Crystal Coast Kid Friendly Events - 2019 Schedule

If you’ve ever wanted to join the kayak fishing craze while exploring the stunning waters that surround downtown Beaufort, N.C., then this fully immersive and engaging day-long class may be an exceptional fit. The Kayak Fishing Class is a prime opportunity to learn everything you need to know about this popular sport that can be enjoyed just about anywhere in the Crystal Coast area, and is a fine opportunity to uncover a wealth of info as well as incredible on-the-water views in the heart of Beaufort.

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping while enjoying an inviting and relaxed atmosphere that is miles away from ordinary at the Jumble Sale at the Beaufort Historic Site. This annual sale that takes place around Thanksgiving is the perfect cure to the Black Friday blues, and offers a wealth of locally made, handcrafted, and wholly unique goodies and presents that can’t be found anywhere else, and which will truly add a dose of local flavor to your holiday gift giving.

Forget about the cooking and cleaning this Thanksgiving holiday, and instead indulge into a truly coastal feast that is brimming with history, local flavor, and plenty of fun. The Community Thanksgiving Feast at the Beaufort Historic Site is an anticipated local event that features a wealth of local and seasonal favorites, and is a great way to get into the spirit of this historic and friendly small southern town.

Celebrating more than 15 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.

Get into the spirit of the season while enjoying a picturesque taste of life on the water in a small North Carolina town with this event that offers plenty of spectacular views and festivities for spectators and participants alike. The Annual Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla is a local tradition that’s been going strong for more than 25 years, and is an opportunity for both visitors and locals to enjoy a festive display unlike any other along the Crystal Coast.

The summertime Beaufort Farmer’s Market is revitalized for the holidays at this special annual event that combines Christmas shopping, local fare, kids’ activities, and plenty of community spirit. The Old Fashioned Holiday Farmer’s Market is celebrating its 5^th year in 2019, and is a delightful opportunity to connect with local fishermen, bakers, craftsmen, artists, and vendors of all varieties to load up on unique holiday presents, or to take home some goodies of your own.

No need to travel to New Orleans for a taste of Mardi Gras – a celebration is waiting close to home in the town of Beaufort, North Carolina! Mardi Gras on Middle Lane is an enticing afternoon event that pays homage to the grand annual party with an array of ways to have fun for visitors of all ages. From activities for the kids, to live Cajun music and jazz, there will be a fun party atmosphere throughout at the Mardi Gras on Middle Lane event.

Visitors of all ages will have a ball at the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival, which is an annual celebration that has become one of the most anticipated events of the springtime season. Going strong for more than 25 years, the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival features a wealth of food, arts and craft vendors, rides, and activities for kids, which will all combine to get attendees into a festive holiday spirit.

Initially started more than 40 years ago as a fundraiser for the Newport development center, the annual Newport Pig Cooking Contest has grown into one of the largest whole hog BBQ contests in the country, with plenty of ways for barbecue pros and everyday visitors alike to join in the fun. Held in the heart of Newport, and attracting visitors from all over the state and beyond year after year, this event is a great opportunity for BBQ fans of all ages to appease an appetite with plenty of great food and fun to go around.

The annual Wooden Boat Show is a tradition in the town of Beaufort, and its 46^th celebration in 2020 promises to be bigger and more engaging than ever before. With a long roster of activities that are slated for the weekend-long event, visitors will be treated to a wealth of activities, displays, exhibits, and interactive ways to join in the fun.

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.

Grab a beach chair, towel, or blanket, and head to the sand to catch one of the most highly anticipated shows of the year along the Crystal Coast. The Emerald Isle 4th of July Fireworks Show is one of the most popular events annually, and visitors throughout the town will be treated to an incredible display over the ocean waters as the Town of Emerald Isle rings in the holiday with a little coastal style and flair.

Take a break from the sunny Crystal Coast beaches and celebrate the 4^th of July holiday with a little local style at the annual Pine Knoll Shores Independence Day Parade. This popular small town celebration features plenty of ways to join in the fun, from donning your best red, white and blue attire, to decorating a bike or cart and marching in the procession, and the high spirits and entertainment is sure to start any Independence Day celebration off with a bang.