Coastal Home and Garden Show
Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St.
Morehead City
(252) 247-3883

March 6-8, 2009  This annual trade show assembles the services, wares and expertise of local businesses that focus on aspects of building, landscaping and decorating. With more than 65 exhibitors you can gather ideas, good advice and the right products for do-it-yourself projects. Or you can shop for professional services during the show. This is a mutually beneficial opportunity for businesses and the community, too.

St. Patrick's Festival
Emerald Plantation Shopping Center, 8700 N.C. Hwy. 58,
Emerald Isle
(252) 354-6350

March 14, 2009 / March 13, 2010  Winter hibernation is halted by this March event, held on the Saturday prior to St. Patrick's Day at Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. A great day full of fun and games for the entire family, the event includes corned beef and cabbage, traditional beverages and music. Green is plentiful when it comes to attire and decorations, so be prepared to join in the fun — and even join in a jig. The festival features everything from arts and crafts vendors to children's amusement rides to live entertainment for all to enjoy. Other events surrounding the festival include an 8K road race and the Little Ms. and Mr. Leprechaun Contest. Sponsored by the Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Department and the Business Association, the festival supports local craftspeople and civic organizations. It's free and loads of fun for the entire family.
 

Swansboro Oyster Roast & Pig Out
Swansboro Rotary Civic Center, 1104 Main St. Ext., Swansboro
(910) 326-6175
www.swansbororotary.com

March 21, 2009  This is an event not to be missed if you enjoy oysters or a pig-pickin'. And while you are enjoying all the food and having fun, you are helping the community. The event funds scholarships awarded each year by the civic organization. From Swansboro through Emerald Isle and beyond, the population turns out for all-you-can-eat oysters, flounder, clam chowder, hot dogs or a pig-pickin' with traditional slaw and hushpuppy trimmings. The event usually happens around St. Patrick's Day on the third Saturday in March. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. The event takes place from 5 to 8 PM.

Easter Egg Hunt
Beaufort Historic Site, 100 block Turner St., Beaufort
(252) 728-5225

April 11, 2009  On the Saturday before Easter Sunday, the Beaufort Historic Site is the perfect setting for a traditional Easter egg hunt for the younger members of the family up to age 7. It's a BYOB event, bring-your-own basket that is, heaped with small-town warmth and charm. The hunt begins at 11 AM with hundreds of hidden eggs to be found. There are prizes and refreshments, too. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.

Newport Pig Cooking Contest
Newport Park, Howard Blvd., Newport
 (252) 223-PIGS

April 3-4, 2009 / April 2-3, 2010  The annual Newport Pig Cooking Contest is one of the largest whole-hog, pig-cooking competitions in the state. This huge barbecue competition is held on the first Friday and Saturday in April and draws folks from all along the Eastern seaboard for the best barbecue on earth. You'll find great food, baked goods, live entertainment, rides and children's activities. Delicious Down East barbecue goes on sale around noon on Saturday, as soon as judging has been completed. Drive-up service is even available for those who want a great lunch but don't want to wade through the crowds. The event benefits numerous civic organizations. The winning cooks go on to the state championship. 

Portsmouth Island Homecoming
(252) 728-2250

Emerald Isle Homes Tour & Art Show
Western Carteret Public Library, Cape Carteret
(252) 354-3691

April 18, 2009  The Emerald Isle Homes Tour and Art Show, in its 12th year in 2009, is sponsored by the Friends of the Western Carteret Public Library. Tour hours are 10 AM until 4 PM, and hostesses at each home welcome visitors. Tickets can be purchased at the library, the Visitor Center on N.C. Highway 58 and other various other locations throughout the area, including the Carteret County Library. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 the day of the show, and come with a self-guided tour map to the homes and gardens found in Emerald Isle and Cape Carteret. The art show features works by local artists and is held at the Lands' End clubhouse in Emerald Isle. Money raised benefits the library.

Beaufort Wine and Food Weekend
Beaufort
(252) 646-5220

April 22-26, 2009  This Beaufort Wine and Food Weekend is a five-day event showcasing wine makers, local and celebrity chefs, and other notable personalities. It pairs great wine with great food, and the proceeds benefit local non-profits that draw tourism into the area. This year's event supports the Beaufort Historical Association, the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum and the Carteret County Community College Culinary School. There is an ever-growing list of events for both wine lovers and food lovers (or in most cases, both). The weekend includes wine luncheons and dinners, seminars, art, music and tastings. The main event takes place in Beaufort; however, various events are conducted at restaurants and other locations in nearby towns. Vin De Mer Grand Tasting Village is the highlight of the weekend. It takes place on Saturday in Beaufort and features a huge tasting tent filled with wines and foods. Tickets are available at the Beaufort Historic Site Visitor Center, 130 Turner Street and online. 

Fort Macon Civil War Reenactment
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach 
(252)726-3775

April 18-19, 2009  This event features Civil War–period activities performed by members of the 1st N.C. Volunteers. Similar events take place in July and September. Talks on flags, uniforms and Civil War dress are held, as well as musket firings and drills. Admission is free.

Lookout Spring Road Race
Sports Center, 701 N. 35th St., Morehead City
(252) 726-7070

Easter Sunrise Services 

April 12, 2009  The dawning of Easter morning is celebrated in services at several locations across the county, many on the waterfront or beach. The Carteret County News-Times lists service locations and times the week before Easter.

American Music Festival
(252) 728-4488
www.americanmusicfestival.org

May 2, 2009  The American Music Festival is a non-profit chamber music series featuring concerts performed from September through May. The 2009 - 2010 series marks the 20th season of quality performances. The series is supported by subscription ticket purchase, grants, donations and donor sponsorships and is managed by a volunteer board of directors. Donations to the fund further promote music with an educational outreach program that takes the gifted musicians into area schools. Past concerts included world-class performances by musicians of the Alexander Quartet, Nicholas Duchamp, Carolina Piano Trio and Daedalus Quartet. Series subscriptions for five concerts start at $100. Individual performance tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and military. Performances usually take place on Saturdays at 8 PM at The History Place in Morehead City.

Wooden Boat Show
N.C. Maritime Museum, 315 Front St., Beaufort
(252) 728-7317
www.ncmm-friends.org

May 2, 2009 / May 1, 2010 The Wooden Boat Show of the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort was the first and is the largest gathering of wooden watercraft in the Southeast. This fascinating event takes place the first Saturday in May. This is not a commercial show. Instead it is a full day of scheduled demonstrations, talks and races that attract people who share an interest in the art, craftsmanship and history of wooden boats. Enthusiasts race radio-controlled boats in the pool on the Maritime Museum patio, and the public is given an opportunity to sail in traditional North Carolina boats. The show also offers music, a naval re-enactors encampment and a shipwreck exhibit. This show has something fun for all ages, so be sure to bring the whole family. The museum offers wooden boat–related exhibits and events the week leading up to the show. Since some of the events and exhibits take place at the museum's expansion site at Gallants Channel in Beaufort, there are free park-and-ride services offered, including a ground shuttle and water ferry service from downtown Beaufort. Admission is free.

Beaufort By-the-Sea Music Festival
(252) 728-0707

May 8-9, 2009  Music flows along Taylor's Creek and through downtown Beaufort each year during the Music Festival. Multiple stages are set up throughout town, and a variety of music is offered, with something sure to suit the ears of all ages. On Saturday, the Beaufort Historic Site features a family fun area that showcases performers and all kinds of fun activities for the kids. The is a free community event, and volunteers do all the work. 

Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition Spring Show
Locations vary
(252) 726-8397

May 23-24, 2009  This under-the-tent event is an outdoor exhibition and sale of arts and crafts by juried coalition members and is held three weekends a year on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. There's also a holiday show that runs at another location for a three-week show between Thanksgiving and Christmas. With an average of 40 local artists featured, it's a great venue to view and purchase the work of these local artists and craftsmen. With many of the artists on site, it offers the opportunity to meet and talk with them in person and get insight into their work. The event runs Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday noon to 5 PM. Admission is free.

Crystal Coast Quilt Show
Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City
(252) 247-3883

May 15-16, 2009  Quilts and all things to do with quilting are what you will find at this annual event. Sponsored by the Crystal Coast Quilt Guild, the show is a wonderful opportunity to see quilts made by local artists as well as artists from across the country. Each year the talented members of the guild make a quilt to be raffled off at the show. They also exhibit their creations in a judged show. Last year's show included more than 100 quilts. Vendors are on hand to offer quilting and sewing supplies and materials. The show runs from 9 AM until 5 PM on both days. Admission is $5 and is good for both days, with children under the age of 12 admitted free.

Morehead City Family Boating and In-Water Boat Show
Morehead City
(252) 808-0440

Woman's Fair
Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City
(252) 247-3883

Antiques Show and Sale
Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City
(252) 728-5225, (800) 575-SITE

Family Nights at the Aquarium
MM 7, NC Hwy 58, Pine Knoll Shores
(252) 247-4003

June 18, 2009 / July 2, 16, 30, 2009 /  August 13, 2009   The N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores extends its hours on various Thursday nights in the summer for Family Nights. Activities for all ages begin at 5 PM, with a different theme chosen for each Thursday night. Call ahead to find out what the theme will be for the evening. Programs are free with regular admission or a membership.

Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition Spring Show
Beaufort Historic Site, 100 block Turner St., Beaufort
(252) 726-3354

July 4-5, 2009  This under-the-tent event is an outdoor exhibition and sale of arts and crafts by juried coalition members and is held three weekends a year on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. There's also a holiday show that runs at another location for three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. With an average of 40 local artists featured, it's a great venue to view and purchase the work of these local artists and craftspeople. With many of the artists on site, it offers the opportunity to meet and talk with them in person and get insight into their work. The show runs Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday noon to 5 PM. Admission is free.

Independence Day Celebrations
Various locations

July 4, 2009  Fourth of July fireworks and festivities take place throughout the Crystal Coast. Morehead City, Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle regularly have evening fireworks, and Beaufort has a great "small-town" morning parade that is followed by a community picnic on the courthouse lawn with free ice cream and live music. Consult the local papers for times and festive locations before the weekend, or call the Crystal Coast Visitor Center, (252) 726-8148. Fireworks also light up the Swansboro waterfront every Fourth of July.
 

Family Nights at the Aquarium
MM 7, NC Hwy 58, Pine Knoll Shores
(252) 247-4003

Fort Macon Civil War Reenactment
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach 
(252)726-3775
 

Historic Beaufort Road Race
Front St., Downtown Beaufort
(252) 222-6359 

July 18, 2009  This popular road race takes place on the third Saturday in July, and 2009 marks its 30th year. The morning event includes a certified 10K run, a certified 5K run and walk, and a 1-mile run and walk. There are also 10K and 5K wheelchair events and a 5K baby-jogger race. All the events start and end on the Beaufort waterfront. The race is organized by Beaufort Ole Towne Rotary to benefit area youth and community projects. There is an entry fee, and families get a price break. Prizes are awarded.

Buddy Pelletier Longboard Memorial Contest
Atlantic Beach
(252) 726-2314

Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition Summer Show
Beaufort Historic Site, 100 block Turner St., Beaufort
(252) 726-3354

August 30–31, 2008. This outdoor exhibition and sale of arts and crafts by juried coalition members is held during Memorial Day weekend, Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday noon to 5 PM. Demonstrations, food and music enhance the festive atmosphere, and quality is tops. According to organizers, the show grows each year and the art options continue to evolve. The group also has a exhibition and sale at the same site in May and July. Admission is free.

Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter Sand-Sculpting Contest
 (Sculpt for Wildlife)
On the beach at Atlantis Lodge, 123 N.C. Hwy. 58,
Pine Knoll Shores
(252) 240-1200

August 1, 2009  Held on the first Saturday in August, this popular event helps support the efforts of the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter. The sand-sculpture competition brings out the best and the brightest in Carteret County and beyond. What began as one energetic family's pastime at a reunion now draws some serious competition for adults and children. The creations are spectacular every year, and it's well worth the trip. Repeat competitors and new entries are always welcome. The professional sand sculptors known as Sandy Feat are usually on hand to provide the centerpiece for the contest as well as give out tips on sculpting and design. The competing sand-sculpting teams raise contributions to benefit the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter.

Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition Fall Show
Beaufort Historic Site, 100 block Turner St., Beaufort 
(252) 726-3354

September 5-6, 2009  This under-the-tent event is an outdoor exhibition and sale of arts and crafts by juried coalition members and is held three weekends a year on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. There's also a holiday show that runs at another location for three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. With an average of 40 local artists featured, it's a great venue to view and purchase the work of these local artists and craftspeople. With many of the artists on site, it offers the opportunity to meet and talk with them in person and get insight into their work. The show runs Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday noon to 5 PM. Admission is free.

Fort Macon Civil War Reenactment
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
(252)726-3775

September 19-20, 2009  This September event features Civil War–period activities performed by members of the 1st N.C. Volunteers. Similar events also take place in April and July. Talks on flags, uniforms and Civil War dress are held, as are musket firings and drills. Admission is free.

Carteret Numismatic Coin Show
Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City
(252) 247-3883

September 26-27, 2009  This event is usually held the last weekend in September and attracts dealers and the public alike. Coins collectors from near and far travel to this annual event to view, sell, swap and trade coins of all types. You'll find everything from currency to ancient coins including medals, tokens, U.S. and world coins, and more. There are books, educational supplies and other publications on hand, too. This show is hosted by the local Numismatic Coin Club and is a popular event. Admission is a $1 raffle ticket with hourly drawings and the chance to win a gold coin.

American Music Festival
The History Place
1008 Arendell St., Morehead City
(252) 247-7533
www.americanmusicfestival.org

September 26, 2009  The American Music Festival is a non-profit chamber music series featuring concerts performed from September through May. The 2009 - 2010 series marks the 20th season of quality performances. The series is supported by subscription ticket purchase, grants, donations and donor sponsorships and is managed by a volunteer board of directors. Donations to the fund further promote music with an educational outreach program that takes the gifted musicians into area schools. Past concerts included world-class performances by musicians of the Alexander Quartet, Nicholas Duchamp, Carolina Piano Trio and Daedalus Quartet. Series subscriptions for five concerts start at $100. Individual performance tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and military. Performances usually take place on Saturdays at 8 PM at The History Place in Morehead City.