Fourth of July Celebrations on the Crystal Coast, NC

The Crystal Coast of North Carolina will offer a string of Fourth of July events next week, ranging from fireworks to festivals to parades and cruises. Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Morehead City and Atlantic Beach are just a few of the communities hosting summer festivities over the July 4th week and weekend ahead. Below are details on Coastal Carolina happenings for all North Carolina residents and visitors to enjoy with the family:

Atlantic Beach July 4th Fireworks

July 4, 2014

The Circle

Atlantic Beach, NC

Atlantic Beach will begin its annual fireworks display at 9 PM along the boardwalk at "The Circle."

EmeraldFest

July 3, 2014

Western Ocean Regional Access Facility

Emerald Isle, NC

EmeraldFest is back this summer beginning on July 3, with free weekly outdoor concerts from 6:30 to 8 PM at the Western Ocean Regional Access Facility. The concerts will be held on Thursday evenings through August 21 and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Upcoming performers will include 4EverAll (Pop), Justin Castellano (Eclectic), Conch Stew (Pop/Beach), and more. 

4th of July Fireworks

July 4, 2014

Emerald Isle, NC

Starting at 9 PM on July 4, Emerald Isle will kick off its annual fireworks display off Bogue Inlet Pier as well as along NC 58. For all those interested in watching the display, the fireworks will be visible from Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Beaufort July 4 Parade

July 4, 2014

Beaufort, NC

Beaufort is hosting a Fourth of July Parade along the waterfront at 11 AM, starting on the corner of Gordon and Front Streets. This year the parade will include pets, wagons, flags and music and free ice cream will be provided.

Morehead City July 4th Celebration

July 4, 2014

Jaycee Park, Morehead City Waterfront

Morehead City, NC

This July 4, head to downtown Morehead City for the annual 4th of July celebration with music and fireworks. The Main Event Band will be performing from 7 PM to 10 PM and fireworks will be launched from Sugarloaf Island across from Jaycee Park at 9 PM.

Gena Gilbert

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This Weekend on the Crystal Coast, NC

This weekend is a great time to enjoy our Coastal Carolina area! Be sure to get out to these events happening in Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Morehead City, Swansboro, and more. Where are you headed this weekend?

Friday Free Flicks
Friday, October 11, 2013; 7 PM
Emerald Isle Community Center, Emerald Isle NC
Movies are family oriented. Free and open to the public, with popcorn and drinks available for $1.00. Movie goers are encouraged to bring chairs and/or blankets.

Paint and Partake
Friday, October 11, 2013; 7 PM to 9:30 PM
Blu Sail Gallery, Morehead City NC
This fun-filled art and social experience will allow students to paint their own interpretation of the workshop inspiration painting. Students will follow easy step-by-step instruction and at the end of the evening, you will have your own original 16 x 20” painting read to hang on your wall! 

North Carolina Shrimp Tour
Through October 13, 2013; Tours last 3 to 3.25 hours
Beaufort NC
Taking place during "A Toast to the Coast Restaurant Week," this tour is limited to eight people and lasts approximately 3 to 3.25 hours. At the end of the tour, each couple will receive one pound of North Carolina Shrimp (8 oz. for individuals) packed for travel. The shrimp comes wrapped in authentic fish net from the original Net House in Beaufort. Known locally as the Seine House, the nets were made in Beaufort. So, participants get to take home a small piece of Beaufort’s maritime history. Cost for the Shrimp Tour is $65/per person.

A Toast to the Coast Restaurant Week
Through October 13, 2013
This exciting bi-annual event takes place all over beautiful Carteret County at over 20 fine dining establishments over a two week period. Last year's Restaurant Week was claimed a huge success with hundreds visiting the fine dining establishments on the Crystal Coast. 

Swansboro Mullet Festival
Saturday, October 12 through Sunday, October 13, 2013; 9 AM
Downtown Swansboro NC
This FREE event will feature over 100 craft vendors along with food vendors who will line the streets of downtown Swansboro, and of course the famous Rotary fish fry will give everyone something to enjoy. A number of activities will also take place throughout the weekend including the popular “Mullet Toss” and face painting.

Don't live in our great Coastal Carolina area yet? No problem! Contact Gena Gilbert Real Estate today to start your search for homes for sale in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort or another close community. 

Gena Gilbert

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Labor Day on the Crystal Coast, NC

Getting ready to enjoy the long holiday weekend? There are many great events happening in the Crystal Coast, NC area for you to attend and experience all that our great community has to offer! Here are just a few that are happening this weekend and Monday for the Labor Day holiday:

Alive at Five Concert Series
Friday, August 30, 2013, 5 PM to 8 PM
Katherine Davis Park, Downtown Morehead City
This FREE event will give you the chance to enjoy some great music in downtown Morehead City, NC. From 5 PM to 8 PM, this is a great event to kick off the holiday weekend.

Murder Mystery Dinner
Friday, August 30, 2013, $30 for reservations
NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort
Have you ever wanted to attend a murder mystery party? Now's your chance! Hosted by the NC Maritime Museum, come help solve the museum's latest unfortunate "accident." Museum staff and volunteers prepare an entertaining evening involving a murder plot, clues and of course a twist, all while you enjoy a catered meal! Call 252-728-7317 for more information.

Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition Show
Saturday, August 31 10 AM to 5 PM, through Sunday, September 1, 2013, 12 PM to 5 PM
Beaufort Historic Grounds, Beaufort
Come visit this FREE event and take a look at the arts and crafts of local Crystal Coast artists.

Saturday Night Live
Saturday, August 31, 2013, 6 PM to 8 PM
Atlantic Beach Boardwalk Gazebo
FREE to the public and a chance to enjoy local music at this great boardwalk location.

SwanFest
Sunday, September 1, 2013, 6:30 PM to 8 PM
The Pavilion at Olde Town Square, Downtown Swansboro
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy great music by the sea in this FREE summer concert series.

EmeraldFest
Monday, September 2, 2013, 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Western Ocean Regional Access, Emerald Isle
No admission fee for this local Emerald Isle, NC event on Labor Day, sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation. Enjoy live music and the tranquil ocean breeze. Bring chairs, blankets, even dinner! Access also features volleyball courts, picnic tables and restrooms.

Gena Gilbert

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July 4th on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

Happy 4th of July! If you're looking for some holiday fun or a fireworks display, check out this list of events in the Coastal Carolina area. Fun for the entire family in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Emerald Isle and more!

Atlantic Beach
July 4, 2013
Fireworks will start at the Atlantic Beach Boardwalk at 9:00 PM.

Morehead City
July 4, 2013
Downtown Morehead City will be busy this 4th of July with live music and fireworks. You can enjoy sounds of The Main Event Band as they perform from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Jaycee Park on the Morehead City Waterfront. You can then continue the fun with dancing and a fireworks display. The fireworks will be launched from Sugarloaf Island across from Jaycee Park at 9:00 PM.

Beaufort
July 4, 2013
Grounds open at the NC Maritime Museum Annex at 6:00 PM and fireworks will begin at 9:00 PM. 

Nags Head
July 4, 2013
Fireworks will begin at 9:25 PM at the Nags Head Fishing Pier, milepost 11.5.

Emerald Isle
July 4, 2013
EmeraldFest offers live music and a spot by the ocean. You're suggested to bring chairs, blankets, even dinner! EmeraldFest also allows access to volleyball courts, picnic tables and restrooms. Western Ocean Regional Access (WORA) in Emerald Isle. No admission fee, sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation.

Havelock
July 4, 2013
Havelock Freedom Festival begins tonight t 5:00 PM at City Park. Fireworks will start at 9:00 PM at Walter B. Jones Park.

Swansboro
July 4, 2013
Celebrate with live music downtown at 6:00 PM and fireworks at 9:00 PM.

Gena Gilbert

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This Weekend on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

This weekend will be a great time to get out and experience everything the beautiful Crystal Coast has to offer. Whether through music, festivals, food, or shopping, these events will help you remember (or decide if you're considering a move to Coastal Carolina) why it's so great to live in this area. Below is a list of events happening over the next few days that are sure to make this a weekend worth talking about. 

Alive at Five Concert Series

May 3, 2013; 5 PM to 8 PM

Katherine Davis Park

Morehead City, NC

This concert series features crowd-pleasing bands and runs on dates through the end of August. It's a family-friendly event series promoted by the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association and will serve beverages for your enjoyment.

Classic Movie Night at Emerald Isle

May 3, 2013; 6 PM

Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation Gym

Emerald Isle, NC

This is a FREE event happening on the first Friday of the month, sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation. The movie this week is "The Graduate" starring Dustin Hoffman and popcorn and drinks will be sold for $1. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.

Down & Derby

May 4, 2013; 4 PM to 8 PM

Emerald Isle Beach and Pool Club in Dolphin Ridge

Emerald Isle, NC

Come celebrate Kentucky Derby Day at this local event benefitting Emerald Isle's Bike and Pedestrian Path. There will be live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, and cash bar to support completing this community project. Tickets are $30 per person and all attendees are encouraged to wear their derby attire! For more information or tickets, visit the Emerald Isle Community Center or call 252-342-8248. 

39th Annual Wooden Boat Show

May 4, 2013; 10 AM to 4:30 PM

North Carolina Maritime Museum

Beaufort, NC

Celebrate the art of North Carolina boatbuilding and the sport of boat racing with the 39th Annual Wooden Boat Show at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. This FREE event will feature dozens of handcrafted wooden boats and activities for all ages. Kids can take part in maritime games and crafts in the Wooden Boat Kids area and make their own model boats.

Coastal Gardening Workshop

May 4, 2013; 10 AM to 12 PM

Core Sound Waterfowl and Heritage Museum

Harker's Island, NC

Do you love to garden, but find the challenges of storms, sand, salty winds and sun overwhelming in your coastal North Carolina garden? This FREE program will showcase Master Gardeners to help answer the challenges of gardening at the coast.  Come check out the many speakers, booths, demonstrations, handouts, and plant sales.

Gena Gilbert

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Earth Day on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

Earth Day is a great time to celebrate living a cleaner, greener lifestyle and make the switch to options better suited for our environment. The following events are happening in the Crystal Coast area for you to participate and pledge your help to making the world a better place— even if you only start with planting a few flowers.

Explore Rachel Carson Reserve

Friday, April 19, 2013

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Take part in a hike through the varying habitats on Town Marsh and Bird Shoal led by the NC Maritime Museum. Reservations are required and the event is priced at $15. For more information, visit ncmaritimemuseum.org. 

Crystal Coast Earth Day Festival
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach
10 AM - 3 PM
This FREE event is your chance to get close to marine creatures like whelks and sea stars with a touch tank, meet rescued wildlife, make coastal North Carolina crafts, and learn more ways you can help protect the environment. Come join Cape Lookout National Seashore and other environmental educators for this Earth Day celebration that will be fun for the whole family.

Other Earth Day Activities:

Cape Lookout National Seashore
A boat ride just three miles offshore brings you to the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Experience the environment by horse watching, shelling, fishing, or birding— notice how your lifestyle can affect the animals in their habitats.

North Carolina Aquariums
Open 9 AM - 5 PM
Adults $8, Children $6
There are 4 North Carolina aquariums you can visit on Earth Day— Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, and Fort Fisher, and Jennette's Pier. Take a look inside their marine environments and learn how we can help take better care of them.

Fort Macon State Park
Your local parks are great places to spend Earth Day. Grab a few friends and help pick up any litter you see or simply enjoy their beauty on a special holiday to celebrate their future.

Gena Gilbert

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Easter Events on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

This weekend there will be Easter bunnies, egg hunts, Peter Cottontail and so much more hopping down North Carolina's Crystal Coast. Whether you already live here or are just visiting, be sure to visit one of the following events for a weekend full of Easter fun.

Beaufort Historical Association Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 11 AM

Cost: FREE

Hop over to the Beaufort Historic Site on the 100 Block of Turner Street and join the fun at the Beaufort Historical Association’s Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 30 at 11 AM. Children ages seven and younger are invited to search for hidden eggs filled with candy and enjoy light refreshments.

The BHA Easter Egg Hunt is fun for the whole family. Children will be divided into age groups and sent to different areas of the Historic Site to search for eggs. All you need to bring is your Easter basket and arrive early for the start of the hunt.

Morehead City Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 9:30 AM

The Annual Morehead City Parks & Recreation Department Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 30 at 9:30 AM at Rotary Park— 2200 Mayberry Loop Road in Morehead City. The egg hunt activity areas are divided into the following age groups: 4 and under, 5 through 8, and 9 through 12.

Thousands of eggs will be in each age section and kids tend to snatch these up at supersonic speeds, so please plan to arrive early! The eggs are sometimes even collected in under two minutes! You won't want to be late for this event.

Pine Knoll Shores Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 10 AM

Cost: FREE

The Easter Bunny always finds his way to Garner Park, located on Oakleaf Drive, to hide hundreds of eggs for the kids. Although the hunt is geared toward children 12 and under, this Easter event is fun for the whole family! 

Wishing you a very hoppy weekend in the Coastal Carolina area!

Gena Gilbert

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Valentine's Day & Weekend on The Crystal Coast of Carolina

We are going to hit 60 degrees this Valentine's Weekend here in The Crystal Coast. What do we have in store for you to celebrate?  Not only will a great walk on the beach be romantic and refreshing there are many things you can do to enjoy the outdoors with the one's you love. 

23rd Annual "Art from the Heart"

The Arts Council’s 23rd Annual Art From The Heart will be held February 15 to March 2, 2013 at the Morehead City Plaza, units 6 & 7. The show will open with a public reception on Friday, February 15, with the show gallery open free to the public seven days a week through Saturday, March 2. The Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours will be held on Thursday, February 21. Art From The Heart is one of the region’s largest exhibitions of fine art by artists from Carteret, Craven, Pamlico, and Onslow Counties.  Arts Council’s website  

Delbert McClinton in Concert

The Morehead Center for Performing Arts & Events, 1311 Arendell St., Morehead City, presents “Delbert McClinton in Concert” at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 16. Tickets are $45 & $35. Call 726-1501 or go to their website.

Mardi Gras on Middle Lane

Grab your beads, put on your best mask or festive costume, and head to downtown Beaufort on Saturday, February 16th!  Sister cities, in conjunction with Middle Lane businesses, invites you to Mardi Gras on Middle Lane on February 16th from 2:00PM to 6PM.  Enjoy New Orleans sounds and succulent Creole cuisine at this afternoon street carnival.

Low country and fiddle music by Gumbo Lily will welcome party-goers beginning at 2PM on the outdoor stage.  Gather your friends in a costumed “krewe” and parade Middle Lane in competition for prizes at 3PM.  Bring the kids along for the face painting and mask making experience under the tents.  Stop in to visit Madame Wendy at her fortune-telling booth.  Challenge your “krewe” to a round of boules or cornhole in the gaming area.  As the festivities continue, All Night Long will be playing a signature blend of jazz, blues, and dance music throughout the afternoon.  Quench your thirst from all the dancing and gaming with a frosty New Orleans-inspired beverage like Bourbon Street Punch made by Cru Wine Bar.  Come hungry and enjoy roast oysters at the Backstreet Pub, gumbo and king cakes from Beaufort Grocery, muffuletta and shrimp po’boys from Spoons Catering Company, and barbecued seafood from Aqua.  

2013 Escoffier Chef's Dinner Series

Carteret Community College presents the 2013 Escoffier Chefs Dinner Series. Advance tickets only. The cost for the full series of three dinners and one luncheon is $150 per person. Three dinners are $125 per person. Luncheon only is $30 per person. Dinner dates are January 22, February 18 and March 19. The luncheon is April 17.

If you want to do something romantic or enjoy a day with the kids there are many ways to spend time together in the lovely Crystal Coast. 

I would love to know what you did this wonderful holiday weekend!  Feel free to comment below!

Happy Valentine's Everyone!

Gena Gilbert

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