Crystal Coast Vibes August 15-21

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

August 14, 2025

August 15 - August 21, 2025

Hello friends and neighbors!

It’s the middle of August and we’re not slowing down. We have another full calendar of amazing things to see and do.

This Saturday August 16th from noon until 1:30 pm, Sifu Dr. Harold McMillion and Grand Master Jeffrey Gay will be presenting a Tai Chi workshop at the Mandala Yoga Center in Swansboro. This workshop is suitable for beginners. The cost is a mere $5. More information here.

In case you missed last week’s “Stuff the Bus” event to collect new school supplies for students in need, you have another chance this week. On Saturday the 16th, collections will be taken from 10am until 2pm in the parking lot of Staples, located at 3230 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd in New Bern. More information and and a supply list are available here. You can even make a cash donation.

And now…on to the fun!

 

Friday, August 15

  • “Alive at Five” Free Concert Series at Katherine Davis Park, Morehead City. This week: The I-42 Band. | 5 - 8 p | Free

  • Movie Night at the Park - “Dirty Dancing” at Atlantic Beach Town Park, Atlantic Beach. | 8-10 pm | Free admission, free popcord while supplies last, other concessions $

  • Night Hike at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach. An evening/night hike along the 3.5 mile Elliott Couse Nature Trail. | 7-8 pm | Free

  • Astronomy Night - Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach. Learn about - and view - the night sky. Telescopes provided. | 9-10:30 pm | Free

Saturday, August 16

  • Author Talk & Lunch: The Stories of Captain Blackbeard with Robin Reams at History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City. Hear about the life and legend Blackbeard in an exciting lunchtime program with author and historian Robin Reams. | 11 am-2 pm | $20 general, $15 members

  • Boat in a Day - NC Maritime Museum. Beaufort. Teams of four assemble a prepared kit for a small boat suitable for paddling. Each boat will be completed and ready to take home for paint or varnish. | 9 am - 4:30 pm | $585-$650

  • Kids Night at Carteret County Speedway, Peletier. Short Track Racing plus  Kid’s bring your Helmets & Bikes for the Big Bike Race! | 7-11 pm | Prices vary

  • Morehead Brass Consortium at Fort Macon State Park Visitor Center, Atlantic Beach. A local favorite brass quintet plays a wide variety of music in a casual, fun concert. | 3 pm | Free

  • Kids Carving - Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild, Beaufort. Youngsters from ages 7 to 15 gather to learn how to carve and paint ducks and shorebirds. | 10 am-Noon | Free, but please pre-register

  • Outlander in the Palace Tour at Tryon Palace, New Bern. Join historic interpreters and learn the facts versus fiction of Diana Gabaldon’s award-winning Outlander series.  | 3:45 - 5:30 pm | Adults $21.35, Youth $10.68

  • Spirits of Swansboro Ghost Walk by Crystal Coast Ghost, Swansboro. A
    90-minute walking tour with stories, secrets and haunted locations. | 7:30-9 pm | Adults $19, Under 13 $16. 6 and under Free

Sunday, August 17

  • Swanfest - Harry C. Pugliese Pavilion, Swansboro. This week: Small Town. | 6:30-8 pm | Free

  • Garden Vendor Market - Carolina Home & Garden, Newport. Over 20 vendors, all selling different items! | Noon - 4 pm | Free to attend

Monday, August 18

  • Pollinator Census at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro. Help our pollinators by joining the census. | 1-2 pm | Free

Tuesday, August 19

  • Resin Sun Catcher Workshop at Carolina Home & Garden, Newport. Join the beginner-friendly craft party and create a gorgeous sun catcher. | 6-8 pm | Prices vary by design.

  • Sarah Joan Tides & Trails Art Reception at Bogue Banks Public Library, Pine Knoll Shores. Meet artist Sarah Joan Grenier and her vibrant paintings. | 10 am-1 pm | Free

  • WineOrama at Aqua Restaurant. Beaufort. Enjoy a flight of four new wines. | 6-8:30 pm | $15

  • Hiking and History on Shackleford Banks - NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort | 9 am - 12 pm | Experience Outer Banks history and wildlife with a guided hike on Shackleford Banks.| $31.50 - $35.00

  • Rooted in Wellness Hike at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro. A hike that combines nature education with yoga! | 9-10 am | Free

  • Cast Net 101 at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro. A hands-on program to learn the basics of cast netting. | 6-7 pm | Free, but registration required

Wednesday, August 20

  • Kayak Tour at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro. A guided trip through the adjacent marsh, exploring local ecosystems. | 8:30-11:30 am | Registration required. Gear provided.

  • Trivia Night at Carolina Home and Gardens, Newport. Test your brain skills with family fun trivia. Cash prizes! | 6:30-8:30 pm | Free admission

Thursday, August 21

  • "Emerald Fest" with 4Ever All - Western Regional Access, Emerald Isle. Free music at the beach! | 6:30-8 pm | Free

  • By Hook or By Crook: Women Pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read at North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort.  Learn about the fierce women pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read. | 11 am-Noon | Free

  • Natural Side of Fort Macon at Fort Macon State Park Visitor Center, Atlantic Beach. Leisurely explore the natural side of Fort Macon State Park, both trail and beach. | 10-11 am | Free

  • Rock the Deck Series - Tapping the Admiral Bar, Beaufort. Featuring Kelly Zullo. | 5-8 pm | No admission charge

Recurring Events

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

  • Roosevelt Natural Area Paddle Trip - NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores | Mondays and Wednesdays 9-11 am | $ | 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

  • Yoga in the Green Room & Garden - Carolina Home & Garden, Newport | Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 pm | $ | Relax and flow with yoga in the beautiful gardens.

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

  • Free Admission Wednesday - Grace Adventure Park / Carolina Home and Garden, Newport | 2-6 pm Wednesdays | Free

  • 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.

  • Fishing Fanatics - NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores | Wednesdays 6-8 pm | children 5-12 yrs with an adult | $

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

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

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

  • Stand-Up Paddle Boarding - NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores | Fridays
    9-11 am | $

  • 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

  • Something About Color - Art Council of Carteret County, Morehead City. An exhibition exploring how artists use color to evoke emotions, convey meaning, and challenge perceptions. | 11 am-5 pm daily through September 20 | Free to view

Friday, August 15

  • Jimmy Parker @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 6-9 pm

  • Madd Fiddler @ Caribsea Restaurant | Emerald Isle | 6 pm-Late

  • Barefoot Wade Live @ Idle Hour Biergarten | Atlantic Beach | 6:30-9:30 pm

  • Hank Barbee Live @ Cru Wine Bar | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

  • Jeremiah Tall @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Spare Charge Live @ Jack's Waterfront Bar | Morehead City | 9 pm-Midnight

  • The Alter Rats @ Mug Shot | Morehead City | 7-10 pm

  • The Amazing Lounge Lizards @ 34 North of Cedar Point | Cedar Point |
    9 pm-Midnight

  • Whyte Rabbit @ Wheelhouse Taproom | Atlantic Beach | 8-11 pm

  • Ed Frankfort @ Flipperz | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

  • Jimmy Parker @ On The Rocks | Atlantic Beach | 7:30-9:30 pm

  • Juice @ Floyd's 1921 | Morehead City | 6-9 pm

  • The Will & Tony Show @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 9 pm-Midnight

  • Packhouse @ The Brown Pelican | New Bern | 8:30-11:30 pm

Saturday, August 16

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

  • Dakota Blue @ 34 North of Cedar Point | Cedar Point |
    9 pm-Midnight

  • Ed Prophet @ Floyd's 1921 | Morehead City | 7-10 pm

  • Jeremiah Tall @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6-9 pm

  • Jimmy Parker @ The Wheelhouse | Atlantic Beach | 8-11 pm

  • Smalltown Live @ Homer's Point Marina & Seafood | Salter Path | 8-11 pm

  • Stan Gregory @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

  • Swimming with Sharks Live @ Morehead City Country Club | Morehead City | 6-9 pm

  • Barefoot Wade @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 9 pm-Midnight

  • The RV Road Show @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Between The Bar Lines Trio @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm

  • Cooper Greer @ Blackbeard’s Triple Play | New Bern | 7:30-11 pm

Sunday, August 17

  • Clarence Cooley @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 3-6 pm

  • Jenkins and the Rabbit Live @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 4-7 pm

  • Stan Gregory @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 4-7 pm

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

  • Los Sabrosos Del Son @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5:30-7:30 pm

Monday, August 18

  • Ray Wag & Jake Sutton @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

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

Tuesday, August 19

  • Jimmy Parker @ Caribsea Restaurant | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Kaden Jones @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

Wednesday, August 20

  • Instrumental Expressions Session w. Wes Rider @ Mug Shot Lounge | Morehead City | 6-9 pm

Thursday, August 21

  • Temp-Tilted @ Caribsea Restaurant | Emerald Isle | 6pm-Late

  • The Daniel Brothers @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 6-9 pm

  • Jimmy Parker @ Tackle Box Tavern | Atlantic Beach | 7-10 pm

  • Patrick Bliss Live @ The Village Market | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Ray Wag & Jake Sutton @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6-9 pm

  • The RV Roadshow @ Jack's Waterfront Bar | Morehead City | 3-7 pm

  • Quincy Jones (the other one) - Piano Jazz @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern |
    5:30-8:30 pm

Some venues listed here might have a cover charge.

Night Landing in Beaufort

Thanks for reading. Have a fantastic time on the Crystal Coast this week. And be safe!

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