Fall Fun & Halloween Haunts on Bald Head Island

October brings a little extra magic to Bald Head Island, with cooler days, beautiful sunsets and plenty of ways to celebrate the season. From fall fashion and wellness weekends to island traditions, oysters and Halloween haunts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as autumn settles in.

The season gets underway with a stylish weekend at Island Passage, where a Fall Fashion Show takes place October 15 at 3 p.m. at 14 Maritime Way. The following day, October 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Fall Fashion Preview continues, offering an opportunity to see the latest styles for the season.

On October 18 at 10 a.m., runners will take to the island for the 3rd Annual Cape Fear Marathon & Half Marathon. Both the full-marathon and half-marathon courses begin at Old Baldy Lighthouse. Organized by AdventureCORPS®, the event benefits the Bald Head Island Conservancy as its nonprofit partner, bringing runners from near and far to experience the island on foot.

For a weekend devoted to wellness and self-care, the Women’s Autumn Spa Weekend returns to Island Retreat Spa & Salon October 22–25. Special spa offerings, small-group rates, specialty workshops and take-home treats make it the perfect opportunity to slow down and savor the season. Learn more at Island Retreat Spa & Salon.

The island’s fall festivities continue October 23 with Music Bingo at Latitudes at the Shoals Club from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Enjoy favorite tunes and a little friendly competition as the sun sets over the Atlantic. The following day, October 24 at noon, Mahjong and Margaritas takes over the Sandbar Grille at the Shoals Club. This garden-themed gathering invites guests ages 21 and older to break out their dots, craks and bams for an afternoon of mahjong and margaritas. Reservations are required at 910-454-4888.

On October 26 from 5 to 7 p.m., one of Bald Head Island’s favorite fall traditions returns with Howl at the Moon at Beach Access #39. As the sun sets and the moon rises over the ocean, guests can enjoy bagpipe music, soup from Chef Taylor, and shared appetizers before joining in a group howl beneath the moonlight. Bring an appetizer to share and your own beverage. The Maritime Market hosts the event.

Fall’s bounty takes center stage October 29 from 5 to 9 p.m. during the Oyster Roast at the Bald Head Island Club. Gather for an evening of oysters and island hospitality at 301 S. Bald Head Wynd. Reservations are required at 910-477-5010.

Then, just in time for Halloween, the island takes a spooky turn. On October 30 and 31 from 4 to 8 p.m., the Cape Fear Haunted Trail at the Bald Head Island Club invites visitors to brave an evening of Halloween thrills. For more information, call 910-457-7300.

Also on October 30 and 31, Old Baldy After Dark offers a different kind of Halloween adventure. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., visitors can experience Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum after dark with a nighttime climb, spooky ghost stories and puzzles scattered throughout a haunted graveyard. Tickets are available through the Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum.

Halloween morning offers a chance to give back to the island during Trash & Treat, an island-wide cleanup hosted by the Bald Head Island Conservancy in partnership with the Bald Head Association and Simply Southern. From 10 a.m. to noon on October 31, pick up cleanup supplies at the Conservancy, head out to a favorite island spot and collect litter. Return with a full bag or bucket to enjoy treats, snacks, giveaways and more.

The Halloween fun continues throughout the island that afternoon with Trick or Treating from 1 to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Education & Recreation Committee of the Bald Head Association, the island-wide event features participating homes throughout the community. A map will identify participating locations, making it easy for little ghosts and goblins to make their rounds.

Finally, Halloween night goes out with a spellbinding celebration at the Hocus Pocus Halloween Party at the Bald Head Island Club. From 5 to 8 p.m. on October 31, guests can celebrate Halloween island-style with costumes and an evening of fun. Reservations are required at 910-477-5010.

With crisp autumn air, ocean breezes and just the right amount of spooky spirit, October is a wonderful time to experience Bald Head Island. Come for the fashion, stay for the fall traditions—and get ready for a Halloween that’s distinctly island-style.

Published by Teri Kelly
Wednesday, October 7, 2026