Crystal Coast Vibes March 27-April 2

Friday, March 27

• Little Mermaid JR. 
  Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
  A whimsical musical adventure based on the beloved Disney classic. Follow Ariel, a curious young mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above the waves. Based on the beloved Disney classic. All ages.
  7 pm | $15.00 (plus tax and fees)

• Quilt Collection Exhibit 
  History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City
  Celebrate National Quilt Month with a display of Carteret County Quilts from the museum’s collection, with select pieces dating to the mid 1800s.
  10 am-4 pm

• Bonehenge Family Tour at NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort
  Children ages 7 to 14 and their companion adults are invited to participate in a new 20 to 30-minute tour of the Bonehenge Whale Center. The free tour is a shortened version of the regular public tour with softer imagery and vocabulary for a younger audience.
  2-2:30 pm | Free

• Mediterranean Wine & Dinner Pairing at Carolina Home and Garden, Newport
  Enjoy a 5 course Mediterranean style dinner paired with 5 hand selected wines. Each dish will be paired perfectly with a delicious wine. A wine expert will talk about each wine and where they come from, their tasting notes, and more!
  7-8:30 pm | $87.13

• WhistlePig Whiskey Dinner at 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort
  Menhaden Whisky Society presents an evening with WhistlePig Whisky for a curated four-course tasting journey.
  6-8 pm | $95 plus tax and service charges

Saturday, March 28

• Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Cedar Point Town Hall, Cedar Point
  Hop into the fun with the Easter Bunny! Hunt for candy (and maybe some surprise prizes!) tucked inside thousands of eggs hidden all around the Town Hall grounds.
  1 pm | Free

• Easter Eggstravaganza at St. Peter's United Methodist Church, Morehead City.
  Celebrate Easter with face painting, inflatables, games, prizes, and food!

  This is a free community event! Everyone is welcome!
  11 am-1 pm | Free

• Egg Hunt and Cookout at Camp Albemarle, Newport
  Join the First Methodist family for a fun morning together at Camp Albemarle. The egg hunt will begin promptly at 11:15am, so be sure to arrive on time. After the hunt, stay for a cookout lunch and fellowship with First Methodist family and friends.
  11:15 am | Free

• Spring Fling Festival at Parkview Baptist Church, Morehead City
  Celebrate the joy of spring and the hope of Easter at the Spring Fling Festival - a fun-filled, family-friendly FREE event! oin in on games, face painting, crafts, music, inflatables, food trucks, egg hunt, prizes, and MORE!
  Noon-2 pm | Free

• 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Mac Daddy's, Cape Carteret
  Fun for everyone! All kids, from just walking to 12 years old are welcome to participate in a Mac Daddy's Easter tradition with over 15,000 eggs!
  11 am | Free

• Tryon Palace Spring Plant Sale Preview at the North Carolina History Center, New Bern
  Discover wonderful, garden-worthy plants that you won’t find at the big box stores. Garden and Greenhouse Manager Mike Spafford will highlight some of the best, with tips and tricks.
  10:30 am-Noon | Free admission

• Pom Pom Bookmarks at Newport Branch Library, Newport
  Add some cheer to your bookmarks this month with our Pom Pom Bookmarks. This activity is perfect for tweens and teens, ages 12-18.
  Drop in 11 am-4 pm | Free

• Little Mermaid JR. 
  Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
  A whimsical musical adventure based on the beloved Disney classic. Follow Ariel, a curious young mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above the waves. Based on the beloved Disney classic. All ages.
  2 pm | $15.00 (plus tax and fees)

• BF Reed Art Opening at Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort
  Join the Beaufort Historic Site in the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery on March 27 from 4–6 PM for an Art Opening celebrating featured artist BF Reed. Guests are invited to enjoy light snacks, refreshments, and an evening surrounded by stunning artwork. This opening reception marks the beginning of BF Reed’s exhibition as the Mattie King Davis Featured Artist, on view from March 27 through May 27.
  4 pm | Free

• Kilted Crawl at Downtown Morehead City
  Join the Kilted Crawl, spanning across downtown Morehead City from 2-6 pm where you will get a specialty sample drink at various businesses and breweries. Then go to Rock the Dock at 6:30 for the after party where you can try your hand with some heavy stones and weights.
  2-6 pm | $58.93

• Walk-In Bathtub at New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern
  An evening of hilarious comedy improv. [R]
  7:30 | $20

Sunday, March 29

• Little Mermaid JR. 
  Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
  A whimsical musical adventure based on the beloved Disney classic. Follow Ariel, a curious young mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above the waves. Based on the beloved Disney classic. All ages.
  2 pm | $15.00 (plus tax and fees)

• Sunday Brunch with the Easter Bunny at Jack's Waterfront Bar, Morehead City
  Have a great time with the family at a fun brunch with the Easter Bunny!
  Limited seating up to 80 people. 
  11:30 am-1 pm | $20 Adults, $10 Children, under 2 free

Tuesday, March 31

• Wine & Cheese Pairing at Shortway Brewing Company, Newport
  Experience a wine tasting & cheese pairing! 70 Vine will guide you through a curated wine and cheese pairing experience. You’ll taste four hand-selected wines, each perfectly paired with a complementary cheese, while learning about what makes these combinations truly special.
  5-8 pm | $20

• Sound Discoveries: Henna Lecture & Art Workshop at Carteret Community College, Morehead City
  Carteret Community College Foundation's Sound Discoveries series is excited to present Henna: A Global Arts Lecture & Workshop, a UNC "Humanities on the Road" learning event offering a quick—but meaningful—deep dive into Islamic art and culture, with a special focus on the ethnobotany and cultural context of henna.
  5:30-7 pm | Free

Wednesday, April 1

• Plant Bingo at Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
  Bring the whole family, the fun is for everyone! Winners take a live plant home.
  6:30-8:30 pm | Admission $15.38, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63

• Pink Moon Night Hike at Hammocks Beach State PArk, Swansboro
  Come out to the park for this after-hours ranger-led hike to celebrate the Pink Full Moon of April! You will challenge your senses as you explore the trails under the light of the moon.
  7-8 pm | Free

Thursday, April 2

• Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Rotary Park, Morehead City
  Hop on over to Rotary Park for the Morehead City Parks and Recreation Annual Easter Egg Hunt!
  5:30 pm | Open to children up to 10 years old. Ages groups will include: 2 and under, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11.

• Egg Carton Flowers at Newport Branch Library, Newport
  Make a field of flowers using nothing but paint and egg cartons during this fun craft. Children ages 6-11.
  5-6:30 pm | Free

• Little Fins and Friends: Toddler Mini Series at NC Aquarim, Pine Knoll Shores
  Little Fins and Friends, is a playful toddler program designed for curious little explorers ages 1-4 and their caregivers! This mini-series features songs, movement, story time, bubbles, and hands-on fun inspired by seasonal celebrations and animal friends.
  9:30-10:30 am | Free with Aquarium admission

• Kayak the Salt Marsh at Gallents Channel, Beaufort
  Learn about salt marshes and wildlife while on the water. Basic kayak instruction and safety lessons on shore are followed by a 1.5-mile paddle through the salt marsh in the museum’s sit-in cockpit touring kayaks. The program is recommended for ages 12 and up.
  9 am-Noon | $27-$35

• Wines for Spring with Tim Becker of Tryon Distributing at Beaufort Hotel, Beaufort
  A fresh, spring‑inspired tasting just in time for Easter entertaining.

  Chef Tyler Smith and the culinary team will present three chef‑crafted small bites, each thoughtfully paired with a distinctive wine from three celebrated wineries.
  6-9 pm | $30 plus tax and service charges

Future Events

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

• Beaufort Wine and Food Spring Fest, throughout Beaufort.
  April 15-18

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

• Atlantic Beach Beach Music Festival at Atlantic Beach Circle.
  May 16

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

Carolina Home & Garden

From Garden Center to Community Gathering Place

Tucked along Highway 24 in Newport, North Carolina, Carolina Home & Garden has grown from a humble plant nursery into a popular Crystal Coast destination. In 1996, Brian Watson purchased the property with a business partner, and after they parted ways, Brian kept the business as his own. The business was formally incorporated in December 1999, and over the decades that followed, the Watson family transformed the five-acre property into something truly special.

What began as a small, locally owned garden nursery expanded into a one-stop destination for home and garden needs, featuring on-site greenhouses, commercial and residential landscaping services, and unique outdoor furniture and pottery. The evolution didn't stop there. The family reimagined their nearly 30-year-old landscaping business as a venue that makes every occasion feel like a party in paradise, though not without hardship. The greenhouse and event space were wiped out by Hurricane Florence, leaving a pile of drowned rubble behind, but the Watsons rebuilt and emerged stronger.

Today, what began as a garden center has transformed into a magical venue, coffee and cocktails bar, and vintage arcade, with vintage finds surrounding visitors in every space. The business offers a boutique and vintage game room inside the store, along with three event spaces for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and private parties, plus a full selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.

The weekly calendar brims with activity. Nightly events include Wine Down Wednesday, Locals Night, live music, various classes, and wine tastings. The classes range from pottery to orchid mounting and beyond, giving guests hands-on experiences among the greenery. Vendor Garden Markets are held every first and third Sunday of each month from noon to 4 p.m., showcasing talented local artists and vendors set up throughout the sunroom and gardens.

Carolina Home & Garden is family friendly, dog friendly, and offers entertainment for all ages.

Emrald Isle Beach Parking Increase

Beachgoers in Emerald Isle will see a price hike this season. The Town Council voted to increase the hourly parking rate at the eastern and western access parking lots to $5. The maximum daily was increased to $25. These fees go into effect April 1st and will be in effect through September. Emerald Isle residents are eligible for two free annual permits.

Budweiser Clydesdales Heading to New Bern

The famous Budweiser Clydesdales are rolling into New Bern this week for a downtown parade, giving locals and visitors a rare chance to see the iconic draft horses in person.

The procession is scheduled for Friday, winding through the historic downtown streets. Spectators are welcome to line the route, with a prime viewing spot at The Gardens at Isaac Taylor on Craven Street, where attendees can watch the horses pass and snap photos.

Following the parade, The Gardens will host a beer garden from 2 to 4 p.m. featuring refreshments for those looking to extend the afternoon.

The event is free, open to the public, and billed as family-friendly. Visit New Bern is organizing the festivities.

Friday, March 27

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

• Barry Charlton @ Idle Hour Biergarten | Atlantic Beach | 6-9 pm

• Kelly Zullo Live @ Cru Wine Bar | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

• Barefoot Wade @ The Admiral | Beaufort | 6-9 pm

• Soul Syndicate @ Carolina Home and Garden | Newport | 6 pm

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

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

• 28 West @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7:30 pm

Saturday, March 28

• Barry Charlton @ Southern Salt | Morehead City | Noon-3 pm

• Barry Charlton @ Homers Point | Salter Path | 7-10 pm

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

• Barefoot Wade @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

• Hot Revolver Band @ Michelle & Laura's Charcuterie Creations | Newport | 6-8 pm

• Local News Band @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6-9 pm

• Spare Change @ Jack's Waterfront Bar | Morehead City | 9 pm

• The Contra Band @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $5

• Head On Collision @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7:30 pm

Sunday, March 29

• Barry Charlton @ Southern Salt | Morehead City | Noon-3 pm

• Barefoot Wade @ New Bern Country Club | New Bern | 6 pm

• Gas Money Band @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 7 pm

• Bryan Bielanski @ NC Beaufort Bar | Beaufort | 7 pm

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

• Jacqueline Farrell @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5-7 pm

Monday, March 30

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

Thursday, April 2

• Dinner & Piano with Dale Moore @ 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.