Shopping Events - 2026 Schedule

No need to travel to New Orleans for a taste of Mardi Gras – a celebration is waiting close to home in the town of Beaufort, North Carolina! Mardi Gras on Middle Lane is an enticing afternoon event that pays homage to the grand annual party with an array of ways to have fun for visitors of all ages. From activities for the kids, to live Cajun music and jazz, there will be a fun party atmosphere throughout at the Mardi Gras on Middle Lane event.

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.

Find all the décor, furnishings, and indoor and outdoor touches you’ll need to make your vacation home investment a stellar success, or explore little coastal items to take home to spruce up your own off-island residence with a little coastal style. No matter your ambition, you can find everything you need to celebrate the Crystal Coast in your own home and backyard at the Crystal Coast Home and Garden Show. Celebrating its 38th year in 2026, this annual event is a great way to discover the trends in home décor, landscaping, and much more, while meeting all the area vendors and businesses who brighten up the Crystal Coast, one residence at a time.

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.

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.

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.

For more than 30 years, Poplar Grove Plantation has been the site of one of the most anticipated events for gardeners in the spring season – the Annual Herb and Garden Fair. This yearly event features a wealth of plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and green goodies of all varieties, and is a great first stop for local and visiting gardeners alike who are eager to ring in the spring season.

Enjoy an elegant afternoon of delicious sips, great bites, and a little contribution to charity at this annual event that will appeal to anyone with a taste for both local and global flavors. The Oak Island Beach Preservation Society's Annual Winetasting and Auction Fundraiser is an engaging opportunity to meet and mingle with folks around the community, while supporting a local cause and enjoying plenty of fine cuisine and exceptional wines along the way.

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.

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.

Get your toes tapping with an island celebration of musicians, storytellers, artisans, local food, and so much more by joining in the community-wide fun of the Ocrafolk Festival. This full weekend event is held in the heart of Ocracoke Village, with multiple performances and activities happening around virtually every corner of Silver Lake Harbor.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.