Memorial Day Weekend Events 2023

Memorial Day Weekend 2023 on Bald Head Island promises to be a blast, with family-friendly activities and dining events all weekend long.

The Maritime Market is hosting one of its legendary Side Porch Oyster Roasts on Friday, May 26 from 5-7 p.m. Along with steamed oysters, Old Bay shrimp, house-smoked pulled pork, smoked chicken and numerous sides and desserts, you’ll enjoy live music and libations. This event almost always sells out. Register by Sunday, May 21 to ensure your seats.

On both Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the Smith Island Art League is hosting a show and sale at the Bald Head Association Building. Art League members work in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, oil and watercolor paintings, cards, jewelry, fabric art, photography and more. The show is free and open to the public. Learn more about the artists at www.smithislandartleague.com.

Both island clubs have a busy lineup of weekend events. The Shoals Club will host a Scavenger Hunt for members and temporary members on Saturday, May 27 at 11 a.m., followed by a Bocce Ball Tournament at 2 p.m. You’ll want to return on Sunday, May 28 from noon-4 p.m. for a wet and wild Mermaid Pool Party. A Tie Dye craft will also be offered at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Memorial Day Weekend is the kickoff for members-only weekends at the Bald Head Island Club. Members and their guests won’t want to miss the Club’s “Summer is Calling” party on Saturday, May 27 at 6 p.m. The menu is completely indulgent, with a Seafood Extravaganza station featuring chilled lobster tails, steamed oysters, blackened swordfish, ahi tuna sliders, NC peel & eat shrimp and vegan crab cakes. There’s also a Chop House station with steak and chicken skewers, a Carolina Pride station with pulled pork, smoked brisket and grilled chicken, an All Star station with burgers, hoagies, hotdogs and more, along with a variety of fresh salads, grilled vegetables and other sides. To add to the festive atmosphere, the party band Heads Up Penny will play your favorites all evening long. Mom and Dad can enjoy an evening out while kids party the night away from 6-8:45 p.m. at the Club’s aquatics complex with food, games, crafts and swimming. Make reservations for the adult or kid party on your member ClubNow app or by emailing [email protected].

The Turtle Trot 5K starts at the Bald Head Island Conservancy campus at 8:30 a.m. sharp on Sunday, May 28 (you'll want to arrive a half hour early to line up). Proceeds benefit the Conservancy’s turtle protection program and participants receive a t-shirt. Winners in the various age categories are awarded beautiful sea turtle medals. You must register in advance, and no later than 8:30 p.m. the night before the race.

To cap off the weekend, on Monday, May 29 at 10 a.m. the Village Chapel will host its annual Memorial Day remembrance service. This year’s guest speaker is Army Lt. Col. (ret.) Chris Castelli, a property owner on Bald Head Island. The event, which honors those who have died in service to their country, will be conducted by island property owners who are veterans. Plan to arrive early, as seating is limited to inside the chapel.

Published by Christi Golder
Tuesday, May 16, 2023