2026 Calendar of Events - Emerald Isle & Vicinity

Date(s) Event Name Description

Feb 20-22 Mardi Gras on Middle Lane - Celebration in nearby Morehead City with parades and festivities.

Feb 27 Taste of Core Sound - Food festival highlighting local Core Sound flavors in the Crystal Coast area.

Mar 7-8 Coastal Home & Garden Show - Crystal Coast Civic Center.

Mar 14 Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Day Festival with food, crafts, rides, activities, and live music.

Apr 10-11 Newport Pig Cooking Contest - Festival in nearby Newport.

Apr 15-19 Beaufort Wine & Food Festival

Apr 17-18 Crystal Coast Star Party Stargazing and astronomy gathering in the area.

May 9-10 MCAS Cherry Point Air Show - Military aircraft air show in nearby Cherry Point.

May 15-16 Beaufort Music Festival Live music performances in nearby Beaufort.

May 16 Atlantic Beach, Beach music festival at The Circle in nearby Atlantic Beach.

May 22-25 Memorial Day Weekend Holiday weekend marking the start of summer

Jun 5-14 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Major fishing tournament in Morehead City

Jun 18 - Aug 13 EmeraldFest Summer Concert Series Music Series Free outdoor concerts every Thursday evening in Emerald Isle at Western Ocean Regional Access.

Jul 3-5 Independence Day Weekend July 4th celebrations and fireworks in area towns like Atlantic Beach and Morehead City.

Sep 4-7 Labor Day Weekend End-of-summer holiday weekend

Oct 2-4 North Carolina Seafood Festival Large seafood celebration in Morehead City with music, vendors, and events.

Oct 10-11 Mullet Festival of Swansboro Festival Festival celebrating local culture and mullet fish in nearby Swansboro.