Crystal Coast Vibes October 24-30

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

October 24-October 30, 2025

Hello friends and neighbors!

We have a packed issue this week! Halloween is a really big deal here on the Crystal Coast. One nice tradition is for local churches, community groups, and businesses to organize “Trunk or Treats”. These offer kids a safe environment for their trick-or-treating as well as fostering community spirit. If you have never been to a Trunk-or-Treat, we have several listed in the Local Events below.

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

One small note: because of the size of this issue and the many links to events, some email providers might clip this post (we’re looking at you, Gmail!) If this happens, there will be a link at the bottom to view the whole post, so you won’t miss a word.

Have fun!

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Friday, October 24

  • Halloweenie Roast and Truck or Treat at Swansboro Municipal Park, Swansboro.
    Costume Contest, Dog Costume Contest, Pumpkin Pie Contest, Crafts & Games.
    6 pm | Free

  • Fear at the Fort at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
    Walk through the dark turrets and passageways of Fort Macon as the sun goes down. Creatures and ghouls alike will be awaiting your arrival.
    6:30-8:30 pm | $10

  • Ghost Tales & S'mores at History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City.
    Enjoy cider, s’mores and spooky tales from Carteret County.
    7-9 pm | $10 per family

  • Gospel in the Park at Newport Community Park, Newport.
    An uplifting event that will feature live gospel music from local choirs and soloists, along with food trucks and open seating at the park pavilion.
    6-9 pm | Free

  • King Mackerel & the Blues are Running Live at Carteret Community College, Morehead City.
    A night of tall tales and rollicking songs about fishing and life along the Carolina coastline.

    7 pm| $35, $30 for members of th eCore Sound Museum or NC Coastal Federation.

  • South African Wine Dinner at Christina's A Wine Boutique, Cedar Point.
    An unforgettable evening at Christina’s Wine Boutique showcasing the incredible wines of SaVor Imports from South Africa, expertly paired with a multi-course dinner.
    6 pm | $95, $85 Wine Club members

  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Musical at Rivertown Players, New Bern.
    A musical adaptation based on Jeff Kinney’s best-selling book series.
    7:30 pm | Adults $30 plus fees, Students $10 plus fees

Saturday, October 25

  • Fall Festival at Cape Carteret Community Park.
    A fun-filled day of music, activities, arts and crafts, and community fellowship.
    11 am-5 pm | Free admission

  • Fall Festival at Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
    A full day of fun: games, food, drinks, crafts, live music, and more!
    10 am-4 pm | Free admission, concessions $

  • 38th Annual Carolina Kite Festival at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
    Bring your kites to fly, and take time to meet other flyers for two days of pure kite fun.
    10 am | Free

  • King Mackerel & the Blues are Running Live at Carteret Community College, Morehead City.
    A night of tall tales and rollicking songs about fishing and life along the Carolina coastline.
    7 pm| $35, $30 for members of th eCore Sound Museum or NC Coastal Federation.

  • Beaufort Historical Association Fall Party at Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort.
    A seasonal favorite event at the Beaufort Historic Site. Featuring cool Jazz by Quincy Jones, Autumn themed heavy hours d’oeuvres, an open bar, and a special Art Show opening in the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery featuring the work of Featured Artist, Heather Sink. 
    6:30 pm | $150 per person

  • Fear at the Fort at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
    Walk through the dark turrets and passageways of Fort Macon as the sun goes down. Creatures and ghouls alike will be awaiting your arrival.
    6:30-8:30 pm | $10

  • Garner's Fall Festival at Garner's Farm, Newport.
    A Fall Festival of Fun that features a 5-acre corn maze, 10+ acres of U-Pick Pumpkin Patches, Hay Rides, kid and family-friendly activities, farm animals, and more. Concessions are available.
    10 am-6 pm | Prices vary

  • Bootlegger Bash at Shortway Brewing Company, Newport.
    Celebrating 8 years in true Prohibition style — with a secret stash of brews, good eats, and plenty of mischief.
    5-9 pm | Food and drinks $

  • Escape Rooms of Terror at Cedar Island.
    Are you smart enough to survive the night?
    7-11 pm | Free

  • Halloween Bash at Carteret County Speedway, Swansboro.
    A Night of Fun, Candy, Costumes, Crashing & Bashing! Bring the kids to Trunk or Treat, Enter the Costume Contest & Be Entertained!
    6-10 pm | $15, $5 Kids 6-10, $50 Islander VIP Skybox

  • Fall Festival Trunk or Treat at Cape Carteret Baptist Church, Cape Carteret.
    Fall Festival time is here - bring the kids and have some fun!
    11 am-5 pm | Free admission

  • Halloween Party at The Bar at Norris Station, Newport.
    Costume contest. Bring a dish to share. Games and free jukebox all night.
    8-11 pm | 21+, Free admission, drinks $

  • Hulaween @ Fishtowne Brew House, Beaufort.
    A fun Halloween twist on a luau party with a Black & White theme!
    3-8 pm | Free admission. Food, drink, and concessions $

  • JoAnn F. Peterson as the Unsinkable Molly Brown at History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City.
    Hear of Margaret “Molly” Brown’s amazing life and her experiences aboard the ill-fated Titanic.
    Noon-2 pm | $20, $15 Museum members

  • Phantom Seas: Legends & Lore at NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores.
    Marine mysteries and haunted histories await you at the Aquarium during this Halloween event.
    9 am-5 pm | Ticket prices vary, please check the event website.

  • Pumpkin Party at Sea & Play, Morehead City.
    Little ones will bounce between pumpkin craft stations, trick‑or‑treating, yummy snacks, and indoor/outdoor play! Costumes are absolutely welcome.
    10 am | $25 in advance, $30 at the door

  • Fear at the Fort at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
    Walk through the dark turrets and passageways of Fort Macon as the sun goes down. Creatures and ghouls alike will be awaiting your arrival.
    6:30-8:30 pm | $10

  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Musical at Rivertown Players, New Bern.
    A musical adaptation based on Jeff Kinney’s best-selling book series.
    7:30 pm | Adults $30 plus fees, Students $10 plus fees

Sunday, October 26

  • Halloween Trunk or Treat at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
    Come to the park to enjoy our annual Halloween event & have a ghostly time: hayrides, games, candy, prizes, and more! Fun for all ages!
    2-5 pm | Free

  • Dog Costume Treat Bag Day at Fishtowne Brew House, Beaufort.
    Swing by with your dressed up pet to receive a doggy Halloween treat bag.
    Noon-7 pm | Free

  • Doggie Costume Contest at Tackle Box Tavern, Atlantic Beach.
    It’s time to show off your pup’s spooky (or silly) style! Enjoy drink specials, treats for the dogs, and plenty of tail-wagging fun.
    5 pm | Free admission, Human treats $

  • 38th Annual Carolina Kite Festival at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
    Bring your kites to fly, and take time to meet other flyers for two days of pure kite fun.
    10 am | Free

  • Garner's Fall Festival at Garner's Farm, Newport.
    A Fall Festival of Fun that features a 5-acre corn maze, 10+ acres of U-Pick Pumpkin Patches, Hay Rides, kid and family-friendly activities, farm animals, and more. Concessions are available.
    10 am-6 pm | Prices vary

  • Pumpkin Carving Party at Nacho Brewery, Morehead City.
    Get into the Halloween spirit with an afternoon of creativity, craft beer, and festive fun!
    3-6 pm | $10 for pumpkin and materials

  • Spooky Sports: Fall Bar Sport Olympics at Cru Bar, Beaufort.
    Bar sports Olympics, with a fun Halloween theme and a costume contest for humans AND dogs.
    1 pm | Free admission, Food and drink $

  • Trunk or Treat at Emerald Isle Baptist Church, Emerald Isle.
    Costume contest, food, candy, games, pumpkins and safe fun!
    4-6 pm | Free admission

  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Musical at Rivertown Players, New Bern.
    A musical adaptation based on Jeff Kinney’s best-selling book series.
    3:00 pm | Adults $30 plus fees, Students $10 plus fees

Monday, October 27

  • Championship Trivia at Snapperz Grill, Morehead City.
    Tivia Night in the Boat Bar at Snapperz. Categories mean there's something for everyone.
    6:30 pm

Tuesday, October 28

  • Owl Prowl at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
    Learn about some of our owl species, their habitats, and tips of what you can do to help these night watchers. Bring a flashlight.
    6:30-7:30 pm | Free, weather dependent

  • Coffin Succulent Planter at Carolina Home & Garden, Newport.
    Create a spooky-cute coffin planter filled with succulents and a tiny skeleton.
    6-8 pm | $46.13, $15.38 Small Charcuterie Box, $25.63 Large Charcuterie Box

Wednesday, October 29

  • Morehead City's Trunk or Treat at Downtown Morehead City.
    A family-friendly evening featuring decorated vehicles with registrants handing out treats to children in a safe and festive environment. There will also be a variety of kids’ activities, a trunk decorating contest, and a costume contest.
    5:30-7:30 | Free admission

  • Witches Brew Fluffy Slime at Western Carteret Library, Cape Carteret.
    Mix up your own magical batch of Witches Brew Fluffy Slime!
    4:30-5:30 pm | Free

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

Thursday, October 30

  • The NC Symphony, featuring Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2, New Bern.
    October 30, 2025

  • 1st Annual Spooky Halloween Beach Party at Front Street Grocery, Swansboro.
    Oyster Roast, 50/50 Raffles, door prizes and more. Show up in your best costume (individual or couple) for a chance to win a generous cash prize!
    7 pm

  • Brew House Costume Bingo with Los Gordos Mexican Street Food at Fishtowne Brew House, Beaufort.
    A Halloween twist on the popular Brew House Bingo! Special Halloween prizes for bingo winners and costumes!
    6:30 pm

  • Charcuterie Board Workshop at Michelle & Laura's Charcuterie Creations, Newport.
    Create your own unique, hand-painted cheese board in this fun and creative workshop.
    6-8 pm | $55

  • Costume Party at Nacho Brewery, Morehead City.
    Costume contests with prizes for best dressed (human & pup!)
    5 pm | Free admission, human food and drink $

  • Trunk or Treat at Carteret Community College, Morehead City.
    Community members, local organizations, and campus groups will have their trunks decorated and ready to hand out candy to all our little ghouls and goblins.
    5:30-7:30 | Free

  • Trunk or Treat at SeaSide Dentistry, Cedar Point.
    Trunk or treat with our friends from Seaside Dentistry & Aesthetics, Kid Med and more local businesses!
    5-7 pm | Free

  • Rock the Deck Series - Tapping the Admiral Bar, Beaufort.
    Featuring Barefoot Wade.
    5-8 pm | No admission charge

Future Events

Recurring Events

  • Annual Pumpkin Patch at First Presbyterian Church, Morehead City.
    A fun and festive fall outing. Proceeds go to the Children and Youth Ministry.
    Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sundays 12:00 to 6:00 pm. from October 2nd through October 31st.

  • Children's Art Show - Harkers Island Visitors Center, Harkers Island. Artwork from schools all across the United States is on display. | Daily 9 am-6 pm through November 1st. | Free

  • Beach Yoga Every Day - Western Beach Access, Emerald Isle | Daily 8 am | Donation

  • Roosevelt Natural Area Paddle Trip - NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores | Mondays and Wednesdays 9-11 am | $ | 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

  • Trivia Tuesday - The Emerald Club, Emerald Isle | Tuesdays 7:30-9:15 pm

  • Free Admission Wednesday - Grace Adventure Park / Carolina Home and Garden, Newport | 2-6 pm Wednesdays | Free

  • 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.

  • Fishing Fanatics - NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores | Wednesdays 6-8 pm | children 5-12 yrs with an adult | $

  • Booze Farm Bingo - Bogue Sound Distillery, Bogue | Wednesdays
    6-10 pm | 21+ only

  • Musical Bingo - The Trading Post, Emerald Isle | Wednesdays 7-9 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.

  • Almost Live Concert Karaoke - Bogue Sound Distillery, Bogue | Thursdays 7-11 pm

  • Stand-Up Paddle Boarding - NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores | Fridays
    9-11 am | $

  • Surf Fishing - NC Aquarium. Pine Knolls Shores | Fridays | 8-10 am | $25

  • 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

New Business Alert!

Studio 8 Wellness Center is now open for business in Atlantic Beach. Located at 211 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Suite 6-7, they specialize in fitness, wellness education, and community for women in their midlife. More information is available on their website.

Friday, October 24

  • Jake Sutton @ Willy Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 6-9 pm

  • Southern Hellcats @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6-8 pm

  • Stephen Poole @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6-9 pm

  • Pure T Mommicked @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Magic with Bryan Sanders @ Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle | 6:30-8:30 pm

  • Tyler Rathbone @ Idle Hour Biergarten | Atlantic Beach | 6 pm

  • 4EverAll @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 7-10 pm

  • Monika Jaymes @ Flipperz | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • The Will & Tony Show @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

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

  • Legal Limit @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7:30-10:30 pm

Saturday, October 25

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

  • Stan Gregory @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Monika Jaymes @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

  • Josh Daniel Trio @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6-9 pm

  • Smalltown @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6-9 pm

  • Thorn @ King Mackerels | Morehead City | 10 pm

  • Barefoot Wade @ The Legendary Dockhouse | Beaufort | 8 pm

  • Fading Giants at The Beaufort Bar | Beaufort | 8:30-11:30 pm

  • The Gas Money Band @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 6-9 pm

  • The Aaron Van Nynatten Trio @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $4

  • Bridge Atlantic @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7:30-10:30 pm

Sunday, October 26

  • Stan Gregory @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 2-5 pm

  • Patrick Smith @ Idle Hour Biergarten | Atlantic Beach | 1-4 pm

  • The RV Roadshow @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 1:30-4:30 pm

  • The Daniels Brothers @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | Noon-4 pm

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

  • Wren @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5-7 pm

Monday, October 27

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

Tuesday, October 28

  • Open Mic with Brian Hoff @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6-8 pm

Wednesday, October 29

  • Burgers & Brews with Brian Felton @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 5:45-8:45 pm

  • Line Dancing @ Jack's Waterfront Bar | Morehead City | 5-7 pm | $20

Thursday, October 30

  • Bob Laverty @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6-9 pm

  • Patrick Smith @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6 pm

  • Stephen Poole @ Caribsea Restaurant | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Izzy McCarthy @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5:30-8:30 pm

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

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

The Hammocks Beach Witch’s Secret Lair!

Thanks for reading. Have a fantastic time on the Crystal Coast this week. And be safe!

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