The Crystal Coast
Calendar of Seasonal Events & Festivals
Original Content by Carl Johnson
I love working with my clients at the Crystal Coast for many reasons. Some of my favorites restaurants are there (CLICK HERE for our article featuring some of the best from Swansboro to Beaufort!), some of my favorite outdoor activities are there (sightseeing at the Cape Lookout Lighthouse), and it is always a great place to be surrounded by great people (if your friends can’t make it, the locals are the best!). Even if owning a piece of the coast is not in your cards currently, it is never too early to start thinking about booking your next vacation. Don't be shy to start looking even in those winter months, you may want to book early as houses and hotels start to fill their summer bookings.
We all feel the pull of the ocean throughout the year and when you live in an area such as North Carolina the drive to the beach is never too far. The Crystal Coast, Swansboro to Beaufort, also known as the Southern Outer Banks, is only a three hour drive from downtown Durham (even quicker without construction and traffic, could you imagine!). I have a secret way to get to Emerald Isle (EI) via other highways than I40 so we enjoy the scenery and less grid lock on the way. A unique feature, which we love to talk to our clients about, is that the Crystal Coast is more than just a summer getaway. The beaches of these Southern Outer Banks are perfect year-round, offering fun events & festivals for each season, local shops and markets open all year long.
As you start to plan your next trip to the Crystal Coast it may be fun to consider matching your trip with any of the fantastic events and festivals that you can only find at our Southern Shores. Take the time to feel like a local and breathe the fresh sea air by checking out our list below and joining some of these fantastic annual happenings at the Crystal Coast.
Where to Learn What to do!
A great resource for anyone looking to learn more about the Crystal Coast as well as trying to plan events to do while visiting is reading the below list of seasonal events & festivals and visiting the official website of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast; North Carolina's Crystal Coast | Hotels, Beaches & Things To Do (crystalcoastnc.org). From this site you can learn the history of the coast, research places to rent and stay, checkout local restaurants, and find annual events. We also have great resources HERE on our website to help you find a place to stay, including some of my favorite hotel options.
Annual Events & Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss:
I love working with my clients at the Crystal Coast for many reasons. Some of my favorites restaurants are there (CLICK HERE for our article featuring some of the best from Swansboro to Beaufort!), some of my favorite outdoor activities are there (sightseeing at the Cape Lookout Lighthouse), and it is always a great place to be surrounded by great people (if your friends can’t make it, the locals are the best!). Even if owning a piece of the coast is not in your cards currently, it is never too early to start thinking about booking your next vacation. Don't be shy to start looking even in those winter months, you may want to book early as houses and hotels start to fill their summer bookings.
We all feel the pull of the ocean throughout the year and when you live in an area such as North Carolina the drive to the beach is never too far. The Crystal Coast, Swansboro to Beaufort, also known as the Southern Outer Banks, is only a three hour drive from downtown Durham (even quicker without construction and traffic, could you imagine!). I have a secret way to get to Emerald Isle (EI) via other highways than I40 so we enjoy the scenery and less grid lock on the way. A unique feature, which we love to talk to our clients about, is that the Crystal Coast is more than just a summer getaway. The beaches of these Southern Outer Banks are perfect year-round, offering fun events & festivals for each season, local shops and markets open all year long.
As you start to plan your next trip to the Crystal Coast it may be fun to consider matching your trip with any of the fantastic events and festivals that you can only find at our Southern Shores. Take the time to feel like a local and breathe the fresh sea air by checking out our list below and joining some of these fantastic annual happenings at the Crystal Coast.
Where to Learn What to do!
A great resource for anyone looking to learn more about the Crystal Coast as well as trying to plan events to do while visiting is reading the below list of seasonal events & festivals and visiting the official website of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast; North Carolina's Crystal Coast | Hotels, Beaches & Things To Do (crystalcoastnc.org). From this site you can learn the history of the coast, research places to rent and stay, checkout local restaurants, and find annual events. We also have great resources HERE on our website to help you find a place to stay, including some of my favorite hotel options.
Annual Events & Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss:
photo caption: Carolina Chocolate Festival | photo credit: Carolina Chocolate Festival
What: Carolina Chocolate Festival
Where: Morehead City
When: January - February
For over 15 years this event is a must see for food lovers from all over. Located at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City you can find food and chocolate themed activities to cater to your sweet tooth. From food tastings to spa treatments, the Carolina Chocolate Festival shows off how sweet it is to be at the Crystal Coast. Events also include a professional and amateur bake off as well as a 5k run.
Where: Morehead City
When: January - February
For over 15 years this event is a must see for food lovers from all over. Located at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City you can find food and chocolate themed activities to cater to your sweet tooth. From food tastings to spa treatments, the Carolina Chocolate Festival shows off how sweet it is to be at the Crystal Coast. Events also include a professional and amateur bake off as well as a 5k run.
photo caption: Emerald Isle - North Carolina | photo credit: Emerald Isle
What: Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival
Where: Emerald Isle
When: St. Patrick’s Weekend - March
For over 25 years, Emerald Isle has been the place to be beach side for St. Patrick's Day. “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.”
Where: Emerald Isle
When: St. Patrick’s Weekend - March
For over 25 years, Emerald Isle has been the place to be beach side for St. Patrick's Day. “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.”
What: Annual Lookout Rotary Road Race
Where: Morehead City
When: April
A 30-year strong tradition is at 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. 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.”
Where: Morehead City
When: April
A 30-year strong tradition is at 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. 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.”
What: Publick Day
Where: Beaufort Historic Site
When: April
“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.”
Where: Beaufort Historic Site
When: April
“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.”
photo caption: The Annual Wooden Boat Show | photo credit: Beaufort Wooden Boat Show
What: Annual Wooden Boat Show
Where: North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort NC
When: Early May
For over 45 years this annual event is free and open to the public, this popular and long-standing event shows hundreds of handmade wooden boats popular to the area and its history. The show offers activities for all ages throughout the day from traditional sailboat races and sailboat rides to skill demonstrations on wooden boat building.
Where: North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort NC
When: Early May
For over 45 years this annual event is free and open to the public, this popular and long-standing event shows hundreds of handmade wooden boats popular to the area and its history. The show offers activities for all ages throughout the day from traditional sailboat races and sailboat rides to skill demonstrations on wooden boat building.
photo caption: The Annual Atlantic Beach Music Festival | photo credit: R&D Brewing
What: Annual Atlantic Beach Music Festival
Where: Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach NC
When: May
For a decade now this annual event is help at Atlantic Beach with live bands playing on the boardwalk throughout the day from 11am until 6pm, giving you great beach vibes at this free event. Food Trucks are on site for the event and available for the public as well as shuttle services to get to and from parking. Music, food, and ocean breeze makes the perfect day!
Where: Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach NC
When: May
For a decade now this annual event is help at Atlantic Beach with live bands playing on the boardwalk throughout the day from 11am until 6pm, giving you great beach vibes at this free event. Food Trucks are on site for the event and available for the public as well as shuttle services to get to and from parking. Music, food, and ocean breeze makes the perfect day!
photo caption: 2nd Annual Emerald Isle Poker Run | photo credit: allevents.in
What: Annual Emerald Isle Poker Run
Where: Surfs Up Bar & Grill , Emerald Isle NC
When: May
As listed on the event’s website, “Annual Emerald Isle Poker Run. Starts at Surf's Up Bar and Grill located beside Bogue Inlet Pier in Emerald Isle. Ride the Crystal Coast, we've selected a beautiful scenic route taking you to five great stops. The last stop is the Emerald Club featuring The Dakota Blue Band. All proceeds will go to The Emerald Isle Beach Patrol.” The band and routes may change through the years, but the fun is always the same!
Where: Surfs Up Bar & Grill , Emerald Isle NC
When: May
As listed on the event’s website, “Annual Emerald Isle Poker Run. Starts at Surf's Up Bar and Grill located beside Bogue Inlet Pier in Emerald Isle. Ride the Crystal Coast, we've selected a beautiful scenic route taking you to five great stops. The last stop is the Emerald Club featuring The Dakota Blue Band. All proceeds will go to The Emerald Isle Beach Patrol.” The band and routes may change through the years, but the fun is always the same!
photo caption: Beach Bike Poker Run | photo credit: Emerald Isle Parrot Heads
What: Emerald Head Parrothead Club’s Beach Bike Poker Run
Where: Emerald Club, Emerald Isle
When: May
Join the local Parrotheads and celebrate the Crystal Coast in Jimmy Buffet style with their annuals Beach Bike and Poker Run. You can ride or walk through partnering stops about the path, even decorate your bike in celebration. Get a card at each stop and the best hand at the end wins! All registration fees go to local funds and nonprofits.
Where: Emerald Club, Emerald Isle
When: May
Join the local Parrotheads and celebrate the Crystal Coast in Jimmy Buffet style with their annuals Beach Bike and Poker Run. You can ride or walk through partnering stops about the path, even decorate your bike in celebration. Get a card at each stop and the best hand at the end wins! All registration fees go to local funds and nonprofits.
photo caption: The 2022 tournament winner: 1ST Place Blue Marlin - MERCENARIA
photo credit: The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
photo credit: The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
What: Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
Where: Morehead City, NC
When: June
For over 65 years this annuals event has been a must see at the Coast. Details for this event, free to attend as a spectator, as stated on the Crystal Coast’s main site say “The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament among the largest and oldest sport fishing tournaments in the country, The Big Rock calls avid deep-sea fishermen to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast for a full week of angling and community celebration. Over the course of the last half-century, many boats have docked here, many tourists have gathered here, and many Morehead City natives have come and gone. Our mission has always stayed the same: to represent the sport fishing community as superbly as only Morehead City can!”
Where: Morehead City, NC
When: June
For over 65 years this annuals event has been a must see at the Coast. Details for this event, free to attend as a spectator, as stated on the Crystal Coast’s main site say “The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament among the largest and oldest sport fishing tournaments in the country, The Big Rock calls avid deep-sea fishermen to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast for a full week of angling and community celebration. Over the course of the last half-century, many boats have docked here, many tourists have gathered here, and many Morehead City natives have come and gone. Our mission has always stayed the same: to represent the sport fishing community as superbly as only Morehead City can!”
photo caption: Annual Old Homes and Gardens Tour | photo credit: Beaufort Historic Site
What: Annual Old Homes and Gardens Tour
Where: Beaufort Historic Site, Turner St., Beaufort NC
When: June
Over 60 years and still going strong, you can take a stroll through beauty and history while you get lost in the southern charm of these privately owned homes. For a small ticketed fee you can be a part of this annual Beaufort event and see one-of-a-kind homes and gardens, local churches, and art studios that were restored to capture the uniqueness of the Crystal Coast.
Where: Beaufort Historic Site, Turner St., Beaufort NC
When: June
Over 60 years and still going strong, you can take a stroll through beauty and history while you get lost in the southern charm of these privately owned homes. For a small ticketed fee you can be a part of this annual Beaufort event and see one-of-a-kind homes and gardens, local churches, and art studios that were restored to capture the uniqueness of the Crystal Coast.
photo caption: The Big Rock Kids Tournament | photo credit: The Big Rock Kids Tournament
What: Annual Big Rock Kids Fishing Tournament
Where: Morehead City, NC
When: July
A great annual event for children! This is a three day catch and release event aimed at promoting education and involvement of children in deep sea fishing. This annual tournament benefits children's charities and brings in over hundred participants each year and is growing.
Where: Morehead City, NC
When: July
A great annual event for children! This is a three day catch and release event aimed at promoting education and involvement of children in deep sea fishing. This annual tournament benefits children's charities and brings in over hundred participants each year and is growing.
photo caption: Annual Beaufort Pirate Invasion | photo credit: The Beaufort Pirate Invasion
What: Annual Beaufort Pirate Invasion
Where: Beaufort NC
When: September
This reenactment is of an invasion in the 1700’s when the town had to defend itself from Spanish pirates! The city also connects the event to tales of its most famous rebel, Blackbeard the Pirate. You can see sword fighting, cannon, and axe throwing demos throughout the two-day festival which is fun no matter your age. Vendors, food trucks, and even the local restaurants and hotels get involved in hosting specials throughout the event.
Where: Beaufort NC
When: September
This reenactment is of an invasion in the 1700’s when the town had to defend itself from Spanish pirates! The city also connects the event to tales of its most famous rebel, Blackbeard the Pirate. You can see sword fighting, cannon, and axe throwing demos throughout the two-day festival which is fun no matter your age. Vendors, food trucks, and even the local restaurants and hotels get involved in hosting specials throughout the event.
photo caption: Carteret Community College Golf Tournament | photo credit: Carteret Community College
What: Annual Carteret Crystal Coast Golf Tournament
Where: Pine Knoll Shores, NC
When: October
Over 25 years in the making, this annual event is a local favorite but welcome to all. Enjoy the beauty of the North Carolina golf course while also being right on the beach!
Where: Pine Knoll Shores, NC
When: October
Over 25 years in the making, this annual event is a local favorite but welcome to all. Enjoy the beauty of the North Carolina golf course while also being right on the beach!
photo caption: The North Carolina Seafood Festival | photo credit: www.ncseafoodfestival.org
What: Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival
Where: Morehead City, NC
When: October
The Crystal Coast’s website says it best, “The largest three-day festival in North Carolina, its highlights are an endless variety of seafood prepared in a multitude of ways, street dances, concerts, arts and crafts (about 200 vendors), Flounder Fling and an International Award-Winning Chef’s Tent, Southern Outer Banks Boat Show, educational exhibits, hands-on programs for kids and rides and games. Saturday night fireworks are enjoyed by festival goers and neighbors alike. The festivities are spread from the North Carolina State Port to 11th Street on the beautiful Morehead City waterfront. Admission is always free, but bring cash for all the extras that will tempt your wallet!” For over 35 years this fantastic event has taken place at the Coast.
Where: Morehead City, NC
When: October
The Crystal Coast’s website says it best, “The largest three-day festival in North Carolina, its highlights are an endless variety of seafood prepared in a multitude of ways, street dances, concerts, arts and crafts (about 200 vendors), Flounder Fling and an International Award-Winning Chef’s Tent, Southern Outer Banks Boat Show, educational exhibits, hands-on programs for kids and rides and games. Saturday night fireworks are enjoyed by festival goers and neighbors alike. The festivities are spread from the North Carolina State Port to 11th Street on the beautiful Morehead City waterfront. Admission is always free, but bring cash for all the extras that will tempt your wallet!” For over 35 years this fantastic event has taken place at the Coast.
photo caption: The Annual Atlantic Beach Music Festival | photo credit: Kites Unlimited And Bird Stuff
What: Annual Carolina Kite Festival
Where: Atlantic Beach, NC
The free event is held annually by Kites Unlimited and has taken place for over 35 years. Enjoy the weekend and see kites out in the masses as everyone is encouraged to bring their kites to the beach! Let your kites fly high and enjoy a day in the sun while the colors fly overhead.
Where: Atlantic Beach, NC
The free event is held annually by Kites Unlimited and has taken place for over 35 years. Enjoy the weekend and see kites out in the masses as everyone is encouraged to bring their kites to the beach! Let your kites fly high and enjoy a day in the sun while the colors fly overhead.
More Than Just a Beach!
The Crystal Coast of North Carolina offers so much more than sandy beaches and the Atlantic ocean. As a tourist or a resident you can find a sense of community tied into history at the Crystal Coast that keeps you coming back for more. Enjoy any of these great annual events listed above and you will be sure to fall in love with the Southern Outer Banks (& maybe even start planning on buying your first vacation home!)
Did you know that Carl Johnson Real Estate also serves the Crystal Coast Swansboro to Beaufort? If you are looking to sell your beach property move into the area, downsize, or find your next coastal home, we are here for you. CLICK HERE to read our feature on the communities of The Crystal Coast.
The Crystal Coast of North Carolina offers so much more than sandy beaches and the Atlantic ocean. As a tourist or a resident you can find a sense of community tied into history at the Crystal Coast that keeps you coming back for more. Enjoy any of these great annual events listed above and you will be sure to fall in love with the Southern Outer Banks (& maybe even start planning on buying your first vacation home!)
Did you know that Carl Johnson Real Estate also serves the Crystal Coast Swansboro to Beaufort? If you are looking to sell your beach property move into the area, downsize, or find your next coastal home, we are here for you. CLICK HERE to read our feature on the communities of The Crystal Coast.
