Events

Storytime at the main branch of the Onslow County Public Library. Hosted every Tuesday in two different sessions at 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM.

Storytime at the main branch of the Onslow County Public Library on Thursdays is held in three different sessions at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 11:30 AM.

Get ready for fall at the Onslow County Fall Festival at Onslow Pines Park! Enjoy live music, food trucks, free amusements, a petting zoo, and pet adoptions — there's something for every member of the family. Come out and kick off the season together from 2:00 to 6:00 PM on September 12th.

Pack your imagination and join us for Cultural Explorers at the Onslow County Main Library! Each month, elementary-aged kids in grades K–5 discover a different country and culture through stories, games, crafts, music, and hands-on activities. It's a fun, free way for families to learn about the people, traditions, and celebrations that make our world diverse and exciting. No cost to attend — just bring your curiosity.

Round up the family and head to the Richlands Branch Library for Friday Family Club! Each session features a rotating mix of hands-on fun — LEGO building, board games, puzzles, bingo, and trivia — so there's something for everyone. No specific age range; all family members are welcome to drop in, play, and enjoy an afternoon of screen-free fun together. Free to attend.

Cheer on the world's most talented golden retriever at Movies in the Park! Air Bud is the classic family favorite about a lovable dog with an incredible talent for basketball that's sure to have the whole family laughing and cheering. Activities start at 5:45 PM with the movie at sundown — bring your blankets and chairs. Admission is free!

Celebrate the season with a full day of family fun at ELJ Farms & The Rustic Barn at Half Moon. Kids can pick pumpkins, enjoy pumpkin rides and painting, and join in activities and goodies, while the whole family enjoys live music, food, and local craft and market vendors. Cornhole tournament team registration is available while spots last.

Discovery Club invites curious kids in grades K–5 to explore, create, and learn through hands-on activities inspired by books and big ideas. From graphic novels and art projects to exciting STEAM experiments, each session offers a new adventure in creativity and discovery. Registration is required — sign up through the Richlands Branch Library. Free to attend.

Round up the family for a one-of-a-kind arts and crafts experience at Wooten Park! Arts in the Park invites kids and parents to color and customize their very own cowboy or bucket hat to take home. It is creative, it is fun, and it is completely free — just show up and let the creativity flow!

Join the Town of Holly Ridge for a family movie night under the stars featuring The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe! Gates open at 7:30 PM at the Holly Ridge Ballfield, with the movie starting at sundown. Concessions will be available, so bring your friends and family, pack a blanket or chairs, and enjoy the evening together. Free to attend!

Bring your little ones for a fun-filled morning of play, exploration, and connection! Designed for children ages 0-6, Tot Open Play gives young children a variety of tabletop manipulatives, hands-on activities, and toys in a welcoming environment at Northwoods Recreation Center. It is also a great chance for parents and caregivers to meet other families while their children play. No registration is required — drop in any time! An adult must remain with their child for the duration of the visit.

Wrap up the concert season in style at the Jacksonville Commons Amphitheater with Oc3ans, part of the Jammin Jacksonville Summer Concert Series! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a free evening of live music under the October sky. Food vendors will be available. Show runs 7-9 PM. Free and open to all!

Richlands Farmer's Day is a family-friendly community festival celebrating the area's agricultural heritage, put on by the Richlands Volunteer Fire Department. First held in 1966 and recently revived, the 2026 event brings games, inflatables, Wild W's Petting Zoo, live music, local vendors, handmade crafts, and food trucks to Heritage Elementary School. Admission, parking, and the full entertainment schedule haven't been announced yet.

Step back in time at the 3rd Annual Renaissance Faire at Onslow Pines Park, hosted by the Onslow County Public Library. Families can meet knights, dragons, pirates, and princesses while enjoying live demonstrations, performances, and hands-on crafts for kids. It's an afternoon of magic and merriment for all ages.

Join Zing Zumm and community partners for carnival games, hands-on activity stations, prizes, music, sweet treats, and interactive fun designed for families with young children. Tickets are required; each ticket supports hands-on learning experiences in the local community.

Bring the whole family for a spooktacular evening of spooky science and Halloween fun at Sturgeon City! Enjoy trick-or-treating with a twist, interactive STEAM stations, a children's cake walk, and a photo op with Spider-Man. Costumes are encouraged! Admission is $5 per person, and children 1 and under get in free.

Step into the past at Victorian Mourning After Hours, an all-ages haunted library experience at the Onslow County Public Library. Explore the library after dark to discover historical displays and costumed characters bringing Victorian mourning traditions to life. Costumes are welcome, so dress up and enjoy a spooky, family-friendly evening of history and imagination.

Monster Bash returns to Onslow Pines Park for a full evening of family Halloween fun! Kids can jump into children's games, hands-on activities, a costume contest, and trunk-or-treating through the park — all in a safe, festive setting. Onslow County describes the event for families and children of all ages, so bring the whole crew in costume and enjoy an evening out together.

Bring your littlest ghouls to the Not Too Spooky Spectacular at Northwoods Recreation Center for a morning of gentle Halloween fun! Families can enjoy festive snacks, hands-on crafts, games, and storytime, and every little one goes home with a goody bag. Costumes are encouraged, so dress up and join the celebration — this one is all treats, no tricks.

Gather the family for a special evening of fun! Enjoy hot apple cider, cookies, and family-friendly "spooky" stories in this cozy storytime event at the Sneads Ferry Branch Library. Bring your camping chair and blanket, settle in, and join us for a night of treats, tales, and just the right amount of spooky!

Bring the family to A2C for trick-or-treating in the front parking lot, plus games, treats, and entertainment in the event area. A costume contest begins at 5:30 p.m., with categories for children ages 5 and under, ages 6–10, all ages, and best family costume; prizes will be awarded.

Celebrate the season and America's 250th anniversary at the Jacksonville Christmas Holiday Parade! Families can enjoy a patriotic holiday procession themed "A Star-Spangled Christmas: Celebrating 250 Years of America," beginning at Coastal Carolina Community College and ending at Brynn Marr Shopping Center. Presented by Marine Federal Credit Union and hosted by the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce, this annual community tradition takes place Saturday, November 21.