Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the 15th Annual Ocean City Jazz Festival, July 4-6, at North Topsail Beach! This year celebrates both the festival’s 15th anniversary and the 76th anniversary of the historic Ocean City Beach Community. Enjoy world-class jazz performances and experience the rich history of the Ocean City Beach Community through the Black Beaches during Segregation exhibit, featuring an artist talk by Rik Freeman on June 28. In addition,
don’t miss the Learn and Hike tour of the historic community on July5
NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, NC May 1, 2025 – Alongside the stellar music lineup, experience the rich history of the Ocean City Beach Community, the first residential beach space for African Americans in North Carolina, through artist talks, commemorative artwork, and a special historic tour of the beach community. With local vendors, food trucks, and drinks, the festival offers
something for everyone. Don’t miss this unique cultural event—visit oceancityjazzfest.com!
The 15th annual Ocean City Jazz Festival returns to North Topsail Beach over the Fourth of July weekend, set for Friday and Saturday, July 4-6, 2025. This beloved celebration of jazz honors both the genre’s legacy and the history of the Ocean City Beach community, founded in 1949 as the first residential beach community for African-Americans in North Carolina. It also served as home to the only fishing pier for Black people, Indigenous groups, and people of color (BIPOC).
This year marks not only the festival’s 15th anniversary but also the 76th anniversary of the Ocean City Beach community. Travel packages to the event from Raleigh-Durham are available, and attendees can enjoy food trucks, vendors, and a selection of wine (Sambula Imports), beer (Waterline Brewing), and mixed drinks at the venue.
We are also proud to announce that the Ocean City Jazz Festival has been recognized with two prestigious awards at the 2025 ShowFest—Best Website and Best Tee Shirt —a testament to our commitment to creating an exceptional experience for our attendees.
A separate event will kick off the festivities on Saturday, June 28, from 2-5 p.m., at 826 New Bridge St., Jacksonville. This includes an artist talk by Rik Freeman from 3-4 p.m., focused on Black Beaches during Segregation. The exhibit is presented by the Ocean City Jazz Festival and is supported by the N.C. African-American Heritage Commission.
We’re excited to welcome acclaimed artist Rene Dickerson as the official visual artist for the 2025 Ocean City Jazz Festival. His featured poster, captures the energy, resilience, and celebratory spirit of both jazz and the Ocean City Beach Community. This limited-edition festival poster will be available for purchase throughout the weekend.
Sponsorship, Advertising, and Vendor Opportunities Available
The Ocean City Jazz Festival is currently offering a variety of sponsorship and advertising opportunities, including advertising in the event program and vendor booths at the festival. We encourage local businesses and organizations to get involved and support this cultural celebration. For more information on these opportunities, please visit oceancityjazzfest.com or contact us directly at 910-459-9263
The N.C. Arts Council and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, including programs like Come Hear NC, the African-American Music Trail, the N.C. African-American Heritage Commission, and PATH support the festival.
For more information on the festival and related events, visit oceancityjazzfest.com. Festival Location:
Pavilion on lot at the corner of Island Dr. and Carver St., across from 2649 Island Dr., North
Topsail Beach. All seating is provided.
July 4, 2025 (subject to change)
- 3:45 m. – Shuttle service begins at 2950 Island Dr.
- 4:00 m. – Gates open
- 4:00–5:00 m. – Day party with line dancing instructor Peter Terry with the 910 SoulStepaz (free with concert ticket)
- 5:00 m. – Introduction of festival artist – Rene Dickerson
- 5:30 m. – Phillip “Doc” Martin
- 7:00 m. – Adam Hawley
- 8:30 m. – Brian Simpson, Althea Rene, Marion Meadows
July 5, 2025 (subject to change)
- 8:00–10:00 m. – Learn and Hike: Tour of the historic Ocean City Beach Community (free, register online)
- 2:00 – 2:45 pm – The Uncle Nearest Experience
- 3:00 – 3:45 pm – The Uncle Nearest Experience
- 3:45 m. – Shuttle service begins
- 4:00 m. – Gates open
- 4:00–5:00 m. – Day party with Peter Terry of the 910 SoulStepaz (free with concert ticket)
- 5:30 m. – John Brown Little Big Band with Special Guest Herlin Riley
- 7:00 m. – The Double Bass Experience featuring Phylicia Rae and Jacob Webb
- 8:30 m. – Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp, and Paul Jackson Jr.
July 6, 2025 (subject to change)
- 11:00–Noon – Church service
- 3:45 m. – Shuttle service begins
- 4:00 m. – Gates open
- 4:00–5:00 m. – Day party with Peter Terry of the 910 SoulStepaz (free with concert ticket)
- 5:30 m. – John Brown Little Big Band with Special Guest Camille Thurman
- 7:00 m. – Dee Lucas
- 8:30 m. – Nathan Mitchell
