Crystal Coast Vibes August 22-28

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

August 21, 2025

August 22 - August 28, 2025

Hello friends and neighbors!

It’s back to school time. Some people (parents?) find that cause to celebrate. Never fear, there are plenty of opportunities. You will find plenty listed down below.

One thing we hope to do here is to showcase some of the communities on the Crystal Coast that aren’t “in the spotlight” so much. One of these communities is Gloucester, near Harker’s Island and Cape Lookout. This Friday and Saturday, August 22-23, you will have a great opportunity to get to know Gloucester through their “Wild Caught” Local Seafood and Music festival, sponsored by the Unknown Tongues Cajun and Zydeco Band. For more information, see the event website.

And now…on to more fun!

 

Friday, August 22

  • 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

  • Friends of the Library Present Author Andrew Lawler at Bogue Banks Public Library, Pine Knoll Shores. Author Andrew Lawler will be visiting the Bogue Banks Library to discuss his books. | Noon-1 pm | Free, but registration is required

  • Lizzie the Musical at the New Bern Civic Theater. New Bern. A gothic punk-rock musical about the life and trial of Lizzie Borden. | 7:30 pm | $19-$29

Saturday, August 23

  • Back to School Blast Off at Mac Daddy's, Cape Carteret. A fun-packed day for kids before the start of school. | 10 am-2 pm | Prices vary

  • 2025 Ride for Rhonda - starts at Emerald Isle Boat Launch, Emerald Isle. A tribute in memory of the late Rhonda Townsend. This ride honors her legacy and helps raise awareness for breast cancer. | 9 am-3:45 pm

  • New Bern Bites & Sips Experience, New Bern. A progressive dinner-style tour for those who love to indulge in excellent food, unique cocktails, a bit of history and lively conversation — all in the heart of North Carolina's charming riverfront town. | 1:30-4:30 pm | $89

  • Lizzie the Musical at the New Bern Civic Theater. New Bern. A gothic punk-rock musical about the life and trial of Lizzie Borden. | 7:30 pm | $19-$29

Sunday, August 24

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

  • Lizzie the Musical at the New Bern Civic Theater. New Bern. A gothic punk-rock musical about the life and trial of Lizzie Borden. | 2 pm | $19-$29

Monday, August 25

  • Bogue Inlet Pier Painting at Wine & Design, Morehead City. Sign up, show up, sip up, PAINT! No artistic talent is needed. | 7:30-9:30 pm | $38

  • Net Detectives at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro. Explore the Estuary: Take part in an interactive dip and seine net experience. | 2-3 pm | Free

Tuesday, August 26

  • Kayak the Salt Marsh with the Friends of the Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Learn about salt marshes and wildlife while on the water. Includes basic kayak instruction and safety lessons. | 9:00 am-Noon | $27.00 – $35.00

  • Plant Bingo at Carolina Home and Garden, Newport. Bingo, but the prizes are plants! | 6-8 pm | $15.38, $36.90 with Charcuterie

  • Wine Tasting at Carolina Home and Garden, Newport. A fun and educational evening for the wine lovers. | 6-8 pm | $15.38, $36.90 with Charcuterie

  • Monarch Keepers at Hammocks Beach State Park - Bear Island, Swansboro. Learn about various conservation efforts for the monarch butterfly. | 2-3 pm | A Ferry ticket is required. Prices vary.

Wednesday, August 27

  • Music Bingo at Carolina Home and Gardens, Newport. Songs from all different genres. Sing along as you play against your friends and family.  | 6:30-8:30 pm | Free admission

  • Eco-Cruise at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro. Explore the beauty and wildlife of the estuary on a guided eco-cruise. | 10:30-11:30 am | Free, but registration is required

Thursday, August 28

  • August ReStore After Hours - Window Wonders at Newport ReStore, Newport. Learn how to upcycle and repurpose discarded items. | 6-8 pm | $20

  • ECU vs NC State Tailgate Night at Marker 3, Morehead City. A tailgate party for the ECU vs. NC State Football Game. | 7 pm-Midnight | $29.99

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

Recurring Events

  • Children's Art Show @ Harkers Island Visitors Center, Harkers Island. Artwork from schools all across the United States is on display. | Daily 9 am-6 pm through Novenmber 1st. | Free

  • 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 | $

  • 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

  • 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 22

  • 4 Asses and a Mule @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7-10:15 pm

  • Shaina Marie @ Firefly Cafe | New Bern | 6-9 pm

  • Hank Barbee @ The Boro | Swansboro | 8-11 pm weather permitting

  • 4EverAll Live @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 7-10 pm

  • Barry Charlton @ Promise Land Market | Morehead City | 7-10pm

  • Justin Castellano @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 9 pm-Midnight

  • Monika Jaymes @ Flipperz | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • The Conspiracy @ 34 North of Cedar Point | Cedar Point | 8-11 pm

  • Bob Laverty Band @ Floyd's 1921 | Morehead City | 6-9 pm

  • Bonefish @ Mug Shot | Morehead City | 7-10 pm

  • Mikele Buck Live @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6-9 pm

  • Petty Larceny @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Righteous Roots Live @ Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

  • Smoke and Mirrors @ Emerald Club | Emerald Isle | 9:30 pm-12:30 am

  • Will & Tony Live @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6-8 pm

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

Saturday, August 23

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

  • The Remedy @ By The Bridge | Swansboro | 8-11 pm

  • Barefoot Wade @ Dockhouse | Beaufort | 9 pm-Midnight

  • Bonefish @ Promise Land Market | Morehead City | 7:30-10:30 pm

  • Boomerang Beatles @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6-8 pm

  • Heart Stop @ 34 North of Cedar Point | Cedar Point | 9 pm-Midnight

  • Local News @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

  • MissBliss and B.C. Chickadee @ Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

  • Petty Larceny @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6-9 pm

  • Police & Thieves @ Jack's Waterfront Bar | Morehead City | 9 pm-12:30 am

  • Stephen Poole @ Floyd's 1921 | Morehead City | 7-10 pm

  • The Lost Artists @ Beach Tavern | Morehead City | 10 pm-Midnight

  • The Southern Hellcats @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

  • The Wakes Live @ Tipsy Turtle Tavern | Atlantic Beach | 9 pm-Midnight

  • Thorn @ Emerald Club | Emerald Isle | 9:30 pm-Midnight

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

  • Jimmy Parker @ Mill Whistle Brewing | Beaufort | 4-6 pm

  • Monika Jaymes @ Bogue Sound Distillery| Bogue | 7-10 pm

  • Aaron Van Nynatten Trio @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm

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

  • Tommy Duzan @ The Flying Fox | New Bern | 8-11 pm

Sunday, August 24

  • Big Sam @ By The Bridge | Swansboro | 1-4 pm

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

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

  • John G Franklin @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 3-6 pm

  • Stephen Poole @ Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle | 3-6 pm

  • Tanner Oakley Band @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 4-7 pm

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

  • WREN @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5-7 pm

Monday, August 25

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

  • Brian Felton @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 5:30-8:30 pm

Tuesday, August 26

  • Ginger May & Dylan Wilkinson @ Caribsea Restaurant | Emerald Isle |
    6-9 pm

  • Bob Laverty Band @ Riptidez | Cedar Point | 6-9 pm

Wednesday, August 27

  • Karaoke Wednesday @ Rock the Dock | Morehead City | 7 pm-Midnight

  • Sophia O’Yenik @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 6-8 pm

Thursday, August 28

  • Robbie Alton @ The Boro | Swansboro | 7-10 pm weather permitting

  • Brian Felton @ Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Kyle Marshall Live @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6-9 pm

  • Monika Jaymes @ Tapping the Admiral | Beaufort | 3-5 pm

  • Open Mic Night @ Promise Land Market | Morehead City | 6-9 pm

  • RV Roadshow @ Caribsea Restaurant | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Ed Frankfort @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Lucy Iris @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5:30-8:30 pm

  • Big Jim Kohler and Eddie Biglegs @ Blackbeard’s Triple Play | New Bern | 7-11 pm

Some venues listed here might have a cover charge.

Fishing at The Point

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

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