The Crystal Coast
Seasonal Events 7 Festivals with a Long-Standing Tradition
June - October
Original Content by Carl Johnson
We all feel the pull of the ocean as the weather starts to warm up 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 I 40 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.
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.
Annual Events & Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss:
We all feel the pull of the ocean as the weather starts to warm up 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 I 40 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.
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.
Annual Events & Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss:
photo caption: The Annual Wooden Boat Show | photo credit: Beaufort Wooden Boat Show
What: Annual Wooden Boat Show (47th Annual event is in 2023!)
Where: North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort NC
When: Early May
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
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 (9th Annual event is in 2023!)
Where: Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach NC
When: May
Live bands playing on the boardwalk throughout the day from 11am until 6pm, give 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
Live bands playing on the boardwalk throughout the day from 11am until 6pm, give 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: First Annual Emerald Isle Poker Run | photo credit: allevents.in
What: Annual Emerald Isle Poker Run (1st Annual event is in 2023)
Where: Surfs Up Bar & Grill , Emerald Isle NC
When: May
As listed on the event’s website, “1st Annual Emerald Isle Poker Run. Starts at Surf's Up Bar and Grill located beside Bogue Inlet Pier in Emerald Isle at 10:30 AM. Poker hands are $10 each or three for $25. 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.”
Where: Surfs Up Bar & Grill , Emerald Isle NC
When: May
As listed on the event’s website, “1st Annual Emerald Isle Poker Run. Starts at Surf's Up Bar and Grill located beside Bogue Inlet Pier in Emerald Isle at 10:30 AM. Poker hands are $10 each or three for $25. 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.”
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 (65th Annual event is in 2023)
Where: Morehead City, NC
When: June
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
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 (62nd Annual event is in 2023)
Where: Beaufort Historic Site, Turner St., Beaufort NC
When: June
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
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 (3rd Annual event is in 2023)
Where: Morehead City, NC
When: July
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
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 (28th Annual is in 2023)
Where: Pine Knoll Shores, NC
When: October
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
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 (37th Annual event is in 2023)
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!”
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!”
photo caption: The Annual Atlantic Beach Music Festival | photo credit: Kites Unlimited And Bird Stuff
What: Annual Carolina Kite Festival (36th Annual event is in 2023)
Where: Atlantic Beach, NC
When: October
The free event is held annually by Kites Unlimited. 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
When: October
The free event is held annually by Kites Unlimited. 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.