City of Southport Event Guidance and Resources

Southport Stays the Course to Recovery Through Safe Gatherings

All Hands on Deck

Everyone has a part to play in keeping our community safe. Whether you are a resident, a business owner, or a visitor, you have the power to keep Southport moving forward in a positive direction.

We want to help you to be successful in creating a safe community event for your guests and staff, so we’ve compiled tools and resources to help you as you chart your course.

By staying the course with public health safety guidelines at events and gatherings, you help ensure smooth sailing for Southport.

summer plans

Indoor Events Outdoor Events Visiting Southport NC Guidance

Are you planning an indoor gathering? Here’s what you need to know.

Per Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 204, the Mass Gathering limit for indoor gatherings was increased to a maximum of 50 people. EO 204 took effect on March 26, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. and will remain in effect until April 30, 2021, at 5:00 p.m., unless repealed, replaced, or rescinded.
Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces are restricted to a 50% occupancy limit or 12 people per 1000 square feet. Layout must allow for 6 ft. social distancing in all areas.
All events must be seated events. Each group of guests must be seated to achieve at least 6-foot separation between each group of guests in all directions. Guests must remain at their seats except to enter, leave, visit the restroom, and obtain food or drink.
No standing events such as cocktail parties/receptions.
Dance floors/dancing are not allowed.
Face coverings are required.
A meeting or function held in a private room in a restaurant, including reception or conference, is subject to the 50% capacity limit and other restrictions that apply to meeting spaces, conference centers, and reception venues.

City of Southport Facilities:

Indian Trail Meeting Hall: Will open to non-profit organizations for meetings on June 1, 2021.
Southport Community Building: Will re-open after Labor Day.

Helpful resources for further guidance:

FAQs for Eased Restrictions Under Executive Order 204

NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Hotel Venues and Meeting Spaces

NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Private Social Gatherings

Are you planning an outdoor gathering or event? Here’s what you need to know.

Per Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 204, the Mass Gathering limit for outdoor events was increased to a maximum of 100 people. EO 204 took effect on March 26, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. and will remain in effect until April 30, 2021, at 5:00 p.m., unless repealed, replaced, or rescinded.
Outdoor parades, fairs, and festivals are subject to the mass gathering limit of no more than one hundred (100) individuals. However, concerts and other events held at outdoor venues for live performances are subject to a 50% occupancy limit or 12 Guests for every 1,000 square feet.
Social distancing must be maintained. Please ensure 6′ of social distance between guests.
Face coverings are required in all public spaces.
No standing events such as cocktail parties/receptions.
Dance floors/dancing are not allowed.

City of Southport Facilities:

Ft. Johnston Garrison Lawn – Open on June 1, 2021
Franklin Square Park – Opening after Labor Day
Waterfront Park – Opening after Labor Day

Helpful resources for further guidance:

Setting your sails for Southport? All hands on deck!

We’re working hard to keep our community and visitors safe while participating in fun events and gatherings.

As you come to Southport to enjoy all of the wonderful things to see and do here, we need you to help us by doing your part and following the health safety protocols that are in place.

Here’s what we’re doing:

We believe in responsible tourism, and we want you to feel safe when you visit us!

All public events held in the City of Southport must adhere to public health guidelines established by the CDC and the NC Department of Health and Human Services including limiting attendance numbers and allowing for social distancing.

Here’s how you can help:

Face coverings are mandatory in all public spaces, including events. Forgot your mask? No problem! We’ll supply you with one.

Please be mindful and respect social distancing guidelines. Stay 6 feet apart from groups and individuals that you do not live with.

Practice good hand hygiene! You may notice our fabulous hand sanitizing stations that have been placed around town for your convenience.

We appreciate you helping Southport to “Stay the Course” for continued recovery.

Planning your trip?

Check out our #SouthportSafe Virtual Merchant Showcase, which highlights 42 of our local shops, restaurants, and market artisans that are committed to providing you with a safe shopping and dining experience.

The Showcase has a fun virtual tour of each of the shops, restaurants, and market vendor booths to help you chart your course!

From Governor Cooper and the NC Department of Health and Human Services:

Gov. Cooper Announces North Carolina Will Relax Some COVID-19 Restrictions

NC COVID-19 Orders & Directives

Interim Guidance for Meeting Rooms and Event Spaces (March 26, 2021)

Interim Guidance for Indoor and Outdoor Small & Medium Venues for Live Performances (March 26, 2021)

NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Large and Very Large Indoor and Outdoor Venues

Interim Guidance for Indoor and Outdoor Venues for Live Performances
(April 7, 2021)

Interim Guidance for Private Social Gatherings (March 26, 2021)

CDC Events and Gatherings: Readiness and Planning Tool

If you need to plan an event, you’ll find this tool from the CDC very helpful. It even includes a General Readiness Assessment checklist to help ensure that you’ve thought of everything!

Social Distancing Calculator

This wonderful little widget calculates the total number of people that you can safely hold in your venue while following social distancing guidelines.

Southport Stays the Course to Recovery Through Safe Gatherings

Are you planning an indoor gathering? Here’s what you need to know.

City of Southport Facilities:

Helpful resources for further guidance:

Are you planning an outdoor gathering or event? Here’s what you need to know.

City of Southport Facilities:

Helpful resources for further guidance:

Setting your sails for Southport? All hands on deck!

Here’s what we’re doing:

Here’s how you can help:

Planning your trip?

From Governor Cooper and the NC Department of Health and Human Services:

CDC Events and Gatherings: Readiness and Planning Tool

Social Distancing Calculator

City of Southport Contacts

Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors' Center

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