Top Annual Events & Festivals on the Crystal Coast

Events and Entertainment for Emerald Isle and the Surrounding Areas

From thrilling annual festivals like the Carolina Chocolate Festival and Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Day celebration, to scenic runs such as the Emerald Isle Marathon, Half-Marathon & 5K, to rich historical tours at Fort Macon and beyond, our calendar bursts with live music, arts & crafts, foodie events, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun year-round.

Dive into the action and discover why so many call this slice of paradise home. Check out these Events and local happenings and start planning your next adventure:

• Crystal Coast Events & Happenings – Your go-to source for festivals, live music, and town celebrations.
• Emerald Isle Realty Events Calendar – Detailed listings of upcoming festivals, races, and community activities.
• CrystalCoast.com Events Schedule – Highlights including marathons, chocolate fests, and seasonal fun.
• Swansboro Festivals – Active site for Swansboro Festivals (Mullet Festival, Christmas Flotilla, Independence Day, etc.), including event details, history, and announcements.
• Crystal Coast Tourism Events – Official regional event listings from the Crystal Coast Tourism authority with town information and visitor guides.
• Visit Swansboro Festivals & Events – Official Town of Swansboro visitor site covering local recreation, business listings, and annual festivals like Swansboro by Candlelight.
• NC Coast Host Central Coast Guide – Tourism resource guide featuring top regional activities and central coast attractions.
• Town of Emerald Isle Calendar – Official municipal calendar featuring public beach access points, community updates, and local events.
• Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center Events – Official event schedule featuring summer camps, community homecomings, Waterfowl Weekend, and crab pot tree sales.
• Emerald Isle Marathon – Official website for the annual Boston Qualifier marathon, including registration details and race day information.
• Beaufort Wine & Food – Features ticket information, partner highlights, community impact details, and upcoming culinary event promotions.
• Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament – Official tournament site with history, sponsor details, scheduling information, and visitor resources.

Mark's Top 5 Fav’s

1. Fish Hut Grill (Ahi tacos and super chill open-air island vibe)
   – Loved for tacos, frozen drinks, fresh seafood, and super chill open-air island vibes.
2. Gaffer's Restaurant (Loaded nachos, great nightly specials and live music- ask to sit outside)
   – Neighborhood gem serving breakfast through dinner, featuring seafood, burgers, steaks, loaded nachos, nightly specials, and live music.
3. Social Q BBQ (Great Meat) (Morehead City)
   – Serious slow-smoked meats, combo plates, sandwiches, and weekly specials.
4. Prime Bistro & Wine Bar (Hands down the BEST fine dining in the area) (Morehead City)
   – Top-tier fine dining featuring wood-fired steaks, pasta, and fine wines.
5. Kathryn's Bistro & Martini Bar (Best martinis around, chef inspired mains)
   – Fine dining standout featuring creative seafood, Angus beef, chef-inspired mains, and coastal-favorite martinis.

Additional curated list of restaurants near Emerald Isle (within ~30 miles):

• Rucker Johns – Classic favorite for burgers, seafood, and a lively atmosphere in Emerald Isle.
• Caribsea Restaurant – Premier spot with a rooftop bar, stunning water views, fresh seafood, steaks, and cocktails.
• Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar – Fresh steamed seafood, grills, and bar favorites.
• Surf's Up Grill & Bar – Oceanfront dining with great views, casual eats, and close pier proximity.
• The Village Market – Gourmet deli delights, breakfast, coffee, and treats—ideal for quick bites.
• The Crab Shack (Salter Path) – Classic waterfront seafood shack with fresh, authentic catches.
• Big Oak Drive-In & BBQ (Salter Path) – Famous local legend drive-in known for shrimp burgers and BBQ.
• Flipperz Family Grill – Family-friendly spot with seafood, burgers, and casual dining.
• Anchor Drafthouse & Pizzeria (Salter Path) – Pizza, craft drafts, and waterfront sound views.
• Full Moon Oyster Bar (Atlantic Beach) – Waterfront oysters, seafood, and lively vibe.
• Sanitary Fish Market (Morehead City) – Historic spot known for fresh fried and broiled seafood.
• Saltwater Grill (Swansboro) – Exceptional seafood served in a waterfront setting.
• Amos Mosquito's Restaurant & Bar (Atlantic Beach) – Fun, casual spot with local flavors and a vibrant bar scene.
• Dank Burrito (Morehead City) – Bold global flavors with fresh ingredients in burritos, tacos, bowls, and more.
• The Shark Shack (Atlantic Beach) – Outdoor seafood favorite with top-rated fresh catches, casual vibes, and standout shrimp and oysters.
• 34° North Restaurant + Bar (Morehead City) – Elegant yet relaxed fine dining featuring creative seafood, steaks, and stunning views.
• Front Street Grill at Stillwater (Morehead City) – Waterfront gem known for fresh local seafood, cocktails, and sunset views.
• City Kitchen (Morehead City / Beaufort) – Modern coastal cuisine highlighting seasonal ingredients and Carteret Catch seafood.
• Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria (Morehead City) – Creative tapas and craft cocktails in a trendy setting.
• Beaufort Grocery Co. (Beaufort) – Gourmet fine dining with French-inspired coastal cuisine, seafood bisque, and duck confit.
• Red Fish Grill (Morehead City) – Waterfront spot specializing in grilled and blackened seafood with harbor views.
• Clawson's 1905 Restaurant & Pub (Beaufort) – Historic pub with hearty American fare, local seafood, and craft beers.
• Floyd's 1921 Restaurant (Morehead City) – Upscale Southern-inspired dishes with local seafood, prime steaks, and a historic ambiance.