Crystal Coast Vibes
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Crystal Coast Vibes May 15-21

Crystal Coast Vibes May 15-21

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

May 14, 2026

May 15-May 21, 2026

Hello friends and neighbors!

Does it get any better than May on the Crystal Coast? This weeks’s calendar supports that feeling, too. So many things to do!

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

Have fun!

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Through May 17 - NC Plein Air Art Festival

The NC Plein Air Art Festival is an eight-day event that showcases 35 nationally and globally acclaimed plein air artists, including newly juried painters, joining award winners and top performers from the previous year's Festival. This year’s Festival will take place in New Bern and Beaufort. For complete information and a full calendar of events and locations, see the Festival website.

Friday, May 15

Spring Migration Bird Walk
NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shore
A guided hike through coastal habitats as you spot and identify birds on their northbound journey. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your birding skills, learn how to recognize spring plumage and songs.
8-9:30 am | $15 non member / $13.50 aquarium member
5th Annual Blind Wine Tasting
Promise Land Market, Morehead City
Taste a variety of wines from all over the world…with a few exciting surprises!
6-8 pm | $78.65
Literary Voices Poetry and Prose
History Museum of Carteret County
Please join in a reception celebrating local artist Celine Meador. Light refreshments will be served.
4-6 pm | Free
Night Hike
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
A casual sunset/night hike on the 3.2 mi Elliot Coues trail.
6:30 pm | Free
Soundscapes: An Evening with Carteret Community Sunshine Band
Carteret Community Theatre, Morehead City
The 2026 spring concert, featuring a variety of music from traditional band pieces and marches to lighter selections and familiar tunes.
7-8 pm | Free, donations accepted
Warren Peay, Church Friends, and Lindy Bryson in Concert
Parkview Baptist Church, Morehead City
Experience the Power of Praise as recording artists Warren Peay, Church Friends, and Lindy Bryson come together to uplift your spirit through music and fellowship.
7-9 pm | From $22.47
Astronomy Night
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
A night of astronomy, where Ranger Paul Terry will discuss the night sky, with telescopes set up for viewing (or bring your own).
8 pm, weather permitting | 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+
Jagged Little Pill
New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern
This Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical explodes with joy, rage, love, and the messy beauty of being human. R-rated.
7:30 pm | $19-$29

Saturday, May 16

Atlantic Beach Beach Music Festival
Atlantic Beach Circle, Atlantic Beach
The 12th Annual Atlantic Beach Beach Music Festival on the boardwalk at the Circle.
11 am-6 pm
Kayaking 101
Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
A low-cost Intro to paddling class. Each student gets to learn from 2 to 3 certified instructors, meet other new paddlers from their area, and leave with a bunch of resources to help their paddling future.
9 am-4 pm | $15
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
18th Century Apothecary Workshop
Tryon Palace, New Bern.
Explore period medical treatments and the role of medical practitioners in colonial North Carolina.
10:30 am | $35 Pre-registration required, 13+
Outlander in the Palace Tour
Tryon Palace, New Bern
Join historic interpreters and learn the facts versus fiction of Diana Gabaldon’s award-winning Outlander series. 
3:45 - 4:45 pm | Adults $21.35, Youth $10.68
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
Live Album Recording with The Changelings
Carolina Home and Garden, Newport
The Changelings will be recording their first LIVE ALBUM!! Come to Carolina Home and Garden to be a part of this very special evening. Full bar, food trucks, and an unmatched atmosphere all provided.
6-9 pm
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+
Stargazing with a Park Ranger
Cape Lookout National Seashore, Harkers Island
Back by popular demand, Cape Lookout National Seashore (a certified International Dark Sky Park), welcomes night sky enthusiasts on a Starlight Cruise to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
7-10:30 pm | Call Island Express Ferry Service (252-728-7433) for pricing and to book your tickets
Jagged Little Pill
New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern
This Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical explodes with joy, rage, love, and the messy beauty of being human. R-rated.
7:30 pm | $19-$29

Sunday, May 17

Family Game Day
Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and connection. Play four exciting family games together in a round robin style.
1-3 pm | $5 per person or $15 per family
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.
10-11 am | Free
Jagged Little Pill
New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern
This Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical explodes with joy, rage, love, and the messy beauty of being human. R-rated.
2 pm | $19-$29

Monday, May 19

Beach Scavenger Hunt
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
Take a stroll on the beach with a park ranger to see what we can find, from drift beans to sea glass, and of course, seashells.
10-11 am | Free

Wednesday, May 20

Music Bingo
Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
Songs from all different genres. Sing along as you play against your friends and family.
6:30-8:30 pm | $5.13, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63

Thursday, May 21

Natural Side of Fort Macon
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
A leisurely hike exploring the natural side of Fort Macon, covering both trail and beach.
10-11 am | Free
Patriotic Paint Party1
Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
Get into the patriotic spirit! Come paint a beach American flag scene, perfect for your summer decor. No experience needed.
6-8 pm | $42
Sea Turtles in North Carolina
North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort
Join Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster on World Turtle Day to learn about the different species of sea turtles that inhabit the coastal waters of North Carolina and the trials they face from before they even emerge from their sandy nest.
Noon-1 pm | Free
Sunset Kayaking Paddle Tour
NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores
Join an Aquarium educator for a guided kayak trip through winding tidal creeks and peaceful backwaters, take in breathtaking views while the sun sink low on the horizon. Age 10 and up.
5-7 pm | $30 for nonmembers/ $27.00 for members
Staghorn Fern Class
Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
Learn how to mount and care for the unique Staghorn fern, while creating a stunning living display for your home or garden
6:30-8:30 pm | $46.13, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63
Jagged Little Pill - Special Singalong Performance
New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern
A singalong version of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical. R-rated.
7:30 pm | $10

Future Events

Kayak for the Warriors Kayak & Paddleboard Challenge at Memorial Park, Pine Knoll Shores
May 30
Tri for Fun Multi-Sport Youth Event at Sports Center of Morehead, Morehead City
May 30
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament at Big Rock Landing, Morehead City
June 5-14

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

Bringing the Arts to the Coast: The Seaside Arts Council of Swansboro

Tucked along the scenic shores of Onslow and Carteret Counties, the Seaside Arts Council (SAC) has been enriching the cultural life of the Swansboro area for more than fifteen years. Founded in 2009, this beloved nonprofit organization was built on a simple but powerful idea: that access to the arts should be available to everyone — residents and visitors alike.

From its earliest days, the SAC set out to promote both the performing arts — music, theatre, and dance — and fine art disciplines such as painting, photography, and sculpture. Granted 501(c)(3) status, the Council established itself as the recognized voice of the arts in Eastern Onslow and Western Carteret County, partnering closely with the Town of Swansboro to bring cultural programming to the community.

The Council's purpose is as vibrant today as ever. Each year, SAC arranges concerts, performances, and workshops for the public; hosts art shows spotlighting local talent; underwrites events at community festivals; and awards scholarships to promising young students pursuing the arts. Local artists are regularly featured alongside live performances held monthly at Swansboro Town Hall, creating a seamless blend of visual and performing arts in one setting.

Perhaps the SAC's most beloved offering is SwanFest, the wildly popular free summer concert series held every Sunday evening in downtown Swansboro from June 7th through Labor Day. Drawing thousands of attendees each season, SwanFest has become a cornerstone of community life along the Crystal Coast.

Looking ahead, the Seaside Arts Council continues to expand its reach and impact — growing its social media presence, cultivating local sponsorships, and deepening its commitment to arts education for youth. With SwanFest returning again this summer, there's never been a better time to get involved.

To learn more or become a member, visit seasideartscouncil.com.

Free Shredding for Carteret Seniors

Carteret County Senior Services is hosting a free Shred-a-Thon to help older residents protect themselves from identity theft. The event takes place Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Leon Mann, Jr. Enrichment Center, 3820 Galantis Drive in Morehead City.

Open to Carteret County residents aged 50 and older, the event is funded through the Senior Medicare Patrol Identity Shred-a-Thon/Fraud Prevention Grant. Attendees must bring a photo ID and one document verifying their current address, such as a utility bill, tax bill, voter registration card, or other government-issued record.

Residents are encouraged to bring bank statements, check stubs, credit card offers, receipts, and any paperwork containing personal information. All materials will be shredded on-site and recycled afterward.

A few restrictions apply. The event is for personal use only — businesses may not participate. Items that cannot be accepted include binders, metal hanging folders, binder clips, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and electronics.

No appointment is necessary. For more information, visit www.carteretcountync.gov or call Carteret County Senior Services at 252-247-2626.