Community Calendar

The Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Fishing Tournament is more than just a fishing competition – it’s a coastal celebration packed with excitement for anglers, families and visitors alike! Whether you’re a seasoned King Mackerel fisherman or simply looking for a fun day by the water, this exciting three-week tournament delivers competition, community and unforgettable Crystal Coast memories. Participants will have multiple opportunities to reel in the big one while enjoying the thrill of tournament fishing.

The 2026 Fall Festival is set for Saturday, October 31 at Community Park behind Town Hall, and Town staff are busy preparing for the Town's signature annual special event.

This year's event includes a partnership with Cape Carteret Baptist Church, who will offer a "trunk or treat" and children's games and activities during the Fall Festival.

Cooks from Down East and neighboring communities will bring several different recipes of stewed shrimp, clam chowder, seafood chowder, cornbread and more!

The "Core Sound Chow Down" judging will be led by seafood market and restaurant chefs from across eastern NC. Peruse Waterfowl Weekend vendors, along with this year's Gallery of Trees and the Museum's new decoy displays. Supper starts at 5:30.

The Gingerbread Festival is a joyful, must-see holiday tradition at the Crystal Coast. This beloved event brings the people together in a warm, festive atmosphere that's filled with creativity, holiday spirit and heart.

Featuring more than 50 talented competitors each year and welcoming several hundred attendees, the festival showcases incredible local creativity while celebrating the season in a truly special way.

Guests can explore beautifully crafted gingerbread exhibits, each one uniquely designed and full of incredible detail, making the event feel like stepping into a holiday wonderland. It’s the perfect outing for families, friends and visitors of all ages to enjoy the sights, take in the festive cheer and celebrate the season together.

Enjoy the lights, the laughter and the stunning gingerbread creations that make this one of the Crystal Coast’s most cherished holiday events.

Beyond the magic and creativity on display, the festival supports compassionate end-of-life care. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the holidays while making a real difference in the community.

The Gingerbread Festival is a joyful, must-see holiday tradition at the Crystal Coast. This beloved event brings the people together in a warm, festive atmosphere that's filled with creativity, holiday spirit and heart.

Featuring more than 50 talented competitors each year and welcoming several hundred attendees, the festival showcases incredible local creativity while celebrating the season in a truly special way.

Guests can explore beautifully crafted gingerbread exhibits, each one uniquely designed and full of incredible detail, making the event feel like stepping into a holiday wonderland. It’s the perfect outing for families, friends and visitors of all ages to enjoy the sights, take in the festive cheer and celebrate the season together.

Enjoy the lights, the laughter and the stunning gingerbread creations that make this one of the Crystal Coast’s most cherished holiday events.

Beyond the magic and creativity on display, the festival supports compassionate end-of-life care. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the holidays while making a real difference in the community.

Join us at the museum for our Movies on Madison movie series! We show the movies on the museum lawn, the lawn will open an hour before the movie starts and the movies will begin at dusk. Our movies are family friendly, so no alcohol or smoking is allowed. Bring your blankets or chairs! Refreshments will be available for purchase. Check our Facebook page for the monthly movie choices! Our first movie is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) on May 19th.

Please note that the time of the movie will change depending on the time of the sunset!

Bring the whole family for a day of fun, fitness, and unforgettable coastal views at the Core Sound Run! Choose from a scenic 10K, 5K, or 1-Mile Fun Run as you race through beautiful Harkers Island, one of North Carolina's most charming coastal communities. The adventure begins and ends "at the end of the road," where the breathtaking waters of Core Sound create the perfect backdrop for an exciting race day. Whether you're chasing a personal best or making memories with family and friends, the Core Sound Run is the perfect way to experience the beauty and spirit of the Crystal Coast.

Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or prefer to keep your feet on dry land, the Annual Wooden Boat Show has activities for all ages. This free event celebrates the art of North Carolina boat building and the sport of boat racing. Dozens of handcrafted wooden boats will be on display and activities are available for all ages.

The show has something to offer everyone, even those who are not wooden boat enthusiasts. There are activities for children and opportunities for families to do things together, such as taking a boat ride. Youngsters can take part in maritime games and crafts in the Wooden Boat Kids area. Kids can also make their own model sailboats. Enjoy traditional skills demonstrations and displays, educational activities, historic vessels, boat models, traditional sailboat races, and sailboat rides.

The show takes place on the first Saturday in May and is the longest ongoing wooden boat show in the Southeast.

The Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City is one of the most prestigious and exciting fishing events on the East Coast. Each year, anglers from all across the world converge on the Crystal Coast to compete for millions of dollars in prize money and the glory of landing the biggest blue marlin. This week-long event not only showcases top-tier sportfishing but also brings the everyone together with lively celebrations, including waterfront parties, local seafood feasts and family-friendly activities. With a rich history spanning nearly seven decades, Big Rock is a thrilling spectacle that captures the essence of coastal living and the spirit of competition. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a spectator, the tournament offers an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, camaraderie and the chance to witness record-breaking catches.

The Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City is one of the most prestigious and exciting fishing events on the East Coast. Each year, anglers from all across the world converge on the Crystal Coast to compete for millions of dollars in prize money and the glory of landing the biggest blue marlin. This week-long event not only showcases top-tier sportfishing but also brings the everyone together with lively celebrations, including waterfront parties, local seafood feasts and family-friendly activities. With a rich history spanning nearly seven decades, Big Rock is a thrilling spectacle that captures the essence of coastal living and the spirit of competition. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a spectator, the tournament offers an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, camaraderie and the chance to witness record-breaking catches.