Crystal Coast Vibes
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Crystal Coast Vibes May 1-7

Crystal Coast Vibes May 1-7

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

April 30, 2026

May 1-May 7, 2026

Hello friends and neighbors!

We hope you had a wonderful week. It’s hard to believe that it’s May already! But that means pollen season is in the rearview mirror and we’re careening towards Summer. You can get an early taste of Summer with many of the events below.

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

Have fun!

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Friday, May 1

50th Annual Wooden Boat Show Opening Reception
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, Beaufort
The Wooden Boat Show is kicking off with the annual Opening Reception. This year’s event is free and open to the public. Enjoy refreshments, entertainment, and a preview of the weekend.
5-7 pm | Free
Heritage Homes Tour
New Bern Downtown and Riverside Historic Districts
A self-guided tour that gives you the chance to see the interiors of very special homes in the Downtown and Riverside Historic Districts not normally open to the public. Homes range from glorious to tiny, from 18th century to restorations in progress.
10 am-4 pm | $18-$22
North Carolina Shell Show
Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City
Learn about shells and enjoy their beauty. All ages.
9 am-5 pm | $5, Seniors and Military $3, Children Free
Tick Tick ....Boom
Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
This high-energy musical follows Jon, a young composer in New York City who feels the pressure to succeed before time runs out. It featurs a vibrant rock score and a moving story about chasing dreams against the odds.
7:30 pm | $20 plus tax and fees
9 to 5 The Musical
The Masonic Theater, New Bern
Based on the hit movie!
7:30 pm | $23, Students $12
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 Age 21+

Saturday, May 2

Wildlife Baby Shower
Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter, Newport
A fun, family-friendly event to support the Wildlife Shelter.
11 am-1 pm | Donations welcome or select an item from the wishlist
Strawberry Day
The Market at Cedar Point
A fun Strawberry themed Farmer's Market! Featuring fresh strawberries from local vendors. Also including local art, live music, and food trucks.
9 am-2 pm
Bike the Banks
Emerald Isle Community Center, Emerald Isle
Join in the annual Bike the Banks/Crystal Coast Lighthouse Challenge bicycle ride. This event is part of an ongoing effort to promote Carteret County as one of the top bicycle-riding destinations and support the Emerald Isle Bike and Pedestrian Path.
7:30 am-2:30 pm
50th Annual Wooden Boat Show
North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort
The 50th Annual Wooden Boat Show, the longest running boat show in the southeast. Dozens of handcrafted wooden boats will be on display, along with nautical demonstrations and activities for children.
10 am-4 pm | Free
Heritage Homes Tour
New Bern Downtown and Riverside Historic Districts
A self-guided tour that gives you the chance to see the interiors of very special homes in the Downtown and Riverside Historic Districts not normally open to the public. Homes range from glorious to tiny, from 18th century to restorations in progress.
10 am-4 pm | $18-$22
Flower Pot Painting
Western Carteret Library, Cape Carteret
Design and create your own personalized planter. All ages.
1-2 pm
Outdoor Library Day
Bogue Banks Branch Library, Pine Knoll Shores
Enjoy reading in the sunshine. Activities and stories for kids, too.
9:30 am-4:30 pm | Free
2026 Downtown Derby Darty
Jack's Waterfront Bar, Morehead City
A fun-filled day of eating, drinking, and anticipating the Run for the Roses! The pub crawl will feature 15+ stops at local downtown bars and restaurants, offering Derby-themed food and drink specials.
3-7 pm | $20
Duck Derby
Rhumbar, Beaufort
It’s the annual Rhumbar Duck Derby, where the “horses” are rubber and the track is Taylor’s Creek. With Live music all day. a hat contest, Duck race on Taylor’s Creek, Specialty drinks + Derby swag.
Noon-7:30 pm
North Carolina Shell Show
Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City
Learn about shells and enjoy their beauty. All ages.
9 am-5 pm | $5, Seniors and Military $3, Children Free
Derby Day featuring Mint Juleps
34° North Restaurant, Beaufort
Celebrate with handcrafted juleps featuring Woodford Reserve bourbon, live music beginning at 8 PM, and a festive crowd dressed in Derby finery.
5-9 pm
Tick Tick ....Boom
Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
This high-energy musical follows Jon, a young composer in New York City who feels the pressure to succeed before time runs out. It featurs a vibrant rock score and a moving story about chasing dreams against the odds.
7:30 pm | $20 plus tax and fees
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 Age 21+
Comedy Night
Promise Land Market, Morehead City
Enjoy a night of laughs featuring Jason Allen King, a comedian, writer, actor, filmmaker, and bird watcher from Charlotte, NC.
7 pm | $20.19
9 to 5 The Musical
The Masonic Theater, New Bern
Based on the hit movie!
7:30 pm | $23, Students $12

Sunday, May 3

Pop-UP Sup Yoga Class
An event by Ann-Marie's Yoga & Retreats, Emerald Isle
Paddle. Play. Flow. Your Sunday reset on the water.
2-3:30 pm | $50, $40 with your own SUP
Summer State of Mind Brunch with Kristy Woodson Harvey
Coral Bay Club, Atlantic Beach
An elegant brunch celebrating Kristy Woodson Harvey’s newest book, Summer State of Mind. Includes brunch, a copy of the book, a talk by the author, and a book-signing session.
12-2 pm | $80.07
North Carolina Shell Show
Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City
Learn about shells and enjoy their beauty. All ages.
9 am-3 pm | $5, Seniors and Military $3, Children Free
Tick Tick ....Boom
Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
This high-energy musical follows Jon, a young composer in New York City who feels the pressure to succeed before time runs out. It featurs a vibrant rock score and a moving story about chasing dreams against the odds.
2:30 pm | $20 plus tax and fees
9 to 5 The Musical
The Masonic Theater, New Bern
Based on the hit movie!
3:00 pm | $23, Students $12

Monday, May 4

Bird Hike
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
Take a leisurely group hike to identify birds native to the area.
9-10 am | Free

Tuesday, May 5

The Hearts of Children
History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City
Marie Hurst will be speaking about the book The Hearts of the Children written by Barbara Dawn Guthrie Humphreys. Lunch will be served.
Noon-2 pm | $15.00 for Members, $20.00 for Non-Members

Wednesday, May 6

Plant Bingo
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

Thursday, May 7

Little Fins and Friends: Toddler Mini Series
NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores
A new 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 | 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 Age 21+
Unwind and Paint
Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
A beginner-friendly acrylic painting class.
6:30-8:30 pm | $45, $75 for two
Wine Tastings with Jay
Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
Taste some wines from many different wineries around the world while Jay tells you a little bit about each one. Each week will feature something new.
5:30-7:30 pm | Admission $10.25, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63

Future Events

Pirate Fest in Downtown Swansboro
May 9
Crystal Coast Indoor Triathlon at The Gym, Cape Carteret.
May 9
Atlantic Beach Beach Music Festival at Atlantic Beach Circle.
May 16
Kayaking 101 at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
May 16

Recurring Events

Home & Garden - Arts Council of Carteret County, Morehead City | Daily
11 am-5 pm, May 2 through June 13
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
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
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
Blind Draw Darts Tournament Series - Rock The Dock Dueling Piano Bar. Morehead City. | 2:30-3:30 pm Sundays through May 3 | $10

Cedar Point's Crown Jewel: The Octagon House

The Octagon House (Public Domain Image)

Tucked along the banks of the White Oak River in Cedar Point, North Carolina, stands one of the most distinctive historic structures in the state — the Hill-Jones Octagon House. Built around 1855 by Edward Hill on the old family plantation, the two-story home was constructed before the Civil War, possibly by skilled shipwrights — a detail later confirmed when a craftsman discovered a nautical technique called a "stop water" hidden within one of the stair rails, a device used in keel construction that had no purpose on dry land.

The design was inspired by Orson S. Fowler, a progressive New York thinker who published a book in 1848 advocating for eight-sided homes, arguing that an octagon offered more natural light, better air circulation, and lower construction costs than traditional four-sided buildings. The Cedar Point Octagon House is considered the best known surviving example of this architectural style in North Carolina.

The 5,000-square-foot home features eight pie-shaped rooms and four square rooms, set on a 60-acre tract of land. A large cupola tops the structure, flooding the upper landing with natural light, while wide halls divide the interior both upstairs and down. When built, timbers were cut from choice trees and copper nails were dipped in oil to prevent rust — construction quality that has allowed the home to endure for nearly 170 years.

After passing through generations of the Hill and Jones families, the property was gifted to the Masons of North Carolina in 1999, and a meticulous restoration followed. Today, the Octagon House has found a vibrant new purpose as a premier event venue. Nestled among tall pines on 60 acres of waterfront property overlooking Dubling Creek and the White Oak River, it offers a breathtaking backdrop for weddings and special celebrations, with sweeping views and warm Southern hospitality.

Swansboro Teacher Named 2026 NC Southeast Region Teacher of the Year

Cason Justice, a Social Studies teacher at Swansboro High School and Onslow County Schools' 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, has earned another prestigious honor — he has been selected as the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Southeast Region Teacher of the Year.

The announcement came as a surprise during a school assembly on December 18, where Justice was joined by NC Teacher of the Year Rachel Candaso, 2025 Southeast Region Teacher of the Year Hannah Moon, his family, Superintendent Chris Barnes, and district leaders.

A 13-year educator, NC State University graduate, and National Board-Certified teacher, Justice is widely praised for his unwavering belief in every student he teaches. Colleagues and students alike describe him as intentional, fair, and deeply committed to the young people in his classroom — not just certain types of learners, but all of them.

Justice credits his own educators for inspiring his career, reflecting that teachers who invested in him are the reason he stands in a classroom today. He also expressed deep optimism about the future of public education in North Carolina, drawing hope from his community and his own young son.

Following his OCS Teacher of the Year recognition, Justice completed a competitive series of interviews and observations. He is now one of nine finalists statewide vying for the 2026 North Carolina Teacher of the Year title.