Crystal Coast Events 2026
Week of May 25, 2026 – May 31, 2026
Kayak for the Warriors Kayak / Paddle Board Race
Saturday, May 30th 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Pine Knoll Shores
Quickly becoming one of the Crystal Coast’s favorite local competitions, the annual Kayak for the Warriors Kayak / Paddle Board Race is a chance for visitors and residents alike to explore the local waters of the southern Outer Banks while supporting a beloved cause that does a world of good. Launching from the coastal town of Pine Knoll Shores, this fundraising event for injured and fallen service men and women is a great way to support the local and national community while enjoying everything that this watersports haven has to offer.
Week of June 1, 2026 – June 7, 2026
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
Friday, June 5th – Sunday, June 14th
Morehead City
Known as one of the biggest and best fishing tournaments along the Eastern Seaboard, the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is a Crystal Coast-wide celebration that extends from the open and offshore Atlantic waters to the local docks of the Beaufort, Morehead City, and the Atlantic Beach waterfront.
Week of June 8, 2026 – June 14, 2026
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
Friday, June 5th – Sunday, June 14th
Morehead City
Known as one of the biggest and best fishing tournaments along the Eastern Seaboard, the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is a Crystal Coast-wide celebration that extends from the open and offshore Atlantic waters to the local docks of the Beaufort, Morehead City, and the Atlantic Beach waterfront.
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.
Week of June 15, 2026 – June 21, 2026
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.
Week of June 22, 2026 – June 28, 2026
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.
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.
Week of June 29, 2026 – July 5, 2026
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.
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.
Week of August 10, 2026 – August 16, 2026
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.
Week of August 31, 2026 – September 6, 2026
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.
Week of October 5, 2026 – October 11, 2026
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.
Week of October 12, 2026 – October 18, 2026
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.
Week of October 19, 2026 – October 25, 2026
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.
Week of October 26, 2026 – November 1, 2026
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.
Week of November 23, 2026 – November 29, 2026
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.
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.
Week of December 7, 2026 – December 13, 2026
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.