Annual Crystal Coast & Beaufort, NC Events Calendar
Spring Events on the Crystal Coast
Beaufort Mardi Gras / Waterfront Mardi Gras Festival: This March event brings a lively splash of New Orleans flair to downtown Beaufort. Think colorful costume parades, masquerade balls, gumbo cookoffs, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Beaufort Wine and Food Festival (Spring Edition): This signature event pairs visiting & local chefs with wineries from across the world for a weekend of tastings, dinners, and social gatherings throughout Beaufort’s historic district. The large spring festival typically takes place the last weekend of April each year.
Annual Wooden Boat Show: This free event, held annually on the second weekend in May by the North Carolina Maritime Museum, puts the full charm of Beaufort maritime culture on display. The festival celebrates the art & history of wooden boat building and racing and includes rides and activities for children.
Summer Events Near Beaufort
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament (Morehead City): One of the largest and most prestigious sportfishing tournaments in the country, this event attracts anglers and spectators from around the world and awards millions of dollars in prizes. The competition typically takes place during the first two weeks of June.
Old Homes Tour & Antique Show (Beaufort): Hosted by the Beaufort Historical Association during the last full weekend in June, this beloved tradition showcases centuries-old homes, gardens, and local history alongside an antique fair.
Fourth of July Fireworks (Morehead City & Atlantic Beach): A festive coastal tradition, these celebrations include live music & parades during the day and fireworks displays over the water starting around 9PM.
Crystal Coast Fall Festivals & Heritage Events
North Carolina Seafood Festival (Morehead City): The state’s largest three-day festival, featuring fresh seafood, live music, cooking demonstrations, and waterfront entertainment. This beloved Beaufort seafood festival typically takes place the first weekend of October.
Beaufort Pirate Invasion: A family-friendly celebration of Beaufort’s swashbuckling past, this event brings pirate reenactments, parades, and themed festivities throughout downtown in November.
Beaufort Wine & Food Festival (Fall Edition): Typically held in mid-November, this food festival is a more intimate counterpart to the large spring festival. Highlights include events like oyster roasting and beer tasting. This second seasonal showcase of regional flavors is perfectly timed with autumn’s crisp coastal weather.
Winter & Year-Round Celebrations
Beaufort Christmas Candlelight Homes Tour: A holiday highlight where historic homes glow with festive décor, music, and candlelight tours. The festivities take place mid-December. Though the tour is walkable, visitors can also sightsee on a double decker bus!
Local Oyster Roasts & Seasonal Events: Throughout Carteret County, winter means oyster season, and locals gather at festivals and roasts to enjoy this coastal delicacy.
Community Events at the NC Maritime Museum: From maritime heritage programs to educational exhibits, Beaufort’s museum hosts activities year-round. These family-friendly events help locals and visitors alike dive deep into the history of the Crystal Coast and appreciate the nostalgic charm of “America’s Favorite Town.”
Plan Your Stay Around Beaufort Events
Whether you’re visiting for the excitement of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, the flavors of the Wine & Food Festival, or the history and fun of the Pirate Invasion, Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Beaufort is your ideal home base. Located downtown on Town Creek, the hotel offers walkable access to shops, dining, and event venues — plus laid-back Margaritaville vibes when you’re ready to relax. Rooms fill fast for popular events, so check availability and start planning your adventure now!