Crystal Coast Vibes March 13-19

Friday, March 13

• "Ragtime" The Musical! at the Elysian Performing Arts Center, Morehead City.
  A sweeping musical set in the early 1900s that explores themes of racism, injustice, hope, and dreams amid the changes in society, music, and culture rising in NYC and across America.
  7:30 pm | $27.50

Saturday, March 14

• Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Emerald Plantation Shopping Center, Emerald Isle.
  Live Music & Entertainment, Rides, Contests & Activities, Arts & Crafts Marketplace, Food & Drink
  9 am-5 pm | Free admission

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

• "Ragtime" The Musical! at the Elysian Performing Arts Center, Morehead City.
  A sweeping musical set in the early 1900s that explores themes of racism, injustice, hope, and dreams amid the changes in society, music, and culture rising in NYC and across America.
  7:30 pm | $27.50

• From Vision to Canvas: A Talk with Featured Artist Annie Kinney Villa at Beaufort Historical Site, Beaufort.
  An engaging talk and demonstration exploring Annie Kinney Villa’s painting process and artistic perspective.
  10 am-2 pm | Free but RSVP required at 252-728-5225

• Mini Sun Catcher - Resin Workshop at Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
  A beginner-friendly, relaxing, and incredibly satisfying project where you’ll create a unique Sun Catcher, full of sparkle and personality, and ready to hang and enjoy right away.
  10 am-Noon | $75

Sunday, March 15

• "Ragtime" The Musical! at the Elysian Performing Arts Center, Morehead City.
  A sweeping musical set in the early 1900s that explores themes of racism, injustice, hope, and dreams amid the changes in society, music, and culture rising in NYC and across America.
  2:30 pm | $27.50

• Coastal Crafts at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
  Learn about some of the unique beach findings and what crafty ways can be applied with them. This month you will get a chance to build your own shamrock painted flower pots.
  2-3 pm | Free, reservation required

Monday, March 16

• 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

Tuesday, March 17

• Fabulous Frogs at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
  Jump into the world of frogs and learn about some of the croaking sounds and leaping species that can be found around the park.
  3-4 pm | Free

• Wine-O-Rama Wine Flights at Aqua Restaurant. Beaufort.
  An evening of friends, fun, and fine cuisine, with FOUR new fresh and fabulous wines during the course of your meal.
  5:30-8 pm | $15

• Meeting St. Patrick at Firefly Cafe, New Bern.
  A special one-man show hosted by Bill Hand! Enjoy an evening of live entertainment while indulging in festive food and drink specials, including classic corned beef and cabbage and ice-cold green beer.
  6-8 pm | $20

Wednesday, March 18

• Resin Wave Workshop at Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
  A fun and beginner-friendly craft party. Create a stunning coastal piece inspired by the ocean, using resin, crushed glass, shells and sea creatures.
  6-8 pm | Prices vary, see the website

Thursday, March 19

• Natural Side of Fort Macon at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
  Enjoy a leisurely hike exploring the natural side of Fort Macon, covering both trail and beach.
  10-11 am | Free

• Bubble Painting at Newport Branch Library, Newport.
  Celebrate National Bubble Week! Families can come in and create their very own bubble artwork. All ages.
  5-6:30 pm

• Wild Game Dinner at Prime Bistro Wine Bar, Morehead City.
  Enjoy a bespoke menu that honors the harvest and pushes the boundaries of traditional fine dining.
  6:30 pm | $174

Future Events

• Swansboro Oyster Roast at Swansboro Rotary Club, Swansboro.
  March 21

• Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort.
  April 4

• OWLS Fort Macon 5k Trail Run at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
  April 11

• 50th Annual Wooden Boat Show at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort.
  May 2

Recurring Events

• Upcycle at Art Council of Carteret County, Morehead City | Daily 11am-5 pm, March 7-April 25

• 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 | $

• 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

• Smoke on the Water - 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort | Wednesdays | 7 pm | A celebration of slow-cooked Southern comfort.

• 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

• 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

• Blind Draw Darts Tournament Series - Rock The Dock Dueling Piano Bar. Morehead City. | 2:30-3:30 pm Sundays through May 3 | $10

Rock The Dock Dueling Piano Bar

Tucked along the waterfront in Morehead City, a new spot has been drawing locals and visitors alike since opening Memorial Day Weekend in 2025. Rock the Dock bills itself as the Crystal Coast’s only dueling piano bar, making it a little different from your typical night out.

The place was started by owner Michael McGraw, who grew up in a lively Cajun family where gatherings were built around music, laughter, and spending time together. After a career in the military, McGraw decided his next mission would be creating a place where people could unwind, hear great music, and simply enjoy being around others.

The centerpiece of the venue is the dueling piano show. Picture two pianists on stage taking requests from the audience and playfully trying to outdo each other. The result is part concert, part comedy routine, and very interactive. The crowd sings along, claps along, and occasionally helps decide what gets played next. The spontaneity is half the fun—no two nights unfold the same way.

Inside, the focus is on the piano stage and a lively bar atmosphere. Out back, there’s a relaxed biergarten where guests can step outside, enjoy the breeze off the water, and unwind under the evening sky.

Rock the Dock also offers light bar food and a drink menu designed for a casual night out. The bar closes at midnight—late enough for a fun evening, but early enough that you won’t regret it the next morning.

To stay up to date on all things Rock the Dock, follow them on Instagram at @rockthedockmhc.

Coming Soon: Early April will see a new storefront in Swansboro. Coastal Grazes will be opening a Grab-and-Go location next to Soundside Outfitters and Pogies Fishing and Tackle. They will be selling snacks, drinks, fun gifts and merchandise, and more.

Youth Theatre Program Gives Students a Creative Stage

A new youth theatre initiative in New Bern is helping local children discover creativity, confidence, and teamwork—at no cost to their families.

The program, called Imagine That!, is offered through RiverTowne Players in partnership with the City of New Bern Parks and Recreation Department. Classes take place at the Stanley White Recreation Center and are designed to introduce young participants to the world of theatre through acting, movement, storytelling, and imaginative play.

Funded through community donations and a grant from the Harold H. Bate Foundation, the program aims to make arts education accessible to all children, regardless of financial circumstances. For many students, Imagine That! is their first opportunity to step on a stage and work together as part of a creative ensemble.

The public will have a chance to see the students’ work during a free showcase at 7 p.m. on March 20 at the historic Masonic Theatre. The event will feature performances created by the students and celebrate their creativity and growth throughout the program.

Organizers hope the initiative will continue expanding opportunities for young artists across Eastern North Carolina.

Friday, March 13

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

• Ginger & Dylan @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

• Nanette Garrett @ Michelle & Laura's Charcuterie Creations, Newport |
  6-8 pm

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

• Donnie Lane @ Mug Shot Lounge | Morehead City | 8-11 pm

• Haas and Baker @ Carolina Home and Garden | Newport | 6 pm

• The Shoal Brothers @ Nacho Brewery | Morehead City | 7-10 pm

• Monika Jaymes Band @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Sheldon Benton @ Jack's Waterfront Bar | Morehead City | 9 pm

• Thorn @ 34 North of Cedar Point | 8 pm

• New Orleans Musician - Christopher Siren @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern |
  7-10 pm | $2

• Smokehouse @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7:30-10:30 pm

Saturday, March 14

• NRPRhyme @ Carolina Home and Garden | Newport | 6 pm

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

• Donnie Deneil and Scrumptious @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Ray Wag @ Emerald Club | Emerald Isle | 4 pm

• Jake Sutton @ Emerald Club | Emerald Isle | 10 pm

• Patrick Smith @ Mountain Brooks Vineyard | Emerald Isle | 5-8 pm

• RV Road Show @ Caribsea Restaurant/Torpedo Lounge | Emerald Isle |
  5-8 pm

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

• The Scallywags @ The Brown Pelican | New Bern | 6-9 pm

• Eric Metts @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $2

• Erik Everhart @ Firefly Cafe | New Bern | 7-8 pm

• Doc & Roll @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7:30 pm

Sunday, March 15

• Stephen Poole @ Gaffers | Emerald Isle | 1-4 pm

• Julia Golden Live @ Jack's Waterfront Bar | Morehead City | 3-6 pm

• R&B with FeeBee and the Fellows @ The Brown Pelican | New Bern | 7 pm | $10 includes Fee’s 40th Birthday celebration with free food

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

• Jonathan Larson @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5-7 pm

Monday, March 16

• Jim Kohler and Friends @ Blackbeard’s Triple Play | New Bern | 7-10 pm

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

Thursday, March 19

• Dinner & Piano with Izzy McCarthy @ 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.