Modern Amphitheater Facing the ICW Set to Debut for 2026 Summer Season
By BC News Staff Writer
HOLDEN BEACH, NC — The landscape of summer entertainment at Holden Beach is undergoing its most significant transformation in over a decade. As the town nears the finish line on the multi-million-dollar redevelopment of Block Q, officials have set a firm target for the debut of the island’s newest landmark.
The new open-air amphitheater and community facility, situated on the 1.79-acre lot purchased by the town for $2 million in early 2022, is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2026. The timing is designed to allow the venue to host the height of the island’s popular free outdoor concert season.
From Old Bridge to New Horizons
For years, the town’s musical heartbeat under the shadow of the bridge at a venue built in 2010. However, as the island’s needs evolved, the decision was made to modernize. The old pavilion was officially demolished in May 2024, clearing the way for a purpose-built space designed specifically for large-scale community gatherings.
The new site is bordered by Brunswick Avenue East, Quinton Street, and Jordan Boulevard. Unlike the previous temporary setups, Block Q has been engineered as a permanent hub for coastal recreation.
Venue Features and Design
The centerpiece of the project is a 40′ x 40′ open-air pavilion. Strategically oriented to face the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), the design ensures that every performance is accompanied by the scenic backdrop of the water. Key features of the new facility include:
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Elevated Performance Stage: A permanent structure designed to accommodate full-scale bands and professional audio setups.
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Dedicated Dance Floor: A 40′ x 40′ area specifically for concertgoers.
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Infrastructure: Completed phases of the project have already delivered permanent public bathrooms and expanded parking, including 70 car spaces and will allow ~15 dedicated boat spaces.
2026 Concert Transition
The 2026 Free Summer Concert Series will maintain its traditional schedule of Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., However, due to the final stages of construction, the series will utilize a split-location strategy this year.
The first month of concerts, beginning in late May, will be held at Bridgeview Park. Once the Block Q facility receives its final inspections and the ribbon is cutting, targeted for the end of June, the remaining slew of outdoor concerts will transition to the new amphitheater.
| Date | Performer | Location |
| May 24 | Special Occasion Band | Bridgeview Park |
| May 31 | Gary Lowder | Bridgeview Park |
| June 7 | Jim Quick and Coastline | Bridgeview Park |
| June 14 | The Embers ft. Craig Woolard | Bridgeview Park |
| June 21 | Carolina Kool | Bridgeview Park |
| June 28 | The Extraordinaires | Bridgeview Park |
| July 5 | The Tams | Block Q Pavilion |
| July 12 | Band of Oz | Block Q Pavilion |
| July 19 | Too Much Sylvia | Block Q Pavilion |
| July 26 | Blackwater Band | Block Q Pavilion |
| August 2 | The Sand Band | Block Q Pavilion |
| August 9 | North Tower | Block Q Pavilion |
| August 16 | Continental Divide | Block Q Pavilion |
| August 23 | I-42 | Block Q Pavilion |
| August 30 | The Main Event | Block Q Pavilion |
| Sept 6 | Chairman of the Board | Block Q Pavilion |
Town officials remind residents and visitors that while the new venue offers expanded amenities, the spirit of the event remains the same: concerts are free to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to enjoy the music on the new manicured green space.
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