One of the most beloved festivals in Sunset Beach is almost here — April 26 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Sunset Beach Town Park. It’s the Annual Strawberry and Wine Fest hosted by the Old Bridge Historical Society.
This festival has become a favorite annual tradition for many in North and South Carolina and beyond. At the festival, celebrate spring with friends and great music, strawberry shortcake, shopping and great food and drink in the beautiful Sunset Beach Town Park, along the Intracoastal Waterway at 206 Sunset Blvd. N. in Sunset Beach.
For this nonprofit fundraiser, the suggested donation is $5 per person. Donations help the Old Bridge Historical Society more effectively preserve and share the history of the Old Bridge and the Sunset Beach area with both residents and visitors. OBHS is the midst of preparing to move the Old Bridge to its new home, immediately adjacent to the current location so festivalgoers’ donation dollars will be especially appreciated. Updates on the project will be shared at the festival.
The 2026 festival sponsors are Vision Square, Sunset Inn, United Bank and Heritage Fresh Market. Headlining the entertainment will be Mike’s Garage Band, the “Southport band with a heart.” And of course, the star of the festival will be the fresh, local, large, luscious strawberries served in shortcake with whipped cream or purchased by the quart from Heritage Fresh Market.
When you arrive, stake out your spot under the trees, set up your chair, buy a drink and some food and then sit back and wait for the music. Mike’s Garage Band is a local favorite and is billed as the band that just wants to have fun. The members call themselves a “band for the ages” and play music that focuses mostly on the tunes the band members grew up with — classic soul and rock. You can dance the afternoon away or sit and sip while you listen to the music and watch the boat traffic go by on the Intracoastal.
With all that dancing, you will sure to be hungry and thirsty. Picnic under the trees down by the Intracoastal. At the festival there will be hot dogs, chili dogs, and barbecue, water and soda for sale. The Old Bridge Historical Society booth will be making their festival favorite — strawberry shortcakes. Festival sponsor Heritage Fresh Market will have freshly-picked quarts of strawberries plucked out of the fields that morning. These were flying out the door last year; make sure you get yours early. There will be wines and beer available for sale from local wineries and breweries.
If you are a shopper, you can visit the Vendor Village where local vendors, service providers and sponsors will have their wares displayed and information available. Many of the vendors will have strawberry-themed merchandise and food. Artisans of all descriptions — pottery, art, jewelry, home decor, fabric and fashion creations, hand-turned wood creations, stained glass, baskets, hand blown glass, rugs, gourds, wreaths, wine tables — will be sharing their talent and skills. There will be taste creators such as jams and jellies, baked delights, seasonings, honey, syrups for beverages, oils and vinegars and teas. To pamper yourself, vendors will be offering skin care products and fragrances for yourself and for your home.
Your $5 donation also includes a chance to participate in the vendor drawing. With multiple prizes, you might just be a winner!
For additional information about the Strawberry and Wine Fest, please go to www.theoldbridge.org or call (910) 363-6585. Old Bridge Historical Society looks forward to a great day with lots of people at the beautiful Sunset Beach Town Park. The Old Bridge Historical Society’s Annual Strawberry and Wine Fest will be held rain or shine.
Dining and Cooking