This Week

  • Friday, December 13th - Sunday, December 15th
Morehead City

Come explore a winter wonderland of holiday sights, sounds, and smells at this festive event that is celebrating its 10th year in 2023. 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.

  • Saturday, December 14th 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Beaufort

Celebrate the spirit of the season and a big dose of local color with this annual event that will appeal to art lovers, holiday shoppers, and coastal visitors alike. The Beaufort Holiday Art Walk is a fine opportunity to discover all the talented artisans and craftsmen who call this corner of Carteret County home, and to pick up a far-reaching range of treasures and holiday gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.

  • Saturday, December 14th 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Beaufort

Celebrating its 17th year in 2024, the Christmas Candlelight Tour is a celebration of Beaufort’s centuries of history and community spirit, and will be a festive event for locals and visitors alike. Hosted by the Beaufort Historical Association, the Christmas Candlelight Tour provides a rare look into some of Beaufort’s most prestigious and history-rich homes, businesses, and landmarks, and is a fun way to discover more about this popular vacation destination while enjoying the spirit of the season.

  • Saturday, December 14th 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Beaufort

The summertime Beaufort Farmer’s Market is revitalized for the holidays at this special annual event that combines Christmas shopping, local fare, kids’ activities, and plenty of community spirit. The Old Fashioned Holiday Farmer’s Market is celebrating its 10th year in 2024, and is a delightful opportunity to connect with local fishermen, bakers, craftsmen, artists, and vendors of all varieties to load up on unique holiday presents, or to take home some goodies of your own.

  • Saturday, December 14th 4:00 PM
Morehead City

Ring in the season in the heart of the Crystal Coast with this event that is renowned as one of the longest running traditions in Morehead City. The annual Christmas Parade is always a thrill for spectators of all ages, with plenty of music, floats, and festivities to go around.

  • Saturday, December 14th 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Emerald Isle

Crystal Coast visitors who want to get a jump start on their holiday shopping will adore this event that takes place in one of the region’s favorite beach towns, and which features a world of coastal-themed treasures. The annual Emerald Isle Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair is a great venue for finding gifts and seasonal treasures of all varieties and is a convenient opportunity for shoppers of all ages to explore all the talented artists and craftsmen that call the southern Outer Banks home.

Week of December 30, 2024 - January 5, 2025

  • Wednesday, January 1st 10:00 AM
Atlantic Beach

Get a shockingly refreshing start to 2025 with this annual event that has been attracting brave Atlantic Beach visitors and residents for 20 years. The annual Penguin Plunge is a favorite New Year’s event for participants and spectators alike, with an icy-cold dip into the Atlantic Ocean that is sure to get everyone’s heart pumping.

Week of January 13, 2025 - January 19, 2025

  • Saturday, January 18th 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Morehead City

Enjoy a family-friendly outing that will benefit your crew from the inside out by making a stop at the Annual Health Fair. Held in Morehead City, and featuring varying vendors from all around the Crystal Coast region and beyond, the Health Fair is a great way to discover new products, treatments, and other activities or items that will make your family happier and healthier from head to toe.

Week of January 27, 2025 - February 2, 2025

  • Saturday, February 1st - Sunday, February 2nd
Morehead City

A favorite celebration for more than 15 years, the annual Carolina Chocolate Festival is a welcome event for food lovers who want to indulge a sweet tooth in seemingly endless ways in the heart of the Crystal Coast. Held at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City, and overflowing with activities that can range from tastings to spa trips, the Carolina Chocolate Festival is a decadent celebration that shows how sweet life can be along the beach.

Week of February 24, 2025 - March 2, 2025

  • Friday, February 28th - Sunday, March 2nd
Beaufort

No need to travel to New Orleans for a taste of Mardi Gras – a celebration is waiting close to home in the town of Beaufort, North Carolina! Mardi Gras on Middle Lane is an enticing afternoon event that pays homage to the grand annual party with an array of ways to have fun for visitors of all ages. From activities for the kids, to live Cajun music and jazz, there will be a fun party atmosphere throughout at the Mardi Gras on Middle Lane event.

Week of March 10, 2025 - March 16, 2025

  • Saturday, March 15th
Emerald Isle

Visitors of all ages will have a ball at the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival, which is an annual celebration that has become one of the most anticipated events of the springtime season. Going strong for more than 25 years, the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival features a wealth of food, arts and craft vendors, rides, and activities for kids, which will all combine to get attendees into a festive holiday spirit.

Week of March 31, 2025 - April 6, 2025

  • Saturday, April 5th
Harkers Island

Embark on an active exploration of Harkers Island while taking in miles of views along the way at the annual Core Sound Run in the Down East region of the Crystal Coast. With options to tackle a 10K, 5K, or a one mile fun run, this event can cater to visitors of all ages and abilities, and is a fun and engaging opportunity to see how charming this corner of the Crystal Coast can be.

Week of April 7, 2025 - April 13, 2025

  • Saturday, April 12th 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Beaufort

The small town of Beaufort is well known for its collection of unique boutiques, gift shops, and other stores that can’t be found anywhere else, and visitors can take an area-wide shopping excursion to the next level by attending the annual Publick Day at the Beaufort Historic Site. During this special day-long event, the Beaufort Historic Site will be crowded with vendors of all varieties, selling unique goodies that can range from homemade jewelry to locally crafted artworks, and patrons are free to attend, explore, and discover new treasures to take home as a truly unique souvenir.

Week of April 14, 2025 - April 20, 2025

  • Saturday, April 19th 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Beaufort

Head to the heart of downtown Beaufort for an annual East Egg Hunt that combines a little history and a ton of local charm. The BHA Annual Easter Egg Hunt has become a beloved event for locals and visitors alike, and features an extensive hunt in one of the prettiest spots along the Crystal Coast – the downtown Beaufort Historic Site.

Week of April 28, 2025 - May 4, 2025

  • Saturday, May 3rd
Beaufort

The annual Wooden Boat Show is a tradition in the town of Beaufort, and its 49th celebration in 2025 promises to be bigger and more engaging than ever before. With a long roster of activities that are slated for the weekend-long event, visitors will be treated to a wealth of activities, displays, exhibits, and interactive ways to join in the fun.

  • Saturday, May 3rd
Beaufort

Come and marvel as a fleet of wooden boats are constructed from start to finish before your eyes at this competition that pits boat-builders against each other in one of the most anticipated events of the Annual Wooden Boat Show. The BoatBuilding Challenge is an event that's been going strong for more than 15 years as of 2025, and the competition features 18 teams who will battle it out to craft the best wooden boat in just four hours’ time.

Week of May 12, 2025 - May 18, 2025

  • Saturday, May 17th 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Atlantic Beach

Kick off the flip flops and get ready to dance the day and night away at this annual festival that entices everyone to have some fun in the sand. The Atlantic Beach Music Festival is a community-wide celebration that takes place just steps away from the oceanfront, and which always features a talented line-up of local, regional, and even national musicians that pay a visit to the sunny Crystal Coast shoreline.

Week of June 2, 2025 - June 8, 2025

  • Friday, June 6th - Sunday, June 15th
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.

  • Saturday, June 7th 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Beaufort

Visitors who have always wanted to explore the acclaimed North Carolina Maritime Museum can enjoy everything this landmark has to offer and miles more at the annual Museum Day. Held in early June, this event features a wealth of activities, games, music, and unique displays from opening to closing time, and is a fantastic opportunity to explore this museum, and the charming town of Beaufort, North Carolina, in depth.

Week of June 9, 2025 - June 15, 2025

  • Friday, June 6th - Sunday, June 15th
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.

  • Saturday, June 14th 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.

  • Saturday, June 14th
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 34th year in 2024. 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 23, 2025 - June 29, 2025

  • Friday, June 27th - Saturday, 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 30, 2025 - July 6, 2025

  • Friday, 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 July 7, 2025 - July 13, 2025

  • Saturday, July 12th 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Beaufort

Head to one of Beaufort’s favorite local landmarks for one of the most festive and anticipated parties of the year. The Beaufort Historic Association's Summer Party is an annual celebration that features an enchanting atmosphere complete with delicious food, an open bar, ample live music and dancing, auctions, and a host of ways to toast the summer while supporting a beloved local cause.

Week of October 13, 2025 - October 19, 2025

  • Monday, October 13th - Saturday, October 18th
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 20, 2025 - October 26, 2025

  • Saturday, October 25th
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 November 10, 2025 - November 16, 2025

  • Saturday, November 15th 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Beaufort

The small town of Beaufort is renowned for its incredibly fresh seafood and unique coastal culture, and visitors can enjoy a hearty helping of both at this annual event that puts local cuisine in the spotlight. The Beaufort Wine & Food Oyster Roast highlights the region's renowned oysters and more, with an array of fresh and seasonal goodies that will cater to seafood lovers of all varieties.

Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari
Lookout Cruises