Crystal Coast Vibes July 3-9

Independence Day Celebrations

• Swansboro Independence Day Celebration
  Historic Downtown Swansboro
  An unforgettable evening of live music, local food, and fireworks over the waterfront.
  Friday, July 3 | 6-10 pm | Free

• The July 4th on July 3rd Party  
  Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort
  A FREE community gathering for kids and adults where the past meets the present! A DJ will entertain with pop hits of today and host short historical activities from the past throughout the event, featuring colonial dress-up/photo booth, face painting, 1700s dancing, a cookie and cakewalk, ice cream, hot dogs, popcorn, colonial games and more!
  Friday, July 3 | 4-7 pm | Free

• 4th of July Freedom Walk
  The Thirsty Surfer, Emerald Isle
  Honoring those who have served, the Veterans Walk brings the community together in recognition and gratitude, creating a meaningful start to the day.
  Saturday, July 4 | 7:30 am | Free

• Beaufort's Annual 4th of July Parade
  Front Street, Beaufort
  The annual Fourth of July parade starts at Gordon and Front Street and turns right onto Turner Street ending at the Carteret County Courthouse.
  Saturday, July 4 | 11 am

• Pine Knoll Shores Independence Day Parade
  Garner Park, Pine Knoll Shores
  Celebrate the day as the parade makes its way through town.
  Saturday, July 4 | 9 am

• America 250 Fourth of July Parade
  Downtown New Bern
  Bring your red, white, and blue and join in on all of the festivities!
  Saturday, July 4 |10:30-11:30 am

• Let Freedom Ring Concert in Support of Emerald Isle for Veterans
  Sharks Den Parking Lot, Emerald Isle
  One of the biggest entertainment moments of the weekend — live music, crowd energy, and a true celebration of the holiday.
  Saturday, July 4 | 6-10 pm | Free

• Morehead City Fireworks
  Morehead City Waterfront
  A beautiful fireworks display at the waterfront.
  Saturday, July 4 | 7-9 pm | Free

• July 4 Fireworks at The Circle
  The Circle, Atlantic Beach
  Celebrate Independence Day with live music and fireworks display.
  Saturday, July 4 | 7-9 pm | Free

• 4th of July Celebration
  Gallant's Channel, Beaufort
  A spectacular community celebration filled with family-friendly fun, great food, live entertainment, and an unforgettable fireworks display!
  Enjoy live music throughout the evening, delicious food from local vendors, activities for all ages, and a festive atmosphere.
  Saturday, July 4 | 6-10 pm | Entry charge per car

• New Bern 4th of July Celebration
  Lawson Creek Park, New Bern
  A free evening of live music, food, fun, and fireworks!
  Saturday, July 4 | 5:30-10 pm

• Stars, Stripes & Fireworks Celebration
  Bogue Inlet Pier, Emerald Isle
  Live music, a festive atmosphere, and free food, all leading up to a stunning fireworks display over the ocean.
  Sunday, July 5 | 9 pm

• Celebrating Red, White & You! 
  Emerald Club, Emerald Isle
  A family fun gathering with free hot dogs and music!
  Sunday, July 5 | 3 pm

Friday, July 3

• Surfside Tasting and Barefoot Wade 
  Cru Wine Bar, Beaufort
  Kicking off the July 4th weekend with a Surfside canned cocktail tasting from 6–9 and live music from the Barefoot Wade Band from 8–11.
  6-11 pm | 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+

Saturday, July 4

• Cannon Day
  Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
  Come to Fort Macon and learn how the different cannons of the fort were loaded, aimed, and shot. Cannon firing demonstrations will be held at 10:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 1:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m.; and 3:30 p.m.
  10 am-3:30 pm | Free

• Firecracker Clash
  Carteret County Speedway, Peletier
  Divisions Racing—Showdown Series (Legends & Bandolero),
  UCAR, Jr. Mini Cup,NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION
  7 pm | See website for admission options

• 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 5

• 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.

• Beer Tasting
  Cabana Cafe, Beaufort
  A fun afternoon of local brews, cider, seltzers, giveaways, and BIG savings!
  11 am-1 pm | $10, includes the tasting

• Garden Vendor Market
  Carolina Home & Garden, Newport.
  Showcasing over 20 vendors and their amazing products!
  Noon-4 pm | Free to attend

Monday, July 6

• Box Turtle Trek
  Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
  Join a ranger to learn about our very own state reptile! Join a hike to look for these turtles as part of a survey for the Box Turtle Connection– a 100-year survey that is helping us better understand this species.
  11 am-Noon | Free

• Bird Hike
  Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
  A leisurely hike with one of the fantastic rangers at Fort Macon State Park. Learn about the birds native to the area.
  9-10 am | Free

• Celebrating America’s 250th with Watercolor
  Western Carteret Branch Library, Cape Carteret
  A festive watercolor workshop where you will use vibrant paints to capture the excitement of red, white, and blue fireworks. This program is open to all ages, making it a perfect creative outing for families, teens, and adults.
  4-5 pm | Registration required

Tuesday, July 7

• Sonic the Hedgehog 3
  Atlantic Station Cinema, Atlantic Beach
  Free summer kids’ shows!
  10:30 am

Wednesday, July 8

• Sonic the Hedgehog 3
  Atlantic Station Cinema, Atlantic Beach
  Free summer kids’ shows!
  10:30 am

• Kids Cove: Sharks
  North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort
  A free-play program designed for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers with a different maritime themed craft and wiggle activity each month.
  9-11 am | Free

• Kayak Camping Essentials
  Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
  Park rangers will discuss trip planning for single- and multi-day kayaking adventures. This program will focus on tides, wind, and currents, as well as the best ways to pack your boat for adventure.
  2-3 pm | Free

• Dana Hill Magic Show
  Western Carteret Branch Library, Cape Carteret
  A captivating performance by magician Dana Hill. This high-energy show promises to delight audiences of all ages with classic sleight of hand and mind-bending tricks.
  1-2 pm | Registration required

• 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

• Trivia Night 
  Carolina Home and Garden, 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

Thursday, July 9

• 6th Annual Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament
  Ottis Landing, Morehead City
  Promoting sport fishing among a new generation of anglers while benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastal Plains.
  9 am-3 pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday | See the website for registration and fees

• 2026 Free Summer Kid Shows  
  Emerald Plantation Cinema, Emerald Isle
  Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
  10:30 am | Free

• Wilderness Workout
  Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
  A full-body workout, inspired by animal movements. The workout will be physically challenging, but movements can be modified to suit all fitness levels.
  8:30-9:30 am | Free 

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

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

• Cooking with Tim 
  Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
  A fun interactive class where you learn how to create a delicious meal.
  6:30-8:30 pm | $95

• 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 Age 21+

Future Events 

• 50th Anniversary Birthday Splash at NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores
  July 11

• 38th Annual NCDU Band the Billfish Tournament at Big Rock Landing, Morehead City
  July 15-18

Recurring Events

• Morehead City Marlins - Big Rock Stadium, Morehead City
  Enjoy local baseball with the Marlins! July 3, July 8, July 9
  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

• From Mountains to the Sea" A Solo Exhibition by Ed Hatch - Stella Maris Fine Art, Beaufort | Daily 10 an-7 pm, June 13 through 27

• 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

 Summer Sundays in Swansboro: SwanFest on the Waterfront

If you're looking for a reason to spend your Sunday evenings by the water this summer, look no further than downtown Swansboro. SwanFest, the town's beloved free concert series, is back for another season of live music, local food, and small-town charm along the White Oak River.

The series is put on by the Seaside Arts Council, a local nonprofit founded in 2009 to promote the performing and visual arts throughout the Swansboro and Western Carteret County area. Hosting SwanFest each summer is one of the council's signature projects, alongside art shows, scholarships for local students, and a lineup of indoor events the rest of the year.

Held at the waterfront Harry C. Pugliese, Jr. Pavilion, SwanFest runs nearly every Sunday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., stretching from early June through Labor Day weekend in early September. The 2026 season kicked off on June 7 with the Southern Hellcats taking the stage to launch the summer lineup. Since then, the pavilion has hosted a rotating cast of regional bands, with genres ranging from beach music to Southern rock, drawing crowds of families, friends, and visitors.

Concertgoers can expect performances from acts like Telluride, The Dust Parade, and The Conspiracy as the summer progresses, with a short break for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The best part? It's completely free and open to the public, thanks in large part to the Seaside Arts Council's local sponsors and volunteers — all attendees need to bring is a lawn chair or blanket to settle in for the evening.

The series also includes a special nod to the community, with local scholarship recipients being honored during one of the early concerts, complete with oversized checks and a photo opportunity. Limited-edition SwanFest T-shirts are available for purchase, and past-year shirt owners are automatically entered into prize drawings.

Sunday, July 5th is a break to give everyone a chance to celebrate Independence Day, but concerts will resume on July 12th. See you at Swanfest!

Friday, July 3

• The Will & Tony Show @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

• Monika Jaymes @ Flipperz Family Bar & Grill | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Barefoot Wade @ Cru Bar | Beaufort | 8 pm

• Jimmy Parker @ On The Rocks | Atlantic Beach | 7:30-9:30 pm

• Ed Prophet @ Floyd’s 1921 | Morehead City | 7 pm

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

• Donnie Lane Live @ NC Beaufort Bar | Beaufort | 9 pm

• Ginger & Dylan @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Asher Brinson @ Promise Land Market | Morehead City | 8 pm

• Barry Charlton @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $2

• Robbie Quinn @ BrÜtopia | New Bern | 6-9 pm

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

Saturday, July 4

• Rollin’ Woods @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

• Ryan Rubichs @ Flipperz Family Bar & Grill | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Big Sam & Co. @ On The Rocks | Atlantic Beach | 7:30-9:30 pm

• Echoes of Heros @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6:30-9:30 pm

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

• The Shoal Brothers @ Promise Land Market | Morehead City | 8 pm

• Alex Williams @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Big Sam & Co. @ On the Rocks | Atlantic Beach | 7:30-9:30

• Chris Overstreet @ Floyd's 1921 | Morehead City | 7 pm

• Monika Jaymes @ The Dock House | Beaufort | 7 pm

• Skin Tight Band @ Homer’s Point Marina & Pub | Salter Path | 8-11 pm

• Heath Nestor and the Old Man Mafia @ The Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle |
  7-10 pm

• Cape Fear Rising @ Snapperz | Emerald Isle | 7-10 pm

• East Coast Duo @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 6-9 pm

• Miss Candice Cabaret @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm

• Southern Hellcats @ Harry’s Barbecue | New Bern | 7-10 pm

Sunday, July 5

• Big Sam @ Flipperz Family Bar & Grill | Emerald Isle | 3-6 pm

• Bob Laverty @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 1:30 pm

• The Revelers @ Gaffer’s | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• The Will & Tony Show @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

• Kaden Jones @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | Noon-3 pm

• Wes Rider @ The Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle | 3-6 pm

• Ed Prophet & Ray Wag @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 3-6 pm

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

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

Tuesday, July 7

• Jimmy Parker @ Caribsea Restaurant | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

Wednesday, July 8

• Barefoot Wade @ Homer’s Point Marina & Pub | Salter Path | 6 pm

• Bryan Hoff @ Preston’s Corner | Swansboro | 7-10 pm

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

• Wes Rider @ Mugshot’s | Morehead City | 6-9 pm

Thursday, July 9

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

• Big Sam @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6 pm

• Gage Young @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Barry Charlton @ Homer’s Point Marina & Pub | Salter Path | 6-9 pm

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

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

• Von Lewis @ 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.