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Crystal Coast Outdoor & Nature Events - 2026 Schedule

Crystal Coast Outdoor & Nature Events - 2026 Schedule

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

This Week
Saturday, November 7th 11:00 AM
Morehead City

The annual Veterans Day Parade in Morehead City is a time-honored tradition that honors the servicemen and women who have served their country. Located in the heart of the downtown area, and free and open to the public, this annual celebration is an event that visitors and locals alike won’t soon forget.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

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.

Saturday, December 5th 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Beaufort

The historic Beaufort waterfront comes alive during this holiday celebration that combines this community’s love of the water with a literal boatload of holiday lights. The annual Friends of the Maritime Museum Holiday Flotilla is a fun and festive event that will wow spectators throughout the Crystal Coast, and which will put visitors of all ages in a holiday state of mind.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of December 28, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Wednesday, December 30th 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Atlantic Beach

Warm up your winter with a festive evening by the ocean at the annual Smoke on the Water Bonfire at the Atlantic Beach Circle. This popular Crystal Coast tradition brings residents and visitors together for a memorable night of live music, warm drinks, and a roaring beach bonfire. Hosted by the Town of Atlantic Beach, the free, family-friendly event offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday season and welcome the New Year while enjoying the beautiful coastal surroundings.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of December 28, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Friday, January 1st 1:00 PM
Atlantic Beach

Get a shockingly refreshing start to 2027 with this annual event that has been attracting brave Atlantic Beach visitors and residents for more than 20 years. The annual Penguin Plunge is a favorite New Year’s event for participants and spectators alike, with an icy-cold dip into the Atlantic Ocean that is sure to get everyone’s heart pumping.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

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
New Bern Firemans Museum

The New Bern Fire Department began as a fraternal organization and was originally called the "Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company," and was the first chartered fire department in the state of North Carolina. This original company became inactive...

Pier Point West 3A2, Oceanfront Condo in...

Pier Pointe West 3A2 also known as The Savvy Sea Breeze is a Second Floor Oceanfront 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo offering a Living Area that faces the ocean and includes a Queen Sleeper Couch. Appreciate the Dining Area and Enormous Kitchen with bar...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
The Ocean Pearl - A Waterfront Beach Ret...

Constructed in 2018, The Ocean Pearl is impressive extravagant home that we have appreciated for years with our family and now hope to share that with you! This home was designed to entertain multiple families and kids - with handsome vistas, huge...

  • Indian Beach
  • 7 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 16
Kitty Hawk Kites

Founded as the world's first hang gliding school in 1974, Kitty Hawk Kites has grown into a beloved retail and outdoor recreation venture with more than 28 locations up and down the east coast! With more than 50 years of teaching the world to fly...

Soundfront Renovated 4BR Retreat - Close...

Welcome to your sound front escape — a elegantly remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath coastal home designed for casual waterfront living. With an open, airy floor plan and sweeping water vistas, this thoughtfully refreshed getaway invites you to slow down...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Beaufort Pirates Revenge

Jump aboard the pirate ship "REVENGE" at 600 Front Street in Beaufort, North Carolina. Our interactive voyages offer fun and adventure for families and swashbucklers of all ages. Come join our crew, take part in a pirate adventure, and enjoy festive...