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- Crystal Coast Vibes January 23-29
Crystal Coast Vibes January 23-29
What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

January 23-29, 2026
Hello friends and neighbors!
It’s the quiet season here on the Crystal Coast. But there is still plenty of fun to be had. Check out the recurring events, there are some gems there.
In this issue, you will find Crystal Coast Events, Local Buzz, Entertainment, and the Parting Shot.
Have fun!
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Friday, January 23
Tiny Trekkers Little Astronauts at the Swansboro Rec Center.
Crafts, games, and snacks. For ages3-6.
10 am | $5Dive Club Campfire Night at Discovery Diving, Beaufort.
Come gather around the fire! Open to all, you don't have to be a certified diver, just be interested and curious. Meet up with old friends, make new ones, and share your craziest dive stories.
7 pmCampfire Making 101 at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
Learn how to build a campground fire, including the most common fire structures and the materials required. Ages 10+
3:30-4:30 pm
Saturday, January 24
DIY Clay Magnets at Western Carteret Branch Library, Cape Carteret.
Kids and teens can get creative making their own colorful clay magnets at the library.
1-2 pm | Registration requiredBurns Night Supper at St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Morehead City.
Enjoy a cozy night with an Ode to the Haggis, whisky, and Scottish poems and music at the Burns Night Supper!
6-10 pm | $87.21Find Your Patriot! Genealogy Workshop at Beaufort Branch Library, Beaufort.
Now is the time to find your Revolutionary War patriot ancestor and celebrate his or her contribution to America's independence. 16+
10 am-NoonMeet the Author at The History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City.
Author J. Timothy Allen with a presentation on Quakers and the Enslaved in North Carolina.
Noon-2 pm | Lunch is $20 for Non-Members and $15 Museum MembersTerra String Quartet and Oskar Espina Ruiz, Clarinet at First Presbyterian Church of Morehead City.
Enjoy a performance by five world-class musicians.
7-8:30 pm | $39.19 | Students free with an adult
Sunday, January 25
Annual Chili Cookoff at Emerald Club, Emerald Isle.
Prizes and trophies for the winners of 3 categories- traditional, nontraditional, and cornbread.
2-6 pm
Monday, January 26
Starting a Spring Garden w/ Shawn Banks at Western Carteret Branch Library, Cape Carteret.
An informative and hands-on workshop to help you kickstart your spring garden! This workshop, designed for adults, will cover the basics of planting, seasonal care, and what to expect as your garden begins to bloom.
5:30-7 pm | Registration is requiredFiltering Nature's Way at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
A hands-on water filtration program where participants will learn how charcoal, sand, and rock work together to filter water.
11 am-Noon
Tuesday, January 27
Madras Planter Workshop at Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort.
Join the Madras Planter Workshop, part of the Living History Series.
9 am-4 pm | $75Escoffier Dinner at Hospitality & Culinary Arts Center, Morehead City.
Support the talented students of Carteret Community College's Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts, and Hospitality Management programs! An exquisite dining experience that will play a pivotal role in their educational journey to France.
6 pm Seating | $156.27
Wednesday, January 28
Oyster Roast at NC Beaufort Bar, Beaufort.
Free freshly shucked, deliciously seasoned oysters.
7 pm | Free oysters. Normal charges apply to everything else.Jones Island Cleanup at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
Join a ranger for a ferry trip to Jones Island to participate in a debris clean-up effort. Participants should bring a facemask; gloves and trash bags will be provided by the park.
9-11 am | Registration required
Thursday, January 29
Color your Shoestrings at Newport Branch Library, Newport.
Come to the library to add some color to your shoe wardrobe. Fun for the whole family!
5 pmHerbal Class at Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
Learn how to detox your body naturally after the crazy holiday season.
6-8 pm | $56.38, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63Owl Prowl Bird Walk at NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores.
An evening hike to search for these elusive birds of prey. Listen for their calls, learn about their amazing adaptations, and end the night with a special up-close encounter with an owl ambassador.
4-5:30 pm | $15, $13.50 MembersPuzzle Competition at Carolina Home and Gardens, Newport.
Teams of up to 4 people race to see who can complete a 500 piece puzzle the fastest. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places!
6:00-8:00 pm | Seat reservation $8.20, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63January Wine Dinner at Caribsea, Emerald Isle.
A tour of classic varietals with a four-course dinner.
6 pm | $99 plus tax and gratuity
Future Events
14th Annual Winterfest at Mac Daddy's, Cape Carteret.
January 31The Underpants by Steve Martin at New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern.
January 30, 31, February 1, 6, 7, 8Carolina Chocolate Festival at Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City.
February 733rd Annual Gloucester Mardi Gras at Gloucester Community Center, Gloucester.
February 14Beaufort’s Mardi Gras at Beaufort Historic site and other locations in Beaufort.
February 21
Recurring Events
Outdoor Ice Skating at Beaufort Hotel, Beaufort.
Monday - Thursday December 1, 2025 - February 12, 2026.
4-8 pm | $10Color 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 pmRoosevelt 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
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+ onlyPoker 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 pmAlmost Live Concert Karaoke - Bogue Sound Distillery, Bogue | Thursdays | 7-11 pm
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 amLil 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


From January 27th through February 3rd, it’s Crystal Coast Restaurant Week. The brainchild of Beaufort Wine and Food, this is a time to taste new flavors, explore new restaurants, and patronize your favorites. During this time, participating restaurants along the crystal coast offer special menus and deals in addition to their regular offerings. To view the participating restaurants and their special offers, see the website.


Friday, January 23
Monika Jaymes @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm
Black Eyed Daisies @ Preston’s Corner | Swansboro | 7-10 pm
Adam Rhodes @ Carolina Home and Garden | Newport | 6-9 pm
Barry Charlton @ The Mullet Bar | Morehead City | 8 pm
Matt Letch @ Cru Bar | Beaufort | 8 pm
Elijah Harris @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 7-10 pm
The Shoal Brothers Live @ Mug Shot Lounge | Morehead City | 8-10 pm
Monika Jaymes @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm
Elijah Harris @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 7-10 pm
Phil Routszong @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $2
$100 Monkey Band @ Flying Fox | New Bern | 8-11 pm
Saturday, January 24
Barry Charlton @ Southern Salt | Morehead City | Noon-3 pm
Donnie Lane @ Preston’s Corner | Swansboro | 7-10 pm
NRPryme @ Carolina Home and Garden | Newport | 6 pm
Soul Syndicate @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 7-10 pm
Bob Laverty Duo @ Gaffers | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm
Jake Sutton @ King Mackerels | Morehead City | 10 pm
Rollin' Woods @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm
Turner Edwards @ Cru Bar | Beaufort | 8 pm
Wes Rider @ The Royal James Cafe | Beaufort | 7-10 pm
Aaron Van Nynatten Trio @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $4
The Will and Tony Show @ Flying Fox | New Bern | 8-11 pm
Ryan Griffin @ Firefly Cafe | New Bern | 6:30-8:30 pm
Head On Collision @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7:30-10:30 pm
Sunday, January 25
Barry Charlton @ Southern Salt | Morehead City | Noon-3 pm
Piano Brunch with Hans Werner @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 11 am-2 pm
WREN @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5-7 pm
Monday, January 26
Jim Kohler and Friends @ Blackbeard’s Triple Play | New Bern | 7-10 pm
Some venues listed here might have a cover charge. Events and times can be subject to change.



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