Wrightsville Beach, NC
Music & Nightlife

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 for decades. With its great bands and talented bartenders, Jimmy's at Wrightsville Beach provides a fun, colorful atmosphere to spend an evening dancing or catching a pro-football game on TV. Featuring live music in an outdoor beer garden, Wrightsville Beach Brewery, located just over the bridge, offers a variety of coastal-inspired pub bites and craft beer options, including the Airlie Amber Ale, Oysterman Stout, Wilmywood Wit and Waterway IPA.

Seasonal Seaside Soundtrack

With venues combining live music with waterfront views, delicious food and refreshing 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 seasonal 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, held seasonally on Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons.

At Wrightsville Beach Park, enjoy family-friendly music and ample outdoor space for dancing and picnicking during the seasonal weekly WECT Sounds of Summer Concert Series. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and the family for an evening at the nearby Airlie Gardens' seasonal Summer Concert Series, which takes place on the lawn. View our calendar of events for a full listing of live music.

Lounge with a View

The name says it all at Oceanfront Lounge, located within Shell Island Resort, where frozen drinks, craft beers and wines by the glass make up the menu along with small bites and desserts. Sip on elegant craft cocktails at Solstice Kitchen + Cocktails, located inside the oceanfront Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort. Wind down at the EAST Bar at EAST Oceanfront Dining, surrounded by a relaxing aquarium full of colorful fish and views of the seaside gardens at Trailborn Surf & Sound (formerly the Blockade Runner Beach Resort). Take in views from the Jetty Bar at Oceanic Restaurant, which overlooks the south end jetties.

Watch yachts and boats float down the Intracoastal Waterway and into the marina from Bluewater Waterfront Grill. Just over the bridge, take in the marina action while sipping and dining at The Bridge Tender, Fish House Grill and Dockside Restaurant. Each spot offers views of the Intracoastal Waterway alongside seafood, drinks and coastal ambiance.

Beach Bars and Dives

For a casual evening with excellent brews and pub bites, choose from one of the island’s bars and grills. Poe’s Tavern, known for its fish tacos, gourmet burgers and craft beer menu, also features Edgar Allen Poe-themed decor and a two-sided bar that extends 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 cheeseburger on the outdoor patio or in the indoor dining room. Equal parts dive bar and beach bar, Lager Heads is an ideal spot for a cool drink on a warm beach day or for lively entertainment after sundown. Situated near Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier is Shark Bar & Kitchen, where tropical drinks and fresh local seafood are always on the menu. Meanwhile, rum fans flock to the Pirate Lounge of King Neptune to savor premium rums from around the world, along with a full bar of cocktails, wine and beer.