Crystal Coast Events 2026
June
Junior Sailing Program
Monday, June 8th – Friday, June 19th
Beaufort
Young residents and visitors who have always dreamed of charting their own course on their water can learn all about the basics of sailing and beyond at the summertime Junior Sailing Program. This day camp that is open to all children ages 8 and over will cover everything that young mariners need to know about two classes of sailboats, and is an immersive and fun way to discover a new skill while enjoying the open waters of Beaufort, N.C.
Swansboro Arts by the Sea Festival
Saturday, June 13th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Swansboro
There’s a host of reasons to explore a creative side, as well as the picturesque Swansboro waterfront, at the Swansboro Arts by the Sea Festival. This unique and day-long festival has a wealth of activities, entertainment and enticements for everyone in the family, and with plenty of food, crafts, children’s activities, shopping opportunities and more, the festival is sure to be a highlight of any Crystal Coast vacation.
Annual Beaufort Historic Rotary Road Race
Saturday, June 13th
Morehead City
Take advantage of the beautiful springtime weather, as well as an opportunity to explore the Crystal Coast in depth, with this annual race that is celebrating its 36th year in 2026. The Annual Lookout Rotary Road Race is a fun event that is accessible for attendees of all ages and skill levels, and which offers a wide range of courses – from a Fitness Walk to a Half Marathon – to encourage everyone to get out, get active, and join in the fun.
EmeraldFest Summer Concert Series
June 18-Aug. 13
A free summer concert series on Thursday evenings at the Western Ocean Regional Access.
EmeraldIsleRealty.com/Area-Info/Events
America 250 Carteret County Celebration
June 20
Carteret County’s free 250th commemorative event features reenactments, exhibits and more. Morehead City Civic Center.
Facebook.com/events/1572227513851412
Junior Sailing Program
Monday, June 22nd – Friday, July 3rd
Beaufort
Young residents and visitors who have always dreamed of charting their own course on their water can learn all about the basics of sailing and beyond at the summertime Junior Sailing Program. This day camp that is open to all children ages 8 and over will cover everything that young mariners need to know about two classes of sailboats, and is an immersive and fun way to discover a new skill while enjoying the open waters of Beaufort, N.C.
5th Annual Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour
June 26-27
This cherished annual event welcomes guests to explore various locations of the Beaufort Historic Site, from buildings to gardens.
BeaufortHistoricSite.org
America 250 – The Eras Tour
June 26-28
A show that will take audiences on a journey through our country’s music history. New Bern Civic Theatre, New Bern.
VisitNewBern.com/Event-Calendar
Alive at 5! Concert Series
June 26-Oct. 15
Free concerts held summer through fall in Katherine Davis Park in Downtown Morehead City.
DowntownMoreheadCity.com
Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour
Saturday, June 27th – Sunday, June 28th
Beaufort
Visitors can explore the best aspects of downtown Beaufort inside and out with the annual Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour. Held throughout this coastal community, and featuring a number of popular sites including the buildings within the Beaufort Historic Site, area gardens, local churches, the Old Burying Ground and much more, this event provides an in-depth look into what makes Beaufort both historic and continually charming.
Junior Sailing Program
Monday, June 22nd – Friday, July 3rd
Beaufort
Young residents and visitors who have always dreamed of charting their own course on their water can learn all about the basics of sailing and beyond at the summertime Junior Sailing Program. This day camp that is open to all children ages 8 and over will cover everything that young mariners need to know about two classes of sailboats, and is an immersive and fun way to discover a new skill while enjoying the open waters of Beaufort, N.C.
July
Swansboro Independence Day Celebration
July 3
An evening with music and fireworks at Swansboro’s historic downtown waterfront.
VisitSwansboro.org
Pine Knoll Shores Independence Day Parade
Saturday, July 4th
Pine Knoll Shores
Take a break from the sunny Crystal Coast beaches and celebrate the 4th of July holiday with a little local style at the annual Pine Knoll Shores Independence Day Parade. This popular small town celebration features plenty of ways to join in the fun, from donning your best red, white and blue attire, to decorating a bike or cart and marching in the procession, and the high spirits and entertainment is sure to start any Independence Day celebration off with a bang.
July 4th Fireworks
July 4
The Circle in Atlantic Beach will take center stage for the annual celebration including live music and a fireworks display.
AtlanticBeach-NC.com
Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4
Watch a fireworks display above the waterfront of Downtown Morehead City.
DowntownMoreheadCity.com
4th of July Firework Celebration at Gallants Channel
July 4
Celebrate the Fourth with the town of Beaufort at this annual event featuring entertainment, fireworks and more at Gallants Channel.
VisitBeaufortNC.com
4th of July Parade
July 4
Gather with the community along Front Street for Beaufort’s lively Independence Day parade.
VisitBeaufortNC.com
Glorious 4th at Tryon Palace: An America 250 NC Celebration
July 4
Commemorate the Semiquincentennial with a morning of activities at the Tryon Palace, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence. New Bern.
VisitNewBern.com/Event-Calendar
America 250 Fourth of July Parade
July 4
Celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday at a parade in downtown New Bern.
VisitNewBern.com/Event-Calendar
4th of July Celebration & Firework Show
July 4
Meet at Lawson Creek Park for New Bern’s annual holiday celebration.
VisitNewBern.com/Event-Calendar
City of Havelock Freedom Festival
July 4
Join the Havelock community’s fun-filled Fourth of July festival with activities for all ages.
VisitNewBern.com/Event-Calendar
Emerald Isle 4th of July Fireworks
July 5
Experience Emerald Isle’s Independence Day celebration with a fireworks display set off from the Bogue Inlet Pier.
EmeraldIsleRealty.com/Area-Info/Events
Carteret Community College Spanish & King Mackerel Fishing Tournament
July 17-25
This weeklong fishing tournament in Morehead City helps support students.
Carteret.edu/Fishing-Tournament-2
1776
July 24-Aug. 2
Grab tickets and experience this award-winning musical. Orringer Auditorium, New Bern.
VisitNewBern.com/Event-Calendar
August
Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity presents Casino Night
Friday, August 14th 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Swansboro
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of excitement and generosity! Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity presents Casino Night, where every spin of the wheel and shuffle of the cards builds homes and hope for working families in our community. Join us at the Swansboro Rotary Civic Center on August 14th at 6:30 PM for an exciting night filled with your favorite casino games, live entertainment, and fabulous prizes. Whether you’re a blackjack pro or a roulette rookie, there’s something for everyone. Tickets are selling fast, so buy now to secure your spot at the hottest event in town. Let’s play, let’s win, and let’s make a difference together.
Emerald Isle Day4Kids
Saturday, September 5th 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Emerald Isle
The youngest members of your vacationing party will have a ball at this special event that’s designed just for them, and which features a wealth of free activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. Emerald Isle Day4Kids is a special celebration that features plenty of fair-style games, food, and other activities that showcase how fun Emerald Isle can be.
October
40th Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival
Oct. 2-4
Morehead City’s popular annual festival turns 40 in 2026! Food, entertainment, vendors and much more.
NCSeafoodFestival.org
Mullet Festival of Swansboro
Saturday, October 10th – Sunday, October 11th
Swansboro
If you’re a southern seafood fan, then you’re going to love the annual Mullet Festival of Swansboro. This two-day affair features a wealth of ways to enjoy this local crystal coast staple, as well as plenty of games and activities that celebrate the food, flavor, and all around fun of the heart of Swansboro and the North Carolina coastline.
Mullet Festival of North Carolina
Oct. 10-11
In its 72nd year, Swansboro’s family-friendly mullet-focused festival is the oldest on the Crystal Coast.
VisitSwansboro.org
Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Fishing Tournament
Oct. 10-31
This three-week fishing tournament in Atlantic Beach is a fundraiser to support the AB Fire Department.
ABKingMack.com
Swansboro Five-0 King Mackerel Tournament
Monday, October 12th – Saturday, October 17th
Swansboro
Head to the Crystal Coast to enjoy some of the best fishing conditions all year long by participating in October’s annual Swansboro Five-0 King Mackerel Tournament. This popular fishing tournament features up to $180,000 in prizes for participants, and is a great way to enjoy the down home culture, hospitality, and great coastal waters of Swansboro and the greater Crystal Coast region.
46th Annual Swansboro Five-o King Mackerel Tournament
Oct. 13-17
Join the fun at Swansboro Rotary Club’s annual fishing tournament.
Swansboro50.com
Emerald Isle Marathon, Half-Marathon & 5K Races
Saturday, October 24th
Emerald Isle
Rapidly becoming a favorite tradition for active Crystal Coast visitors and locals alike, the Emerald Isle Marathon, Half-Marathon & 5K Races are a great opportunity for folks to discover the gorgeous communities and shorelines of Emerald Isle and beyond, while supporting a worthy local cause and enjoying a little competitive spirit in the heart of the Outer Banks.
Emerald Isle Marathon, Half-Marathon & 5K
Oct. 24
Community spirit is in full force at this annual racing event in scenic Emerald Isle including a marathon, half marathon and 5K.
RunEmeraldisle.com
Carolina Kite Fest
Oct. 24-25
Gather with other kite flyers at this fun two-day festival at Fort Macon State Park.
KitesBirds.com/Events
Newport Halloween Hootenanny
Saturday, October 31st 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Newport
With tons of games, food, fun, and attractions for visitors of all ages, the Newport Halloween Hootenanny is an annual event that can’t be missed. Held on Halloween night, this event is a community-wide celebration of the season, with lots of fun, food, and candy to go around all evening long.
November
Beaufort Pirate Invasion
Nov. 14
Experience a pirate-filled day (and learn about Blackbeard!) at this exciting Beaufort event.
TheBeaufortPirateInvasion.com
Swansboro by Candlelight
Nov. 14
Enjoy an enchanting evening filled with festive lights in historic downtown Swansboro.
VisitSwansboro.org
Swansboro Christmas Flotilla
Friday, November 27th 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Swansboro
Celebrate the holidays Crystal Coast style with this annual event that entices locals and visitors alike to get into the holiday spirit. The Swansboro Christmas Flotilla is a time-honored tradition that combines Swansboro’s love of life on the water with a truly festive atmosphere, and the event is sure to become an annual celebration that Crystal Coast visitors will want to return to again and again.
Swansboro Christmas Flotilla
Nov. 27
Experience this beloved local holiday tradition featuring a boat parade full of lights along the Swansboro waterfront.
VisitSwansboro.org
Emerald Isle Christmas Parade
Saturday, November 28th 2:00 PM
Emerald Isle
Celebrating more than 20 years, the Emerald Isle Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting is a favorite wintertime event for visitors and locals alike that provides a fun and unforgettable way to ring in the season. Held in the heart of town, and featuring a line of floats that capture both the holiday and the coastal spirit, this annual parade and celebration will make everyone want to celebrate the holidays, Emerald Isle style.
December
Gingerbread Festival & Competition
Friday, December 11th – Sunday, December 13th
Morehead City
Come explore a winter wonderland of holiday sights, sounds, and smells at this festive event that is celebrating its 12th year in 2026. The annual Gingerbread Festival & Competition is a fun and all-encompassing celebration that has incredible gingerbread displays, fun crafts and activities for the kids, and lots of ways to celebrate the holidays in style while admiring some of the most unique and creative gingerbread creations that the Crystal Coast has to offer.