This Week

Swansboro Arts by the Sea Festival

  • Saturday, June 10th
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.

Week of July 3, 2023 - July 9, 2023

Beaufort Historic Association's Summer Party

  • Saturday, July 8th 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 July 17, 2023 - July 23, 2023

Annual Crab Cake Cook-off

  • Friday, July 21st 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Beaufort

Dive into an Outer Banks staple that has been making appearances on local menus and dinner tables for generations with this annual event that is celebrating its 17th year in 2023. The Annual Crab Cake Cook-off is a competition of acclaimed and volunteer local chefs, who serve their best crab cakes to the delight of the hungry crowd. With lots of fresh fare to go around, this fundraiser is a delicious way to sample the heart of the Beaufort cuisine scene.

Week of September 11, 2023 - September 17, 2023

Caviar Farm Tour and Tasting

  • Friday, September 15th 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Smyrna

The Crystal Coast has always been known for its exceptional cuisine and seafood, and newcomers may be surprised to discover that this also includes caviar! Visitors can get a first-hand look (and taste) of this local delicacy with the seasonal Caviar Farm Tour and Tasting. Held at Marshallberg Farm in the barely inland Down East region of Carteret County, this unique event is sure to be a crowd pleaser with foodies and seafood fans of all varieties.

Week of October 9, 2023 - October 15, 2023

Mullet Festival of Swansboro

  • Saturday, October 14th - Sunday, October 15th
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.

Fall In-The-Water Meet

  • Saturday, October 14th
Beaufort

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.

Week of October 30, 2023 - November 5, 2023

Trunk or Treat Atlantic Beach

  • Tuesday, October 31st 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Atlantic Beach

Crystal Coast visitors don’t have to venture too far to enjoy a little bit of Halloween fun, thanks to this annual event that provides trick-or-treating in a safe and entertaining environment. The Trunk or Treat Atlantic Beach event is a free and kid-friendly celebration that features a wealth of food, games, and plenty of candy to go around.

Week of November 6, 2023 - November 12, 2023

Dirt Nap Fest

  • Saturday, November 11th 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Beaufort

Held just after Halloween, the annual Dirt Nap Fest at Mill Whistle Brewing has become a favorite event for Beaufort locals and visitors alike, thanks to its spooky and surprising atmosphere, wholly unique car show, cool vendors, and plenty of delicious Mill Whistle beer to go around.

Week of November 20, 2023 - November 26, 2023

Swansboro Christmas Flotilla

  • Friday, November 24th
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.

Week of December 4, 2023 - December 10, 2023

Gingerbread Festival & Competition

  • Friday, December 8th - Sunday, December 10th 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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.

Week of January 29, 2024 - February 4, 2024

Carolina Chocolate Festival

  • Saturday, February 3rd - Sunday, February 4th
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.

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