Crystal Coast Vibes May 8-14

May 11-17 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 8

• Pirate Cruise with the Lady Swan
  Lady Swan Dock, Swansboro
  A 90-minute Pirate Cruise through the scenic Swansboro waters.
  6:30 pm | $45

• 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+

• Celebration on the Sound Featuring the Great White
  Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City
  Support Carteret Community College students and programs at the 5th Annual Celebration on the Sound!
  6-10 pm | $44.43-$71.09

• Witherspoon Rose Garden Class 
  Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
  Discover the beauty of rose cultivation and garden design with David Pike of Witherspoon Rose Culture.
  11 am-1 pm | $10

• 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 9

• Pirate Fest 
  Downtown Swansboro
  An exciting swashbuckling celebration! From live sword fights and sea shanties to treasure hunts and live mermaids, this event brings the golden age of piracy to life along the Carolina coast.
  10 am-4 pm

• Crystal Coast Indoor Triathlon 
  The Gym, Cape Carteret
  An indoor triathlon at The "GYM" Cape Carteret Aquatic & Wellness. This triathlon is for fun - every participant is a winner! The Triathlon consists of a 20-minute swim in our indoor pool, followed by a 20-minute indoor cycle class, and finally a 20-minute run on our Cybex Treadmills.
  Start times from 8 am through 10:30 am | $40-$50

• Mosquito Run 5K/10K
  Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
  The annual Mosquito run celebrating America 250. The Elliot Coues Trail will serve as the course, with one lap for the 5K and two laps for the 10K.
  9 am | 5K $38.50, 10K $48.50

• Annual Salty Duck Race
  The Salty Pirate Water Park, Emerald Isle
  Get ready for a splash of fun at the Annual Salty Duck Race! An exciting day of food trucks, entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
  11 am-3 pm

• Moms, Mutts, and Mimosas!
  Shortway Brewing Company, Newport
  Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with your pup and a mimosa in hand at Moms, Mutts & Mimosas, a dog-loving, mom-celebrating charity event supporting Carteret Humane Society!
  Noon-4 pm | Free admission

• A Brief History of Emerald Isle and Cape Carteret  
  Western Carteret Branch Library, Cape Carteret
  A presentation by Paxon Holz: " A brief History of Emerald Isle and Cape Carteret".
  10 am-Noon | Free

• Mothers Day Luau Dance
  Emerald Isle Community Center, Emerald Isle
  A fun afternoon celebrating moms, families, and community while supporting the Noelle Strong Foundation.
  3-5 pm | Adult & 1 Child (15 & under) $30, Additional Child $10, Additional Adult $25, Little ones 2 & under are FREE

• Sunset Kayaking Paddle Tour
  NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores
  A guided kayak trip through winding tidal creeks and peaceful backwaters. As the sun sinks low on the horizon, you’ll take in breathtaking views while learning about the vibrant web of life that thrives in these pristine waters.
  5-7 pm | $30 for nonmembers, $27.00 for members

• 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+

• 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 10

• Mother’s Day Ocean Cruise
  Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
  An interpreted cruise paying homage to this incredible force of nature that is home to so many species as you cruise through the adjacent estuary waters. Weather dependent; subject to cancellation.
  2-3 pm | Registration required

• Horse Sense and Survival 
  Cape Lookout National Seashore, Harker’s Island
  Join the park ranger who monitors the wild horses for a glimpse into their world.
  8:30 am-1:15 pm | See the website for registration and payment information

• Tiles & Taps
  Shortway Brewing Company, Newport
  Mah Jongg open play. Bring your Tiles and Mats. 2025 NMJL cards required. All skill levels ae welcome.
  1-3 pm

• 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

Tuesday, May 12

• Hiking and History on Shackleford Banks
  North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort
  Experience Outer Banks history and wildlife with a guided hike on Shackleford Banks, part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Participants will take a ferry to an undeveloped barrier island.
  8:30 am-Noon | $31.50 - $35.00

• 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 | Registration required

• Lil Stitches Craft Club 
  The Periwinkle, Beaufort.
  Second Tuesday of the month, new craft each month! Everything provided, with an occasional exception.
  6-8 pm | $10

Wednesday, May 13

• Kids Cove: Boats
  North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort
  A free-play program designed for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers with a different maritime themed craft and wiggle activity each month.
  9-11 am | Free

• Wilderness Workout
  Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
  A full body workout mimicking animal movements. The first 5-10 minutes will focus on stretching and warming up muscle groups. This will be followed by 10 minutes of body movement practice leading into a 20-minute circuit of those learned movements, then ending with a 10-minute cool down. Weather dependent.
  4-5 pm | Free

• Paint a Bear
  Western Carteret Library, Cape Carteret
  Create a cuddly keepsake! Participants will receive their own bear to paint and personalize with fun colors, designs, and creative flair.
  3:30-5 pm | Registration required

• Trivia Night 
  Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
  Test your brain skills with family fun trivia. Cash prizes! 
  6:30-8:30 pm | Seat reservation $5.13, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63

Thursday, May 14

• Wreath Making Class  
  Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort
  A patriotic Wreath Making Class. Supplies will be provided. Each participant will have a selection of 3 ribbons in patriotic colors and patterns.
  9:30 am | $45

• 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+

• Flying Machine Brewing Tap Takeover
  Carolina Home and Garden, Newport
  Enjoy a variety of Flying Machine beers on tap and chat with a Flying Machine Brewing representative. Free swag, greatmerch, and raffle prizes.
  6:30-8 pm

Future Events 

• 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

The Birthplace of a Global Icon: How New Bern, NC Gave the World Pepsi-Cola

Long before Pepsi became the rival of kings and the fuel of Super Bowl halftime shows, it was simply a drugstore concoction dreamed up in a small coastal North Carolina town.

In 1893, a pharmacist named Caleb Bradham began experimenting behind the counter of his drugstore on Middle Street in New Bern, NC. He was crafting a digestive drink made from kola nuts, vanilla, and sugar — something refreshing, something medicinal, something he simply called "Brad's Drink." By 1898, the recipe had matured enough to earn a proper name: Pepsi-Cola, a nod to the pepsin enzymes and kola nuts that formed its backbone. In 1902, Bradham officially incorporated the Pepsi-Cola Company, and New Bern became ground zero for one of the most recognized brands on Earth.

The original drugstore no longer operates, but its legacy lives on. Today, visitors to New Bern can explore the Pepsi Store on Middle Street — a destination that celebrates the drink's origins with vintage memorabilia, retro-branded merchandise, and a living museum feel. The site draws thousands of tourists each year, many of whom are surprised to learn that this quiet, charming town of fewer than 30,000 is home to a major international brand.

Bradham's story isn't just a tale of sweet fizz. It's a reminder that world-changing ideas are often born in small places by curious, inventive minds. A pharmacist with a mortar, a pestle, and an entrepreneurial spark set something in motion that would outlast generations and cross continents.

Swansboro Fire Department Launches Emergency Vet Fund for Rescued Animals

When disaster strikes, pets suffer too. The Swansboro Fire Department is making sure injured animals get the care they need with the launch of the Shelby Program — a new emergency veterinary fund for pets rescued during fires and other emergencies.

The initiative, named in honor of a Sheltie named Shelby, partners with Swansboro Animal Hospital to help cover veterinary costs for injured pets, easing the financial burden on families already navigating a crisis.

Because Swansboro Animal Hospital serves as one of the only regional emergency veterinary providers, the program extends well beyond town limits — offering a critical safety net to surrounding communities.

The fund runs entirely on donations. Contributions can be made online at swansboro-nc.org or by mailing a check to:

The Town of Swansboro, Attn: Emergency Vet Fund, 601 W. Corbett Ave., Swansboro, N.C. 28584

Friday, May 8

• The Will & Tony Show @ Floyd's 1921 | Morehead City | 6:30 pm

• Smalltown @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6 pm

• The Shoal Brothers @ Nacho Brewery | Morehead City | 7-10 pm

• The RV Roadshow @ The Wheelhouse | Atlantic Beach | 8-11 pm

• Ginger & Dylan @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

• Non Prophets @ Promise Land Market | Morehead City | 7:30-10:30 pm

• Paige King Johnson @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Hank @ Flipperz Family Bar & Grill | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Rollin’ Woods @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 6-9 pm

• Christopher Siren @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $2

• Big Jim Kohler & JAMMCO @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7:30-10:30 pm

Saturday, May 9

• The RV Roadshow @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 6-9 pm

• Rollin’ Woods @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

• Alex Williams @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Ed Prophet @ Floyd's 1921 | Morehead City | 6:30 pm

• Bob Laverty Duo @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6 pm

• Non Prophets @ Promise Land Market | Morehead City | 8 pm

• The Dust Parade @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

• Thorn @ King Mackerels | Morehead City | 10:30 pm

• Gas Money @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 7-10 pm

• NRPhryme @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6 pm

• Rollin’ Woods @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 6-9 pm

• The Silver Creek Band @ The Brown Pelican | New Bern | 7 pm

• Elijah Harris @ Firefly Cafe | New Bern | 6-9 pm

• Doc and Roll @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7:30 pm

Sunday, May 10

• Beth and Dee @ Flipperz Family Bar & Grill | Emerald Isle | 3-6 pm

• Retromic @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 3-6 pm

• Ray Wag and Jake Sutton @ Gaffer’s | Emerald Isle | 1-4 pm

• Justin Castellano @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 4-7 pm

• ENC Blues Society Sunday Jam @ The Brown Pelican | New Bern | 3 pm

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

• Dinner Piano with Jonathon Larson @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5-7 pm

Monday, May 11

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

Thursday, May 14

• Brian Felton @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

• Mikele Buck @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6 pm

• Dinner & Music with Von Lewis @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5:30-7:30 pm

Some venues listed here might have a cover charge. Events and times can be subject to change.