Tours Events - 2026 Schedule

Visitors can explore the best aspects of downtown Beaufort inside and out with the annual Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour. Held throughout this coastal community, and featuring a number of popular sites including the buildings within the Beaufort Historic Site, area gardens, local churches, the Old Burying Ground and much more, this event provides an in-depth look into what makes Beaufort both historic and continually charming.

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.

Take advantage of the temperate spring weather and uncrowded shorelines to discover the wealth of wildlife that calls this coastal North Carolina region home. The Bird Hike at Fort Macon is a fun and engaging opportunity to explore one of the Crystal Coast’s most renowned landmarks while spotting a myriad of local and migrating birds that flock to this coastal destination.

Come explore one of the most scenic sections of the Crystal Coast with this unique tour and event that will appeal to stargazers of all ages and experience levels. The Cape Lookout National Seashore Starlight Cruise is an opportunity to explore the night skies with a professional guide, as well as a chance to take an evening tour of one of the most stunning beaches that the Crystal Coast has to offer.

Take advantage of the temperate spring weather and uncrowded shorelines to discover the wealth of wildlife that calls this coastal North Carolina region home. The Bird Hike at Fort Macon is a fun and engaging opportunity to explore one of the Crystal Coast’s most renowned landmarks while spotting a myriad of local and migrating birds that flock to this coastal destination.

Come explore one of the most scenic sections of the Crystal Coast with this unique tour and event that will appeal to stargazers of all ages and experience levels. The Cape Lookout National Seashore Starlight Cruise is an opportunity to explore the night skies with a professional guide, as well as a chance to take an evening tour of one of the most stunning beaches that the Crystal Coast has to offer.

Take advantage of the temperate spring weather and uncrowded shorelines to discover the wealth of wildlife that calls this coastal North Carolina region home. The Bird Hike at Fort Macon is a fun and engaging opportunity to explore one of the Crystal Coast’s most renowned landmarks while spotting a myriad of local and migrating birds that flock to this coastal destination.

Come explore one of the most scenic sections of the Crystal Coast with this unique tour and event that will appeal to stargazers of all ages and experience levels. The Cape Lookout National Seashore Starlight Cruise is an opportunity to explore the night skies with a professional guide, as well as a chance to take an evening tour of one of the most stunning beaches that the Crystal Coast has to offer.

The Poplar Grove Plantation Ghost Hunt offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s most historic and reportedly haunted sites after dark. Held at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation in Scotts Hill, just north of Wilmington, the event combines local history, folklore, and paranormal investigation in an immersive overnight experience. Participants are invited to explore the plantation’s 1850s manor house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the generations of families, workers, and residents who lived on the property throughout its long history.

Battleship Alive! is an interactive living-history event that brings the historic World War II-era Battleship North Carolina to life through reenactments, demonstrations, and hands-on educational experiences. Held several times each year aboard the ship in Wilmington, the event allows visitors to step back in time as living-history interpreters portray sailors, officers, and military personnel carrying out daily duties and drills that would have taken place during the battleship’s active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Guests can watch demonstrations, interact with reenactors, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of life aboard one of the most decorated battleships of the war.

Take advantage of the temperate spring weather and uncrowded shorelines to discover the wealth of wildlife that calls this coastal North Carolina region home. The Bird Hike at Fort Macon is a fun and engaging opportunity to explore one of the Crystal Coast’s most renowned landmarks while spotting a myriad of local and migrating birds that flock to this coastal destination.

The Outer Banks Parade of Homes offers visitors a rare opportunity to step inside some of the most stunning homes on the OBX while exploring the latest trends in coastal architecture, interior design, landscaping, and custom homebuilding. Hosted by the Outer Banks Home Builders Association, the annual event showcases a collection of newly built and professionally designed homes located throughout the Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks, and the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge in particular, is known as one of the best bird watching destinations in the world, and the annual Wings Over Water celebrates this distinction like no other local festival. The weeklong event, which is held each October, features a wide range of educational programs, lectures, and opportunities to meet and greet with fellow birders. During this year's festival, attendees will also have the opportunity to go on guided birding trips, attend art and photography workshops, take a tram or kayak tour of National Wildlife Refuge, visit an ancient maritime forest, and much, much more. A complete schedule can be found online at the organization's website, and attendees should note that some programs do cost a small fee to participate.

The Poplar Grove Plantation Ghost Hunt offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s most historic and reportedly haunted sites after dark. Held at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation in Scotts Hill, just north of Wilmington, the event combines local history, folklore, and paranormal investigation in an immersive overnight experience. Participants are invited to explore the plantation’s 1850s manor house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the generations of families, workers, and residents who lived on the property throughout its long history.

The Poplar Grove Plantation Ghost Hunt offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s most historic and reportedly haunted sites after dark. Held at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation in Scotts Hill, just north of Wilmington, the event combines local history, folklore, and paranormal investigation in an immersive overnight experience. Participants are invited to explore the plantation’s 1850s manor house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the generations of families, workers, and residents who lived on the property throughout its long history.

Take advantage of the temperate spring weather and uncrowded shorelines to discover the wealth of wildlife that calls this coastal North Carolina region home. The Bird Hike at Fort Macon is a fun and engaging opportunity to explore one of the Crystal Coast’s most renowned landmarks while spotting a myriad of local and migrating birds that flock to this coastal destination.

Celebrating its 19th year in 2026, the Christmas Candlelight Tour is a celebration of Beaufort’s centuries of history and community spirit, and will be a festive event for locals and visitors alike. Hosted by the Beaufort Historical Association, the Christmas Candlelight Tour provides a rare look into some of Beaufort’s most prestigious and history-rich homes, businesses, and landmarks, and is a fun way to discover more about this popular vacation destination while enjoying the spirit of the season.

Go behind the scenes of one of the most famous attractions along the Cape Fear River with this in-depth tour of Wilmington’s most treasured landmark, the USS Battleship North Carolina. This special one-afternoon-only tour takes participants deep into the depths of the ship, and is an illuminating look into one of the most famous battleships of the World War II era.

Visitors who missed the annual Wings Over Water festival - or who just want a second opportunity to admire the hundreds and thousands of birds that flock to the Outer Banks – won’t want to miss this special weekend where these feathered visitors are once again in the spotlight. The Wings Over Water Encore event is a weekend-long celebration of the many wintering waterfowl that are found at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and beyond, and is a great way for birders to discover the off-season beauty of the OBX.

Southport is brimming with enchanting residences that have been standing for hundreds of years, and during this special holiday tour, visitors will be treated to an inside look of some of the community’s most famed and eye-catching homes. The WinterFest Tour of Homes is a delightful tour that takes place in conjunction with the annual WinterFest Festival, and which presents a chance to see some of the most stunning local homes decked out in holiday style.

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.

Battleship Alive! is an interactive living-history event that brings the historic World War II-era Battleship North Carolina to life through reenactments, demonstrations, and hands-on educational experiences. Held several times each year aboard the ship in Wilmington, the event allows visitors to step back in time as living-history interpreters portray sailors, officers, and military personnel carrying out daily duties and drills that would have taken place during the battleship’s active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Guests can watch demonstrations, interact with reenactors, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of life aboard one of the most decorated battleships of the war.

Southport is brimming with enchanting residences that have been standing for hundreds of years, and during this special holiday tour, visitors will be treated to an inside look of some of the community’s most famed and eye-catching homes. The WinterFest Tour of Homes is a delightful tour that takes place in conjunction with the annual WinterFest Festival, and which presents a chance to see some of the most stunning local homes decked out in holiday style.

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.

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.

Pleasure Island is inherently known for celebrating life on the water, and at this holiday event, spectators and participants alike will enjoy a glowing show in one of the prettiest corners of the waterfront Cape Fear region. The Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla is an annual tradition that rings in the holidays with plenty of dazzling style, and which is sure to charm and delight anyone with a front-row seat along the Intracoastal Waterway.

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.

Take advantage of an opportunity to see some of the most prestigious and breathtaking gardens in the downtown Wilmington area and beyond with this special tour that coincides with the annual Azalea Festival. The Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour is an annual tour that has been featured in multiple publications like Southern Living magazine, and which introduced garden fans to some of the most stunning landscapes that the Cape Fear area has to offer.