Morehead.com logo

Morehead City Festivals Events - 2026 Schedule

Morehead City Festivals Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of June 8, 2026 - June 14, 2026
Saturday, June 13th 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Swansboro

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.

Week of October 5, 2026 - October 11, 2026
Saturday, October 10th - Sunday, October 11th
Swansboro

If you’re a southern seafood fan, then you’re going to love the annual Mullet Festival of Swansboro. This two-day affair features a wealth of ways to enjoy this local crystal coast staple, as well as plenty of games and activities that celebrate the food, flavor, and all around fun of the heart of Swansboro and the North Carolina coastline.

Week of November 23, 2026 - November 29, 2026
Friday, November 27th 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Swansboro

Celebrate the holidays Crystal Coast style with this annual event that entices locals and visitors alike to get into the holiday spirit. The Swansboro Christmas Flotilla is a time-honored tradition that combines Swansboro’s love of life on the water with a truly festive atmosphere, and the event is sure to become an annual celebration that Crystal Coast visitors will want to return to again and again.

Saturday, November 28th 2:00 PM
Emerald Isle

Celebrating more than 20 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.

Week of December 7, 2026 - December 13, 2026
Friday, December 11th - Sunday, December 13th
Morehead City

Come explore a winter wonderland of holiday sights, sounds, and smells at this festive event that is celebrating its 12th year in 2026. The annual Gingerbread Festival & Competition is a fun and all-encompassing celebration that has incredible gingerbread displays, fun crafts and activities for the kids, and lots of ways to celebrate the holidays in style while admiring some of the most unique and creative gingerbread creations that the Crystal Coast has to offer.

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
Morehead City Vacation Rentals

Visitors who want to be close to everything the Crystal Coast has to offer – including charming downtowns, shopping complexes, hopping beaches, and everything in between – may want to set their vacation sights on the central town of...

Perfect Oceanfront Cottage With Private ...

Sea Glass is the ideal hideaway bungalow on the beach with gorgeous Atlantic vistas from all windows, decks and balconies. With plenty of sleeping room, our cozy home has a private pool, an outside beach/poolside private shower, wireless internet...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 11
Oceanfront beach cottage with large deck...

New in our program, this home has many great reviews from past guests.It's time to have the vacation you've been waiting for at this beautiful oceanfront home with simple public beach access. Just steps from the sand, you can take in the beauty of...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
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...

Sunny, dog-friendly retreat with an outd...

Located within walking distance of the ocean, this three-story home is ready to welcome you to Bogue Banks - a impressive, 21-mile barrier island off the mainland of North Carolina.Boasting sunlit living spaces adorned with oceanside colors and...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the...