October is National Seafood Month and the first full weekend in October is the official kickoff to the International Award-Winning North Carolina Seafood Festival which takes place on the Morehead City Waterfront. The largest three-day festival in North Carolina, its highlights are an endless variety of seafood prepared in a multitude of ways, street dances, concerts, arts, and crafts (about 200 total vendors), Flounder Fling and an International Award-Winning Chef's Tent, educational exhibits, hands-on programs for kids, rides, and games. Saturday night fireworks are enjoyed by festival goers and neighbors alike. The festivities are spread from the North Carolina State Port to 11th Street on the beautiful Morehead City waterfront. Free parking is available at the port on Saturday and Sunday with shuttles transporting festivalgoers to the fun. Admission is always free but bring cash for all the extras that will tempt your wallet!