Arts & Crafts Events - 2026 Schedule

North Carolina, and specifically Bald Head Island, is renowned for a wealth of treasures including historical sites and landmarks, a vibrant cultural scene, and plenty of unique things to eat and drink, and visitors can experience all of these treasures and more at the annual North Carolina Treasures Weekend. Traditionally held in early June, this weekend is a toast to the wonderful things that Bald Head Island has to offer, and features a wealth of food, art, history, and spirits to please everyone in the party.

If you’ve ever wanted to test your mettle when it comes to construction, while enjoying an activity that will result in something special, then you’ll want to sign up for the Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course. This unique event that is held in the heart of Beaufort is an intricate course of how to build a boat from the ground up, and best of all, will result with a newfound intricate knowledge of how to craft a boat or two of your own.

Peruse a colorful array of vibrant artworks and crafts while enjoying the postcard-perfect setting on the grounds of the Whalehead Club by attending the Annual Under the Oaks Art Festival. This popular festival brings together a collection of talented artists and artisans who will share their wares in a pretty outdoor setting that will make shoppers want to linger and enjoy the views over the Currituck Sound.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Revered as one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the state, the North Carolina 4th of July Festival is a big event that attracts visitors from all along the coastline and miles beyond to the charming town of Southport. Boasting a parade, a fair-style collection of vendors, a myriad of shows and activities, and a stunning display of fireworks over the water, this annual event lives up to its reputation as one of the most beloved 4th of July celebrations on the coast.

The Dock Street Pride Celebration is an annual community event that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the LGBTQ+ community through a day of entertainment, fellowship, and civic engagement in downtown Wilmington. Held in the city’s historic riverfront district, the event brings together residents, visitors, advocacy organizations, local businesses, artists, and performers for a vibrant celebration of equality and pride. The gathering serves as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community while fostering a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and identities.

Revered as one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the state, the North Carolina 4th of July Festival is a big event that attracts visitors from all along the coastline and miles beyond to the charming town of Southport. Boasting a parade, a fair-style collection of vendors, a myriad of shows and activities, and a stunning display of fireworks over the water, this annual event lives up to its reputation as one of the most beloved 4th of July celebrations on the coast.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Head to the tiny coastal village of Ocracoke for a big Independence Day celebration that includes fireworks, a parade, and plenty of family fun. The highlight of the Ocracoke Independence Day Celebration is the annual amazing fireworks display over the Silver Lake Harbor after the sun goes down. Visitors will find plenty of seating all around the harborfront docks, and can bring along beach chairs, towels, blankets, and everything they need to enjoy the show.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

The July 4th on July 3rd Party is a family-friendly community celebration held annually at the Beaufort Historic Site, bringing together history, entertainment, and patriotic fun in advance of Independence Day. Set against the backdrop of one of North Carolina’s most historic coastal communities, the event offers visitors a unique opportunity to celebrate America’s heritage while enjoying an evening of activities designed for all ages. In 2026, the event is part of the Beaufort Historical Association’s America 250 commemorations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The Fourth of July is easily one of the most festive days on Bald Head Island, and visitors can join in the fun with a wide array of activities that are found around town. The annual Bald Head Island Fourth of July Celebration is packed with tours, games, food, and fun – as well as a famed annual parade – and is a great way to truly enjoy everything this island community has to offer.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Celebrate summer with Kitty Hawk Kites and support the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition at the annual OBX Watermelon Festival. This beloved local celebration that’s held at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head features a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages, and is the perfect way to toast the peak of the summer season on the Outer Banks.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

Take a stroll along any shaded street in Ocracoke village and you’ll naturally notice the town’s love of all-things fig. Fig trees are everywhere in this coastal town, and during this annual celebration, visitors and locals alike can celebrate the fig through a myriad of  music, dancing, history, activities, and of course, plenty of fig goodies.

The Bald Head Island or “Old Baldy” Lighthouse is distinguished along the Carolina coastline as one of the oldest lighthouses still standing in the country, and visitors can learn all about this history while having a ball at the annual National Lighthouse Day Weekend. Generally held in early August, this weekend-long event features an array of corresponding activities and attractions that shine a light on this special local landmark, and which provide hours of fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

If you’ve ever wanted to test your mettle when it comes to construction, while enjoying an activity that will result in something special, then you’ll want to sign up for the Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course. This unique event that is held in the heart of Beaufort is an intricate course of how to build a boat from the ground up, and best of all, will result with a newfound intricate knowledge of how to craft a boat or two of your own.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

An annual tradition for 35 years, the Oak Island Art Guild Arts & Craft Festival is a fantastic way for visitors to discover all the talented artists and craftsmen who call this coastal corner of North Carolina home. Held in the heart of town, the festival attracts more than 100 artists and vendors who bring along distinctive wares that are both eye catching and truly one-of-a-kind.

Soundside Market in Nags Head celebrates the creativity and community spirit of the Outer Banks by bringing together local artisans, makers, and small businesses in a vibrant waterfront setting. Held at the Soundside Event Site overlooking the Roanoke Sound, the market offers visitors a chance to shop for a wide variety of handmade and locally crafted goods, including artwork, jewelry, home décor, baked goods, apparel, beauty products, and other unique treasures inspired by coastal life on the OBX.

This annual show features a superb variety of creations from 24 Outer Banks artists whose specialties include painting, pottery, jewelry, photography, glass, fiber arts, collage, wood and more. Admission to the show is free on both days and there is plenty of free parking. In addition to the handcrafted art, you can gather information about two local charities – N.E.S.T. and Beach Food Pantry – that participate in the show. A portion of artists' entrance fees are donated to the charities.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Shoppers and sightseers can discover a world of goodies while taking in some of the most enticing scenery that Wilmington has to offer with a stop at the annual American Craft Walk. Held in the fall, this popular event features a wealth of local and regional artisans and craftsmen who are selling their wares in the heart of the downtown area.

If you’ve ever wanted to test your mettle when it comes to construction, while enjoying an activity that will result in something special, then you’ll want to sign up for the Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course. This unique event that is held in the heart of Beaufort is an intricate course of how to build a boat from the ground up, and best of all, will result with a newfound intricate knowledge of how to craft a boat or two of your own.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Wilmington Coffee Fest is an annual celebration of coffee culture that brings together coffee roasters, cafés, baristas, bakers, artisans, tea vendors, and coffee enthusiasts from across the region for a weekend of tastings, competitions, education, and community engagement. Held in Wilmington’s Cargo District, the festival showcases the people and businesses behind the area’s growing specialty coffee scene while providing visitors with opportunities to sample a wide variety of coffees, discover new brands, and learn more about the craft of coffee roasting and preparation.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

The North Carolina Seafood Festival is one of the largest and most celebrated annual events in North Carolina, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Morehead City waterfront each fall for a weekend dedicated to seafood, coastal culture, and family-friendly entertainment. Founded in 1987, the festival was created to promote North Carolina’s seafood industry, educate the public about the importance of commercial fishing, and celebrate the state’s rich maritime heritage. Over the decades, it has grown into a signature Crystal Coast tradition while remaining focused on honoring the fishermen, seafood producers, and coastal communities that help sustain the industry.

Second only to the springtime Azalea Festival in terms of size, activities and attendance, the annual Riverfest is an all-encompassing festival that celebrates life by the water. Featuring a lineup of events that include exhibits, vendors, competitions, kid activities, fireworks, and so much more, this family-friendly event ignites the Wilmington downtown area with miles of fun to go around.

There are a lot of surprises, activities, and hours of fun waiting at Sunset at Sunset – a unique fall festival that takes place in the heart of Sunset Beach. Featuring a wealth of vendors, kids’ games and activities, and fantastic music and food all day long, this festival shines a spotlight on how much fun the small town of Sunset Beach can be during the beautifully relaxed fall season.

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.

The 30th annual Art in the Arboretum will celebrate the region’s vibrant arts community with a weekend of creativity, music, and family-friendly activities set amid the scenic gardens of the New Hanover County Arboretum in Wilmington. Presented by the Friends of the Arboretum in partnership with the Wilmington Art Association, the longtime festival showcases the work of talented local and regional artists in a variety of mediums, including painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, glass, textiles, sculpture, and mixed media. The event transforms the Arboretum’s picturesque seven-acre grounds into an outdoor gallery where visitors can meet artists, view demonstrations, and purchase one-of-a-kind handcrafted works.

Come explore Wilmington’s wild side while garnering a little knowledge about fire safety at this annual event that features ample ways to explore, learn, and have fun – especially for the Port City’s youngest residents and visitors. The Fire in the Pines Festival is a full day of activity and entertainment, with crats and games for kids, hayrides, food trucks, live music, animals, and so much more.

Hungry visitors will want to bring along a big appetite for the North Carolina Oyster Festival, which is a popular annual event that offers a whole lot more than the staple shellfish. Featuring everything from BBQ and pizza, to music, arts, and crafts, this extensive festival has plenty of ways to delight attendees of all tastes, and of all ages.

Well known as one of the longest running events in the Port City area, the annual Cape Fear Fair & Expo has been going strong for decades, and is one of the most fun celebrations that the town of Wilmington has to offer. Taking over the grounds of the Wilmington Airport, this expansive festival features rides, exhibits, food, shows, and entertainment al all varieties to create a truly memorable experience for fun-loving visitors of all varieties.

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.

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.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

Through arts, music, and miles of fun, the Outer Banks celebrates visiting and local veterans alike through this special event that has a wealth of ways to stay entertained while discovering the heart of the islands’ cultural scene. OBX Veterans Week is an annual event which honors veterans and their families through live concerts, cool activities and arts in downtown Manteo, and so much more.

Avoid the hassle of heavy traffic and harried holiday shopping with this event that brings all the Christmas goodies to one central location. The Southport Holly Days Arts and Crafts Show is a fun and easy-going shopping event that has a wealth of vendors, giveaways, and other holiday enticements that will make the start of the shopping season merry and bright throughout.

Get a jump start on acquiring everything you’ll need to ring in the holiday season with style with a visit to the annual Holly Days Arts & Crafts Sale at the Southport Baptist Church. This fun and annual celebration features a host of goodies that are truly one-of-a-kind, and which will be a delight to any lucky recipient on Christmas morning.

The Cape Fear region is a unique coastal community that’s known for its variety of global influences, and visitors can get a first-hand look at this worldly flavor by attending the annual Polish Festival. Held in the smaller region of Castle Hayne, this family-oriented and fun festival features a wealth of food, music, arts and crafts, beverages, and more to provide a hefty sampling of everything this distinctive culture and heritage has to offer.

Come and get a big head start on your holiday shopping at this pre-Thanksgiving event that shines a spotlight on the many local vendors, artists, and craftspeople who call the Crystal Coast area home. The Mistletoe Magic Holiday Gift Show is renowned as one of the biggest local shopping events of the year, and it’s a great venue for folks to uncover all the talent and goodies that Eastern North Carolina has to offer.

Through arts, music, and miles of fun, the Outer Banks celebrates visiting and local veterans alike through this special event that has a wealth of ways to stay entertained while discovering the heart of the islands’ cultural scene. OBX Veterans Week is an annual event which honors veterans and their families through live concerts, cool activities and arts in downtown Manteo, and so much more.

The Holiday Show is an annual seasonal art exhibition and sale presented by the Arts Council of Carteret County, showcasing a wide variety of handmade artwork, crafts, and unique gift items created by local and regional artists. Held each holiday season at the Arts Council’s gallery in Morehead City, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the vibrant arts community of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Swansboro by Candlelight is a cherished holiday tradition that transforms historic downtown Swansboro into a festive winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and small-town charm. Held annually in November, the event marks the unofficial start of the holiday season on the Crystal Coast, inviting residents and visitors to gather for an evening of shopping, entertainment, and community celebration in one of North Carolina’s most picturesque waterfront towns.

The Holiday Show is an annual seasonal art exhibition and sale presented by the Arts Council of Carteret County, showcasing a wide variety of handmade artwork, crafts, and unique gift items created by local and regional artists. Held each holiday season at the Arts Council’s gallery in Morehead City, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the vibrant arts community of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Holiday shopping is a whole lot more fun with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, and the annual Kure Beach Holiday Market combines a stellar location with a delightful mix of locally crafted and truly one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. Held during Thanksgiving week, with music, food, and more enticements for visitors, the Kure Beach Holiday Market is a great way to get into the spirit of the season while simultaneously getting a jump start on your holiday shopping.

The Holiday Show is an annual seasonal art exhibition and sale presented by the Arts Council of Carteret County, showcasing a wide variety of handmade artwork, crafts, and unique gift items created by local and regional artists. Held each holiday season at the Arts Council’s gallery in Morehead City, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the vibrant arts community of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Get into the holiday spirit while perusing a far-reaching range of arts and crafts that are delightfully one-of-a-kind with this seasonal event that always attracts locals and visiting shoppers alike. The Hatteras Island Arts and Craft Guild Holiday Show showcases a wide variety of talented regional artists and craftsmen, and is a favorite destination for holiday shoppers of all tastes who love to find those perfect coastal gifts and treasures.

Holiday shopping is a whole lot more fun with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, and the annual Kure Beach Holiday Market combines a stellar location with a delightful mix of locally crafted and truly one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. Held during Thanksgiving week, with music, food, and more enticements for visitors, the Kure Beach Holiday Market is a great way to get into the spirit of the season while simultaneously getting a jump start on your holiday shopping.

The Holiday Show is an annual seasonal art exhibition and sale presented by the Arts Council of Carteret County, showcasing a wide variety of handmade artwork, crafts, and unique gift items created by local and regional artists. Held each holiday season at the Arts Council’s gallery in Morehead City, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the vibrant arts community of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Start the holiday season with style and plenty of community spirit by attending the annual Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting in the heart of Wilmington. This annual event is a community celebration that features plenty of music, refreshments, and a glittering tree lighting, and is a great opener to the festive spirit of Wilmington during the holidays.

Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.

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.

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.

The Carolina Beach Holiday Market is an annual seasonal shopping event that brings together local artists, makers, crafters, and small businesses for a festive day of holiday shopping along the Carolina Beach waterfront. Held at Carolina Beach Lake Park as part of the community’s holiday celebrations, the market offers visitors the opportunity to browse a wide variety of handcrafted goods, artwork, jewelry, home décor, specialty foods, gifts, and other unique items created by local vendors. The family-friendly event has become a popular destination for residents and visitors seeking distinctive holiday gifts while supporting local businesses and artisans.

Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.

The Holiday Show is an annual seasonal art exhibition and sale presented by the Arts Council of Carteret County, showcasing a wide variety of handmade artwork, crafts, and unique gift items created by local and regional artists. Held each holiday season at the Arts Council’s gallery in Morehead City, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the vibrant arts community of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

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.

Celebrate the spirit of the season and a big dose of local color with this annual event that will appeal to art lovers, holiday shoppers, and coastal visitors alike. The Beaufort Holiday Art Walk is a fine opportunity to discover all the talented artisans and craftsmen who call this corner of Carteret County home, and to pick up a far-reaching range of treasures and holiday gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.

The summertime Beaufort Farmer’s Market is revitalized for the holidays at this special annual event that combines Christmas shopping, local fare, kids’ activities, and plenty of community spirit. The Old Fashioned Holiday Farmer’s Market is celebrating its 11th year in 2025, and is a delightful opportunity to connect with local fishermen, bakers, craftsmen, artists, and vendors of all varieties to load up on unique holiday presents, or to take home some goodies of your own.

The Holiday Show is an annual seasonal art exhibition and sale presented by the Arts Council of Carteret County, showcasing a wide variety of handmade artwork, crafts, and unique gift items created by local and regional artists. Held each holiday season at the Arts Council’s gallery in Morehead City, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the vibrant arts community of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Your heart will grow three sizes this year, just like the Grinch himself, at this event that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with young and old grinches alike. The Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty is a kid-friendly and family-friendly event that features plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit, from arts and crafts, to cookie decorating, to a viewing of the famous movie that bears this green Christmas icon’s name!

For more than 75 years, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has reigned supreme as one of the biggest and best festivals along the southeast coastline, and newcomers are welcome to join in the fun to experience full days of vendors, live music, parades, and other events that shine a spotlight on the lively city of Wilmington. Founded in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has emerged as one of the most anticipated events in the state, and the celebration attracts visitors from all over the world who want to discover how enchanting the Cape Fear region can be.

Jump start your Holden Beach spring and summer vacation with this annual festival that provides plenty of good times along the shoreline. The Days at the Dock Festival is an unofficial kick-off to the prime visitor season, and features a wealth of arts and crafts, live music and entertainment, and fun and games for all ages that will make everyone in the family fall in love with the lively and engaging atmosphere of Holden Beach.