IMPACT

Giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s why Ocean Fest exists.

From day one, our mission has been clear:

Create a radical festival experience that uplifts our community and educates festival go’ers on how to better care for our coastal environment while raising money to directly benefit Mother Ocean.

The Ocean Fest Grants Program

Since our inaugural festival in 2019, Ocean Fest has awarded over $140,000 in grants to likeminded environmental nonprofits who share our passion for ocean conservation. These grants have gone toward efforts including marine debris removal, fighting offshore drilling, protecting critical habitats, and educating the next generation of ocean stewards, to name a few.

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  • Ocean Fest’s 2023 grant supports and benefits the lower New River management plan for 2024, helping to protect the quality of water and life in coastal North Carolina. Learn more about them here.

  • Ocean Fest’s grant has been used to purchase tabling materials for 3 NCCF offices to promote the NC Oyster Trail. This includes tents, tables, printed materials, models, etc., and is currently in progress. Learn more about them here.

  • Plastic Ocean Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit based out of Wilmington, North Carolina. Our mission is to attain science-based solutions to the plastic pollution crisis that inspire all to make informed choices to improve human and environmental health. Learn more about them here.

  • This program investigates strandings to improve our understanding of the biology of marine mammals that inhabit our local waters so that we may enhance their conservation. Through this, we aim to educate students through their participation in marine mammal stranding investigations. Learn more about them here.

  • The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network. This is an ethos we love to support! Learn more about them here.

  • The South End is one of the last undeveloped, privately owned sites on any North Carolina barrier island. This property features sound-to-sea frontage along the Atlantic Ocean, New Topsail Inlet, and Banks Channel. It also hosts an expanse of pristine dunes, beaches, estuarine wetlands, and maritime shrub forests, providing habitat for a diversity of coast-centric wildlife. Learn more about them here.

  • Sturgeon City Environmental Education Center. Their goal is to become a model for getting young people interested in leadership, community service, habitat restoration, environmental education, and taking care of the New River and coastal wetlands. Learn more about them here.

  • Audubon North Carolina is a regional office of the National Audubon Society.

    From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, Audubon protects birds and the places they need across North Carolina using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Learn more about them here.

  • The mission of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is to conserve and protect all species of marine turtles, both in the water and on the beach. Learn more about them here.

Testimonials

  • "Ocean Fest is the best event of the year, hands down. From the vendors to the music, to the food trucks, there is something there for everyone—not to mention you absolutely couldn't ask for a better spot. It's the epitome of what it means to live in Surf City, and we will be a vendor there every year without question. And let's not forget—it's our biggest local revenue event of the year!"

    — Tom Tippmann

    Sasquatch Tea Company

  • "Ocean Fest is a consistently successful and engaging event that effectively supports both local artisans and ocean life conservation. The exceptional vendor selection and variety of events always make it a highlight, and Sea Clay is honored to participate."

    — Joy Arabella

    Sea Clay NC

  • "Ocean Fest is one of our favorite events to be part of. The organization, communication, and genuine support for businesses and vendors make it a standout market. Beyond being well-run, Ocean Fest creates a meaningful connection between local businesses, the community, and ocean-focused nonprofit work. We're always proud to participate and be part of something that's both fun and impactful."

    — Brandy

    Topsail Dental

  • "My favorite market of the year is Ocean Fest! And I do a lot of markets!! It's pure joy, coming together to celebrate what makes our community so special—the ocean! Incredible artists, local food, educational activities, and fun bands, all in support of a fabulous nonprofit that helps protect the ecosystem and beaches we love. Thank you, Ocean Fest, for all you do! Favorite memory (and best sales) was the year it rained—5 inches of water running through my tent, surfers and 5K runners walking through the streets barefoot, kids splashing in puddles, the beer kept flowing, people kept coming, and no one left."

    — Robin Preville

    Anchor Art Glass

  • "Ocean Fest is a blast to vend. The team is organized, communicative, and truly supportive of small businesses, which makes the whole experience easy and enjoyable. The crowd is engaged, the energy is great, and it's always rewarding to be part of an event that does good while showcasing local brands."

    — Rachel Davis

    For the Love of Margaritas

Every Wave Starts With Someone Who Cares

Ocean Fest is free for everyone because of people like you. Your donation helps fund environmental education, community programming, beach stewardship, and the experiences that inspire thousands to celebrate and protect our coast. Every contribution—big or small—creates a lasting impact for Mother Ocean.

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now           

Over                      

140K

In Grants since 2019

More Than a Festival. A Commitment to Mother Ocean.

Ocean Fest isn’t just an event held near the beach—it’s an event designed to protect it. Every decision we make is intentional, helping reduce waste, inspire sustainable habits, and prove that large community celebrations can leave a positive impact.

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Celebrate the Ocean

Protect what Connects Us