Community Calendar

Step into the classroom and experience the next generation of culinary talent at Plates & Pours. Carteret Community College culinary students will showcase their skills through a buffet style global cuisine experience featuring international flavors, thoughtfully paired with wines selected to complement each offering. Every ticket supports hands on learning while celebrating the art of food and wine.
November 13: Wine Dinner with Michelin Starred Chef Pascal Coulon of Floyd's 1921 and Winemaker Tim Crow of Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards Going Coastal | 6 p.m.
Indulge in an unforgettable evening of fine dining at the Crystal Coast Wine Expo Wine Dinner. Michelin Starred Chef Pascal Coulon of Floyd's 1921 will create a multi course menu thoughtfully paired with wines from Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards Going Coastal and presented by winemaker Tim Crow. This intimate experience celebrates outstanding cuisine, exceptional wines, and the art of pairing them together.
Love what you taste? Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards Going Coastal will have bottles available for purchase so you can take your favorites home!
November 14: Chef & Cellar Experience
Join experienced chefs for a hands on cooking class where you'll create one of three featured dishes and discover how wines from Mountain Brook Vineyards perfectly complement every bite. Choose from:
Tuna Poke: A Hawaiian inspired dish featuring fresh tuna, vibrant vegetables, and bold seasonings that come together in a refreshing and flavorful culinary creation.
Chicken Saltimbocca: A classic Italian favorite made with tender chicken and a savory prosciutto cream sauce with mushrooms and peppers.
Poached Pear Frangipane Tart: A beautiful puff pastry tart layered with rich almond frangipane and topped with fresh seasonal poached pears for the perfect balance of elegance and flavor.
If you find a favorite wine during the class, Mountain Brook Vineyards will have bottles available for purchase throughout the event!

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

North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

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.

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.

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.

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

North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

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.