Crystal Coast Vibes September 12-18

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

September 12 - September 18, 2025

Hello friends and neighbors!

The air does feel a little different, no? In a good way! September and October on the Crystal Coast are amazing. And there is plenty to see and do.

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

Enjoy!

 

Friday, September 12

  • Tree Hike at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
    Join the rangers for a hike along the trails and an introduction into identifying trees within the park.
    Noon-1 pm | Free

  • SIX The Musical : Teen Edition at Carteret Community Theater, Atlantic Beach.
    An electrifying teen adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical, where the six wived of Henry VIII step out of the history books and into the spotlight to tell their stories—in their own words, with a killer beat.
    7 pm | $18.54-$23.54

  • The Alex Williams Experience at Joselyn Hall of Carteret Community College, Morehead City.
    An evening of music and dance with Alex Williams - formerly of Kool & the Gang.
    6 pm | $10

  • Art Walk in New Bern.
    a free self guided walk to over 30 different stops in the downtown New Bern area to visit stores and galleries.
    5-8 pm | Free

Saturday, September 13

  • 5th Annual Tunnel to Tower 5K Run/Walk at Swansboro Municipal Park, Swansboro.
    Remember those who answered the call & made the ultimate sacrifice, honor those who continue to serve & sacrifice and support all these heroes & their families.

    8 am | $40, less for youth and First Reponders

  • Bear Island Half-Day Yoga Retreat at Bear Island / Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
    The Mandala Yoga Center invites you to a retreat on Bear Island where you can enjoy yoga, food, the beach, and compose a Mandala on the sand.
    9:30 am-1:30 pm | $40 (includes the ferry ticket)

  • Adoption Event at Pet Sense, Cape Carteret.
    Find a new furry best friend.
    11 am-1 pm

  • Bonehenge Public Tour - Bonehenge Whale Center, Beaufort
    A 40 to 60-minute walking tour of Bonehenge Whale Center, led by Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster and Associate Museum Curator Christine Brin.
    10-11 am | Free

  • Adult Hawaiian Hula at Jessica's Dance Academy, Cedar Point.
    A one-day intensive workshop for beginners.
    1-4 pm | $60

  • Angel's Envy Whisky Dinner at 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort.
    An exclusive whisky dinner experience, where innovative, chef-crafted dishes are paired with the rich, nuanced flavors of three distinct Angel’s Envy whiskies.
    6-9 pm | $100++ Per Person

  • Battle at the Beach at Carteret County Speedway, Peletier.
    The Grand National Super Series is back in town, plus the Legends & UCAR'S for a big night of short track racing entertainment!
    6-10 pm | $15 adults, $5 kids, $50 VIP Skybox

  • DIY Wind Chimes at Newport Branch Library, Newport.
    Make your own whimsical windchime. For ages 6+.
    11 am-Noon | Free

  • In a Nutshell Mini Sculptures at Western Carteret Library, Cape Carteret.
    A fun, ocean-inspired craft making adorable sea turtles using walnut shells
    10-11 am | Free

  • SIX The Musical : Teen Edition at Carteret Community Theater, Atlantic Beach.
    An electrifying teen adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical, where the six wived of Henry VIII step out of the history books and into the spotlight to tell their stories—in their own words, with a killer beat.
    7 pm | $18.54-$23.54

  • Tough Oaks Obstacle Course Race ay Camp Albemarle, Newport.
    Push your limits, tackle challenging obstacles, and have a blast—all while supporting Camp Albemarle’s summer camps for kids.
    Elite Heat - 9 am, Open Run -10:20 am | $45 Adults, $25 Youth

Sunday, September 14

  • SIX The Musical : Teen Edition at Carteret Community Theater, Atlantic Beach.
    An electrifying teen adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical, where the six wived of Henry VIII step out of the history books and into the spotlight to tell their stories—in their own words, with a killer beat.
    2 pm | $18.54-$23.54

  • Record Show: Neuse Records at Nacho Brewery, Morehead City.
    An afternoon filled with good vibes, great music, and stacks of vinyl waiting to be discovered. hang out, dig for vinyl treasures, and enjoy the music!
    Noon-4 pm | Free admission

Monday, September 15

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

  • Wooden Primitive Scarecrow at Wine & Design, Morehead City.
    Create an adorable kitchen artistic addition. No experience required.
    6:30-8:30 pm | $50

  • California Wine Tasting Event at Baxter’s 1892, New Bern.
    An exclusive evening of California wine with a knowledgeable wine distributor who will guide you through five exceptional wines.
    5 pm | $41

Tuesday, September 16

  • Elegant Pot Belly Basket Workshop at Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort.
    An advanced workshop, where you’ll weave an elegant basket over a puzzle mold to achieve a flawless shape, approximately 5 inches in diameter and 5 inches tall, featuring a cherry base, rim, and lid.
    9 am-3:00 pm | $95

  • Fall Terrarium Garden Class @ Carolina Home & Garden, Newport
    A super fun and totally beginner-friendly craft party where you create gorgeous unique coastal craft!
    6-8 pm | $45, Charcuterie Boxes $15 and $25

Wednesday, September 17

  • Hiking and History on Shackleford Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore.
    Experience Outer Banks history and wildlife with a guided hike on Shackleford Banks.
    9 am-noon | A Ferry ticket is required. $35, $31.50 for Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum

  • 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, $15 Small Charcuterie Box, $25 Large Charcuterie Box

Thursday, September 18

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

  • "Alive at Five" with The Green Room at Katherine Davis Park, Morehead City.
    A free concert in the park that's fun for the whole family.
    5-8 pm | Free

  • Paint Your Pet at Newport Library, Newport.
    Paint a creative watercolor painting of your pet.
    Noon-2 pm | Adults - Free

  • Natural Side of Fort Macon at Fort Macon State Park Visitor Center, Atlantic Beach.
    Leisurely explore the natural side of Fort Macon State Park, both trail and beach.
    10-11 am | Free

  • The British Invaders Band at Newport Community Park, Newport.
    Playing all the great British Band music of the 1960’s!
    6-9 pm | Free

Future Events

  • Swansboro’s First National Night Out, Swansboro.
    An excition community celebration! A free, family-friendly evening with a fun carnival theme, games, and more.
    September 19, 2025

  • 2025 Taste of the Coast Celebration at the Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City. Sponsored by the North Carolina Coastal Federation.
    The festive Taste of the Coast celebration will include food and wine pairings, fresh N.C. oysters (raw and steamed), live music, and a wonderful group of coastal supporters!
    September 20, 2025

  • 7th Annual Emerald Fishing Tournament at Emerald Isle.
    A one-day a premier fishing event with proceeds going towards education and other benevolent endeavors.
    September 27, 2025

  • North Carolina Seafood Festival, Morehead City.
    Ranked nationally in the top 200 “Must See” festivals.
    October 3-5, 2025

  • Swansboro Mullet Festival, Swansboro.
    The 71th Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival of North Carolina!!
    October 11-12, 2025

  • Mumfest, New Bern.
    New Bern’s Premier Event.
    October 11-12

Recurring Events

  • 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 Novenmber 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

  • Yoga in the Green Room & Garden - Carolina Home & Garden, Newport | Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 pm | $ | Relax and flow with yoga in the beautiful gardens.

  • 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 | $

  • 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

  • Something About Color - Art Council of Carteret County, Morehead City. An exhibition exploring how artists use color to evoke emotions, convey meaning, and challenge perceptions. | 11 am-5 pm daily through September 20 | Free to view

More kudos! Even though we’re already proud, Morehead City was the recipient of a very complimentary artictle by Southern Living magazine titled “This Underrated Port Town Is One Of The Best-Kept Secrets On The Carolina Coast”. Starting with atiny bit of history, the article then gives a good overview of activities, food and entertainment, and lodging. You can read the article here.

New Bern will soon be welcoming a new addition to its restaurant scene. Sister Sister Deli & Market, will be opening this October at 403 Carteret Street in the historic downtown.

Who doesn’t like turtles? You will be happy to know that despite some damage from Hurricane Erin, the Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol successfully conserved sea turtle nests with a 72.4% hatch rate. A total of 1317 hatchlings emerged from the nests. Great job!

Friday, September 12

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

  • Black Eyed Daisies Live @ Carolina Home & Gardens | Newport 6-9 pm

  • Willie Painter Band @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Donnie Lane @ Catch 109 | Morehead City 6:30-9:30 pm

  • Michael Paull @ Cru Wine Bar | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

  • Barry Charlton @ On The Rocks | Atlantic Beach | 7-9 pm

  • Bobby Webb Live @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

  • Brian Felton @ Flipperz Family Bar & Grill | Emerald Isle | 6:30-9:30 pm

  • The Will & Tony Show Live @ Floyd's 1921 | Morehead City | 7-10 pm

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

  • Eric Metts @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm

  • 28 West @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7:30-10:30 pm

Saturday, September 13

  • Barry Charlton @ Southern Salt | Morehead City | Noon-3 pm

  • Bob Laverty Band @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • The Will & Tony Show @ Carolina Home & Garden | Newport | 6-8 pm

  • Southern Hellcat @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 7-10 pm

  • Jimmy Parker @ Willy-Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 6-9 pm

  • Barefoot Wade @ Royal James Cafe | Beaufort | 7-10:30 pm

  • Billy Mutschler @ Cru Wine Bar | Beaufort | 8-11 pm

  • Mac & Juice @ Floyd's 1921 Morehead City | 6-9 pm

  • Willie Painter Band @ Birdies at Star Hill | Cape Carteret | 6-9 pm

  • Barry Charlton @ Tapping the Admiral | Beaufort | 6-9 pm

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

  • The RV Road Show @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Stephen Poole @ By The Bridge | Swansboro | 7-10 pm

  • John Van Dyke @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm

  • The Revelers @ Blackbeard’s Triple Play | New Bern | 7:30-11 pm

  • Elijah Harris @ Thr Flying Fox } New Bern | 6-9 pm

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

Sunday, September 14

  • Lucy Iris @ Jack's Waterfront Bar | Morehead City | 2-5 pm

  • Barry Charlton @ Southern Salt | Morehead City | Noon-3 pm

  • The Shoal Brothers @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 3-6 pm

  • Patrick G. Smith @ Willy-Nilly Warehouse | Swansboro | 4-7 pm

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

  • Dayton Vasper @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5-7:00 pm

Monday, September 15

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

Thursday, September 18

  • Adam Rhodes @ Carolina Home & Gardens | Newport | 8:30-10:30 pm

  • Big Sam @ The Trading Post | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Donnie Lane @ Caribsea | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm

  • Quincy Jones (the other) @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 5:30-8:30 pm

Some venues listed here might have a cover charge.

Swansboro Waterfront by Moonlight

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

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