New Bern Music & Dancing Events - 2026 Schedule

Come explore a unique and picturesque corner of the Crystal Coast with this grand event that celebrates all the activities and fun of the fall season. The Town of Cape Carteret Fall Festival features a myriad of food, activities, and entertainment for visitors of all ages, and the free festival is a great opportunity to uncover this scenic town that’s located just a shell’s throw away from the Emerald Isle coastline.

Shucktoberfest is an annual fall food-and-drink celebration hosted by Beaufort Wine & Food that highlights the Crystal Coast’s rich seafood heritage, with a special focus on North Carolina oysters and coastal cuisine. Held in Beaufort during the autumn oyster season, the event brings together seafood lovers, local chefs, oyster growers, beverage vendors, and visitors for a weekend dedicated to great food, live entertainment, and coastal hospitality.

Held just after Halloween, the annual Dirt Nap Fest at Mill Whistle Brewing has become a favorite event for Beaufort locals and visitors alike, thanks to its spooky and surprising atmosphere, wholly unique car show, cool vendors, and plenty of delicious Mill Whistle beer to go around.

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.

Warm up your winter with a festive evening by the ocean at the annual Smoke on the Water Bonfire at the Atlantic Beach Circle. This popular Crystal Coast tradition brings residents and visitors together for a memorable night of live music, warm drinks, and a roaring beach bonfire. Hosted by the Town of Atlantic Beach, the free, family-friendly event offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday season and welcome the New Year while enjoying the beautiful coastal surroundings.

Visitors of all ages will have a ball at the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival, which is an annual celebration that has become one of the most anticipated events of the springtime season. Going strong for more than 25 years, the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival features a wealth of food, arts and craft vendors, rides, and activities for kids, which will all combine to get attendees into a festive holiday spirit.

The Beaufort Music Festival has become a beloved event for music lovers everywhere, thanks to its amazing line-up of talented artists, and its home base in the charming coastal town of Beaufort. Featuring two full days of music that are stocked with local, regional, and even nationally recognized artists and performers, the Beaufort Music Festival is an enchanting way for newcomers to discover a range of new sounds and talents without ever leaving the heart of the Crystal Coast.

The Swansboro Independence Day Celebration is a beloved annual tradition that brings residents and visitors together along the town’s historic waterfront for an evening of patriotic festivities, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Held each year in downtown Swansboro, the event celebrates America’s independence while showcasing the charm and hospitality of one of North Carolina’s most picturesque coastal communities.