Calendar of Events

June Events

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July Events

August Events

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 Castle Contest
On the beach at Atlantis Lodge, 123 N.C. Hwy. 58,
Pine Knoll Shores
(252) 240-1200

August 2, 2008. This popular event helps support the efforts of the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter. The sand-castle building 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. The competing sand-sculpting teams raise contributions to benefit the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter.

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September Events

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

Various Dates. The American Music Festival is an exquisite chamber music series featuring five concerts performed from September through May. The year 2007 will mark the concert series' 16th season. The series is supported by subscription ticket purchase, donations and donor sponsorships, and 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 Duke University's Ciompi Quartet, the New Century Sax Quartet, the Degas String Quartet as well as series favorites such as pianist Barbara McKenzie and the Carolina Piano Trio. Series subscriptions for five concerts cost $90. Individual performance tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for students and military. Performances take place on Saturdays at 8 PM at The History Place.

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

This organization of fine artists and craftspeople gathers for an outdoor show and sale of excellent quality original arts and crafts on Labor Day weekend. Open from 10 AM to 5 PM Saturday and 1 to 5 PM Sunday, this promises treasures from the best of area craftsmen and artists. Food and music add to the festive atmosphere. Admission is free.

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

September 20–21, 2008. 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 27–28, 2008. Coins collectors from near and far travel to this annual event to view, sell, swap and trade coins of all types. This show is hosted by the local Numismatic Coin Club and is a popular event.

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October Events

Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Tournament
Atlantic Beach
(252) 247-2334
www.abkmt.com

October 16-18, 2008. The Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Tournament is a huge event and is one of the nation's largest all-cash king mackerel fishing competitions. This year the event has moved from September to October and will be celebrating its 30th year. The October tournament benefits the Atlantic Beach Volunteer Fire Department and the Carteret County Sportfishing Association's Artificial Reef Fund. Registration and all events are at Atlantic Station Shopping Center, with weigh-ins at McCurdy's Restaurant on the Atlantic Beach Causeway.TN 01-17-08

North Carolina Seafood Festival
Morehead City Waterfront
(252) 726-6273
www.ncseafoodfestival.org

NorthCarolinaSeafoodFestival_AnnualSeafoodFestival_MoreheadCityNC_031909
shorter_spacer.gif (52 bytes) October 3–5, 2008. The North Carolina Seafood Festival takes place the first weekend in October on the Morehead City waterfront. The average attendance for the Seafood Festival is 125,000 during the three days of this mammoth outdoor annual festival. The second largest festival in North Carolina, its highlights are an endless variety of seafood prepared in a multitude of ways, street dances, concerts, crafts, educational exhibits, programs and a fair with rides and games. The festivities are spread from the North Carolina State Port to Ninth Street. Free parking is available at the port, and shuttles transport festival-goers to the fun. Festival headquarters and a gift shop are located at 907-B Arendell Street in Morehead City, and a staff works all year planning and conducting festival-focused activities, like the photographic and art contests that select poster art for promoting the event. There's also a scholarship golfing extravaganza. Admission to the festival is free.

BackCreek Artists - Annual Art at the Pub Fall Show
Middle Lane, Beaufort

BackCreek Artists host an Annual Art at the Pub Fall Sale the first Saturday in October. The sale is in the patio area of Back Street Pub, which is directly behind Clawson's Restaurant. You'll find pottery, photography, acrylics, oil and printmaking featured by the talented women who make up BackCreek Artists.

Mullet Festival
Downtown Swansboro
(910) 326-1174

October 11, 2008. This is the area's oldest festival, started about 55 years ago to celebrate the completion of the new bridge over the White Oak River in Swansboro. The first festival was so fun that it has been celebrated ever since with a parade, a street carnival, arts and crafts and, oh yeah, bountiful mullet and seafood. Held the second Saturday in October, the event boasts of mullet fried, smoked and stewed — mullet any way you could want it — and it benefits local civic organizations. This is also a road race for local runners. Admission is free.

NC Big Sweep
NC Cooperative Extension Service
(252) 222-6352

October 11, 2008. NC Big Sweep is a statewide effort to clean trash from waterways, beaches and roadsides. The annual event involves many volunteers as individuals and as groups, and their hard work pays off in the beautification of the area. The event is coordinated through the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. October 11 is the official local date of Big Sweep, but folks can participate a few weeks before or after.

Surf Fishing Workshop
MM 7, NC Hwy 58, Pine Knoll Shores
(252) 247-4003

Experienced anglers share their techniques in the N.C. Aquarium's annual Surf Fishing Workshop on a weekend in October. Topics and instruction include information on rods, reels, weights, line, tackle, bait, fish identification, catch and release, cast netting, "reading" the surf, locating fish from the beach and caring for the catch. The course culminates with a fishing excursion to Cape Lookout. Beginners will find the lessons especially helpful, but all anglers are welcome. Call or check the website for fees and age requirements.

Emerald Isle Dog Days & Triathlon
Emerald Isle
(252)354-6350

October 18, 2008. Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation sponsors this sprint triathlon that has competitors taking a swim in the ocean, biking on Highway 58 and running a short neighborhood course. This is a small local race that is quickly becoming a favorite local event. Contact the Parks and Rec department for details or to register.

Trick or Treat Under the Sea
MM 7, NC Hwy 58, Pine Knoll Shores
(252) 247-4003

October 30, 2008. The N.C. Aquarium hosts a bewitching evening of family-oriented Halloween fun with an aquatic twist on the Thursday before Halloween. Children trick-or-treat at booths set up among the galleries and exhibits. Visitors of all ages enjoy "spooky" fun and games. The Halloween hijinks begin around 5 PM, and the Aquarium extends its hours until 9 PM (ticket sales end at 8 PM). Special admission fees apply.

Carolina Kite Fest
Atlantic Beach
(252) 247-7011

October 17–19, 2008. On this weekend, the sky fills with kite demonstrations, competitions and night kite flying, which boggles the mind. Imagine the kites you flew as a kid and then add to that every type of kite known to man. That's what you'll find in October in Atlantic Beach. It's a spectacle to behold. Participants arrive from across the country. Admission is free.

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November Events

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

November 8, 2008. The American Music Festival is a non-profit chamber music series featuring concerts performed in the fall, winter and spring. The year 2008 marks the concert series' 19th season. The series is supported by subscription ticket purchase, 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 Duke University's Ciompi Quartet, the New Century Sax Quartet, the Degas String Quartet as well as series favorites such as pianist Barbara McKenzie and the Carolina Piano Trio. Series subscriptions for five concerts cost $100. Individual performance tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for students and military. Performances take place on Saturdays at 8 PM at The History Place in Morehead City.

Annual Antique-A-Thon
The History Place, Morehead City
(252) 247-7533 ext 101

November 1, 2008. The annual Antique-A-Thon is scheduled at The History Place in downtown Morehead City. People are invited to bring antiques and consult with a panel of experts about their treasures. This event is very popular.

Mill Creek Oyster Festival
Mill Creek Volunteer Fire Dept.,
2370 Mill Creek Rd. (S.R. 1156), Mill Creek
(252) 247-4777

November 1, 2008. This all-day feed and family event is not to be missed. The annual oyster roast in November is an all-you-can-eat feast for one reasonable charge, usually around $12 (determined by the market price). This festival also features other kinds of seafood and includes music and crafts.

Ducks Unlimited Banquet
Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City
(252) 247-3883

November 6, 2008. The annual fund-raising benefit for the preservation of waterfowl habitat is eagerly anticipated each year, and it takes place on the first Thursday in November. Ticket price includes membership, a wonderful dinner and an evening at the Crystal Coast Civic Center with others committed to waterfowl-habitat preservation. There are also live and silent auctions.

Jumble Sale
Beaufort Historic Site, 100 block Turner St., Beaufort
(252) 728-5225, (800) 575-SITE

November 22, 2008. This is the day the Beaufort Historic Site turns into a community market with art, handmade crafts, holiday gifts, pre-loved treasures, antiques, clothing, food and much more. Admission is free, and this is a great place to shop.

Community Thanksgiving Feast
Beaufort Historic Site, 100 block Turner St., Beaufort
(252) 728-5225, (800) 575-SITE

November 23, 2008. On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, a traditional Thanksgiving feast is served at the Beaufort Historic Site. Beaufort restaurants contribute the lunch-feast fixings, and the community gathers together in thanks. Proceeds from this ticketed event benefit preservation efforts of the Beaufort Historical Association. A limited number of tickets are sold at the Beaufort Historic Site and usually sell out before the day of the event. Dinners are available for takeout or can be enjoyed in the warmth of the heated tent.

Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition Holiday Show
Morehead City
(252) 726-3354

This three-week show and sale of original juried artwork by members of the Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition opens each year in alternating locations. Local artists combine their work to create the show for Christmas shopping opportunities and, because of the outstanding works, it is truly an event not to be missed.

December Events

Christmas Flotillas
Morehead City and Beaufort waterfronts
(252) 728-5806
Swansboro waterfront
(910) 326-7222

Throughout late November and December, 2008. On the Crystal Coast, Santa arrives by boat. Evening parades of decorated and lighted boats bring him in to kick off the Christmas season celebration on the coast. On both the Morehead City and Beaufort waterfronts at sunset in early December, families gather to ring in the season as the brightly decorated boats slowly drift by in the Crystal Coast Christmas flotilla. Call the various town halls for the dates and times of these wonderful flotillas.

Core Sound Decoy Festival
Harkers Island Elementary School and various locations, Harkers Island
(252) 838-8818

December 6–7, 2008. The Core Sound Decoy Festival is a coastal tradition. Held the first full weekend in December on Harkers Island, this two-day festival includes competitions in carving and painting decoys, exhibits and sales of old and new decoys, a loon-calling contest, a children's painting contest and other special competitions. There are additional activities for children, educational exhibits and an auction. The festival benefits the Core Sound Decoy Carver's Guild and Harkers Island Elementary School and is the area's largest off-season event.

Waterfowl Weekend
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum, Harkers Islands
(252) 728-1500

December 5–7, 2008. The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum opens its doors the first weekend in December and offers a slate full of traditional, down-home fun. Educational exhibits, competitions, retriever demonstrations, arts and crafts and food can be found at the museum's Shell Point headquarters, near the very end of Island Road on Harkers Island. A Hunting and Fishing Expo is held in conjunction with the festivities at the museum. There are many other special events — such as a special dessert supper — associated with this weekend, so call the museum for the latest information.

Train Show
Broad and Pollock Sts., Beaufort
(252) 728-5225

December 5–7, 2008. Trains, trains and more trains. This exhibit of trains is set up in Beaufort's old Train Depot and is for the young and young at heart. Organized by Beaufort residents John and Virginia Costlow, the exhibit offers a glimpse into the past with antique working model trains.

Coastal Carolina Christmas Walk
Beaufort Historic Site, 100 block Turner St., Beaufort
(252) 728-5225, (800) 575-SITE

December 13, 2008. Beaufort decorates for Christmas in traditional styles and invites the public to take part in the Coastal Carolina Christmas Walk. Beaufort Historic Site, historic bed and breakfast inns, and other structures open their doors for this annual holiday tradition. The afternoon event generally takes place from 2 to 4:30 PM and offer tours with entertainment and refreshments. The event is free to the public. There is a fee to ride the double-decker bus or to purchase raffle tickets to benefit preservation of historic structures through the Beaufort Historical Association.