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Crystal Coast Outdoor & Nature Events - 2026 Schedule

Crystal Coast Outdoor & Nature Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of July 6, 2026 - July 12, 2026
Tuesday, July 7th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, August 3rd 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, September 7th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, October 5th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, November 2nd 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Atlantic Beach

Take advantage of the temperate spring weather and uncrowded shorelines to discover the wealth of wildlife that calls this coastal North Carolina region home. The Bird Hike at Fort Macon is a fun and engaging opportunity to explore one of the Crystal Coast’s most renowned landmarks while spotting a myriad of local and migrating birds that flock to this coastal destination.

Week of July 13, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Saturday, July 18th 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM
  • Saturday, August 8th 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM
  • Saturday, September 12th 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM

Harkers Island

Come explore one of the most scenic sections of the Crystal Coast with this unique tour and event that will appeal to stargazers of all ages and experience levels. The Cape Lookout National Seashore Starlight Cruise is an opportunity to explore the night skies with a professional guide, as well as a chance to take an evening tour of one of the most stunning beaches that the Crystal Coast has to offer.

Week of August 3, 2026 - August 9, 2026
Monday, August 3rd 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, July 7th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, September 7th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, October 5th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, November 2nd 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Atlantic Beach

Take advantage of the temperate spring weather and uncrowded shorelines to discover the wealth of wildlife that calls this coastal North Carolina region home. The Bird Hike at Fort Macon is a fun and engaging opportunity to explore one of the Crystal Coast’s most renowned landmarks while spotting a myriad of local and migrating birds that flock to this coastal destination.

Saturday, August 8th 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM
  • Saturday, July 18th 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM
  • Saturday, September 12th 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM

Harkers Island

Come explore one of the most scenic sections of the Crystal Coast with this unique tour and event that will appeal to stargazers of all ages and experience levels. The Cape Lookout National Seashore Starlight Cruise is an opportunity to explore the night skies with a professional guide, as well as a chance to take an evening tour of one of the most stunning beaches that the Crystal Coast has to offer.

Week of September 7, 2026 - September 13, 2026
Monday, September 7th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, July 7th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, August 3rd 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, October 5th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, November 2nd 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Atlantic Beach

Take advantage of the temperate spring weather and uncrowded shorelines to discover the wealth of wildlife that calls this coastal North Carolina region home. The Bird Hike at Fort Macon is a fun and engaging opportunity to explore one of the Crystal Coast’s most renowned landmarks while spotting a myriad of local and migrating birds that flock to this coastal destination.

Saturday, September 12th 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM
  • Saturday, July 18th 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM
  • Saturday, August 8th 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM

Harkers Island

Come explore one of the most scenic sections of the Crystal Coast with this unique tour and event that will appeal to stargazers of all ages and experience levels. The Cape Lookout National Seashore Starlight Cruise is an opportunity to explore the night skies with a professional guide, as well as a chance to take an evening tour of one of the most stunning beaches that the Crystal Coast has to offer.

Week of October 5, 2026 - October 11, 2026
Monday, October 5th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, July 7th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, August 3rd 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, September 7th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, November 2nd 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Atlantic Beach

Take advantage of the temperate spring weather and uncrowded shorelines to discover the wealth of wildlife that calls this coastal North Carolina region home. The Bird Hike at Fort Macon is a fun and engaging opportunity to explore one of the Crystal Coast’s most renowned landmarks while spotting a myriad of local and migrating birds that flock to this coastal destination.

Week of October 19, 2026 - October 25, 2026
Saturday, October 24th - Sunday, October 25th
Atlantic Beach

Wit breezy weather and warm temperatures, the fall is an ideal time to go fly a kite on the Crystal Coast, and this event is an ideal launching point for folks to celebrate their high-flying abilities. The Carolina Kite Festival, which is hosted by the local Kites Unlimited & Bird Stuff, has grown into a stellar and full-day event with hundreds of kites decorating the sky, and plenty of fun to go around.

Week of November 2, 2026 - November 8, 2026
Monday, November 2nd 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, July 7th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, August 3rd 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, September 7th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Monday, October 5th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Atlantic Beach

Take advantage of the temperate spring weather and uncrowded shorelines to discover the wealth of wildlife that calls this coastal North Carolina region home. The Bird Hike at Fort Macon is a fun and engaging opportunity to explore one of the Crystal Coast’s most renowned landmarks while spotting a myriad of local and migrating birds that flock to this coastal destination.

Week of November 30, 2026 - December 6, 2026
Friday, December 4th - Sunday, December 6th
Harkers Island

The small community of Harkers Island comes to life at this annual event that puts this community’s rich heritage and history in the spotlight. The annual Core Sound Decoy Festival, which is held the first full weekend in December, is a unique celebration that combines exhibits, demonstrations, vendors, food, and much more, to the delight of local visitors and residents alike.

Friday, December 4th - Sunday, December 6th
Harkers Island

The Crystal Coast is renowned as a popular destination for seasonal visitors of all varieties, and that includes the thousands of waterfowl that flock to this region every year. This unique distinction is celebrated annually at the Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend, which is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to learn more about this stunning landscape, and the many feathered visitors who call it home for the winter season.

Week of April 26, 2027 - May 2, 2027
Saturday, May 1st 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Beaufort

The annual Wooden Boat Show is a tradition in the town of Beaufort, and its 51st celebration in 2027 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.

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
Best Surf Fishing Gear for 2026

Once you have your coastal recreational fishing license in hand, it’s time to start thinking about gear. Anglers will find tons of options when it comes to equipment for casting into the surf, from custom designed rods and reels at local...

New in 2024 Oceanfront 5BR Luxury Duplex...

Oceanfront Duplex, West side, New in 2024. 5 BR, 5 B. K * K * Q * Q * 2B (1 Q down, S up). Sand Castle Club linen service with beds made. Expansive 15’ x 30’ swimming pool (shared). Heated pool is available for an additional $750 per week...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
Special! Oceanfront Hidden Treasure Pine...

Tucked away within the trees of the maritime forest, this oceanfront home in Pine Knoll Shores offers a rare sense of privacy and seclusion while sitting directly on the beach. Hidden from view and surrounded by nature, the home feels like a...

  • Pine Knoll Shores
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
Morehead City Ferry Service

The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown...

Carousel, Oceanfront House in Emerald Is...

Located right at the end of Emerald Isle, this unique "Carousel"-shaped home has the best vistas of both the Ocean and the Inlet! Carousel is a 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Oceanfront Home. It is the ideal place for those wishing to fish while on vacation...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway - Crystal Coast

Visitors of all ages will have a blast at this destination that is designed for great times along the Crystal Coast shoreline. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway is situated in the centrally located beach community of Salter Path, and...