Topsail Island’s Perfect Weekend: Festival Fun & Fall Fishing Frenzy

Topsail Island’s Perfect Weekend: Festival Fun & Fall Fishing Frenzy

October on Topsail Island is a magical time when the summer crowds thin out, the air turns crisp, and the fishing hits its peak. For the weekend of October 17th, 18th, and 19th, 2025, visitors have the unique opportunity to combine this incredible fall bite with one of the area’s premier events: the Autumn With Topsail Festival.

Whether you’re an angler chasing the elusive Redfish or a family looking for coastal charm, this guide will help you build the perfect fall itinerary to maximize your time on this beautiful barrier island.

Part 1: The Feast and Festivities (October 17th–19th)

The Autumn With Topsail Festival is a three-day celebration of coastal arts, culture, and community spirit held on the grounds of the Historical Society of Topsail Island and the Assembly Building in Topsail Beach. It is the perfect anchor for your weekend.

Festival Schedule Highlights:

• Friday Evening (Oct 17th): The festivities often kick off Friday evening (typically starting around 5:00 PM) with live music, a food court, and the Beer & Wine Garden. It’s a low-key start to the weekend—perfect for relaxing after a day of travel or fishing.
• Saturday & Sunday (Oct 18th–19th): This is when the festival is in full swing. Browse the Artist Court with over 100 regional artists and crafters. There is also continuous Live Musical Entertainment, a large Food Court, and plenty of Children’s Activities (inflatables and crafts) to keep the whole family busy.
• Must-See: Be sure to visit the Silent Auction in the Historic Assembly Building and explore the Missiles & More Museum on the grounds.

A note on parking: Free shuttle service is typically provided from various parking areas in Topsail Beach to the festival grounds, which is highly recommended due to limited space.

*** Be sure to visit the official website for accurate information: 2025 event Schedule

Part 2: The Fall Fishing Frenzy

The time you spend at the festival happens to coincide with the best fishing season on Topsail Island. The water temperature drop triggers the annual Mullet Run, causing game fish to gorge themselves in preparation for winter. This translates to aggressive bites and a wide variety of species.

Top Species to Target (Mid-October):

The primary focus during the festival weekend should be on the aggressive inshore bite:

• Red Drum (Redfish): Redfish are schooling up in the shallows. Look for them around docks, grass banks, and oyster bars.
• Speckled Trout: The trout bite is strong as temperatures cool. They are actively feeding along grass lines and deeper creek mouths.
• Flounder: Flounder are at their fattest before migrating offshore. Target them ambushing bait around structure and creek mouths.

Fishing Strategies for the Weekend:

To maximize your fishing time around the festival schedule, focus on the low-light hours and pier access.

The Early Morning Bite (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Since the festival attractions typically open around 9:00 AM or later, use the early morning for fishing. This is prime time for topwater lures when targeting Redfish and Speckled Trout on the flats and marsh edges. A topwater plug can deliver explosive strikes.

⚓️ Pier & Surf Fishing Access: If you want a quick, easy way to fish, the island’s three piers—Jolly Roger, Surf City, and Seaview—are excellent choices. They provide your fishing license with admission. In mid-October, pier anglers can expect:

• Inshore: Spots, Virginia Mullet, and Croakers (bottom fishing with shrimp/sand fleas).
• Nearshore: Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel (using Gotcha plugs or diamond jigs).
• Night: Red Drum, including the larger “over-slot” reds, are often caught in the evenings.

️ Midday/Afternoon Tactics: During peak festival hours, you can switch to live bait (like finger mullet or shrimp) or soft plastic jigs fished near docks and creek mouths in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). This technique is highly effective for Redfish and Flounder.

Your Perfect Topsail Weekend Itinerary

By splitting your time between the vibrant culture of the Autumn With Topsail Festival and the rich angling opportunities of the fall fish migration, you are guaranteed a memorable and action-packed coastal getaway.

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