Family Fun At 16th Annual BeachFest Matthews
Photo Illustration by Ian Waldie/Getty Images
Grab your shagging shoes because BeachFest Matthews is on the way! If you’re not taking a beach vacation until summer, you can get your fix in downtown Matthews, North Carolina. According to the Town of Matthews website, the fun starts at 6 P.M. Friday, May 10. The festivities roll Friday night until 10 P.M. and the fun begins again Saturday, May 11 beginning at 10 A.M.
This family fun event has something for everyone. If you enjoy the old school tunes for shagging, there will be lots of live entertainment to check out. The Embers, The Tonz, and the Band of Oz are just a few of the bands performing all your favorite classics. In addition to the live music, there will be tons of vendors, food, craft brews, and a car show.
Photo by Robert Mora/Getty Images
Friday night you can get a $20 wristband for All-You-Can-Ride Night at the Carnival. Kids and adults will have a blast enjoying all the rides. There will also be an inflatable village for the kids to check out as well. No pets are allowed, so your furry family members will have to stay home.
Beachfest Matthews Brings The Boardwalk To You
If you’re into dancing, this event is a must! Street dancing will be happening, so get ready to show off your shag moves. Years ago, before I was born, my parents won a shag competition in Charlotte. They were both smooth on the dance floor. Sadly, I didn’t get their coordination.
Even though you won’t get the ocean breeze or get to stick your feet in the sand, the sweet sounds of the beach music will make you feel like you’re on Ocean Drive.
The full schedule isn’t out yet, but you can keep up with the latest on the festival’s Facebook page. All the action is happening at Stumptown Park, and there will be parking available. I’d get there early though if you wanna park close to the event.
You can get more details here. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen!
Planning A Beach Vacation? These Are The Most Popular North Carolina Beaches
Looking to plan a beach vacation? But not sure where to start? That’s understandable. With so many beach towns in North Carolina, it can be overwhelming to know where to pick. I know many people are the type to spend a week on the same beach and even in the same home year after year, but with so many fantastic beaches in the Carolinas why limit yourself? I’m team pick a new spot every summer for sure! But if you’re trying to narrow it down how do you even start? A good place is with the most popular North Carolina beaches! And luckily for you, our friends over at BetCarolina.com sent us research on which North Carolina beach towns fit that description!
Even growing up in North Carolina I have always more frequently visited South Carolina beaches. Though in the last 10 years or so I’ve spent some time at a couple of Wilmington area beaches that both made this list. Many are on the Outer Banks, which is on my list but why do they all have to be so long of a drive? I can be in the Myrtle area in 3 hours so 5-6 is hard to justify! But with so many publications raving about the area, eventually, I’ll have to cave!
To compile this list they consulted US News & World Report data on the Best North Carolina beaches, then utilized Google Search data to determine which of these beaches have the most interest from North Carolinians. So scroll through the list, do some research, and then grab your beach chair and your bathing suit. We are just days away from Memorial Day Weekend the official kick-off of summer. It’s time to plan that beach trip you’ll remember forever. You can read Bet Carolina’s full report here or keep reading to see which towns made the list and what makes them so great!
The Most Popular North Carolina Beaches
Melany Myers is a Gastonia native and has spent most of her life here in North Carolina. Mel has worked in radio for over 20 years, many of which she spent co-hosting morning shows in Charlotte, NC, and Columbia, SC. Mel loves 80’s music, going to concerts, cooking, and eating! She is always writing about random news stories that really make you wonder, “what in the world?!” She also writes about rock music and human-interest content.
