CrystalCoast.com logo

Crystal Coast Outdoor & Nature Events - 2026 Schedule

Crystal Coast Outdoor & Nature Events - 2026 Schedule
This Week
Saturday, June 13th 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM
  • 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 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, June 13th 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, June 13th 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, June 13th 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
Cedar Island

Located on the edge of North Carolina and serving as a midway point between the Outer Banks and the Crystal Coast, Cedar Island is a relatively undiscovered gem that feels miles away from the rest of the world. Close to historic and natural...

Family & Pet Friendly Retreat

Let the anxiety of your life end and the adventure of vacation begin, the min. you pull into the drive way. Set away from the road and surrounded by trees this is the ideal coastal escape. Adorable 3 bedroom/2bath beach bungalow. Lots of space when...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Gorgeous 3 Bedroom Ocean Front Condo in ...

This elegant beach front condo has never rented only sparingly and is family owned. The condo was completely modernized in 2020 with ocean front vistas and a fast walk to the beach. Includes a pullout couch in the living area and a enormous table...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
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...

Oceanfront condo with 4 shared pools, 2 ...

Charmingly appointed oceanfront condo set up for the ideal family vacation! Located in Atlantic Beach, NC, this little piece of heaven is the best spot to relax and discover! Appreciate the ocean view from one of two porches with vistas of both the...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Lookout Cruises

Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour...