Emerald Fest Free Summer Concerts on the Island

Every Thursday evening from June 18 through August 13, the Western Ocean Regional Access park in Emerald Isle comes alive with free live music from 6:30-8:00 PM. Grab your lawn chairs and a cooler, let the kids run in the grass, and enjoy incredible musicians with the ocean breeze rolling in. This beloved community concert series is the perfect way to wind down after a beach day. Upcoming performers include Big Sam & Co., The RV Road Show, Bob Laverty Band, 4EverAll, Black-Eyed Daisies, and more all free of charge!

Swan Fest Free Sunday Concerts in Swansboro

Just a short drive away in charming Swansboro, Swan Fest brings free live music to the waterfront Harry C. Pugliese, Jr. Pavilion every Sunday evening from June through Labor Day weekend (Sept 6), 6:30-8:00 PM. Pack up the family after dinner and enjoy the sunset over the White Oak River while local and regional artists perform. It's a quintessential Crystal Coast summer experience that kids and adults love equally.

NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Family Fun All Summer Long

Just minutes from Summer Shade, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a must-do for families! This summer is packed with special programs the kids will talk about all year. Meet a live sea turtle up close at Sea Turtle Trek (starting June 2), watch the resident river otters get enrichment treats at Otter Antics (starting June 1), or unwind with sunset yoga at the aquarium. Family Paint Nights let kids ages 6 and up create their own canvas masterpiece right in front of the Living Shipwreck habitat. Summer camps for grades K8 offer hands-on, feet-wet adventures that blend science and fun.

Olde Beaufort Farmers' Market - Saturdays All Summer

Make Saturday morning a tradition with a trip to the Olde Beaufort Farmers' Market, open 9 AM - 1 PM in historic downtown Beaufort. Stroll the waterfront market for fresh local produce, baked goods, and handmade goods from area artisans, all while live music plays in the background. It's a laid-back, family-friendly way to start the day and stock up on fresh ingredients for meals back at Summer Shade.

Cannon Day at Fort Macon - September 5, 2026

Head to Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach for Cannon Day, a free living-history program where costumed interpreters fire the fort's historic cannons and demonstrate 19th-century coastal defense. Held from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, it's a fun (and free!) way to spend part of a beach day exploring the fort, climbing the ramparts, and watching history come to life. Kids especially love the boom of the cannon. Just a short drive from Summer Shade, it's an easy add-on to any island adventure.

Alive at 5! Concert Series - August 21, 2026

Head to Jaycee Park in Morehead City for Alive at 5!, a free, family-friendly outdoor concert series held throughout the summer and fall. This month's show features Todd Barnes & The Wild Hares - bring a blanket, enjoy live music from 5:00-8:00 PM, and let the kids run around the waterfront park for a laid-back evening out for the whole family.

Cape Lookout National Seashore Starlight Cruise - September 12, 2026

Spend a magical evening under the stars at Cape Lookout National Seashore with the Starlight Cruise on September 12! Departing from Harkers Island at 7:30 PM, this guided boat tour takes families on a journey to one of the most pristine and remote beaches on the Crystal Coast, with a naturalist on hand to point out constellations and coastal wildlife under the night sky. Returns around 10:45 PM - a truly unforgettable adventure for stargazers of all ages. Reserve in advance as spots fill quickly!

Bird Hike at Fort Macon - September 7, 2026

Rise early and head to Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach for a free, ranger-led Bird Hike, a great way to spot local and migrating birds along the coast. Held from 9:00-10:00 AM, it's a fun and easy nature outing for families, and a nice change of pace from a day at the beach. Just a short drive from Summer Shade!

Taste of Core Sound - August 28, 2026

Head out to Harkers Island for Taste of Core Sound, a laid-back evening celebrating the flavors of the Crystal Coast. Held from 6:00-9:00 PM, it's a great chance for the whole family to sample fresh local seafood and downhome cooking while soaking up the down-east charm - a fun and easy add-on to a day exploring the eastern end of the island.

Emerald Isle Day4Kids - September 5, 2026

Mark your calendar for Emerald Isle Day4Kids, a beloved free celebration at the Emerald Isle Community Center from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. Little ones will love the fair-style games, activities, food, and live music - it's the perfect way to send the kids off with one more dose of island fun before the end of your stay, just minutes from Summer Shade.

Emerald Isle Fall Fishing Tournament - September 25-27, 2026

Start planning ahead for the Emerald Isle Fall Fishing Tournament, an annual community favorite that brings together anglers, families, and visitors for a weekend of friendly competition and coastal tradition. Held right in Emerald Isle, it's a great way to introduce kids to fishing and celebrate the island's fishing heritage, with proceeds supporting local scholarships and waterway improvements. A fun way to cap off a late-summer stay at Summer Shade!

Live Music at Homer's Point Marina & Pub

Just a short hop from Summer Shade, Homer's Point Marina & Pub in Salter Path keeps the good times rolling with live local bands every Friday and Saturday night. Grab a waterfront table, enjoy fresh seafood, and let the kids stretch their legs on the deck while you soak up some tunes overlooking Bogue Sound. Check their Facebook page closer to your visit for the week's specific lineup - it's an easy, laid-back way to spend an evening close to home.