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Crystal Coast Festivals Events - 2026 Schedule

Crystal Coast Festivals Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of June 8, 2026 - June 14, 2026
Saturday, June 13th 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Swansboro

There’s a host of reasons to explore a creative side, as well as the picturesque Swansboro waterfront, at the Swansboro Arts by the Sea Festival. This unique and day-long festival has a wealth of activities, entertainment and enticements for everyone in the family, and with plenty of food, crafts, children’s activities, shopping opportunities and more, the festival is sure to be a highlight of any Crystal Coast vacation.

Week of October 5, 2026 - October 11, 2026
Saturday, October 10th - Sunday, October 11th
Swansboro

If you’re a southern seafood fan, then you’re going to love the annual Mullet Festival of Swansboro. This two-day affair features a wealth of ways to enjoy this local crystal coast staple, as well as plenty of games and activities that celebrate the food, flavor, and all around fun of the heart of Swansboro and the North Carolina coastline.

Week of October 26, 2026 - November 1, 2026
Saturday, October 31st 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Newport

With tons of games, food, fun, and attractions for visitors of all ages, the Newport Halloween Hootenanny is an annual event that can’t be missed. Held on Halloween night, this event is a community-wide celebration of the season, with lots of fun, food, and candy to go around all evening long.

Week of November 23, 2026 - November 29, 2026
Friday, November 27th 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Swansboro

Celebrate the holidays Crystal Coast style with this annual event that entices locals and visitors alike to get into the holiday spirit. The Swansboro Christmas Flotilla is a time-honored tradition that combines Swansboro’s love of life on the water with a truly festive atmosphere, and the event is sure to become an annual celebration that Crystal Coast visitors will want to return to again and again.

Saturday, November 28th 2:00 PM
Emerald Isle

Celebrating more than 20 years, the Emerald Isle Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting is a favorite wintertime event for visitors and locals alike that provides a fun and unforgettable way to ring in the season. Held in the heart of town, and featuring a line of floats that capture both the holiday and the coastal spirit, this annual parade and celebration will make everyone want to celebrate the holidays, Emerald Isle style.

Week of December 7, 2026 - December 13, 2026
Friday, December 11th - Sunday, December 13th
Morehead City

Come explore a winter wonderland of holiday sights, sounds, and smells at this festive event that is celebrating its 12th year in 2026. The annual Gingerbread Festival & Competition is a fun and all-encompassing celebration that has incredible gingerbread displays, fun crafts and activities for the kids, and lots of ways to celebrate the holidays in style while admiring some of the most unique and creative gingerbread creations that the Crystal Coast has to offer.

Crystal Coast Map
Emerald Isle Indian Beach Pine Knoll Shores Atlantic Beach Shackleford Banks Beaufort Morehead City Cape Lookout Cedar Island Harkers Island New Bern
Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

The Bogue Island Fishing Pier is a legendary landmark for long time Emerald Isle vacationers. Built in the late 1950s, and operated by the same family for well over 40 years, the fishing pier is a paradise for anglers who want to take advantage of...

Shady Shack West a 3 BR Oceanfront Duple...

Duplex, 3 BR, 2 B. K * K * 2Q. Island Club linen service with beds made. Shared hot tub. Unobstructed ocean vistas greet you as you enter this oceanfront property. Spiral staircase to top floor, oceanfront primary suite with private bath and...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Summer Winds 221, Oceanfront Condo in In...

New to Summer Winds, High-Speed Wireless Internet, and Heated Indoor Pool!! (This is Wireless Only, Not including Wired Access!)Welcome to Summer Winds Sports Condo Complex located in the cozy fishing village of Salter Path (next to Emerald Isle)...

  • Indian Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

Newly renovated! The Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel, formerly The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores. offers oceanfront rooms, direct access to the beach, sun, sand, surf and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Always just a few steps from the ocean...

Oceanfront 4BR Escape with Hot Tub & Dec...

Welcome to Z‑Scape East, a 4BR, 3BA oceanfront duplex that sleeps up to 8 with a mix of King, Queens, Twins, and a Double futon — linens included and beds made for you. Cavernous living and well‑equipped kitchen make gathering simple, while...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 9
Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford...