Crystal Coast Vibes
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Crystal Coast Vibes July 10-16

Crystal Coast Vibes July 10-16

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

July 09, 2026

July 10-July 16 2026

Hello friends and neighbors!

We’re right in the middle of high season. The weather might be hot, but the nightlfe is hotter! Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s something for everyone, families included.

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

Have fun!

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Friday, July 10

Free Movie Event
Atlantic Station Cinema, Atlantic Beach
A showing of the NEW movie “Illumination’s, Minions & Monsters”.
11 am | Free, but please RSVP
Turtle Talk
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
A look at one of our local treasures, the sea turtle.
10-11 am | Free
Summer Concerts in the Fort
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
Enjoy a concert inside historic Fort Macon. This week's group is Southern Hellcats!
6:30-8 pm | Free
Summer Concerts in the Fort
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
Enjoy a concert inside historic Fort Macon. This week's group is Southern Hellcats!
6:30-8 pm | Free
To Kill a Mockingbird
Masonic Theater, New Bern
Thje Rivertown Platers present the powerful classic.
7:30 pm | $23, Students $12
Purple School Bus Band and Jump Mountain Band
Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
Enjoy two amazing bands!
7 pm | $22
Sip and Paint Night
NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores
A relaxing night of creating artwork. Instructors will be present and supplies will be provided.
6:30-8:30 | $55 Age 21+
Dueling Piano Show
Rock the Dock, Morehead City
Live Dueling Piano Show: Two pianists. One stage. Zero setlist. Dueling piano nights are fast-paced, high-energy, and completely crowd-driven.
8-11:59 pm | $10 and $20 Age 21+

Saturday, July 11

50th Anniversary Birthday Splash
NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores
Celebrate 50 years of discovery, fun, and wonder with animal special animal encounters, hands-on themed crafts, historic photos and video exhibits.
9 am-5 pm | Free with aquarium admission and membership
4th Annual Watermelon Day
The Market, Cedar Point
The 4th Watermelon themed Farmer's Market, featuring LOCAL BOGUE SOUND WATERMELONS FOR SALE!!
9 am-1 pm | Free admission
Seaglass Tree Workshop
Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
Christmas in July! Create a Sea Glass tree.
10 am-Noon | $55-$85
Summer Party 2026
Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort
Don’t miss the amazing Night Years band, Scarborough Fare’s delicious food, open full bar service all night, and silent auction.
Eat, drink, and dance the night away among friends, old and new!
6:30-10 pm | $150
Rock the Reef
NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores
An exclusive evening at the aquarium is your all-access pass to a night of music, flavor, and after-hours wonder. Enjoy live dueling pianos, exceptional food and drinks, and explore the aquarium in a way few ever get to—surrounded by the beauty of marine life after dark.
7-10 pm | $40 Members, $50 Non-members
Hot Jazz on the Crystal Coast
Carteret Community College, Morehead City
Chill with some Hot Jazz this summer. Presented by the American Music Festival.
7-9pm | $28.52
To Kill a Mockingbird
Masonic Theater, New Bern
Thje Rivertown Platers present the powerful classic.
7:30 pm | $23, Students $12
Walk-In Bathtub
New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern
An evening of hilarious comedy improv. [R]
7:30 | $20
Dueling Piano Show
Rock the Dock, Morehead City
Live Dueling Piano Show: Two pianists. One stage. Zero setlist. Dueling piano nights are fast-paced, high-energy, and completely crowd-driven.
8-11:59 pm | $10 and $20 Age 21+

Sunday, July 12

Swanfest
Harry C. Pugliese, Jr. Pavilion, Downtown Swansboro
This week: The Will and Tony Show.
6:30-8 pm | Free
Shell’n Sundays
Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
Experience Bear Island and learn about the common and uncommon beach treasures you may find while combing the beaches of North Carolina.
2-3 pm | The program is free, but you must purchase a ferry ticket to attend.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Masonic Theater, New Bern
Thje Rivertown Platers present the powerful classic.
3 pm | $23, Students $12

Monday, July 13

Eco Cruise
Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
A guided cruise through the rich estuarine habitats surrounding Hammocks Beach State Park. This ranger-led adventure will explore the plants, animals, and natural processes that make our coastal ecosystems so unique
11 am-Noon
Bird Cruise
Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
A guided birding adventure through the waters surrounding Hammocks Beach State Park. This ranger-led excursion will help you identify wading birds, shorebirds, raptors, and seasonal migrants while exploring some of the area's premier birding locations.
5-6 pm | Limited seats, registration is required
Home Dressings & Marinades w/Stephanie Stevenson
Western Carteret Branch Library, Cape Carteret
An engaging workshop on creating your own dressings and marinades that are healthier, tastier, and more budget-friendly than store-bought versions.
5:30-7 pm | Free

Tuesday, July 14

The Smurfs
Atlantic Station Cinema, Atlantic Beach
Free summer kids’ shows!
10:30 am
Lil Stitches Craft Club
The Periwinkle, Beaufort.
Meet the second tuesday of the month - a new craft each month!
6-8 pm | $10
Music Bingo
Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
Songs from all different genres. Sing along as you play against your friends and family.
6:30-8:30 pm | $5.13, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63

Wednesday, July 15

Pirate Storytime
Bogue Banks Branch Library, Pine Knoll Shores
A world of magic and wonder at the Bogue Banks Library! A very special guest is dropping anchor for this session—a real pirate is visiting storytime!
10:30 am | Free
The Smurfs
Atlantic Station Cinema, Atlantic Beach
Free summer kids’ shows!
10:30 am
Family Paint Night
NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
A relaxing night of creating artwork. Instructors will provide all painting supplies and guide you every step of the way. Age minimum is 6 years accompanied with an adult.
6:30-8:30 pm | $55 per painter, reservations required.
Kayak with a Ranger
Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
Join a ranger-led kayaking tour through the estuary. Ages 15+
8:30-11:30 am | Registration required

Thursday, July 16

2026 Free Summer Kid Shows
Emerald Plantation Cinema, Emerald Isle
The Smurfs
10:30 am | Free
Natural Side of Fort Macon
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
A leisurely hike exploring the natural side of Fort Macon, covering both trail and beach.
10-11 am | Free
Sensational Sharks Lecture
NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort
A dive into the history of the sharks of North Carolina, local fishermen, a great (white) catch, and the work being done to conserve these predators.
Noon-1 pm | Free
Lil Stitches Craft Club
The Periwinkle, Beaufort.
Meet the second tuesday of the month - a new craft each month!
6-8 pm | $10
Emerald Fest
Western Regional Access, Emerald Isle
Featuring Salty Bones.
6:30-8 pm | Free
Fairy Garden Class
Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
Design your own enchanted mini garden to take home. All supplies provided.
6:30-10:30 pm | $46.13
Paint Party
Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
A night of connection, creativity, and carefree summer energy. Choose your favorite tropical design and paint it on a canvas or a surfboard!
6-8 pm | $42-$59
Yoga at the Aquarium
NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores
Enjoy yoga at the Living Shipwreck.
5:30-6:30 pm | $25, Non-members $25
Rock the Docks Summer Concert Series
John Newton Park, Beaufort
Featuring4EverAll.
5-8 pm | No admission charge
Dueling Piano Show
Rock the Dock, Morehead City
Live Dueling Piano Show: Two pianists. One stage. Zero setlist. Dueling piano nights are fast-paced, high-energy, and completely crowd-driven.
8-11:59 pm | Free admission, VIP $10 Age 21+

Future Events

Wild Caught - Annual Seafood and Music Festival
Gloucester, NC (Down East)
August 26-29

Recurring Events

Morehead City Marlins - Big Rock Stadium, Morehead City
Enjoy local baseball with the Marlins! July 10, 13, 15.
5:30 pm | Prices vary, see the website
Life’s a Beach - Arts Council of Carteret County, Morehead City. Beaches, lakes, inland shores, and all that’s associated with them, make them valuable subjects for artists. | Daily 11 am-5 pm. June 20 through August 1
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
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

Wild Horses and Windswept Dunes: A Visit to Shackleford Banks

Just off the southern tip of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, lies a nine-mile barrier island that feels like a step back in time. Shackleford Banks is undeveloped, unbridged, and largely untouched — accessible only by boat or passenger ferry from Beaufort or Harkers Island. That isolation is exactly what makes it special.

The island's most famous residents are its wild horses, a herd of roughly 100 to 120 animals believed to be descendants of Spanish mustangs that survived shipwrecks centuries ago. Managed by the National Park Service in partnership with the Foundation for Shackleford Horses, the herd roams freely across the dunes, marshes, and maritime forests. Visitors are asked to keep a distance of at least 50 feet — these are wild animals, not tame attractions, and the rule protects both horse and human.

Beyond the horses, Shackleford Banks offers pristine, uncrowded beaches, excellent shelling, and calm sound-side waters that are ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding. The island has no facilities — no restrooms, no shops, no shade structures — so visitors need to pack in everything they need, including plenty of water and sun protection, and pack out all trash.

History buffs will appreciate the island's past as a whaling and fishing community; the village of Diamond City thrived here until an 1899 hurricane forced residents to relocate to the mainland. Today, little remains of that settlement except scattered foundations reclaimed by dune grass.