Upcoming Events
Carolina Beach State Park Lily Pond Clean Up
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Carolina Beach State Park Cleanup 12.13.2025
Come join us for a fun afternoon of cleaning up this beautiful state park! The cleanup event will begin with a short educational program including the history of Lily Pond and park.
From the visitor center, Lily pond is about a 20 minute walk in. Volunteers are welcome to stay for any duration throughout the 3 hour event.
Since 2022, POP has helped remove 9,550 pounds of trash from CBSP. Earning 382 trees for Plastic Ocean Project's Trees4Trash initiative.
Come Join us! Can't attend? Consider making a donation instead!
Where: Carolina Beach State Park (1010 State Park Rd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428)
When: December 13, from 12pm to
Please read:
Plastic Ocean Project's Activity Waiver and Liability Release Form. You will be prompted during the sign up to digitally sign the waiver.
Carolina Beach State Park Cleanup 10.11.2025 | Plastic Ocean Project Inc. sign up here.
Snows Cut Trail Maintenance and Clean Up
Snows Cut Trail Maintenance Day
November 22 • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Carolina Beach State Park
Join us for a fun, hands-on morning on one of Carolina Beach State Park’s most beloved trails! We’ll be giving Snows Cut a little extra care before winter — trimming back vegetation, clearing pathways, and keeping this beautiful corridor healthy for hikers and wildlife.
This is a great opportunity for families, friends, and anyone who loves our parks to roll up their sleeves together. No experience needed — just enthusiasm for conservation and a couple hours outside.
What We Provide
• All tools needed (loppers, pruners , etc.)
• Guidance from Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks leaders
If you have hand pruners you like to use, feel free to bring them.
What to Bring
• Garden gloves
• Water
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
Where to Meet
Meet at the Visitor Center. Depending on the size of the group, we may divide into two teams — one starting from the Snows Cut Trailhead and the other from the Campground Trail — and meet in the middle.
Let’s show this trail some love, spend time outside, and make a meaningful impact for our park’s habitat and visitors alike. We’d love to have you with us!
Wetland Native Planting
WETLAND PLANTING AT CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK
Help us plant sawgrass and seaside goldenrod to strengthen the wetland habitat between the picnic area and the marina. We have approximately 600 native plants to get into the ground, and with community hands and heart, we can finish before the end of November to give them the best chance to thrive.
Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks will be leading this project on behalf of park staff.
PLANTING WINDOW
November 11, 12, 13, and 15
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
If weather delays planting, we will finish up during the last part of November.
Join for one day or as many as you can. Even one hour makes an impact.
WHERE TO MEET & PARK
Park at the marina flagpole parking area, near the Painted Bunting feeder location. Tools and plants will be provided on site.
PLANTING DETAILS
Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense)
• Teal-marked wetland area
• Area flagged with blue ribbon (south side of the road)
• Waterproof boots required
Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago mexicana)
• Pink-flagged roadside section between marked pin flags
• Regular shoes are fine
Planting method: set plants level with the ground and gently pack soil around them.
WHAT TO BRING
Garden gloves
Water
Bug spray
Sun protection
Waterproof boots if planting in the sawgrass area
WHY THIS MATTERS
These native plants help stabilize wetland soils, improve water quality, and provide vital habitat for coastal wildlife. Installing them now gives them time to root before winter and strengthens the park’s natural resilience.
Let’s put these plants in the ground and continue supporting Carolina Beach State Park’s conservation mission one plug at a time. We’ll see you out there.
Wetland Native Planting
WETLAND PLANTING AT CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK
Help us plant sawgrass and seaside goldenrod to strengthen the wetland habitat between the picnic area and the marina. We have approximately 600 native plants to get into the ground, and with community hands and heart, we can finish before the end of November to give them the best chance to thrive.
Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks will be leading this project on behalf of park staff.
PLANTING WINDOW
November 11, 12, 13, and 15
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
If weather delays planting, we will finish up during the last part of November.
Join for one day or as many as you can. Even one hour makes an impact.
WHERE TO MEET & PARK
Park at the marina flagpole parking area, near the Painted Bunting feeder location. Tools and plants will be provided on site.
PLANTING DETAILS
Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense)
• Teal-marked wetland area
• Area flagged with blue ribbon (south side of the road)
• Waterproof boots required
Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago mexicana)
• Pink-flagged roadside section between marked pin flags
• Regular shoes are fine
Planting method: set plants level with the ground and gently pack soil around them.
WHAT TO BRING
Garden gloves
Water
Bug spray
Sun protection
Waterproof boots if planting in the sawgrass area
WHY THIS MATTERS
These native plants help stabilize wetland soils, improve water quality, and provide vital habitat for coastal wildlife. Installing them now gives them time to root before winter and strengthens the park’s natural resilience.
Let’s put these plants in the ground and continue supporting Carolina Beach State Park’s conservation mission one plug at a time. We’ll see you out there.
Wetland planting
WETLAND PLANTING AT CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK
Help us plant sawgrass and seaside goldenrod to strengthen the wetland habitat between the picnic area and the marina. We have approximately 600 native plants to get into the ground, and with community hands and heart, we can finish before the end of November to give them the best chance to thrive.
Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks will be leading this project on behalf of park staff.
PLANTING WINDOW
November 11, 12, 13, and 15
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
If weather delays planting, we will finish up during the last part of November.
Join for one day or as many as you can. Even one hour makes an impact.
WHERE TO MEET & PARK
Park at the marina flagpole parking area, near the Painted Bunting feeder location. Tools and plants will be provided on site.
PLANTING DETAILS
Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense)
• Teal-marked wetland area
• Area flagged with blue ribbon (south side of the road)
• Waterproof boots required
Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago mexicana)
• Pink-flagged roadside section between marked pin flags
• Regular shoes are fine
Planting method: set plants level with the ground and gently pack soil around them.
WHAT TO BRING
Garden gloves
Water
Bug spray
Sun protection
Waterproof boots if planting in the sawgrass area
WHY THIS MATTERS
These native plants help stabilize wetland soils, improve water quality, and provide vital habitat for coastal wildlife. Installing them now gives them time to root before winter and strengthens the park’s natural resilience.
Let’s put these plants in the ground and continue supporting Carolina Beach State Park’s conservation mission one plug at a time. We’ll see you out there.
Wetland native planting
WETLAND PLANTING AT CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK = CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
❄️ Today's planting is canceled due to cold temps & wind chill. We'll resume tomorrow — see you then!
Help us plant sawgrass and seaside goldenrod to strengthen the wetland habitat between the picnic area and the marina. We have approximately 600 native plants to get into the ground, and with community hands and heart, we can finish before the end of November to give them the best chance to thrive.
Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks will be leading this project on behalf of park staff.
PLANTING WINDOW
November 11, 12, 13, and 15
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
If weather delays planting, we will finish up during the last part of November.
Join for one day or as many as you can. Even one hour makes an impact.
WHERE TO MEET & PARK
Park at the marina flagpole parking area, near the Painted Bunting feeder location. Tools and plants will be provided on site.
PLANTING DETAILS
Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense)
• Teal-marked wetland area
• Area flagged with blue ribbon (south side of the road)
• Waterproof boots required
Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago mexicana)
• Pink-flagged roadside section between marked pin flags
• Regular shoes are fine
Planting method: set plants level with the ground and gently pack soil around them.
WHAT TO BRING
Garden gloves
Water
Bug spray
Sun protection
Waterproof boots if planting in the sawgrass area
WHY THIS MATTERS
These native plants help stabilize wetland soils, improve water quality, and provide vital habitat for coastal wildlife. Installing them now gives them time to root before winter and strengthens the park’s natural resilience.
Let’s put these plants in the ground and continue supporting Carolina Beach State Park’s conservation mission one plug at a time. We’ll see you out there.
Cape Fear Kite Festival
Join the fun as serious kite flyers create sky art at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for the Cape Fear Kite Festival, presented in partnership with the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce. This is the final kite event of the professional kite flying season with much more than average kites filling the sky! See incredible shapes, sizes, styles and of course colors float, soar and ride the air. Friday festivities begin during the day at the Kure Beach Pier with a special Friday after dark "Night with Kites" at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and then continue during both Saturday and Sunday in Kure Beach. Please check their social media for updates. Live bands, food trucks and other vendors will attend the festival. Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the weekend at Kure Beach
Price:
Free for Spectators | Food and drink available for Purchase | Additional details available closer to the events
Event Times:
Weekend Daytime: 11:00AM to 4:00PM | Daytime Kure Beach Pier Fri.:11:00AM to 1:00PM| Fri Evening Carolina Beach:7:00PM to 9:00PM
Presented By:
Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce
Carolina Beach Monster Dash
Trail Run through Carolina Beach State Park to benefit Cape Fear Flyers youth running club 501(c)3
The Monster Dash is a Halloween Themed cross country meet through the trails of Carolina Beach State Park.
Cape Fear Flyers youth running club hosts a youth cross country meet, age divisions and distances will be similar to that of national governing body championship meets. We finish the morning with a 5K race that we invite the general public to join us for. The 5K does not start before 11am.
Registration is $35 for the 5K
5K Registration:
https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/CarolinaBeach/MonsterDashCB
Youth XC Meet Registration:
https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/254440/more
$150/team or $15/athlete
October 18 is also Great Trails State Day throughout North Carolina. It is a day officially set aside to celebrate the state's diverse trail networks and encourage people to explore the outdoors. Come celebrate Great Trails State Day with a trail run through Carolina Beach State Park. www.greattrailsnc.com
Wetland Planting at Carolina Beach State Park
Join the North Carolina Coastal Federation for the final planting in our three-year wetland restoration project at Carolina Beach State Park! This is a wonderful opportunity for returning volunteers to see how the wetland has transformed over the past three years—and for new participants to get involved before the project wraps up. Volunteers will help plant native wetland species as we complete this multi-year restoration effort.
This event is family-friendly and open to all ages, but please note that the work is physically demanding and will take place in muddy, wet, and potentially hot and humid conditions. No prior experience is necessary—basic training will be provided. All tools, supplies, snacks, and refreshments will be available on-site, along with restroom facilities and parking.
Click here for more information and to sign up: Wetland Planting at Carolina Beach State Park | North Carolina Coastal Federation
World Rivers Day: Celebrate the Cape Fear with a Hike & Cleanup
Love the Cape Fear River? Come spend a Sunday morning enjoying it—and giving a little love back.
When: Sunday, Sept 28, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Where: Carolina Beach State Park – Marina (meet here)
Cost: Free & family-friendly
We’ll take an easy, scenic 3-mile walk on the Sugarloaf Trail with Ranger Jesse, who’ll share stories about the river’s natural history and why it’s so special to our community. Along the way, we’ll do a light litter pickup—quick, simple actions that keep our river healthy for years to come.
We’ll provide: litter pickers, bags/buckets, and gloves. We’ll also have a few binoculars available first-come, first-served.
Bring: comfy walking shoes, weather-ready clothes, sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water.
Hosted with our friends at Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks and Cape Fear River Watch—because caring for rivers is a team effort.
Rain or shine (we’ll only pause for severe weather).
Tap Going so we can plan supplies—and invite a friend who loves the Cape Fear as much as you do!
https://cfrw.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/cfrw/event.jsp?event=8990&
Star Party
Join us at Carolina Beach State Park for the annual STAR PARTY! Cape Fear Museum, Carolina Beach State Park, Cape Fear Astronomical Society and many other community partners for a fun-filled evening of stargazing and astronomy-themed activities! Your Place in Space is this year’s Star Party theme. Be part of an event that is happening statewide and bring a flashlight!
At this FREE event, visitors can:
Go on a guided night-sky tour of the stars and planets.
Get up-close views of the stars, planets and more using binoculars and telescopes.
Cuddle up with loved ones and listen to star-themed stories at the Stellar Story Corner.
Visit fun, hands-on activity stations to learn about (and celebrate!) the universe.
Hear stargazing tips from the experts.
Pose for an “out-of-this-world” picture with our giant glowing moon.
Grab some giveaways and free event swag.
Purchase and enjoy food & drink from several food trucks.
And so much more!
Go to Calendar • Star Party for more details!
Second Saturday Trail Maintenance and Clean Up
🌟 Let’s Clean Up & Celebrate Carolina Beach State Park! 🌟
Join us for a fun and inspiring afternoon as we roll up our sleeves to help clean up the iconic Lily Pond at Carolina Beach State Park!
🌿 What’s in store:
🚶♀️ A scenic walk along the trail to the beautiful Lily Pond
🧹 A hands-on clean-up to help protect this special part of the park
📚 A chance to learn about the history of Carolina Beach State Park and why it's worth preserving
🤝 Meet passionate folks from local conservation organizations all working toward the same goal: protecting our parks!
This isn’t just a clean-up—it’s a celebration of community, nature, and the power of working together to make a difference.
🧤 Supplies provided – just bring water, comfy clothes, and your awesome self!
Let’s protect the Lily Pond and keep Carolina Beach State Park thriving for generations to come 💚
Flytrap Family Fun Day
You're Invited to Flytrap Family Fun Day!
Join the Carolina Beach State Park Rangers and Staff as we celebrate Flytrap Family Fun Day!
🌿 What to Expect:
✨ Fun games & activities
🎨 Arts & crafts for all ages
🥾 Guided Carnivorous Plant Hikes
📖 A fascinating talk by historians on Arthur Dobbs and the first written description of the Venus Flytrap in 1759
Bring the whole family for a day of fun, learning, and exploration!
Fort Fisher Spring Festival
🌸 Spring Festival Extravaganza at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area 🌸
🌟 Join Us for a Day of Fun, Learning, and Celebration! 🌟
Bring your family and friends to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area's annual Spring Festival, where there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
🎉 What’s Happening:
✅ Educational Interactive Booths – Learn something new and exciting at hands-on exhibits for all ages.
✅ Games & Prizes – Test your skills and win awesome prizes!
✅ Inflatable Obstacle Course – Bounce, climb, and race your way through a thrilling challenge.
✅ Delicious Food – Satisfy your taste buds with a variety of food options available for purchase.
👨👩👧👦 This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages. Whether you're here to play, learn, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, there’s no better way to welcome the season of renewal and growth!
📣 Admission is Free – Don’t miss out on this amazing event.
💌 Spread the Word! Share this event with your friends and family, and let’s celebrate spring together at Fort Fisher!
🌸 We can’t wait to see you there! 🌸
#SpringFestival #FamilyFun #InteractiveLearning #FortFisher #CommunityEvent
Badwater Cape Fear
The BADWATER® ultra running experience returns to the (B)east Coast when the eleventh BADWATER CAPE FEAR race takes place on Bald Head Island, North Carolina on March 22, 2025.
With 50km and 51-mile race options, Badwater® Cape Fear features a twelve-mile warm-up on the car-free, one-lane-wide roads and maritime forest trails of Bald Head Island, followed by either 19 or 38 miles of running on the wild and secluded sandy beach between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. The race is held along the Atlantic Seaboard with spectacular views of the Frying Pan Shoals to the east and wild and undeveloped Cape Fear River marshlands to the west. Running this remote coast is a dramatic, invigorating, and inspiring manner in which to experience the Cape Fear region in all its grandeur*!
BADWATER CAPE FEAR | Badwater
Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks Community Meet and Greet
The Veggie Wagon
Join us for a casual and fun gathering with the Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks community! Enjoy live music, a food truck, and beverages while connecting with fellow park supporters. This is a great opportunity to meet, mingle, and learn more about how you can get involved in preserving and supporting our beautiful state parks.
Volunteers Spreading Grass and Wildflower Seeds This Second Saturday: Spread the Seeds of Restoration!
Volunteers Spreading Grass and Wildflower Seeds
This Second Saturday: Spread the Seeds of Restoration!
MEET AT FLYTRAP TRAIL PARKING LOT
Get your hands dirty and your hearts full as we bring the work of the past three months from harvest to redistribution to life this Second Saturday! Over a three-month period, seeds were harvested by the Friends group and Park Staff, including native wildflowers, grasses, and forbs like wiregrass, bluestem, and blazing star. These tiny treasures are key to restoring areas impacted by years of fire suppression, allowing native species to expand their footprint and reclaim their place in the park.
This is your chance to help nature along! By planting these seeds, we’ll restore the forest floor, creating vibrant, thriving habitats for wildlife and making the park more beautiful than ever. It’s fun, it’s hands-on, and it makes a big impact.
Join us for a morning of seed-spreading, community-building, and nature-loving. Let’s work together to restore the park and leave a lasting legacy of wildflowers, grasses, and beauty for generations to come!
Second Saturday Trail Maintenance and Cleanup
Join us for our Second Saturday trail maintenance and cleanup. Trail to be determined by Park Staff. Please bring your working gloves from home, water, and weather protection as needed. We have some tools, but feel free to bring yours from home if you wish.
Meet at the Visitors Center
Lily Pond Glass Clean Up
Glass Cleanup at Lily Pond – Carolina Beach State Park
Partnering with Plastic Ocean Project and Trees4Trash
Join us in making a difference! We're teaming up with Plastic Ocean Project and the Trees4Trash Program to clean up the Lily Pond area at Carolina Beach State Park. For every 25 pounds of trash removed, a tree will be planted back into the environment! 🌳
Event Details:
Where: Meet at the Carolina Beach State Park Visitor Center
What to Expect:
A one-mile hike to Lily Pond
A short educational session on the area's history
Hands-on cleanup efforts
Together, we can help protect this beautiful space and contribute to reforestation efforts. Gloves, trash bags, and other supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own reusable cleanup tools.
Let’s restore Lily Pond and give back to our planet! 🌍
First Hike - Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Kick Off the New Year with an Outdoor Adventure! 🌟
Get ready to embrace fresh air, stunning views, and a little bit of adventure! Join us for a hike on the Basin Trail at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.
🌳 Trail Vibes: A fun 2.2-mile journey featuring soft sand, maybe some mud, and plenty of nature to explore.
🏞 Choose Your Pace: Stick with the group or set your own rhythm—it’s your adventure!
📍 Meeting Spot: Look for the Flag Pole at the trailhead.
Lace up your shoes, grab a buddy, and start the year with a burst of energy and fun. Let’s hit the trail together! 🎉✨
First Hike - Carolina Beach State Park
Start your New Year with an adventure! Join a Park Ranger at 10:00 AM for a thrilling two-mile round-trip hike on the Sugarloaf Trail at the Marina, leading to the breathtaking Sugarloaf Dune. Lace up your shoes, grab some water, and embrace the journey! Stick with the group or blaze your own trail—either way, it’s the perfect way to kick off the year in style!
Second Saturday Trail Maintenance and Clean Up
-Second Saturday Trail Maintenance and Cleanup, Carolina Beach State Park, 10am-12pm.
Meet at the visitors center parking lot. Tools provided, bring your gardening gloves from home.
Monthly Meeting
Monthly meeting Second Monday of the month, 6:00pm. Speakers and events TBA.
Carolina Beach Christmas Parade
December 6, Carolina Beach Christmas Parade.
We're working on the float beginning November 18th.
The theme is "Our Island State Parks".