Community Calendar

Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend is a lively celebration of Down East traditions, community, and good old fashioned island hospitality. The weekend kicks off with the Island’s Bring Back the Lights opening night, setting the stage for a full weekend of fun. The first weekend of December has become a beloved island homecoming, featuring the Decoy Festival at the school, local craft sales, yard sales, talented artists and carvers, and plenty of friendly faces along the way.

Come hungry because Saturday brings plenty to enjoy, from scallop fritters and sweet puppies to local treats and Down East favorites. Browse unique handmade crafts, watch talented carvers at work, bid in the online auction, and soak up the welcoming spirit of the community. Then, slow things down Sunday morning with a traditional church service and a true taste of Down East life.

Harkers Island comes to life the first full weekend in December each year as the Core Sound Decoy Guild holds its annual Core Sound Decoy Festival. The first festival was held in 1988 and it has become an annual pilgrimage for many.

The festival has many attractions that include antique decoy exhibits, retriever demonstrations, and several types of competitions including decoys, shorebirds, head whittling. There’s always plenty of shopping opportunities from the many vendors who flock to the festival each year plus delicious food offerings.

December 5 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
December 6 - 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend is a lively celebration of Down East traditions, community, and good old fashioned island hospitality. The weekend kicks off with the Island’s Bring Back the Lights opening night, setting the stage for a full weekend of fun. The first weekend of December has become a beloved island homecoming, featuring the Decoy Festival at the school, local craft sales, yard sales, talented artists and carvers, and plenty of friendly faces along the way.

Come hungry because Saturday brings plenty to enjoy, from scallop fritters and sweet puppies to local treats and Down East favorites. Browse unique handmade crafts, watch talented carvers at work, bid in the online auction, and soak up the welcoming spirit of the community. Then, slow things down Sunday morning with a traditional church service and a true taste of Down East life.

Highland Holidays presents an intimate live Scottish Christmas concert filled with Celtic vocals, fiddle, Highland pipes, festive songs, stories, Scottish winter traditions, and the celebratory spirit of Hogmanay. This family-friendly cultural experience honors the Carolinas' historical connection with Scotland through exceptional live music.

The international ensemble features 12-year Riverdance fiddle veteran Patrick Mangan, award-winning Celtic vocalist Jennifer Licko, Highland piper Cassandra Calo, Brazilian percussionist Daniel Gohn, and multi-instrumentalist Stephen Pachuta, formerly of The Embers.

“The Carolinas’ connection with Scotland gives us an incredible heritage story to build from. Highland Holidays is about honoring that past while showing how those traditions still live in our communities today. During the holiday season, we bring that heritage together through exceptional music and dance and let it come fully to life onstage.”

A Taste of France, Right Here on the Crystal Coast!

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure while supporting the next generation of talented chefs and hospitality professionals at Carteret Community College!

Join us for an extraordinary dining experience featuring the creativity and passion of students from the College’s Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts, and Hospitality Management programs. Every bite helps support an incredible educational opportunity that takes these aspiring culinary professionals all the way to France.

Each year, two to four exceptional students are selected for the once in a lifetime opportunity to spend five weeks in France training alongside master Escoffier Chefs. They return home with new skills, techniques, inspiration, and stories to share, and there is no better way to experience their newfound talents than at the highly anticipated Escoffier Chefs’ Dinners.

Come hungry, raise a glass, and prepare to be impressed as these rising culinary stars put their skills to the test. Your ticket does more than provide an exceptional evening of food. It helps make their journey to France possible and invests in the future of the culinary and hospitality industry.

Great food. Incredible talent. A taste of France. And a delicious way to make a difference.

Emerge Gallery & Art Center is excited to announce a new schedule of classes and workshops for youth and adult learners. Classes include pottery, painting, bookmaking, sewing, and jewelry making. Workshops suitable for small children and families include Family Workshops, ArtWalk Workshops, Pop In Pop Art Workshops, and our newest Mini Makers Workshops. Times range from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours. Check out the full listing at www.emergegallery.com!

Enjoy an unforgettable celebration filled with joyful holiday hits and plenty of musical sparkle to brighten your season.

North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

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.

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

Highland Holidays is a live Scottish Christmas music-and-dance production from Highland Echoes, bringing the Carolinas' historical connection with Scotland fully to life onstage. Experience live Scottish music, Highland pipes, premier Highland dancers, Scottish winter traditions, and the celebratory spirit of Hogmanay in a family-friendly cultural experience.

The international company features 12-year Riverdance fiddle veteran Patrick Mangan, award-winning Celtic vocalist Jennifer Licko, Highland piper Cassandra Calo, Brazilian percussionist Daniel Gohn, multi-instrumentalist Stephen Pachuta, formerly of The Embers, and the Highland Echoes Premier Scottish Dancers.

“The Carolinas’ connection with Scotland gives us an incredible heritage story to build from. Highland Holidays is about honoring that past while showing how those traditions still live in our communities today. During the holiday season, we bring that heritage together through exceptional music and dance and let it come fully to life onstage.”