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Town reports $61,107 in revenue for 2025 Beach Music Festival, net town cost roughly $12,000
Summary
Town Manager John O'Daniel reported the 2025 Beach Music Festival generated $61,107 in revenue and incurred about $53,477 in event expenses; personnel costs of about $20,724 left the town covering roughly $12,000 in net operating costs. Council noted business benefits and set the 2026 festival date.
Town Manager John O'Daniel presented a financial recap of the May 2025 Beach Music Festival on July 10, reporting total event revenue of $61,107 drawn from cash sponsorships, vendor fees, souvenirs and 171 pub crawl ticket sales. In‑kind sponsorships were valued at $11,125 and paid parking for the festival day totaled $7,547.19.
O'Daniel reported event expenses were about $53,476.92 and personnel costs roughly $20,724.14. He said sponsorships and in‑kind contributions largely covered hard costs, but staff time and personnel expenses left the town with an estimated net cost of approximately $12,000 for operating the festival. O'Daniel said such staffing costs are included in the town’s annual budget as expected expenses.
Councilmembers praised the festival’s economic benefit to local businesses and the demographic diversity of attendees; Mayor Danny Navey noted visitors from the Triad region. Councilmember Joseph Starling said he believed the personnel expense was reasonable given the crowd control and safety benefits. Plans for the 2026 Beach Music Festival are already underway, with the date set for May 16, 2026. Council discussed staging concerns related to a private development and considered a permanent stage or beach relocation as contingencies.
