Beaufort NC Events
The Talk of the Town
There’s a reason Beaufort has been crowned by publications like Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and Southern Living as one of America’s coolest, quirkiest, and most adventurous small towns. It’s all too easy to find something to do around here—and chances are the opportunity lies just steps away. Feed your appetite for adventure on the Crystal Coast by choosing one of the many exhilarating experiences available around town, on the water, on land, and in the air.
- town events
- water adventures
- air adventures
- land adventures
Beaufort Wine & Food
April 24 - 27, 2025
The annual Beaufort Wine & Food Festival is a signature culinary event in Beaufort, offering four days of tastings, seminars, dinners, live and silent auctions, and more. Indulge in the best of the Crystal Coast as you taste your way through town. The Beaufort Hotel is a sustaining sponsor.
Wooden Boat Show
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Celebrate North Carolina’s tradition of boatbuilding during the annual Wooden Boat Show. This family-friendly gathering features dozens of handcrafted boats on display, engaging nautical demonstrations, and activities for children. It's the oldest wooden boat show in North Carolina.
KWLA Big Rock Tournament
June 6 - 7, 2025
The Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) Tournament, one of the world's largest ladies-only fishing events. The one-day billfish release tournament celebrates angling prowess while raising money for cancer, continuing the legacy of its namesake.
NC Maritime Friends Maritime Day
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Join the Friends of the Maritime Museum for an old-fashioned, family-oriented picnic at the N.C. Maritime Museum’s expansion site at Gallants Channel in Beaufort.
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
June 7 - 15, 2025
In 2024, The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament drew a record 302 boats —each angling for the chance to win a piece of the $7.56 million purse. This nine-day event includes fun-filled activities, eight days of fishing, and a closing awards ceremony. Congratulations to Game Time for winning the tournament. Their 516-pound blue marlin brought to the scales on Monday was worth $1.8 million in prize money.
Beaufort Old Homes Tour
June 27 - 28, 2025
This annual tour features some of Beaufort’s beautiful private homes, glorious gardens, multiple local churches and artists’ studios throughout the town, as well as the authentically-restored buildings and grounds of the Beaufort Historic Site. This is a one-of-a-kind event.
Beaufort July 4th Parade
Thursday, July 4, 2025
Celebrate Independence Day in Beaufort with a charming blend of tradition and coastal flair. The Beaufort July 4th Parade always draws some of the most creative minds in town, including Beaufort’s very own Sweet Potato Queens decked out in their crazy costumes.
Cannon Day
Thursday, July 4, 2025
Join us for Independence Day as we bring history to life with demonstrations on loading, aiming, and firing the fort's cannons. Experience the thrill of artillery drills at multiple times throughout the day, immersing yourself in Beaufort's rich maritime heritage.
Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament
July 9 - 12, 2025
Give a new generation of anglers a chance to test their instinct during the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament, a three-day, non-profit, full-release fishing tournament that promotes sports fishing while raising money for eastern North Carolina children’s charities.
NC Maritime Friends Crab Cake Cook-Off
Friday, July 18, 2025
Taste delicious crab cakes and slaw made by guest chefs and vote for your favorite at this fundraiser for the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum. The 19th annual Crab Cake Cook-off takes place at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center in Beaufort.
North Carolina Seafood Festival
October 3 - 5, 2025
Join in on this one-of-a-kind festival that celebrates the best of local North Carolina cuisine, with events that proudly celebrate the region’s local bounty. Delectable seafood offerings, live music, and vibrant cultural displays make for a spirited event enjoyed by everyone.
Beaufort Pirate Invasion
November 14 - 16, 2025
Step back in time with the Beaufort Pirate Invasion, an annual reenactment that brings to life the historic events of 1747 when Beaufort faced a battle against Spanish privateers. Join authentic 18th-century pirates, villagers, and merchants as tell a tale of the town’s captivating maritime history.
Wobble Down Front 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Join the crowd on Thanksgiving morning for a race experience like no other. Enjoy our picturesque course along historic Beaufort’s waterfront with friends, family and out of town guests.
Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Welcome to the holidays, celebrated in classic coastal Carolina style. Boats, yachts, and kayaks covered in festive holiday lights brighten the waters of Taylor’s Creek for an annual parade that starts on the Morehead City waterfront and ends on the Beaufort waterfront.
Beaufort Holiday Art Walk
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Enjoy a festive holiday afternoon in Historic Downtown Beaufort and celebrate the season with an array of art receptions and open houses celebrating the local art community. This is a self-guided tour. Sponsored by the Arts Council of Carteret County.
Historic Beaufort Candlelight Homes Tour
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Tour private homes on a double-decker bus that’s merrily decked out for the holidays during this special themed event. Enjoy unique access to Beaufort’s grandest homes, churches, and inns, and delight in their festive décor. This ticketed event sells out quickly!
John Costlow Christmas Train Show
December 12 - 14, 2025
John Costlow Christmas Train Show takes place at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, in partnership with the Beaufort Lions Club. The train show features antique working model trains of all sizes. The train layouts will range from simple circles to more elaborate systems.
New Year's Eve Cannon Blast
December 31, 2025
For history enthusiasts, Fort Macon State Park hosts a unique New Year’s Eve Cannon Blast. Celebrate the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 with a blast. Fort Macon will once again be firing eight cannons! What a great way to bring in the new year!
First Day Hike at Fort Macon
January 1, 2025
Start the new year off with a hike in your favorite state park. Fort Macon will be offering four ranger led hikes this year, all starting from the Visitor Center at 8 am or 3 pm.
Date & Time: Thursday, April 24, 2025, to Sunday, April 27, 2025. Times Vary.
Location: Gallants Channel, 172 West Beaufort Road, Beaufort, NC 28516.
Distance from Hotel: 2.9 miles (8-minute drive)
Event Website: https://www.beaufortwineandfood.org/
Date & Time: Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10 am – 4 pm.
Location: North Carolina Maritime Museum and Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516.
Distance from Hotel: 2.5 miles (7-minute drive)
Event Website: https://beaufortwoodenboatshow.com/
Image courtesy of Betsy Cartier Photography.
Date & Time: Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, 2025. Times Vary.
Location: Downtown Morehead City, NC.
Distance from Hotel: 5.6 miles (12-minute drive)
Event Website: https://www.thebigrock.com/
Image courtesy of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
Come and sail in the museum’s fleet of traditional wooden boats; or cast a line with a cane pole. Join in games or just relax and enjoy the music and spectacular view of Gallants Channel and the surrounding waterway. All Maritime Day activities are free and open to the public. There will be live music, kid’s activities, and a collection of food trucks offering lunch from 10 am – 3 pm.
Date & Time: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Location: 315 Front Street Beaufort, NC 28516
Distance from Hotel: 2.6 miles (8-minute drive)
Reserve at: 252-728-1638 or info@maritimefriends.org
Event Website: www.MaritimeFriends.org
The Beaufort Hotel is proud to once again be a Gamefish Sponsor.
Date & Time: June 7 – 15, 2025. Times Vary.
Location: Downtown Morehead City, NC.
Distance from Hotel: 5.6 miles (12-minute drive)
Event Website: https://www.thebigrock.com/
Image courtesy of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
Date & Time: Friday June 27 and Saturday June 28, 2025, 10 am – 4 pm.
Location: Various locations throughout Beaufort’s Historic District.
Distance from Hotel: 2 miles (7-minute drive)
Event Website: https://beauforthistoricsite.org/ohthomes/
Image courtesy of Beaufort Historic Site.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 4, 2024, 10 am.
Location: The parade route starts at Gordon and Front Street and turns right onto Turner Street ending at the Carteret County Courthouse.
Distance from Hotel: 2 miles (7-minute drive)
Event Website: http://visitbeaufortnc.com/
Image courtesy of Dylan Ray Photos.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 4, 10 am - 4pm
Location: Fort Macon State Park
2303 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach
Distance from Hotel: 11.0 miles (19-minutes drive)
Check out the Live Events Calendar for more information.
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 9 through Saturday, July 12, 2025. Times Vary.
Location: Downtown Morehead City, NC.
Distance from Hotel: 5.6 miles (12-minute drive)
Event Website: https://www.thebigrock.com/
Image courtesy of the Big Rock Tournament.
Space is limited. Reservations in advance. Ticketed event, for members only, limited to 4 per member.
For information, call 252-728-1638 or email info@maritimefriends.org. Visit www.MaritimeFriends.org
Date & Time: Friday - Sunday, October 3 - 5, 2025. Times Vary.
Location: Downtown Morehead City, Waterfront.
Distance from Hotel: 5.5 miles (11-minute drive)
Event Website: https://www.ncseafoodfestival.org/
Date & Time: Friday - Sunday, November 14 - 16, 2025. Times Vary.
Location: Downtown Beaufort, Beaufort, NC 28516.
Distance from Hotel: miles (7-minute drive)
Event Website: https://www.thebeaufortpirateinvasion.com/
Image courtesy of Betsy Cartier Photography.
And for the best part… All proceeds benefit Beaufort Elementary School and Beaufort Middle School Athletic Boosters. Last year, organizers had 250 participants and closed out the race with 500 participants in 2024! The event raised over $10,000.
5K and 1 mile Fun Run registration price TBD for adults and kids. The Beaufort Hotel and 34° North Restaurant are two of the sponsors!
Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 8 am
Location: Downtown Beaufort, Beaufort, NC 28516.
Distance from Hotel: 2 miles (7-minute drive)
Date & Time: Saturday, December 6, 2025. 6:30 pm.
Location: Beaufort Waterfront.
Distance from Hotel: 2 miles (7-minute drive)
Event Website: http://visitbeaufortnc.com/
Date & Time: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 1 – 5 pm.
Location: Various locations throughout Beaufort’s Historic District
Distance from Hotel: 2 miles (7-minute drive)
Beaufort Historic Site
130 Turner Street, Beaufort, NC 28516
252-728-5225
Event Website: www.beauforthistoricsite.org
Image courtesy of Beaufort Historic Site.
Date & Time: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 5 – 8 pm.
Location: Various locations throughout Beaufort’s Historic District
Distance from Hotel: 2 miles (7-minute drive)
Beaufort Historic Site
130 Turner Street, Beaufort, NC 28516
252-728-5225
Event Website: www.beauforthistoricsite.org
Image courtesy of The Inn on Turner.
Date & Time: Friday, December 12, 2025, 4 - 8 pm, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10 am - 8 pm, and Sunday, December 14, 2025, 11 am - 5 pm.
Location: North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516.
Distance from Hotel: 2.5 miles (7-minute drive)
Image courtesy of Less Still, from his train collection.
There will be live entertainment starting at 6 pm, and the cannons will go off at 7:00 sharp. (If you show up at 6:45 you won't get in due to the road being closed for safety reasons).
Feel free to bring a folding chair and picnic meal, like the summer concerts. No alcohol. Come early and carpool. Parking is limited.
Folks are invited back the next day for the annual First Day Hike as rangers guide visitors through the maritime forest, the beach and salt marshes on a beautiful three-mile hike.
Date & Time: December 31, 2025, 6 pm
Location: Fort Macon State Park, 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512,
Tel: 252-726-3775.
Distance from Hotel: 11.0 miles (19-minute drive time).
Each time slot will offer two hike options. A short nature hike on the Yarrow’s Loop trail and inlet beach covering about ¾ of a mile, or a long 3.2-mile hike around the Elliott Caues Trail.
Participants should wear sturdy shoes, bring a water bottle, and probably bug spray.
Date & Time: January 1, 2025
Location: Fort Macon State Park, 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512,
Tel: (252) 726-3775.