Monday, November 2, 2026

Oak Island hosts Halloween events, reminds families of holiday safety tips

Multiple private and public events are being hosted on Oak Island for families celebrating Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31. Pedestrian and increased traffic is expected, so visitors should be prepared. (Port City Daily/File)

OAK ISLAND — Multiple private and public events are being hosted on Oak Island for families celebrating Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31. Pedestrian and increased traffic is expected, so visitors should be prepared.

  • The town is asking drivers to watch for children and families crossing streets, by moving through the region slowly and cautiously at all times throughout the day and into the evening. Also, avoid driving impaired, whether under the alcohol or other altering substance and even on Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs).

Events taking place on the island include:

CANDY CRAWL
A family-friendly Halloween event, the community can Trick-Or-Treat at local businesses throughout the entire day! Participating shops will hand out candy during their regular business hours on Halloween. This activity is free and is being promoted by the Town of Oak Island Business Advisory Board, open to all ages and meant to encourage exploration of local businesses while enjoying the holiday.

TRUNK-OR-TREAT
The Oak Island Recreation Center will host a “Trunk-Or-Treat” event, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Parents are encouraged to bring their little ones in full costume, as vendors and community partners will be handing out treats from their specially decorated vehicles, Awards will also be presented for First, Second, and Third Place in Best Decorated Car.

  • TRICK-OR-TREATING
    Several neighborhoods and private community groups will be participating in multiple “trick or treat” and “trunk or treat” type events throughout the day and evening hours.

The town is also asking for everyone participating in holiday events to keep safety top-of-mind. Good practices include:

  • Walking together in groups, continually checking with each other to ensure everyone is watching for oncoming traffic
  • Wearing bright and reflective costumes, or ones that at least have reflective portions
  • Avoiding long, trailing fabric on costumes, to avoid tripping hazards or being caught on obstacles 
  • Wearing masks with large holes cut out, as to not restrict vision or breathing
  • Usung flashlights or glow sticks to see and be seen, and do not rely on cell phone lights
  • Not using real flames or fire as part of a costume or home andvehicle decoration
  • Taking a picture of your child, showing their face and costume, to assist emergency personnel in locating them if they get lost

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Shea Carver
Shea Carver
Shea Carver is the editor in chief at Port City Daily. A UNCW alumna, Shea worked in the print media business in Wilmington for 22 years before joining the PCD team in October 2020. She specializes in arts coverage — music, film, literature, theatre — the dining scene, and can often be tapped on where to go, what to do and who to see in Wilmington. When she isn’t hanging with her pup, Shadow Wolf, tending the garden or spinning vinyl, she’s attending concerts and live theater.

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