Crystal Coast Vibes
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Crystal Coast Vibes May 22-28

Crystal Coast Vibes May 22-28

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

May 21, 2026

May 22-May 28, 2026

Hello friends and neighbors!

Monday is Memorial Day. Please remember to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

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 22

Bonehenge Family Tour
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
Martini Night
Carolina Home & Garden.Newport
Enjoy a specially curated menu of cocktails while snacking on a large spread of charcuterie, under the twinkling lights throughout our magical greenroom and gardens.
6:30-8:30 pm | $20.50
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 23

Basic Drawing Class with Sarah Grenier
Arts Council of Carteret County, Morehead City
Learn drawing techniques by exploring lines, shading, form, light, space and color. You will learn realistic drawing strategies and practice these throughout the day with warm ups and projects.
10 am-3 pm | $75, art supplies included
Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition Sale
Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort
Meet local artists and crafters, explore a variety of handmade goods, and purchase unique, locally made items.
10 am-5 pm | Free admission
Tell Me Lies: The Fleetwood Mac Experience
Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
A performance that captures the raw power and excitement of Fleetwood Mac’s legendary 1970s shows, bringing this timeless music to life for audiences of all ages.
8 pm | $41.50, $36.50 and $31.50 (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+
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 24

Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition Sale
Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort
Meet local artists and crafters, explore a variety of handmade goods, and purchase unique, locally made items.
10 am-5 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 Age 21+
Memorial Day Walk
Thristy Surfer, Emerald Isle
Honoring and remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Ceremony, Walk, Fellowship, Food, and Live Music.
9:30 am
Honor Run/Walk
Shortway Brewing Co., Newport
A special Memorial Day 2-Mile Run/Walk! Led by the local running club. This annual flag run offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.
5:30 pm

Tuesday, May 26

Eco Cruise
Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
A guided bird cruise exploring the rich estuarine habitats around Hammocks Beach State Park. This ranger-led event will help you identify wading birds, shorebirds, raptors, and seasonal migrants along the way.
4-5 pm
Wine Class with Ross
Promise Land Market, Morehead City
Discover the heart of Northern Italy through a curated wine class dedicated entirely to family-owned wineries—where tradition, passion, and place come together in every glass. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just getting started, this is a rare opportunity to taste, learn, and connect with wines that have a real sense of place and history.
6:30 pm | $30
Sip and Glaze Pottery Class
Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
Discover the art of pottery. Learn how to decorate your own mug.
6:30-8:30 pm | $51.25

Wednesday, May 27

Sensational Snakes
Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
Learn about some of these slithery creatures that roam North Carolina and what important role they play in certain ecosystems. You will hear about certain key snake features that help you determine if it is venomous or nonvenomous as well as other safety tips.
2-3 pm
Booze Farm Bingo
Bogue Sound Distillery, Bogue
Try your hand at Booze Farm Bingo by Almost Live. It’s free to play and you’ll have four chances to win prizes and a CASH JACKPOT!
7-10 pm
Puzzle Night and Competition
Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
Teams of up to 4 people race to see who can complete a 500 piece puzzle the fastest. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places!
6:30-8:30 pm | Seat reservation $8.20, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63

Thursday, May 28

Civil Air Patrol during World War II
North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort
Learn just how close the war came to North Carolina’s coast. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, America’s military was stretched thin, depending on the service of civilians to help defend America’s East coast at the beginning of World War II. Join Associate Education Curator Christine Brin for a look at the history of the Civil Air Patrol specific to their work and defense of Eastern North Carolina.
Noon-1 pm | Free
Carnivorous Terrarium Class
Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
Learn about carnivorous plants such as Venus Fly Traps and pitcher plants while creating your own terrarium with these plants and other provided materials.
6:30-8:30 pm | $56.38, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63
Cooking Class with Tim Becker
Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
Learn to make a Pasta Primavera dinner!
6:30-8:30 pm | $95
Farm to Table Dinner
Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort
A spring-inspired, family-style meal crafted by local chefs from Beaufort Grocery Co., Blackbeard's Grill, Will and Charly of Live Oak Eats, with desserts by Pascal and Delphine of The Cakery Squad.
5:30 pm | $110
Craft Night
Beaufort Branch Library, Beaufort
Relax, grab a brush, and create! Explore the world of watercolors as you paint beautiful birch trees. This beginner-friendly workshop is all about enjoying a calm atmosphere and walking away with a unique piece of art for your home.
5-7 pm
Tipsy Turtle Tavern Kayak Kickoff Party
Tipsy Turtle Tavern, Atlantic Beach
Join the fun at the Kayak for the Warriors kick-off party. Food, 50/50 raffle, door prizes, music with our DJ. No registration required.
4-7 pm | Free admission
Wine Tastings with Jay
Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
Come to the wine lounge every Thursday evening and taste some of the wines they carry while Jay tells you a little bit about each one. Ther are wines from many different wineries around the world and each week will focus on something new!
5:30-7:30 pm | $10.25, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63
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+

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
America 250 Carteret County Celebration at Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City
June 20

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

The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament: A Crystal Coast Tradition

Every June, the waterfront of Morehead City transforms into one of the most exciting scenes in the sportfishing world. Since its inception in 1957, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament has grown into the largest nonprofit fishing tournament in the world, blending world-class angling with a commitment to charitable giving. Now in its 68th year, it remains a point of pride for Carteret County and the entire Crystal Coast.

Among the largest and oldest sport fishing tournaments in the country, the Big Rock calls avid deep-sea fishermen to North Carolina's Crystal Coast for a full week of angling and community celebration. In 2025 alone, the tournament featured 272 teams, saw 420 billfish released — including 238 blue marlin — and awarded more than $6 million in prize money.

The main event isn't the only reason to get excited. The tournament actually encompasses three separate competitions that together form the Big Rock Triple Crown, a championship series introduced in 2024. The Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) Tournament — the largest lady angler event in the world — is named in tribute to the late Keli Wagner, a cherished Morehead City community member who lost her battle to breast cancer in 2008. The event proudly supports local cancer organizations and is an all-release tournament. For 2026, the KWLA kicks things off on June 5–6.

The flagship Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament follows, running June 5–14, 2026, with six days of competitive offshore fishing for some of the biggest prize money in the sport.

The Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament rounds out the Triple Crown, designed to inspire the next generation of anglers while raising funds for children's charities. The Kids Tournament is scheduled for July 8–11, 2026.

The Triple Crown series awards points across all three tournaments, with boats competing for custom championship rings designed by Bailey's Fine Jewelry — and bragging rights that last all year. Whether you're a competitor or a spectator, this is one Crystal Coast tradition you won't want to miss.

Beaufort Police Department Launches Bike Patrol Unit

Something new is coming to the streets of Beaufort for visitors and residents alike. The Beaufort Police Department has officially launched a new Bike Patrol Unit, announced earlier this month. Officers underwent a rigorous training process to prepare for the program, which was made possible in part through the generous support of the Big Rock Foundation.

Hurricane Preparedness Expo Coming to Morehead City

Carteret County residents have a valuable opportunity to get ready for the upcoming storm season. Carteret County Emergency Services is encouraging the community to attend the annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo, set for May 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St. in Morehead City.

The free event serves as a one-stop resource for storm preparation, bringing together local, state and federal experts to help residents, businesses and families get ready for the 2026 hurricane season. Attendees can expect presentations from meteorologists, emergency managers, county staff and community organizations beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Resources available at the expo include a hurricane season outlook from the National Weather Service, evacuation zone look-ups and Special Needs Assistance Program registration. Representatives from N.C. Emergency Management, Carteret County departments and other organizations will be on hand to answer questions.

The expo is co-organized by Carteret County Emergency Services, Carteret County government and the National Weather Service office in Morehead City.