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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.

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Emerald Isle Indian Beach Pine Knoll Shores Atlantic Beach Shackleford Banks Beaufort Morehead City Cape Lookout Cedar Island Harkers Island New Bern
Crystal Coast Tourism Authority

The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority has been instrumental in introducing newcomers to this picturesque stretch of barrier island beaches and barely-inland maritime communities, and serves as an essential tool for visitors to discover this remote but...

'East of the Sun' Beachside Apartment w/...

Let the sound of ocean waves wash over you as you relax at this 2-bedroom, 1-bath Emerald Isle apartment. Belonging to a 4-unit duplex just 30 yards from the Atlantic Ocean shore, the ‘East of the Sun’ vacation rental makes for a ideally...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 5
Historic Alston-Charlotte Cottage in Dow...

This historic bungalow known as the Alston-Charlotte dates back to the mid 1700's and it is one of ten oldest existing homes in Historic Downtown New Bern. This rare bungalow style home is brimming with character and appeal. The whimsical backyard...

  • New Bern
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
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...

Steps to the beach! Hear the waves & fee...

Our home is tucked away in the maritime forest of Pine Knoll Shores with access to the invigorating pool and only steps away from the pretty Atlantic Ocean. Our home offers a roomy vacation spot just right for your family. This appealing 3...

  • Pine Knoll Shores
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Crystal Coast Lady Cruises

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises is a 100 ft. custom yacht that can effortlessly provide a number of family-friendly expeditions to vacationers who want to enjoy this delicate chain of barrier islands and coastal territory to its fullest. Based out of...