Started in the 1980's, the Springtime festival called "Day at the Docks" was recently expanded to 2 days becoming "Days" at the Docks. Over 50 arts and crafts vendors and a dozen food vendors set up for two days of fun. The weekend starts off with a 5K and 10K run at 8:00 am Saturday morning. Vendors sell their wares from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sat. and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday. Around 3 pm on Sunday (depending on the tides), the world famous "Bopple Race" takes place. Buy your "Bopples" from any merchant prior to or at the festival for a dollar. The Holden Beach Mayor and commissioners toss the 'Bopples" from the atop the Holden Beach bridge and the currents carry them toward the designated finish line. If your Bopple is first or second to cross the finish line, you win a handsome prize. What's a "Bopple?" Sorry, you'll have to attend to find that out.

NC Festival by the Sea – Oct 25 & 27, 2008

The last full weekend in October, the Holden Beach Merchants Association hosts the very popular "NC Festival by the Sea." This 2 day events is kicked off with a parade down the Holden Beach causeway. This is the only day of the year that you can walk across the Holden Beach bridge and each year several hundred take that high altitude stroll to stake out the perfect spot to view the parade. Arts and Crafts vendors are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sat. and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sun. You'll want to plan to be onsite for at least a couple of meals and a snack or two, just to sample a tiny portion of the food on hand. For the competitive sort, there is a horsehoe tournament and a sandcastle building contest. Children enjoy face painting, huge kites flying overhead and the children's rides and amusements. There is live musical entertainment both days at Holden Beach's new Pavilion.