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Crystal Coast Outdoor & Nature Events - 2026 Schedule

Crystal Coast Outdoor & Nature Events - 2026 Schedule
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
Crystal Coast Boating Guide

As a corridor along the famed Intracoastal Waterway, it should come as no surprise that the Crystal Coast is a Mecca for mariners of all varieties. Whether you want to book a cruise that uncovers the hard-to-reach sites found just offshore, or want...

Beach Bunker | Cozy 2BR Soundside Cottag...

Welcome to Beach Bunker, a appealing soundside bungalow tucked away on a peaceful street in Emerald Isle. This comfortable coastal getaway offers the ideal balance of relaxing surroundings and convenient access to everything the island has to offer...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
Oceanside,private pool,golf cart,elevato...

HOME HIGHLIGHTS:2 RefrigeratorsBed Linens and Bath TowelsCommunity Pool AccessElevatorFoosball TableFull-Size Washer/DryerGas GrilleGolf CartHot/Cold Outdoor ShowerPrivate PoolRecreation RoomScreened PorchWiFi throughout Home DESCRIPTION:Isle...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 4 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...

Emerald Escape | Dog-Friendly Coastal Re...

Highlights: Short Walk to the Beach accessScreened-in PorchCovered ParkingGrilling AreaOutdoor Shower High Speed WifiFull-size Washer and DryerDog Friendly (Add'l Fee)Description: Emerald Escape is a casual coastal getaway tucked away on a peaceful...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Island Ferry Adventures

Bird Shoal, Carrot Island, Sand Dollar Island & more! Dive into an exploration of some of the Southern Outer Banks’ most remote shorelines with an excursion that’s led by Island Ferry Adventures. Featuring both transport to the...