AB Beach Music Festival
- Dates
- Expected May 2027
- Status
- Expected
- Venue
- The Circle (Atlantic Beach boardwalk)
- Price
- Free
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 20, 2026
The last AB Beach Music Festival was May 16, 2026, in Atlantic Beach, NC. Its 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. Froligo tracks free-entry details, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
Last time around (2026)
The 12th annual edition was held on the boardwalk at the Circle on May 16, 2026, under sunny skies, with sets from Jim Quick & Coastline, The Band of Oz, Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot, The I-42 Band, and The Mighty Saints of Soul. Attendee and press coverage described the day as lively and well run despite the crowd size, though at least one attendee noted the heat was enough to prompt stepping away from the festival grounds for a while.
What's special
AB Beach Music Festival is a free, single-day beach music and shag-dancing event held each May on the boardwalk at The Circle in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. Now in its second decade, it has grown into the town's largest annual gathering, pairing live sets from Carolina beach music acts with oceanfront views, dancing, and a food-truck lineup along the waterfront.
What people love
Attendees describe the festival as a long-running tradition they return to year after year, praising the boardwalk atmosphere of dancing and camaraderie and calling it one of the best events of its kind they attend. Several also single out how well organized the day feels given the size of the crowd it draws.
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Listen
Tap an artist to play them right here.
No official playlist linked yet. Find AB Beach Music Festival on Spotify.
Lineup
Here's who played in 2026:
Getting there
Nearest airport EWN.
How do I get to AB Beach Music Festival?
By car
Most people drive to AB Beach Music Festival. The nearest major airport is EWN, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
Intercity coach service (both Greyhound and FlixBus) stops at the 'U Pick' curbside stop in New Bern, 2406 Neuse Blvd, about 35 miles / 45+ minutes short of Atlantic Beach itself. There is no bus service running the remaining leg to the Circle; riders need a taxi/rideshare or rental car to finish the trip. Included because it is a real, bookable mode to the host region even though it doesn't reach the venue directly.
Book / infoTaxi & rideshare
Several licensed local car/shuttle services also serve the airport curbside as taxi alternatives.
Book / infoTaxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🅿 Parking
Official festival page states 'Paid parking is available at the Circle, but spots are limited'.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at EWN
If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.
Search car hireCar hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Map shows the center of Atlantic Beach. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
The Circle (Atlantic Beach boardwalk)
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near AB Beach Music Festival?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Budget stays 1
Treat yourself 1
Typically $170-300 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesAirport hotels 2
1006 Old Cherry Point Road, New Bern, NC 28560
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates101 Howell Road, New Bern, NC 28562
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesMore hotels nearby 3
Airbnb & private camping
Hipcamp lists private-land camping/glamping/RV options within driving range of Atlantic Beach in Carteret County (e.g. Down East RV Resort in Beaufort, waterfront sites near Cedar Island, Croatan National Forest-adjacent land near Swansboro), a private-land alternative to a hotel for attendees who prefer camping despite the festival itself offering none. Not evaluated for proximity/shuttle access to the Circle; treat as a general regional camping option.
Search HipcampSearch all hotels near The Circle
Hotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Accessibility & comfort
The organizer does not publish accessibility details. Ask them directly before you travel about step-free access, accessible toilets, seating and anything else you need.
Pricing
Got fresher info? Tell us, a real person checks every tip, and we love fresh info.
Quick answers
When is AB Beach Music Festival 2027?
Not announced yet. The last festival was May 16, 2026. The next one is expected in May.
How much are AB Beach Music Festival tickets?
Entry is free.
Where is AB Beach Music Festival held?
The Circle (Atlantic Beach boardwalk), Atlantic Beach, NC.