New Bern Kid Friendly Events - 2020 Schedule

Initially started more than 40 years ago as a fundraiser for the Newport development center, the annual Newport Pig Cooking Contest has grown into one of the largest whole hog BBQ contests in the country, with plenty of ways for barbecue pros and everyday visitors alike to join in the fun. Held in the heart of Newport, and attracting visitors from all over the state and beyond year after year, this event is a great opportunity for BBQ fans of all ages to appease an appetite with plenty of great food and fun to go around.

Head to the heart of downtown Beaufort for an annual East Egg Hunt that combines a little history and a ton of local charm. The BHA Annual Easter Egg Hunt has become a beloved event for locals and visitors alike, and features an extensive hunt in one of the prettiest spots along the Crystal Coast – the downtown Beaufort Historic Site.

The annual Wooden Boat Show is a tradition in the town of Beaufort, and its 46^th celebration in 2020 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.

Join us for the 10th annual Crystal Coast Run/Walk for Autism on Saturday, May 30, at John Newton Park on Front Street in Beaufort!

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.

Grab a beach chair, towel, or blanket, and head to the sand to catch one of the most highly anticipated shows of the year along the Crystal Coast. The Emerald Isle 4th of July Fireworks Show is one of the most popular events annually, and visitors throughout the town will be treated to an incredible display over the ocean waters as the Town of Emerald Isle rings in the holiday with a little coastal style and flair.

Take a break from the sunny Crystal Coast beaches and celebrate the 4^th of July holiday with a little local style at the annual Pine Knoll Shores Independence Day Parade. This popular small town celebration features plenty of ways to join in the fun, from donning your best red, white and blue attire, to decorating a bike or cart and marching in the procession, and the high spirits and entertainment is sure to start any Independence Day celebration off with a bang.

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping while enjoying an inviting and relaxed atmosphere that is miles away from ordinary at the Jumble Sale at the Beaufort Historic Site. This annual sale that takes place around Thanksgiving is the perfect cure to the Black Friday blues, and offers a wealth of locally made, handcrafted, and wholly unique goodies and presents that can’t be found anywhere else, and which will truly add a dose of local flavor to your holiday gift giving.

Forget about the cooking and cleaning this Thanksgiving holiday, and instead indulge into a truly coastal feast that is brimming with history, local flavor, and plenty of fun. The Community Thanksgiving Feast at the Beaufort Historic Site is an anticipated local event that features a wealth of local and seasonal favorites, and is a great way to get into the spirit of this historic and friendly small southern town.

Get into the spirit of the season while enjoying a picturesque taste of life on the water in a small North Carolina town with this event that offers plenty of spectacular views and festivities for spectators and participants alike. The Annual Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla is a local tradition that’s been going strong for more than 25 years, and is an opportunity for both visitors and locals to enjoy a festive display unlike any other along the Crystal Coast.