Beaufort, NC Night Life Events - 2026 Schedule

Swansboro by Candlelight is a cherished holiday tradition that transforms historic downtown Swansboro into a festive winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and small-town charm. Held annually in November, the event marks the unofficial start of the holiday season on the Crystal Coast, inviting residents and visitors to gather for an evening of shopping, entertainment, and community celebration in one of North Carolina’s most picturesque waterfront towns.

The Core Sound Chow Down is a popular annual culinary event that celebrates the food traditions, community spirit, and coastal heritage of Down East Carteret County. Held each December at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center on Harkers Island, the event serves as the traditional kickoff to the museum’s Waterfowl Weekend festivities, drawing residents and visitors from across eastern North Carolina.

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.