Community Calendar

The Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge, in collaboration with the Pitt County Civic Arts Committee, invites visual artists to submit their credentials for the development and implementation of an outdoor mural on the R.A. Fountain General Store in Fountain, NC. The designated mural area, located on the side exterior of the building, is approximately 40 feet tall by 110 feet wide, however the resulting artwork design may work within the available wall surface and is not required to fill the entire area. It is desired that the resulting artwork infuses creativity and artistry into a prominent location while celebrating Fountain’s ties to music through the life, work, and cultural impact of local musician and luthier Freeman Vines. Ultimately, the mural should honor his legacy and contributions to the region’s musical identity.

Tryon Civitan Club presents the "No Child Wet Behind Diaper Drive"

Area musicians come together to play traditional music in an acoustic string jam. This is a fun, friendly easy-going group. New musicians and traditional music fans are welcome. Please visit www.bctma.org for more information

Emerald Fest in Emerald Isle is a family favorite summer tradition packed with live music, good vibes, and coastal fun. Bring your lawn chair, spread out with family and friends, and enjoy an evening filled with beach music, popular hits, and high energy performances that keep the crowd dancing and singing along. With a relaxed waterfront atmosphere and entertainment for all ages, Emerald Fest is the perfect way to spend a summer evening on the Crystal Coast. Come enjoy the music, make memories, and experience one of Emerald Isle's most beloved community events.

August 13-16 and 20-22: Sordid Lives

Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her married lover’s wooden legs in a motel room, and chaos erupts for two days in Winters,Texas when Peggy’s colorful family is forced to come together. As the funeral approaches, all of the family’s “sordid lives” are exposed, and unconditional love is put to the Texan test!

This wonderful black comedy is the winner of 14 Drama-Logue Awards and 13 Critics’ Choice Awards.

General: $20

Seniors/Students/Military: $15

The Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge, in collaboration with the Pitt County Civic Arts Committee, invites visual artists to submit their credentials for the development and implementation of an outdoor mural on the R.A. Fountain General Store in Fountain, NC. The designated mural area, located on the side exterior of the building, is approximately 40 feet tall by 110 feet wide, however the resulting artwork design may work within the available wall surface and is not required to fill the entire area. It is desired that the resulting artwork infuses creativity and artistry into a prominent location while celebrating Fountain’s ties to music through the life, work, and cultural impact of local musician and luthier Freeman Vines. Ultimately, the mural should honor his legacy and contributions to the region’s musical identity.

Tryon Civitan Club presents the "No Child Wet Behind Diaper Drive"

Tryon Palace is excited to once again host the artwork of popular photographer and beekeeper Deana B Marion to the North Carolina History Center.  We will be showcasing a new exhibit of her photography of pollinators – bees, butterflies, and insects on a variety of flowering blooms.  Her photography technique is macro photography with amazing detail!

The exhibit will also include video clips of activity at her beehives.

This exhibit is FREE and available to the public during our posted business hours at the North Carolina History Center.

Artist's Exhibit Description
The collection of macro images of bees and blooms in their native environment celebrates the art of nature, the beauty and wonder God created in the bees and blooms. The colorful images showcase the features of the small natural world as photographed in blooming trees and flower gardens. 

The plight of pollinators, their value to our food supply, and the causes for their declining population are receiving national attention, with pollination by honeybees responsible for one-third of our food and nearly $20 billion in value to agricultural crops each year in the United States. Deana B understands the issues are extremely important and has witnessed the alarming population decline firsthand. 

Deana B’s macro photography commenced in the 2002 with weekend classes taught by Barbara Brundege through the University of California Extension, Santa Cruz, along with numerous workshops where she was encouraged to “get closer, get closer.” She gained tremendous insight from a mentorship with Barbara focusing on enhancing the images to capture the intricate features of flowers with bees. Since 2010, she has specialized in photographing bees on blooms in exquisite detail at a distance of several inches. 

This unique body of images focus upon the beauty of bees in nature, all different but sharing a common theme, with attention to microscopic level features, use of color, and position of  blooms.

The Schwa Show is a national juried competition recognizing excellence in fine arts and crafts.

In the English language, schwa is the most common vowel sound. For Emerge Gallery & Art Center, the schwa symbol is our logo. This year, Emerge Gallery & Art Center and The Schwa Show turn 25! Emerge's Executive Director, Holly Garriott, will serve as the juror for the exhibition and choose the award winners.

The call for entry is open through August 15th, with the exhibition taking place from October 2- 31, 2026 at Emerge Gallery & Art Center.

The 2026 Alive at Five Concert Series is the perfect way for families and friends to enjoy an evening of music, fun, and entertainment together. Grab your lawn chair, gather your crew, and get ready for an energetic lineup featuring beach music favorites, crowd pleasing party hits, and dance tunes that will have everyone on their feet. With a lively atmosphere, great music, and plenty of family friendly fun, Alive at Five is a Crystal Coast tradition you will not want to miss. Come ready to sing along, dance the night away, and make lasting memories.

Check the website for the full schedule of events.