Crystal Coast Vibes July 17-23

Friday, July 17

• Alive At Five Concert
  Jaycee Park, Morehead City
  Featuring local favorite Liquid Pleasure.
  5-8 pm | Free

• 2026 Footloose on the Neuse Summer Concert
  Union Park, New Bern
  Live music featuring KASHMIR - The Spirit of Led Zeppelin.
  7:30 pm | Free

• Retro Movie in the Park
  Atlantic Beach Town Park
  This week’s feaure: Jaws!
  8:30 | Free

• Chairmen of the Board
  Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
  Experience one of soul music’s most enduring and beloved acts.
  8 pm | $46.50, $36.50 and $31.50 (plus tax and fees)

• Summer Concerts in the Fort
  Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
  Enjoy a concert inside historic Fort Macon. This week: Hoff 'n Finch.
  6:30 pm | Free

• 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+

• To Kill a Mockingbird
  Masonic Theater, New Bern
  The Rivertown Players present the powerful classic.
  7:30 pm | $23, Students $12

• Little Shop of Horrors 
  New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern
  A smooth- talking, bloodthirsty plant with a killer voice and even deadlier plans. Fame, fortune, and global domination are just a few bites away.
  7:30 pm | $15-$19

Saturday, July 18

• New Bern New-Grass Festival
  Brewery 99 & Bakery & Coffee, New Bern
  A full day of workshops, music, and craft beers to support a great cause.
  9 am

• Kayak Demo Day
  Morehead City Transient Docks, Morehead City
  Complimentary kayak demo offered by Trusty Sail & Paddle. Try both paddle and pedal-powered kayaks.
  Free | 10 am-2 pm

• Wild Rose Stained Glass Workshop  
  Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort
  Learn history, tools, and techniques, and go home with your very own Stained Glass creation at the end of class!
  10 am-1 pm | $85

• Archaeology Sculpt
  Western Carteret Branch Library, Cape Carteret
  A perfect blend of history and hands-on creativity with a unique workshop where teens and adults will use air-dry clay to recreate 3-D masterpieces based on actual archaeological finds.
  3-4 pm | Spaces are limited, so please reserve your spot

• DMTB: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
  Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
  A celebration of the music of the Dave Matthews Band.
  8 pm | $26.50 - $36.50

• To Kill a Mockingbird
  Masonic Theater, New Bern
  Thje Rivertown Platers present the powerful classic.
  7:30 pm | $23, Students $12

• Little Shop of Horrors 
  New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern
  A smooth- talking, bloodthirsty plant with a killer voice and even deadlier plans. Fame, fortune, and global domination are just a few bites away.
  7:30 pm | $15-$19

• Summer Time Santa
  Anchor Drafthouse & Pizzeria, Salter Path
  A festive evening with Summer Santa, supporting the Sea Turtle Patrol. Anchor Drafthouse will donate $2 from every beer sold to the Indian Beach–Salter Path Sea Turtle Patrol.
  6 pm-Sunset | Free admission

• 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+

• Stargazing 
  Cape Lookout National Seashore, Harkers Island
  A starlight trip to Harkers Island where a Park Ranger will provide a laser pointed tour describing the celestial objects of the night sky from the beach.
  7:30-10:45 pm | Reservation only. Please call Island Express Ferry Service (252-728-7433) for prices and to book your tickets.

Sunday, July 19

• Swanfest
  Harry C. Pugliese, Jr. Pavilion, Downtown Swansboro
  This week: 4EverAll
  6:30-8 pm | Free

• Sea Turtles
  Bear Island Concession at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
  Learn about North Carolina's sea turtles and what is done at the park to help protect these species. Then finish with a turtle-y awesome craft to take home.
  1-2 pm | The program is free, but you must purchase a ferry ticket to attend.

• Shell’n Sundays
  Bear Island Concession at 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.

• Little Shop of Horrors 
  New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern
  A smooth- talking, bloodthirsty plant with a killer voice and even deadlier plans. Fame, fortune, and global domination are just a few bites away.
  2 pm | $15-$19

• To Kill a Mockingbird
  Masonic Theater, New Bern
  The Rivertown Players present the powerful classic.
  3 pm | $23, Students $12

Monday, July 20

• Dolphins
  Bear Island Concession at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
  Learn about these playful mammals that frequent the waters around Hammocks Beach State Park and often delight visitors with their acrobatics.
  2-3 pm | The program is free, but you must purchase a ferry ticket to attend.

• Underwater Discovery with the North Carolina Maritime Museum 
  Western Carteret Branch Library, Cape Carteret
  A fascinating look at the secrets hidden beneath the waves. Participants of all ages will explore how archaeologists locate and document shipwrecks.
  3:30-4:30 pm | Free, but registration is required. Register in-person or at 252-648-7728.

• Open Studio
  Arts Council of Carteret County, Morehead City
  A monthly non-instructive creative collective.  Take advantage of this opportunity to create with fellow artists in an atmosphere of acceptance and fellowship.
  10 am-2 pm | $5, Free for ACCC members

Tuesday, July 21

• David
  Atlantic Station Cinema, Atlantic Beach
  Free summer kids’ shows!
  10:30 am

• American & French Wine Dinner: July 4th meets Bastille Day
  Promise Land Market, Morehead City
  A wine pairing dinner perfect for the 250th Anniversary of our nation's founding and deep French connection.
  6:30 pm | $90

• Line Dance Lessons
  Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
  Beginners Line Dance lessons!
  6:30-7:30 pm | $10.25

Wednesday, July 22

• David
  Atlantic Station Cinema, Atlantic Beach
  Free summer kids’ shows!
  10:30 am

• Sound Bath 
  NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores
  A meditative experience where participants rest comfortably, either laying down or seated comfortably, while being immersed in soothing sounds and vibrations. This is created by playing instruments such as crystal singing bowls, chimes, and other harmonic tools.
  5:30-6:30 | $30, members $27

• Puzzle Night and Competition
  Carolina Home and Garden, 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! 
  6:30-8:30 pm | Seat reservation $8.20, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63

Thursday, July 23

• 2026 Free Summer Kid Shows  
  Emerald Plantation Cinema, Emerald Isle
  This week: David
  10:30 am | Free  

• Emerald Fest
  Western Regional Access, Emerald Isle
  Featuring Knok Knok.
  6:30-8 pm | Free

• Meet the Author: Frank V. Tursi
  The History Museum of Carteret County, Cape Carteret
  Author of “Tar Heel Boys of Summer”, which features 34 in-depth biographies and a comprehensive list of all 501 players from the state who made it to the majors, including Negro League players.
  Noon-2 pm | $20, CCHS members $15 Lunch included

• Rock the Docks Summer Concert Series 
  John Newton Park, Beaufort
  Featuring Ryan Rubich.
  5-8 pm | No admission charge

• Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
  Carteret Community Theatre, Morehead City
  Zoso is one of the most iconic and respected Led Zeppelin tribute experiences in the world, having played over 4,900 shows across the globe.
  8 pm | $31.50 - $46.50

• 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 17, 22, 23.
  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

Step Back in Time: Newport Historical Museum's Civil War Exhibit

The Newport Historical Museum gives both visitors and residents an opportunity to step into one of the most defining chapters of American history with its Civil War Exhibit, now open to visitors of all ages.

The exhibit offers a rich, immersive look at how the Civil War shaped Newport and the surrounding region. Visitors can explore a curated collection of period artifacts, including uniforms, letters, photographs, and personal effects donated by local families whose ancestors served during the conflict. Each piece tells a story — from the soldiers who marched off to battle to the families who kept the home front running in their absence.

A highlight of the exhibit is its interactive timeline, which traces key events of the war alongside local happenings, helping visitors understand how national history intersected with everyday life in Newport. Museum educators have also incorporated hands-on stations where children and adults alike can try their hand at period-accurate tasks, from letter writing with a quill pen to learning basic military signals.

The museum will also host a series of guest lectures and guided tours throughout the coming months, featuring local historians and Civil War reenactors who will bring the stories behind the artifacts to life.

Tickets for the museum can be purchased online or at the door, and museum members receive free admission.

Friday, July 17

• Cherry Vagabond @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Brian Felton @ Flipperz Family Bar & Grill | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Crosby Tyler @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Dakota Blue @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Todd Barnes @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 9-11 pm

• The Will and Tony Show @ Floyd’s 1921 | Morehead City | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Beyond the Breaking @ The Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle | 7-10 pm

• Real Rowdy @ Jack's Waterfront Bar | Morehead City | 9 pm-1 am

• Hardy Wetherington @ On the Rocks | Atlantic Beach | 7:30-9:30 pm

• Lonnie Britton @ Tapping the Admitral Bar | Beaufort | 6-9 pm

• East Coast Jam @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 7-10 pm

• Rollin’ Woods @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 6-9 pm

• Phil Routzsong @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $2

• Chuck Phillips & J. B. Mayes @ The Flying Fox | New Bern | 8-11 pm

Saturday, July 18

• Hell Cats @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Kris Hitchcock @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

• The 919 Band @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6-9 pm

• Dan Miller @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Jimmy Parker @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 9-11 pm

• Gary Dudley @ Floyd’s 1921 | Morehead City | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Dirty Dan Band @ The Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle | 7-10 pm

• CD and the Mix @ Jack's Waterfront Bar | Morehead City | 9 pm-1 am

• Rollin’ Woods @ On the Rocks | Atlantic Beach | 7:30-9:30 pm

• Eddie Long @ Tipsy Turtle Tavern | Atlantic Beach | 9 pm

• William Seymour @ Tapping the Admitral Bar | Beaufort | 6-9 pm

• The B Sides @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 7-10 pm

• Robbie Alton @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 6-9 pm

• The Elijah Harris Duo @ The Boro | Swansboro | 8-11 pm

• Aaron Van Nynatten Duo @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $3

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

• Packhouse @ The Brown Pelican | New Bern | 7 pm

• Bob Alcott @ The Firefly Cafe | New Bern | 6:30-8:30 pm

Sunday, July 19

• Wes Ryder @ Flipperz Family Bar & Grill | Emerald Isle | 3-6 pm

• Ray Wag @ Gaffer’s | Emerald Isle | 3-6 pm

• Beth and Dee @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | Noon-3 pm

• Tidal Blues @ The Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle | 3-6 pm

• Real Rowdy @ Jack's Waterfront Bar | Morehead City | 3-6 pm

• New Glasses @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 3-6 pm

• Jimmy Parker @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 3-6 pm

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

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

Monday, July 20

• Arlin Tart @ Preston’s Corner | Swansboro | 7-10 pm

Tuesday, July 21

• Donnie Lane @ Preston’s Corner | Swansboro | 7-10 pm

• Patrick Smith @ Caribsea Restaurant | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

Wednesday, July 22

• Brett @ Flipperz Family Bar & Grill | Emerald Isle | 6 pm

• Mysti Mayhem @ Gaffer’s | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

Thursday, July 23

• Ed Prophet @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6 pm

• Brian Felton @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6 pm

• Dirty Blonde Band @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Bob Laverty @ Caribsea Restaurant | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Wes Rider @ The Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Little Cecil @ On the Rocks | Atlantic Beach | 7-9 pm

• Greg Turner @ Preston’s Corner | Swansboro | 7-10 pm

• Coley Bayliss - Dinner & Music @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5:30-8:30 pm

Some venues listed here might have a cover charge. Events and times can be subject to change.