Community Calendar

This July, New Bern's bears are being transformed into a city wide public art installation featuring handmade scarves and cowls made by local volunteers and will adorn bears throughout the city.

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.

Come Again is a social respite program where people in early to middle stages of dementia spend time with trusted, trained volunteers in a safe, judgment-free space. We aim to bring joy, friendship, and purpose to everyone while giving care partners a chance to rest. Activities include fellowship, music, art, movement, and service projects, plus a hot lunch. Starting May 1, Come Again meets every Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2311 Elizabeth Ave. There is a small fee to attend. Come Again honors our loved ones living with dementia by lifting up their remaining strengths in a supportive, creative and purposeful way. For more information about joining Come Again or volunteering, contact director Lindsay Roberts at lindsayroberts@newbernrespite.org, 919.428.0618 or www.newbernrespite.org.

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.

Bring the whole family to Fort Macon and experience the boom of history in action. Kids love this exciting cannon firing demonstration where visitors can discover how the fort's massive cannons were loaded, aimed, and fired during the Civil War era. Watch the fort come alive as costumed interpreters share stories, answer questions, and demonstrate the power of these historic weapons. It is a fun, educational, and unforgettable experience for all ages.

Cannon firing demonstrations are held at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Come early, grab a good viewing spot, and get ready for a blast from the past.

Check the website for the full schedule of events.

Do you know the truth about vaping? Join us for an informative and engaging program featuring a Social Work Health Educator from the Lenoir County Public Health Department.

Learn about the facts and myths surrounding vaping, how vaping affects the body and overall health, current trends and concerns related to e-cigarette use, and resources for prevention, education, and support.

Call the Information Services Department at 252.527.7066 ext. 134 for more information.

Music series beginning on Thursday, May 21, 2026 -- held every Thursday until August 6 -- hosted by the Town of Beaufort in John Newton Park. This event is sponsored by the Dock House Restaurant and Freedom Boat Club. This will be different genres of music during this series. General info and FAQ's are attached below.

Rock the Docks:
No outside alcohol permitted at this event
Alcohol can be purchased and consumed in John Newton Park, provided by the Dock House Restaurant
Signage will be placed to indicate restrictions on where this can be purchased and consumed
Parking next to John Newton Park will be closed from 2pm-8pm.
This is a pet and family-friendly event
The stage will be 24-feet long, placed in the adjacent parking lot.
Spectators will be able to park golf carts behind the stage in the west side of the parking lot
Attendees are encouraged to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages from nearby businesses
Music of all different genres will be presented across the 12-week series
Town will have tent along with other sponsors/vendors at event

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

Set against the scenic Beaufort waterfront, this family friendly event offers the perfect mix of live entertainment, coastal charm, and small town hospitality. Bring your lawn chair, gather family and friends, and enjoy an evening filled with great music, fun activities, and beautiful waterfront views. Located in Beaufort, the third oldest town in North Carolina, this event combines the energy of a community celebration with the rich history and character that make Beaufort such a special destination. Come enjoy the music, explore the waterfront, and create lasting memories in one of North Carolina's most beloved coastal towns.

Join Coastal Carolina Riverwatch for a special evening with Dr. Ryan E. Emanuel, author of On the Swamp: Fighting for Indigenous Environmental Justice.

Dr. Emanuel is a Lumbee hydrologist, water scientist, community-engaged scholar, and Duke University faculty member whose work focuses on water, wetlands, Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and the deep connections between people and place in North Carolina.