Here are some current events and happenings for guest visiting that we recommend checking out. We keep this up-to-date to help you save time searching and be able to maximize your stay under the shade! If you are interested in looking ahead to plan a trip in the future check out the Event Calendars page for interesting events that happen in each season around the island.
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 6:308:00 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 August, 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.
Fourth of July Celebrations The Crystal Coast Knows How to Party!
Independence Day is a spectacular affair along the Crystal Coast! Start your July 4th with the Pine Knoll Shores Independence Day Parade decorate your bikes, dress in red, white, and blue, and join the fun procession. Head into Beaufort for the annual Fourth of July Parade at 11:00 AM, then make your way to Gallant's Channel for the evenings grand fireworks display starting at 9:00 PM. Food trucks, live music, and family entertainment fill the hours from 5:00 PM until the sky lights up. For a truly magical experience, consider boarding the Crystal Coast Lady for a fireworks cruise on the water!
America 250 Carteret County Celebration - June 20, 2026
This summer marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and Carteret County is celebrating in a big way! Join the America 250 Carteret County Celebration on Saturday, June 20 from noon to 5:00 PM at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City - a free, family-friendly community event honoring our nation's history with local flair. A perfect outing to connect with the community and make history come alive for the kids.
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 - June 20 & July 4, 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.
Beaufort Old Homes Tour & More - June 26-27, 2026
Celebrate the 65th Annual Beaufort Old Homes Tour & More, June 26-27 from 10 AM - 4 PM in historic downtown Beaufort. Wander through beautifully restored private homes, gardens, and churches, hop aboard a double-decker bus tour, or browse local artists' studios. It's a charming, walkable outing that brings centuries of coastal history to life - fun for history lovers and curious kids alike.
Alive at 5! Concert Series - June 26 & July 17, 2026
Head to Jaycee Park in Morehead City for Alive at 5!, a free, family-friendly outdoor concert series held monthly through October. Bring a blanket, enjoy live music from 5:00-8:00 PM, and let the kids run around the waterfront park - a laid-back evening out for the whole family.