Carolina Beach arts festival

During this tight economy, one beach town is offering visitors and residents the opportunity to have some fun for free.

Every Thursday night, Pleasure Island holds Fireworks by the Sea.

But, a vibrant night time display is not all you will get. The Arts and Activities Committee just added an arts festival to the lineup.

Now, every Thursday night before the fireworks you can walk on the boardwalk and browse through many unique pieces of art.

Organizers say this new cultural event is bringing to the beach artists from all around the area.

Elaine Stewart, Carolina Beach Arts and Activities Committee, said, “I think there’s a new group of people we need to bring to the beach and artists will do that and the performing arts as well, so bringing culture to the beach will step it up a good notch for Carolina Beach and Pleasure Island.”

Live bands will also be on the boardwalk.

Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. The fireworks show is at nine.