Crystal Coast Vibes April 24-30

Friday, April 24

• Art Gallery Exhibition
  Carteret Community College, Morehead City
  Celebrate creativity, talent, and artistic expression at Carteret Community College’s Student Art Gallery Exhibition—a dynamic showcase featuring the work of talented student artists.
  8 am-3:30 pm | Free

• Statewide Star Party: Mission to the Moon
  Hammocks Beach State Park
  Join the Hammocks Beach staff at the NC SciFest Star Party Event:  "Mission to the Moon".  This is an after hours event filled with a variety of hands-on space-themed activities for all ages.
  7:30-9:30 pm | Free

• 9 to 5 The Musical
  The Masonic Theater, New Bern
  Based on the hit movie!
  7:30 pm | $23, Students $12

• Murder Mystery Dinner
  Firefly Cafe, New Bern
  An evening of dinner, mystery, and outrageous fun! Enjoy an interactive murder mystery performance paired with a delicious three-course meal.
  6-8 pm | $75

Saturday, April 25

• Touch a Truck
  Swansboro Municipal Park, Swansboro
  Explore - Climb - Learn - Play!
  10 am - 2 pm | Free

• Bites and Blues
  Morehead City Waterfront
  Celebrate Spring with the Seafood Festival’s signature event, Bites and Blues, on the Morehead City Waterfront. Tempt your palate with tasty bites from locally owned restaurants as live music fills the waterfront from various establishments.
  2:00-5:30 pm | $70

• Cannon Day
  Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
  Come to Fort Macon and learn how the different cannons of the fort were loaded, aimed, and shot. Cannon firing demonstrations will be held at 10:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 1:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m.; and 3:30 p.m.
  10 am-3:30 pm | Free

• Feeding Frenzy Music Fest
  Salty Pirate Water Park, Emerald Isle
  Enjoy live music from some of the most talented artists in the tropical music genre. Your attendance benefits Semper Fi & America’s Fund, with proceeds going directly to support Semper Fi Outdoor Odyssey Camp for local kids of combat wounded, ill and injured service members in Eastern North Carolina.
  11 am-6 pm | Pre-sale tickets will be $35 online and $45 at the gate.

• Cocktails, Mocktails & Caviar 
  Ann Street Inn, Beaufort
  Enjoy an evening at Ann Street Inn & Garden, welcoming spring with a special evening event! Enjoy wine cocktails, caviar tastings, charcuterie, and live music in the courtyard.
  4-7:30 pm | $68, $123 for a couple

• 2nd Annual Jamesapalooza
  Royal James Cafe, Beaufort
  All day music and food & drink specials.
  11 am-11 pm | $5.00 cover charge

• Poetry Reading with Kakalak Poets
  History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City
  A reception and poetry reading with Kakalak Poets.
  2:00-3:30 pm

• 9 to 5 The Musical
  The Masonic Theater, New Bern
  Based on the hit movie!
  7:30 pm | $23, Students $12

Sunday, April 26

• Carolina East Singers Spring Concert
  First Presbyterian Church, Morehead City
  The choral group will perform Dan Forrest's Creation and other well known favorites.
  5-6 pm

• 9 to 5 The Musical
  The Masonic Theater, New Bern
  Based on the hit movie!
  3:00 pm | $23, Students $12

Monday, April 27

• Science and Exploration on the Rachel Carson Reserve
  North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort
  Join a museum educator and the Central Sites Manager from the N.C. Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve for a guided hike through the Rachel Carson Reserve. Discover the diverse plants and animals of the salt marsh and tidal flats while exploring the interconnected habitats of Town Marsh and Bird Shoal.
  8:30 am-Noon | $25

Tuesday, April 28

• Book Club and Brews
  Shortway Brewing Co., Newport
  Enjoy craft beer and relax with the book club!
  6-8 pm

• Chair Yoga  
  Western Carteret Branch Library, Cape Carteret
  A gentle chair yoga session, led by a guided, instructional video. This low-impact program is perfect for adults and seniors looking to improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation—all from the comfort of a chair. Ages 18+.
  10-11 am

Wednesday, April 29

• Smart Science Extravaganza
  Hammocks Beach State Park
  Come out to the park and test your scientific curiosity through several workstations set up highlighting some wacky hands-on science experiments that will blow you away! All ages.
  3-4 pm | Free

• Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop 
  Western Carteret Library, Cape Carteret
  An Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop (poetry inspired by visual art) with published poet, Deborah Doolittle.
  5-6:30 pm | Free

• Open Play Mahjong
  Carolina Home and Garden, Newport
  An open play event in the sunroom for players with experience.
  6:30-8:30 pm | Admission $5.13, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63

Thursday, April 30

• Dueling Piano Show: Dave Haywood & Kathryn Flynn
  Rock the Dock, Morehead City
  A fast-paced, high-energy, crowd-driven show. Two professional pianists go head-to-head, taking live song requests, roasting each other (and the audience), and turning the room into one giant sing-along. Age 21+
  8-11:59 pm | $10

• Herbal Class
  Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
  Learn how to make an all-natural mosquito repellant using herbs. You'll also learn how to make natural remedies for sunburned skin such as facial masks and mists!
  6:30-8:30 pm | $56.38, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63

• Hanging Basket Garden Class
  Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
  A fun, hands-on class where you’ll create your own hanging basket arrangement with springtime plants. You'll learn how to care for them, and keep them happy and healthy. Leave with a beautiful basket you designed yourself!
  6:30-8:30 pm | $43.16, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63

• In Irons: American Prisoners of War, 1775-1783 
  North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort
  Join Maritime History Curator David Bennett as he details the wartime captivity of North Carolinians and other American patriots, as well as daring escapes and maritime routes to freedom.
  Noon-1 pm | Free

• Beer, Wine & Food Pairing
  AB Bottle Co., Atlantic Beach
  A delicious 4 course menu with chef created dishes paired with amazing craft beers and luscious wines.
  6:30-8:30 pm | $80, Call (252) 773-0038 for reservations

Future Events 

• 50th Annual Wooden Boat Show at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort.
  May 2

• Pirate Fest in Downtown Swansboro
  May 9

• Crystal Coast Indoor Triathlon at The Gym, Cape Carteret.
  May 9

• Atlantic Beach Beach Music Festival at Atlantic Beach Circle.
  May 16

Recurring Events

• Upcycle at Art Council of Carteret County, Morehead City | Daily 11am-5 pm, March 7-April 25

• Beach Yoga Every Day - Western Beach Access, Emerald Isle | Daily 8 am | Donation

• Championship Trivia at Snapperz Grill, Morehead City | Mondays |
  6:30 pm

• Roosevelt Natural Area Paddle Trip - NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores.
  Explore tidal flats and quiet backwaters with an aquarium educator as you learn about the intricate web of life thriving in this pristine natural environment. Mondays and Wednesdays 9-11 am | $

• Summer Cornhole League at Rock the Dock, Morehead City | Tuesdays |
  6:30-9:30 pm | $5

• Music Bingo at The Dock House, Beaufort | Tuesdays | 6:30-8:30 pm

• Taproom Trivia at Nacho Brewery | Morehead City | Tuesdays | 7-9 pm

• Trivia Tuesday - The Emerald Club, Emerald Isle | Tuesdays 7:30-9:15 pm

• Small Arms Demo at Fort Macon State Park- Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach | Wednesdays 10:30-11 am | Free | Small Arms history and demonstrations.

• It's All Write - Western Carteret Library, Cape Carteret | 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 4-5:30 pm | 18+ | Writer’s Group Workshop.

• Chess Club - Nacho Brewery, Morehead City | Wednesdays 6 pm

• Booze Farm Bingo - Bogue Sound Distillery, Bogue | Wednesdays
  6-10 pm | 21+ only

• Smoke on the Water - 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort | Wednesdays | 7 pm | A celebration of slow-cooked Southern comfort.

• Poker Night - Gaffer's Catering & Event Center, Cape Carteret | 21+ | Thursdays 6 & 8 pm

• Musical Bingo - The Trading Post, Emerald Isle | Wednesdays 7-9 pm

• Cru Collabs: Open Jam for Musicians and Djs at Cru Bar, Beaufort | Thursdays | 7-11 pm

• Boot & Brews Line Dancing - Dancing Baristas Cafe, Beaufort | Thursdays

• Thursday Night Flights - MF Chappell Wine Merchant, Atlantic Beach | Thursdays 5-6:30 pm | $ | Wine Tasting.

• Weekly Trivia - Church Street Market & Pub, Swansboro | Thursdays |
  6:30 pm

• Almost Live Concert Karaoke - Bogue Sound Distillery, Bogue | Thursdays | 7-11 pm

• Karaoke Bingo - Mug Shot Lounge, Morehead City | Thursdays | 8-11 pm

• Friday Night Flights - 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort | Fridays | 5-10 pm | $ | Whisky flights

• The Garden Run Club - Carolina Home and Garden, Newport | Saturdays 8:30 am

• Bingo Beats Saturdays - Billfish Coastal Grill & Bar, Indian Beach. Music Bingo! | Saturdays | 7-9 pm

• Karaoke Night - Tackle Box Tavern, Atlantic Beach | Saturdays 9:30 pm -
  2 am

• Lil Story Time - The Periwinkle, Beaufort | Saturdays 10:30 am - 1:30 pm | Free

• Olde Beaufort Farmers Market - Beaufort. | Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm

• Saturday Farmer’s Market - The Market at Cedar Point | Saturdays
  10 am-2 pm

• Blind Draw Darts Tournament Series - Rock The Dock Dueling Piano Bar. Morehead City. | 2:30-3:30 pm Sundays through May 3 | $10

Beach Yoga on The Crystal Coast

Beach yoga is an easy, coastal way to start the day on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, with classes set right on the sand and near the water. The region offers multiple options, from Atlantic Beach to Emerald Isle and Morehead City, making it simple for visitors and locals to join a class that fits their schedule.

At Atlantic Beach, NC Coastal Life Yoga hosts beach classes Tuesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. from June through August, with a meeting point near the Fort Macon Bathhouse Beach on Picnic Park Drive; classes are led outdoors for all levels and cost $10 cash at class.

In Emerald Isle, Pop Up Beach Yoga is offered at Western Regional Access, 9803 Louise Dr., with contact information listed through Annmarie’s Yoga EI for scheduling and questions.

Morehead City’s Momentum Yoga & Wellness also brings yoga to the coast, offering beach yoga in addition to its studio classes at Lowe’s Food Center Plaza near the beach. The studio offers beach sessions as part of its broader wellness lineup, making it an option for travelers who want both indoor and outdoor practice.

For a different Crystal Coast experience, NC Coastal Life Yoga also highlights classes in Beaufort and along the shoreline, with its calendar listing the latest dates, times, and locations.

Together, these offerings show how beach yoga has become part of the Crystal Coast’s rhythm: simple, scenic, and deeply tied to the shoreline. 

New Swansboro Traffic Unit

If you frequent the Swansboro end of the Crystal Coast, you might want to exercise caution on the road. A new traffic Unit has been created to reduce dangers on the roadways.

Their focus—investigating crashes and enforcing traffic laws—comes as traffic is expected to grow in the summer months. Swansboro police expect up to one million vehicles per month throughout the summer.

Carteret County Offers Free Hazardous Waste Drop-Off

Carteret County residents can dispose of household hazardous waste for free this Saturday at a drive-through collection event hosted by the Carteret County Solid Waste Division and Coastal Environmental Partnership.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carteret County Health Department parking lot, 3820 Bridges St., Morehead City. Proof of residency is required.

Accepted materials include cooking oil, automotive fluids, gasoline, used motor oil, antifreeze, lawn and garden pesticides, batteries, and paint. Trained staff will unload items directly from vehicles. Not accepted are infectious waste, gas cylinders, commercial waste, radioactive materials, ammunition, or explosives.

The Coastal Environmental Partnership, serving Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties, organizes similar collection events throughout the year.

For more information, visit carteretcountync.gov or call the Carteret County Public Works Department at 252-648-7878.

Friday, April 24

• Thomas Road Band @ Gaffer’s | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Jimmy Parker @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

• Flipside @ Carolina Home and Garden | Newport | 6 pm

• Shaina Marie @ Preston’s Corner | Swansboro | 7-10 pm

• Moonshine Bandits in Chico @ Tackle Box Tavern | Atlantic Beach | 8 pm

• MikeMickXer Duo @ Emerald Club | Emerald Isle | 7-10 pm

• Arlin Tart @ Promise Land Market | Morehead City | 8 pm

• RV Roadshow @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 6-9 pm

• Phil Routszong @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $2

Saturday, April 25

• Barry Charlton @ Southern Salt | Morehead City | Noon-3 pm

• Tommie Duzan @ Gaffer’s | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Monika @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 6-9 pm

• Justin Castellano @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

• Swimming with Sharks @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6 pm

• Beyond the Breaking @ Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle | 7-11 pm

• Dakota Blue @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Take 10 Band @ Jack's Waterfront Bar | Morehead City | 9 pm

• Barry Charlton @ Homer’s Point Marina | Salter Path | 7-10 pm

• Donnie Lane @ Preston’s Corner | Swansboro | 7-10 pm

• Erika Butters @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $4

• Hot Buttered Grits @ The Flying Fox | New Bern | 8-11

• Morgan Hudson @ Firefly Cafe | New Bern | 6:30-8:30 pm

Sunday, April 26

• Ed Frankfort @ Gaffer’s | Emerald Isle | 1-4 pm

• Retro Mic @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 3 pm

• Barry Charlton @ Southern Salt | Morehead City | Noon-3 pm

• Shaina Marie @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 4-7 pm

• Piano Brunch with Lynne Cox @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 11 am-2 pm

• Dinner Piano with Jonathan Larson @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5-7 pm

Monday, April 27

• Jim Kohler and Friends @ Blackbeard’s Triple Play | New Bern | 7-10 pm

Thursday, April 30

• Ricky Lamb @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6 pm

• Dinner & Music with The Siren Sisters @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern |
  5:30-7:30 pm

• Bryan Mayer @ The Flying Fox | New Bern | 7-10

Some venues listed here might have a cover charge. Events and times can be subject to change.