at Oceanic Restaurant, which overlooks the south end jetties and is the inspiration behind the bar’s name. Watch yachts and boats float down the Intracoastal Waterway and into the Wrightsville Beach marina from Bluewater Waterfront Grill. Just over the bridge, take in views of the Wrightsville Beach Marina at The Bridge Tender, Fish House Grill and Dockside Restaurant. Each spot offers views of the Intracoastal Waterway alongside seafood, signature drinks and coastal vibes.

Poe's Tavern Burger

Bars, Grills & Dives

If you're in the mood for some good pub food and a cold beer, choose from one of the island’s bars and grills. Famous for its fish tacos, burgers, craft beer menu and drink selections, Poe’s Tavern is decorated with photos and scripts of Edgar Allen Poe’s writings and works. Patrons will love the large, two-sided bar with one side that opens up onto the expansive deck. Just steps from the beach, sports fans head to Jerry Allen's Sports Bar & Grill to catch the game and enjoy a famous cheeseburger on the outdoor patio or indoor dining room. Equal parts dive bar and beach bar, Lager Heads is the perfect spot to duck in for a cool drink on a warm beach day or party into the evening. Situated near Johnnie Mercers Pier is Shark Bar & Kitchen where tropical drinks, fresh local seafood and wine pairings are on the menu. Rum lovers flock to the Pirate Lounge inside King Neptune to savor some of the premium rums from around the world along with a full bar of cocktails, wine and beer offerings.

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Live Music

Attend summer concert series or see a local live band at a beachside dive bar.

Search Events Calendar
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