Crystal Coast Vibes
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Crystal Coast Vibes January 16-22

Crystal Coast Vibes January 16-22

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

January 15, 2026

January 16-22, 2026

Hello friends and neighbors!

If you are reading this on Thursday the 15th, there still might be tickets available for the Seaside Arts Council Annual Beach Ball. This is the Council’s main Scholarship Fund Raiser! Enjoy music, food, art and gift auction, 50/50 Drawing, and a wonderful evening for a great cause. More information and tickets at: https://www.seasideartscouncil.com/beachball

In this issue, you will find Crystal Coast Events, Local Buzz, Entertainment, and the Parting Shot.

Have fun!

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Friday, January 16

5th Annual Wine & Brine! at Southern Salt, Morehead City.
Celebrate North Carolina’s coast and the state’s thriving oyster culture at this signature event showcasing the North Carolina Oyster Trail.
6-8 pm | $90
6th Annual Wintertide Gala at Beaufort Hotel, Beaufort.
Enjoy an evening of celebration, community, and support the
East Carteret High School Band, which is headed to NYC in Spring 2026.
5:30-8:30 pm | $100
Maker’s Mark Preview: Wood Stave Series at 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort.
an exclusive evening of whiskey tasting and culinary exploration, crafted especially by Maker’s Mark.
7-8:30 pm | $45
Kid’s Nerf Night at the Family Life Center, Swansboro.
A fun night of NERF games for 1st-6th graders. Enjoy pizza, snacks, drinks, Nerf, and a devotional.
6-9 pm

Saturday, January 17

Crystal Coast Wedding Expo at Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City.
The Grandest Wedding and Bridal Event in the Crystal Coast featuring the Best of the Best in the Industry.
10 am-4 pm
Après Ski Glow Party (EI Edition) at Bar 1957, Emerald Isle.
An Après Ski Glow Party — a neon, high-energy night inspired by ski lodges, faux fur fashion, and après cocktails… just with sand instead of snow.
8 pm
Battle of the Barrels ‘6’ Whisky Dinner at 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort.
An unforgettable evening of bold flavors, spirited competition, and Southern hospitality at the 6th Battle of the Barrels Whisky Dinner.
6-10 pm |$145
Chowder Cook Off at Shortway Brewing Company, Newport.
A potluck style chowder competition. All types of Chowder welcome... corn, seafood, potato bacon, etc.!
5-7 pm
Oyster Roast at AB Bottle Co, Atlantic Beach.
A night of fresh oysters, cold pours, and good company.
2-5 pm | $35

Sunday, January 18

Coastal Crafts at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
Bring your creative side to the park and learn about some of the unique beach findings and what crafty ways can be applied with them. You will get a chance to build your own craft to take home.
2-3 pm | Free, but registration is required
Whiskey on the Water at 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort.
Step aboard the elegant Crystal Coast Lady and indulge in a one-of-a-kind brunch experience that blends Southern sophistication with the smooth allure of premium whiskey.
11 am - 1:30 pm | $60 plus tax and gratuity

Monday, January 19

Beach Scavenger Hunt at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
Take a stroll on the beach with a park ranger to see what you can find, from drift beans to sea glass, and of course, seashells.
10-11 am | Free
Beach Cleanup at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
Celebrate this day of service honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. with a three-hour beach cleanup on Bear Island. Equipment will be provided.
11 am-2 pm | Registration is required

Tuesday, January 20

Bogue Banks Library Book Club at Bogue Banks Branch Library, Pine Knoll Shores.
The inaugural meeting of the Bogue Banks Library Book Club, where Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 will be the topic of discussion.
1 pm
Wine & Cheese Pairing at Shortway Brewing Company, Newport.
A curated wine and cheese pairing experience on National Cheese Day.
5-8 pm | $20

Wednesday, January 21

Nature Journaling - Poetry at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
Nature Journaling Poetry: Slow down, notice deeply, and translate the living world into words.
11 am-Noon

Thursday, January 22

Trivia Night at Carolina Home and Gardens, Newport.
Test your brain skills with family fun trivia. Cash prizes!
6:30-8:30 pm | Seat reservation $5.13, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63

Future Events

14th Annual Winterfest at Mac Daddy's, Cape Carteret.
January 31
The Underpants by Steve Martin at New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern.
January 30, 31, February 1, 6, 7, 8
Carolina Chocolate Festival at Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City.
February 7
33rd Annual Gloucester Mardi Gras at Gloucester Community Center, Gloucester.

Recurring Events

Outdoor Ice Skating at Beaufort Hotel, Beaufort.
Monday - Thursday December 1, 2025 - February 12, 2026.
4-8 pm | $10
Color My World at Art Council of Carteret County, Morehead City,
Daily 11 am-5 pm through February 28.
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 | $
Taproom Trivia at Nacho Brewery | Morehead City | Wednesdays | 7-9 pm
Music Bingo at The Dock House, Beaufort | Tuesdays | 6:30-8:30 pm
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
Music Bingo at Nacho Brewery | Morehead City | Wednesdays | 7-9 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.
Booze Farm Bingo - Bogue Sound Distillery, Bogue | Wednesdays
6-10 pm | 21+ only
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
Learn Surf Fishing - Pine Knoll Shores. | Fridays | 8-10 am | $25
Friday Night Flights - 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort. | Beaufort | Fridays | 5-10 pm | $ | Whisky flights
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

Kristen Newbold, a Swansboro High School junior will have the opportunity of a lifetime when she sings in the High School Honors Performance Series at New York City’s Carnegie Hall next month. Following this honor, Newbold will join other select students from the Swansboro High choir and orchestra in performing at Carnegie Hall in June.

After being closed for upgrades, the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort will be reopening on January 31. You will find new exhibits, refreshed galleries, new programs, and more.