Community Calendar

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.

Warm up your winter at Atlantic Beach's Annual Smoke on the Water Bonfire on Wednesday, December 30, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Circle. Gather around a roaring bonfire on the beach, enjoy live music by Robert McDuffy, and sip your favorite warm drink from Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck. Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable evening filled with great music, cozy beach vibes, and the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season on the Crystal Coast.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Join the Crystal Coast for the 6th Annual Crystal Coast Star Party, an unforgettable evening celebrating the wonders of the night sky. This family-friendly event features Starlight Cruises with guided night sky tours led by Cape Lookout National Seashore Park Rangers and NASA Solar System Ambassadors, along with a special guest speaker from NASA and engaging activities for kids.

This annual event offers a magical opportunity to explore the stars in one of the most beautiful settings on the Crystal Coast.

Join the Crystal Coast for the 6th Annual Crystal Coast Star Party, an unforgettable evening celebrating the wonders of the night sky. This family-friendly event features Starlight Cruises with guided night sky tours led by Cape Lookout National Seashore Park Rangers and NASA Solar System Ambassadors, along with a special guest speaker from NASA and engaging activities for kids.

This annual event offers a magical opportunity to explore the stars in one of the most beautiful settings on 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.