Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
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.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
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.
Car lovers, collectors, and families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day on the Outer Banks at the OBX Rod and Custom Toy Festival, a community event that combines classic cars, custom rides, good food, and holiday giving in one festive gathering. Held in the heart of the OBX, the festival welcomes visitors of all ages to spend the day exploring an impressive lineup of unique vehicles while supporting local children and families during the holiday season. The event features a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where attendees can stroll among vintage cars, hot rods, custom builds, and specialty vehicles while connecting with fellow automotive enthusiasts and enjoying the laid-back coastal charm of the Outer Banks. Organizers encourage participants to bring a new unwrapped toy as part of the event’s mission to help local kids and spread a little extra joy throughout the community. In addition to the impressive vehicles on display, guests can enjoy food, music, and plenty of opportunities to socialize with friends old and new. The festival reflects the welcoming spirit of the OBX automotive community while giving visitors a chance to experience one of the area’s more unique seasonal events. Whether you’re a dedicated car enthusiast or simply looking for a fun Outer Banks outing with a meaningful purpose, the OBX Rod and Custom Toy Festival offers a memorable day of horsepower, hometown hospitality, and holiday cheer.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
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.
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.
Join the Ocracoke Preservation Society in celebrating Ocracoke heritage with its rich history and continuing tradition of working on the water with this unique festival that made its grand debut in 2023. Held on the grounds of the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum, this festival will celebrate these traditions with booths and exhibits with the watermen themselves, as well as plenty of food and fun to go around.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is rapidly becoming one of the highlights of the fall season, with plenty of fresh seafood, storytelling, and activities to keep everyone fully entertained. This all-day event takes place at the waterfront Event Site in Nags Head, and is a family-friendly outing that will make anyone fall in love with this staple of the Outer Banks’ culinary cuisine.
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.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Calling all brew fans – the Voracious Rare Beer Festival is the prime opportunity to discover a world of new flavors without ever leaving the heart of downtown Wilmington. Appropriately held in the month of October, this annual festival features plenty of great tastes to go around, with dozens of participating breweries and eateries, and ample reasons to raise a pint and toast the town.
Get ready for one of the Outer Banks’ most unique and entertaining traditions as the 10th Annual OBX Brewtag returns for a high-flying celebration of creativity, community, and craft beer. Held at the scenic Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, the popular event challenges teams to design homemade flying machines capable of launching an empty 1/6 keg barrel — with bragging rights going to the team whose keg soars the farthest.
The world of hops, grapes and grains is at your fingertips at the annual Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival – a fun event that features plenty of delectable tastes from the Cape Fear area and miles beyond. Held at the North Waterfront Park in the heart of Wilmington, this full afternoon-long festival features more than 100 craft breweries and wineries to discover, making it one of the most anticipated events for wine and beer lovers throughout the North Carolina coastline.
YachtVenture is an annual waterfront fundraising event that combines coastal elegance, community spirit, and support for children’s education. Hosted by the The Children's Museum of Wilmington, the event invites guests to experience an evening of yacht tours, fine dining, live entertainment, and fundraising activities along the Wilmington waterfront. Attendees have the opportunity to step aboard some of the region’s most impressive privately owned yachts, meet vessel owners and captains, and enjoy a unique behind-the-scenes look at life on the water.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
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.
With tons of games, food, fun, and attractions for visitors of all ages, the Newport Halloween Hootenanny is an annual event that can’t be missed. Held on Halloween night, this event is a community-wide celebration of the season, with lots of fun, food, and candy to go around all evening long.
The Roanoke Island Historical Association is launching a brand-new culinary celebration in 2026 with the debut of the Roanoke Island Oyster Shellabration and BBQ, a waterfront event that brings together fresh local seafood, Eastern North Carolina barbecue, live entertainment, and Outer Banks culture in the heart of Wanchese. Hosted at the Safe Harbor Marina and Tiki Bar, the festival promises a relaxed afternoon filled with food, music, and coastal charm.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
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.
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 OBX Truck Fest is rolling back into the Outer Banks for another exciting weekend celebrating lifted trucks, off-road culture, live entertainment, and coastal fun. Bringing together truck enthusiasts from across the region, the popular event showcases an impressive lineup of customized vehicles ranging from classic pickups and show trucks to massive lifted builds and off-road machines, all set against the laid-back beach atmosphere of the OBX.
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.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
The Cape Fear area has its own unique style when it comes to food and fun, and visitors can get a big helping of this food-centric atmosphere by attending the annual Taste of Wrightsville Beach. Celebrating its 11th year in 2024, this festival that is perpetually growing in popularity features dozens of samples, tastings, contests, and more, which allows newcomers to dive into the local Wrightsville Beach food scene with gusto.
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.
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.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
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.
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the Soundside Holiday Market in Nags Head, where festive coastal charm meets local creativity along the beautiful Roanoke Sound. Held at the popular Soundside Event Site, the seasonal market invites visitors and locals alike to shop, stroll, and soak in the cheerful atmosphere while supporting Outer Banks artisans, makers, and small businesses.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Get your Thanksgiving off to a fun and active start with this event that combines a little fitness with a world of exceptional brews. The Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile is a great Wednesday precursor to the Thanksgiving Day feast, and it entails a drink-and-run course that beer lovers and runners alike will enjoy to the fullest.
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.
The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.
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.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.
The Core Sound Chow Down is a popular annual culinary event that celebrates the food traditions, community spirit, and coastal heritage of Down East Carteret County. Held each December at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center on Harkers Island, the event serves as the traditional kickoff to the museum’s Waterfowl Weekend festivities, drawing residents and visitors from across eastern North Carolina.
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.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.
Join us for the 28th Annual Good Friends of Wilmington Luncheon. Monday, December 9th, 2026 - 11:30am – 1:00pm
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.
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.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.
The aptly-named Pleasure Island is the place to be in the Cape Fear region to ring in the new year, thanks to a hopping beach boardwalk, music and dancing, plenty of refreshments, and a beautiful backdrop next to the Atlantic Ocean. The Island of Lights New Year's Eve Celebration lives up to its name with a traditional fireworks show and a grand beachside party that is sure to have everyone in the family ready to ring in the new year with style.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
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.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Great tastes and one of the Cape Fear region’s premier attractions combine at this event that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with foodies and brewing fans of all tastes. The Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine event provides a selection of fine food, beers, and plenty of local flavors, thanks to an exquisite menu and accompanying tasting, as well as a beautiful setting at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Feast Wilmington is an annual food and beverage festival that showcases the culinary talent, craft beverages, and vibrant dining culture of the Wilmington area. Held at the scenic Live Oak Bank Pavilion along the Cape Fear River, the festival brings together more than 70 chefs, 20 breweries, wineries, distilleries, and beverage makers for a weekend of tastings, pairings, live entertainment, and waterfront celebrations. Designed for food lovers of all kinds, Feast highlights the flavors, creativity, and hospitality that have helped establish Wilmington as one of North Carolina’s premier culinary destinations.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
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.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
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.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Automobile enthusiasts can meet and greet with fellow aficionados while exploring some of the most stunning coastlines that North Carolina has to offer at this two-day festival that features a wide array of ways to have fun. The OBX Rod And Custom Festival is a special celebration of vintage and antique cars that will boast a host of family-friendly activities, from local food, to cruise-ins, to displays that will impress car fans of all tastes and ages.