Crystal Coast Vibes
Posts
Crystal Coast Vibes May 29-June 4

Crystal Coast Vibes May 29-June 4

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

May 28, 2026

May 29-June 4, 2026

Hello friends and neighbors!

Things are really heating up, and we’re not just talking about the weather. It's that time of year where there are almost too many fantaatic things to see and do. Will we see you out there?

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

Have fun!

If someone forwarded this, click here to make sure you get it every Thursday.

Friday, May 29

Morehead City Marlins
Big Rock Stadium, Morehead City
Enjoy local baseball at the Marlins’ home opener!
5:30 pm | Prices vary, see the website
Bubble Bash
Western Carteret Branch Library, Cape Carteret
Come and enjoy laughter, movement, and lots of shimmering bubbles in the air.
11 am-Noon | Free
3D Animal Sculpture
Western Carteret Library, Cape Carteret
learn how to build a sturdy armature (the internal framework of a sculpture) and transform it into a three-dimensional animal creation. 13+
3:30 pm
Summer Concerts in the Fort
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
The Carteret Community Sunshine Band playing show and pop tunes, movie themes, contemporary hits and patriotic anthems in a spectacular setting.
6:30pm | Free
Seafood and Wine Pairing
Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
An elegant evening featuring a four-course seafood inspired meal paired with four hand-selected wines.
6:30 pm | $87.13
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 30

Kayak for the Warriors
Memorial Park, Pine Knoll Shores
A thrilling 3.2-mile kayak and SUP event through the scenic Pine Knoll Shores canals.
9 am-1 pm | $50
Book Bedazzling for Teens
Western Carteret Branch Library, Cape Carteret
Ddecorate and personalize a book cover using gems, glitter, and plenty of sparkle. Turn a plain cover into a dazzling work of art that shows off your style and creativity.All supplies are provided—just bring your imagination (and a book you’re ready to bling!
1 pm | Free
Red White & Brews 5k
Shortway Brewing Co., Newport
Join in the Red, White & Brews 5K, a patriotic run celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary.
9 am | $40
Tri for Fun Multi-Sport Youth Event
Sports Center of Morehead, Morehead City
Kids 5-15 swim, bike, and run in the 8th Annual Tri For Fun.
8:30-11 am | $65
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+
Walk-In Bathtub Improv
New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern
New Bern's best (& only) improv comedy group, Walk-In Bathtub wants to invite you and your suggestions will fuel the ridiculous riffs, wacky worlds and silly situations that unravel on stage. [R]
7 pm | $20

Sunday, May 31

Old Homes Tour & More-Kickoff Party featuring the Bartenders Challenge
Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort
Join the BHA at the annual Old Homes Tour & More Kickoff Party featuring food, drinks, live music, and beautiful art by Nicole White Kennedy.
The highlight of this event is the annual Bartenders Challenge with local and professional bartenders competing for the title.
4-6 pm | $45
Old Homes Tour & More – Opening Reception For Nicole White Kennedy, Featured Artist 2026!
Mattie King Davis Art Gallery, Beaufort
A reception presented by The Beaufort Historic Site to kick off an inspiring exhibition by acclaimed artist Nicole White Kennedy.

Monday, June 1

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

Tuesday, June 2

Wine Chiller Workshop
Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort
Learn to make a beautiful Wine chiller at the Beaufort Historic Site Wine Chiller Workshop, part of the Living History Series.
9 am-4 pm | $95

Wednesday, June 3

Kayak the Salt Marsh
Gallents Channel, Beaufort
Learn about salt marshes and wildlife while on the water. Basic kayak instruction and safety lessons on shore, followed by a 1.5-mile paddle through the salt marsh in the museum’s sit-in cockpit touring kayaks. Ages 12 and up.
9 am-Noon | $27.00 – $35.00
Grand Opening Exhibit for America 250
History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City
The Grand Opening of Carteret County’s Exhibit for America250. Light refreshments will be served.
4-6 pm
Sundown Downtown: Celebrating Harrier Heritage
Morehead City Train Depot
An foot-powered event where you follow the Patriot Path, where you’ll enjoy special offers at shops and restaurants while accomplishing your main Mission: To check in with each of the military-focused nonprofits and veteran-owned businesses along the Patriot Path.
4-7:30 pm | Free to attend
Plant Bingo
Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
Bring the whole family, the fun is for everyone! Winners take a live plant home.
6-8 pm | Admission $15.38, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63

Thursday, June 4

Warrior Reception
Crystal Coast Country Club, Pine Knoll Shores
A fun evening at the Crystal Coast Country Club in Pine Knoll Shores, at the Kayak for the Warriors reception and auction. The reception will include hors d'oeuvres, music, silent and live auctions.
4-7 pm | $25
Wine Tastings with Jay
Carolina Home & Garden, NewportCome 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. There 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

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament at Big Rock Landing, Morehead City
June 5-14
NC Symphony at Tryon Palace: Patriotic Pops Celebrating America 250
June 11
Arts by the Sea Festival in downtown Swansboro
June 13
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

Fort Macon: Guardian of the Carolina Coast

Standing at the eastern tip of Bogue Banks, Fort Macon State Park is one of North Carolina's most visited and storied landmarks — a place where military history, natural beauty, and community life converge on the shores of the Atlantic.

Construction of Fort Macon began in 1826, part of a national coastal defense program following the vulnerabilities exposed during the War of 1812. The five-sided masonry fort was completed in 1834 and named for Nathaniel Macon, a prominent North Carolina senator. Though it saw little action in its early decades, the Civil War thrust Fort Macon into the spotlight. Confederate forces seized it in 1861, and Union troops recaptured it the following year after a decisive bombardment — one of the first successful uses of rifled artillery against a masonry fortification in American history.

After the Civil War, the fort served various roles, including a federal prison. It was transferred to North Carolina in 1924. The U.S. Army temporarily took over and garrisoned the fort during World War II.

Today, Fort Macon operates as a North Carolina State Park, drawing over 1.4 million visitors annually — consistently ranking among the most attended state parks in the Southeast. The fort itself has been beautifully preserved, with restored casemates, period artillery, and interpretive exhibits that walk visitors through its layered history. Rangers offer guided tours, and the adjacent beach provides swimming, fishing, and nature trails through coastal habitat rich with shorebirds and sea life. Admission to the fort is free.

Beyond everyday visits, Fort Macon hosts a robust calendar of events throughout the year. Civil War reenactments bring the 1862 battle to life each spring, while living history demonstrations showcase 19th-century military life and period crafts. Seasonal programs, photography workshops, and educational field trips make the fort a dynamic destination year-round.

Swansboro Branch Library to Expand

May 19 was the official groundbreaking for an addition of 861 square feet of space to the Swansboro Library. The project will cost $301,100. The library sees more than 4,000 visitors a month and in 2025, hosted more than 300 programs.

The project is expected to be finished in August.

New Interactive Map Makes Finding NC Beach Access Easy

Whenever you’re heading to the coast this summer, a new interactive map will make it easier than ever to find public beach and waterfront access points from your phone or computer.

The map, provided by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Coastal Management, features more than 800 public access locations along North Carolina's ocean beaches and estuarine waters. Each listing includes available amenities, so beachgoers know what to expect before they arrive.

The tool is packed with helpful features. A "find near me" option locates access points within 1 to 10 miles of your current position, while filter options let users search by specific amenities such as restrooms, showers, and parking. Users can also toggle between map styles, including satellite imagery, street maps, and topographic views.

You can access the interactive map here.