Free Concerts, Watermelon Contests, and Pirates: Inside Kings Mountain’s Biggest Weekend!

Free Concerts, Watermelon Contests, and Pirates: Inside Kings Mountain’s Biggest Weekend!

Head to Patriots Park in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, for the 27th Annual NC Beach Blast Festival! Pack your bags for live Carolina Beach Music, pirate encounters, and a massive beach ball drop. Loosen your belt for food truck eats and cool off at the splash pad today!

Key Takeaways

  • The 27th Annual Celebration: The free NC Beach Blast Festival, presented by Metcon, returns to Patriots Park in Kings Mountain, NC, on August 21–22, 2026.
  • Two-Day Musical Lineup: Kicks off Friday at 6:00 PM with Too Much Sylvia, followed by a full Saturday roster featuring Swingin’ MedallionsCastawaysRivermist, and headliner Jim Quick & Coastline alongside local DJs.
  • Family-Friendly Coastal Attractions: Features the Rotary Splash Pad, Blackbeard’s Pirate Port, swashbuckling pirate and mermaid encounters, games, and the Kids’ Pavilion sponsored by KM Energy Center.
  • Signature Festival Traditions: Eventgoers can watch the BeachBlast Golf Cart Parade, cheer on contestants in the watermelon eating contest, and catch the annual Beach Ball Drop.
  • Local Eats & Free Admission: Admission is free to the public, featuring a fleet of local food trucks, a beverage garden for adult guests, and pre-registered tent zones throughout the park.

Kings Mountain, NC
August, 2026

NC Beach Blast Festival returns for two days of live music, family activities, and summertime fun

Kings Mountain will trade mountain views for coastal rhythms when the 27th Annual NC Beach Blast Festival, presented by metcon, returns to Patriots Park at 220 S. Railroad Ave., Kings Mountain, NC on August 21-22, 2026. The free, family friendly celebration brings together the best in Carolina Beach Music, dancing, food, and attractions for one of the city’s biggest summer weekends.

The festivities begin on Friday, August 21, with a 6 p.m. kickoff concert featuring Too Much Sylvia. Known for an energetic blend of beach music, party favorites, and crowd interaction, the band will set the tone for the weekend ahead.

On Saturday, August 22, Patriots Park will host a full day of entertainment. The 2026 lineup features Swingin’ Medallions, Castaways, Rivermist and headliner Jim Quick & Coastline, along with DJs Johnny B and Eric Bowman. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring beach chairs, settle in, and enjoy the sounds that have helped define Carolina summers for generations.

Beach Blast offers much more than its concert lineup. Families can explore inflatables, games, the Kids’ Pavilion presented by the KM Energy Center, Blackbeard’s Pirate Port, and the Rotary Splash Pad. Swashbuckling pirate and mermaid encounters add to the coastal atmosphere, while the watermelon eating contest promises a delightfully messy taste of summer.

Two festival traditions are also set to return: the BeachBlast Golf Cart Parade and the popular Beach Ball Drop. Food trucks will serve a variety of festival favorites throughout the event, and a beverage garden will be available for adult guests.

Admission is free, although attendees are encouraged to support the participating food and craft vendors. Tents are permitted at Beach Blast but must be registered in advance with the city’s Marketing, Tourism and Events Department. Umbrellas are welcome except in the park’s tiered seating area.

By Angela Padgett


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