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.
Learn all about the varying species of whales that make subtle but exciting appearances all along the North Carolina coast at this unique event that is both educational and thoroughly engaging. The Annual North Carolina Whales and Whaling Symposium is a day-long session that will provide a wealth of info on these massive local residents, and which will enlighten attendees on the story behind this beloved creature’s connection with the North Carolina shoreline.
Enjoy a taste of the Crystal Coast while enjoying one of the prettiest spots along the waterfront with a ticket to the Annual Bites & Blues. This popular event combines great bites, great music, and a stunning setting to create an evening that local and visiting food fans alike won’t soon forget.
If you’ve ever wanted to test your mettle when it comes to construction, while enjoying an activity that will result in something special, then you’ll want to sign up for the Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course. This unique event that is held in the heart of Beaufort is an intricate course of how to build a boat from the ground up, and best of all, will result with a newfound intricate knowledge of how to craft a boat or two of your own.
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.
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.
Treat your taste buds and your senses to a delightfully inviting and engaging experience by attending the Beaufort Wine & Food Festival. This multiple day festival shines a spotlight on the cuisine scene of the Crystal Coast, and offers a wealth of ways for chefs and food fans alike to dive in and satisfy an appetite for delicious coastal flavors and fare.
If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy the charming town of Beaufort, NC from a waterfront perspective, while enjoying a touch of history along the way, then you won’t want to miss this event that will enthrall visitors of all ages and taste. The Go Sailing on a Traditional Wooden Boat is part of the 45th Annual Wooden Boat Show, and is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a taste of life on the water as they cruise along the scenic Beaufort waterfront.
The annual Wooden Boat Show is a tradition in the town of Beaufort, and its 45th celebration in 2019 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.
Test your navigation skills on the open water without ever stepping off of dry land with this unique experience that coincides with the 45th Annual Wooden Boat Show. The Boating Skills Virtual Trainer is a unique activity that will put would-be mariners to the test by allowing them to virtually maneuver a Boston Whaler Dauntless 200 while remaining in the heart of downtown 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 12 years as of 2019, and the competition features 18 teams who will battle it out to craft the best wooden boat in just four hours’ time.
The Annual Wooden Boat Show isn’t just for master craftsmen and adults, as kids will find a wealth of activities designed with them in mind at the corresponding Wooden Boat Kids event. Held throughout the two-day festival at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, this event allows kids to join in the fun through an array of hands-on activities, demonstrations, arts and crafts, competitions, and more.
Enjoy an engaging scene of plenty of action along the waterfront of Downtown Beaufort at this annual event that always draws a crowd. The Round the Island Race is a non-stop race on the edge of Beaufort that circles around Carrot Island and Bird Shoals, and which will thrill attendees who love to see Taylor’s Creek and the surrounding waters swarming with fun activity.
Now in its 31st year, the Beaufort Music Festival has become a beloved event for music lovers everywhere, thanks to its amazing line-up of talented artists, and its home base in the charming coastal town of Beaufort. Featuring two full days of music that are stocked with local, regional, and even nationally recognized artists and performers, the Beaufort Music Festival is an enchanting way for newcomers to discover a range of new sounds and talents without ever leaving the heart of the Crystal Coast.
Life on the Crystal Coast revolves around the water, as it has for centuries, and locals and visitors alike can celebrate this heritage with the annual Crystal Coast Boat Show. Going strong for more than a decade, this waterfront festival features a range of vendors, exhibitors, and other enticements to attract water fans from all over the region and beyond, and to provide an exceptional time for mariners of all tastes and ages.
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.
If you’ve ever wanted to test your mettle when it comes to construction, while enjoying an activity that will result in something special, then you’ll want to sign up for the Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course. This unique event that is held in the heart of Beaufort is an intricate course of how to build a boat from the ground up, and best of all, will result with a newfound intricate knowledge of how to craft a boat or two of your own.
If you’ve ever wanted to test your mettle when it comes to construction, while enjoying an activity that will result in something special, then you’ll want to sign up for the Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course. This unique event that is held in the heart of Beaufort is an intricate course of how to build a boat from the ground up, and best of all, will result with a newfound intricate knowledge of how to craft a boat or two of your own.
The largest “Take the Troops Fishing” event in the world! Over 100 volunteer boats, with all time, fuel, gear and everything needed for a fishing trip donated by our event Captains. We charter the Carolina Princess, an 80 person party fishing boat located along the Morehead City Waterfront as well as The Crickett II, the boat that inspired the book and movie "JAWS"
Several Big Rock Blue Marlin tournament participant boats are in our event each year. We take approximately 350 Soldiers out on the water fishing, and entertain hundreds of family members back on land. We have boat rides, Carrot Island Pony Tours, Sugarloaf Island tours, kids dockside fishing derby, we also charter the Beaufort Pirates Adventure who come pickup at Jaycee Docks on event day making four trips. Crafts, coloring, face painting, all kinds of snacks, Live DJ and live bands, dunk tank, we also have a full blown cooking crew that prepares ALOT of food for our May 31st 5 pm Friday night Captain meeting, and also serves lunch and a big BBQ cookout on Saturday June 1st (event day) Event day is in two places, 1001 Arendell Street at Depot Park, and 807 Shepard Street aka Jaycee Park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’ve ever wanted to test your mettle when it comes to construction, while enjoying an activity that will result in something special, then you’ll want to sign up for the Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course. This unique event that is held in the heart of Beaufort is an intricate course of how to build a boat from the ground up, and best of all, will result with a newfound intricate knowledge of how to craft a boat or two of your own.
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.
Grab a beach chair, towel, or blanket, and head to the sand to catch one of the most highly anticipated shows of the year along the Crystal Coast. The Emerald Isle 4th of July Fireworks Show is one of the most popular events annually, and visitors throughout the town will be treated to an incredible display over the ocean waters as the Town of Emerald Isle rings in the holiday with a little coastal style and flair.
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.
Celebrate Independence Day with this unique sailing competition that incorporates a little bit of local history into the festivities. The Great 4th Race is a fast-paced race among traditionally-rigged sailing craft that takes place in the heart of Beaufort, and which is sure to be a thrilling activity for participants, and a thrilling sight for visitors.
If you’ve ever wanted to test your mettle when it comes to construction, while enjoying an activity that will result in something special, then you’ll want to sign up for the Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course. This unique event that is held in the heart of Beaufort is an intricate course of how to build a boat from the ground up, and best of all, will result with a newfound intricate knowledge of how to craft a boat or two of your own.
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.
If you’ve ever wanted to test your mettle when it comes to construction, while enjoying an activity that will result in something special, then you’ll want to sign up for the Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course. This unique event that is held in the heart of Beaufort is an intricate course of how to build a boat from the ground up, and best of all, will result with a newfound intricate knowledge of how to craft a boat or two of your own.
If you’ve ever wanted to test your mettle when it comes to construction, while enjoying an activity that will result in something special, then you’ll want to sign up for the Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course. This unique event that is held in the heart of Beaufort is an intricate course of how to build a boat from the ground up, and best of all, will result with a newfound intricate knowledge of how to craft a boat or two of your own.
If you’ve ever wanted to test your mettle when it comes to construction, while enjoying an activity that will result in something special, then you’ll want to sign up for the Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course. This unique event that is held in the heart of Beaufort is an intricate course of how to build a boat from the ground up, and best of all, will result with a newfound intricate knowledge of how to craft a boat or two of your own.
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.
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.
Set sail to the small town of Beaufort, NC for this engaging event where mariners can meet and mingle with their water loving colleagues. The Fall In-The-Water Meet is a fun gathering that’s wide open to experienced mariners and newcomers alike, and which features a host of fun activities including free boat rides a pig pickin’, and plenty of opportunities to learn all about life on the water in this small and charming town.
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.
If you’ve ever wanted to join the kayak fishing craze while exploring the stunning waters that surround downtown Beaufort, N.C., then this fully immersive and engaging day-long class may be an exceptional fit. The Kayak Fishing Class is a prime opportunity to learn everything you need to know about this popular sport that can be enjoyed just about anywhere in the Crystal Coast area, and is a fine opportunity to uncover a wealth of info as well as incredible on-the-water views in the heart of Beaufort.
Have a lot of stamina and want to explore the coastal North Carolina region in its entirety? Then you’ll want to grab your friends and family and sign up for the massive but all-around fun Tuna Run 200 Relay. This relay race that extends more than 200 miles from start to finish takes participants on a fascinating tour of eastern North Carolina, and eventually lands in the heart of the Crystal Coast in the sunny town of Atlantic Beach.
Get a jump start on burning off all those excess Thanksgiving Day calories with this scenic run, jog, or walk that takes place along some of the prettiest regions of Pine Knoll Shores. The annual Pine Knoll Shores Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is a fun and free celebration that is open to vacationers and locals alike, and which features plenty of ways to enjoy the local scenery while enjoying a little community spirit.
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.
Celebrating more than 15 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.
Get into the spirit of the season while enjoying a picturesque taste of life on the water in a small North Carolina town with this event that offers plenty of spectacular views and festivities for spectators and participants alike. The Annual Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla is a local tradition that’s been going strong for more than 25 years, and is an opportunity for both visitors and locals to enjoy a festive display unlike any other along the Crystal Coast.
