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Category Archives: Swansboro, North Carolina
North Carolina, Eastern North Carolina, Coastal North Carolina, Atlantic Ocean, White Oak River, Intracoastal Waterway, Onslow County, Quaint Village, Historic
Swansboro Christmas Flotilla
Friday, November 27, 2026 | 5pm to 8pm
At dusk, the waterfront comes alive with one of Swansboro’s most enchanting traditions — the Annual Christmas Flotilla. From 5 pm to 8 pm, watch a dazzling parade of boats adorned with shimmering lights glide along the White Oak River, filling the night with holiday magic.
🎅 Santa Arrives by Boat and greets children at Pugliese Pavilion after the flotilla parade
🍫 Sweet treats, warm cider, and hot cocoa from local vendors
🎶 Live festive music to set the mood
⚓ Bring Your Boat! Sign up to participate in the flotilla for your chance to win prizes - Sign Up Here
🎄🚌 Flotilla Shuttle Service
Park at the Ward Farm fields (behind the Hampton Inn) and enjoy a quick shuttle ride to Town Hall. Shuttles run 4:30–8:30 PM. From Town Hall, you can walk downtown or take a golf cart to the waterfront.
♿🅿️ Accessible Parking: Available at Town Hall, 601 W. Corbett Ave.
Street closures begin promptly at 3:00 PM and reopen immediately after the event at 9:00 PM. Affected streets include:
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All of Church Street
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All of Front Street
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Water Street from NC 24 to Broad Street
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Elm Street will open for southbound traffic
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Walnut will be open for northbound traffic
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No vehicular traffic, personal golf carts, scooters, or bicycles will be permitted within the area. We appreciate everyone's cooperation in helping to create a safe environment for all in the event area.
Enjoy the Spectacular Views!
✨ Picture yourself sipping hot cocoa on the waterfront, the sound of holiday music in the air, and boats gliding past dressed in their holiday best!
Arrive early and enjoy Thanksgiving your way — then settle in for a weekend filled with small-town magic, riverfront views, and holiday festivities you’ll treasure all year long.
Walk it off, coastal style! Hammocks Beach State Park’s trails are open all weekend (8 am–6 pm, even on Thanksgiving Day) — the perfect way to stroll off your feast, soak in the scenery, and enjoy quality time with family, friends, and leashed pups.
Shop Small, Stroll, Sip & Savor!
Find the magic in every little shop. Stroll historic downtown Swansboro, eat in our local restaurants, meet the local merchants & the makers, and discover one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Download our downtown map & guide!
Thanksgiving, 11/26 • Christmas Flotilla, 11/27 •
Shop Small Saturday, 11/28
Gather with loved ones, bring your friends and the whole family. Swansboro is the perfect place to get away, celebrate Thanksgiving, and kick off the Christmas season.
Spend Thanksgiving by the Sea in Swansboro
Give thanks, coastal style — in your favorite place by the sea! Whether you’re planning to dine out or enjoy a catered feast at your Swansboro Airbnb or VRBO stay, or our Hampton Inn & Suites, the Friendly City by the Sea has you covered this Thanksgiving.
Open Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26th, 2026 — call ahead for reservations
Preston’s Corner Bar & Grill
910-708-1305
Downtown favorite with coastal flavor and friendly local charm – and catering options for your holiday gathering.
Saltwater Grill
910-326-7300
Waterfront dining with beautiful views and a warm holiday welcome + catering options.
The Boro Restaurant & Bar
252-470-8313
We'll take care of the cooking so that you can take care of the company.
Icehouse Catering
252-470-8313
Bringing coastal goodness straight to your table — perfect for vacation rentals!
Check out our Downtown Merchants, Tours, Food & Drink Guide & Map
Celebrate, shop, and soak in the magic! Spend Thanksgiving Weekend in the Friendly City by the Sea!
Swansboro by Candlelight
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 | 5pm to 9pm
Step into the glow of the season in Historic Downtown Swansboro as the streets come alive for our Annual Swansboro by Candlelight. On this magical November evening, stroll beneath twinkling lights and the soft shimmer of luminaries, admire whimsical holiday window displays, and enjoy the charming ribbons, bows, and details that bring back the nostalgia of holidays past.
✨ Evening Highlights✨
💫 Live Entertainment in Olde Towne Square
🍷 Wine Tasting at Gray Dolphin Gifts
☕ Seasonal Refreshments from Downtown Merchants & Restaurants
🩰 Nutcracker Ballet Scenes by Swansboro Dance Studio — 5 PM
🎶 Southern Hellcats Perform at Pugliese Pavilion — 6:15 PM to 8 PM
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting — 6 PM at Olde Town Square
📸 Make it a weekend to remember! Book a cozy stay in one of our charming Airbnb or VRBO rentals, or enjoy the comfort of our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites—perfect for a girls’ trip, romantic escape, or festive family trip.
Enjoy the live music on the Pug Pavilion Stage in Olde Town Square!
featuring
Southern Hellcats
Where to Park
Street closures begin promptly at 3 PM and reopen at 9 PM immediately after the event. Affected streets include:
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All of Church Street
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All of Front Street
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Water Street from NC 24 to Broad Street
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Elm Street will open for southbound traffic
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Walnut will be open for northbound traffic
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No vehicular traffic, personal golf carts, scooters, or bicycles will be permitted within the area. We appreciate everyone's cooperation to help make the event area a safe environment for all.
Download our Merchants, Tours, Food & Drink Guide & Map
We can’t wait to welcome you to Swansboro by Candlelight—where the magic of the holidays begins!
Swansboro Arts By The Sea
June 13th 2026 | 9am to 5pm
Historic Downtown Swansboro | Free Admission
Join us for the Town of Swansboro’s Annual Arts by the Sea Festival, a vibrant celebration of creativity set along the waterfront in our charming historic district.
✨ Juried Fine Art & Craft Show
Explore coastal streets along the waterfront lined with award-winning pottery, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, fiber art, carvings, photography, sculpture, and metalwork—just to name a few. This juried show features some of the Southeast’s finest artists and crafters, drawing art lovers from across the region.
🛏️ Plan Your Arts by the Sea Getaway
Make it a weekend! Spring is the perfect time to explore Swansboro’s quaint shops, local dining, scenic waterfront, and small-town hospitality.✨ Stay at the award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites Swansboro, just minutes from the festival action.
🍷 Wine & Food Tasting Event: Taste of the Town
Treat yourself to one of Swansboro’s most anticipated culinary experiences! Sample delicious bites and sip fine wines while local chefs showcase their best appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
🎟️ Tickets:
$45 in advance | $50 day-of event
☔ Rain or shine — we’ve got you covered!
Spots are limited—secure yours early.
Find out more and get your ticket ➤ Click Here
Enter the Swansboro Coastal Adventure Giveaway
Visiting for Arts by the Sea? Enter for a chance to win a coastal prize pack featuring local gift cards and a water adventure option—perfect for planning your next Swansboro day on the coast.
CONTEST ENDED AND CLOSED
➤ Click Here to Enter
🎶 Live Entertainment at the “Pug” Pavilion at Olde Town Square
Enjoy performances by talented local musicians at the Harry C. Pugliese “Pug” Pavilion, nestled right in the heart of downtown. The perfect backdrop for a day of art, music, and coastal charm.
9:00 AM Forever Young Line Dancer
10:00 AM Jessica's Dance Academy
10:30 AM Billy & the Kids Bluegrass
11:15 AM Michael Schott/Jenny Kidwell
12:00 PM Emerald 'Aina Hula Dancers
12:30 PM Andrew McCarron
1:15 PM Joe Baes
2:00 PM New Bern Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
2:15 PM Elijah Harris
3:15 PM New Glasses
4:15 PM BC Chickadee
🚙 Park & Ride – We've Got You Covered
To make your visit easy and enjoyable, downtown streets will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event.
🚌 Take advantage of our FREE Park & Ride Shuttle, running from Ward Farm, just behind the Hampton Inn & Suites.
🛍️ Boutiques, Bites & Coastal Adventures
Make the most of your Arts by the Sea weekend with everything Swansboro has to offer!
🛍️ Shop coastal-chic boutiques and artisan shops throughout the historic district—perfect for picking up a unique treasure or gift.
🍤 Savor local flavor at Swansboro’s waterfront spots, favorite eateries, and lively bars—serving up fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and sweet Southern treats.
🚤 Hit the water for a different perspective—book an eco-tour with one of our local operators or take the ferry to Bear Island from Hammocks Beach State Park. Whether you’re kayaking, cruising, or shelling on the shore, it’s the perfect way to soak up our coastal North Carolina vibe. See the Bear Island Marsh Ferry Schedule here.
🎨 Interested in Being a Vendor?
Visit www.swansborofestivals.com to download a vendor application and find full event details.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
2026 Arts by the Sea Vendors
As of May 14, 2026
Swansboro Independence Day Celebration
July 3, 2027 | 6pm to 10pm
Historic Downtown Swansboro | Free Admission
Celebrate Independence Day in the Friendly City by the Sea. Gather with friends, family, and neighbors for an unforgettable evening of live music, local food, and fireworks over the waterfront as we honor America's 250th anniversary.
🍔 Savor Swansboro’s coastal flavors at our local restaurants or enjoy a tasty bite from one of the food trucks onsite.
🎶 Entertainment kicks off at 6 PM with Liquid Pleasure at the Harry C. Pugliese Pavilion in Olde Towne Square. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of high-energy hits spanning funk, soul, Motown, R&B, and pop.
🎇 As the sun sets, gather along the waterfront for a spectacular fireworks display over the water beginning around 9 PM—the perfect finale to an evening of celebration.
Make Swansboro Your Next Coastal Getaway
Whether you're planning a 4th of July weekend getaway, a late summer retreat, or a fall escape, you'll find plenty to explore in the Friendly City by the Sea. Stay at our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites, or choose from a variety of unique Airbnb and VRBO rentals.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Parking, Street Closures & Traffic Information
Several streets in downtown Swansboro will be closed on Thursday, July 3, from 3:00 PM until approximately 11:00 PM to accommodate the Independence Day Celebration.
Please remove all vehicles from the affected areas by 3:00 PM. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:00 PM.
Streets Affected
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Front Street (entire length)
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Church Street (entire length)
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Water Street from NC 24 to Broad Street
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Main Street from Elm Street to the waterfront
Traffic Access
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Elm Street will remain open for southbound traffic.
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Walnut Street will remain open for northbound traffic.
Event Safety Information
For the safety of all attendees, pets, bicycles, skateboards, personal golf carts, scooters, and all vehicular traffic are not permitted within the event area during the celebration.
Download Our Merchants, Tours, Food & Drink Guide
Onslow County PirateFest
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 10am to 4pm
Historic Downtown Swansboro – Free Admission
☠️ Ahoy, Mateys! ☠️
Onslow County and Swansboro Parks and Recreation Departments proudly present Pirate Fest — an epic day of high-seas adventure in Historic Downtown Swansboro!
Join the crew on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM for an exciting swashbuckling celebration. From live sword fights and sea shanties to treasure hunts and live mermaids, this event brings the golden age of piracy to life along the Carolina coast.
Don your finest pirate garb and set sail for a day of plundering fun! Enjoy pirate shows, encampments, live music, and photo ops with sirens of the sea.
For more information, contact:
📞 Onslow County Parks & Recreation: 910-347-5332
📞 Swansboro Parks & Recreation: 910-326-2600
Photo: Captain Jane, Lady Swan Boat Tours
✨Festival Highlights✨
🧜♀️ Mermaids at PirateFest
Stop by and see these enchanting mermaids making waves in downtown Swansboro during Pirate Fest. It’s a magical experience for all ages you won’t want to miss!
🐢 Turtle’s Lair
A fan-favorite returns! Visit Turtle’s Lair for custom balloon creations and a fun, pirate-worthy photo opportunity the whole crew will enjoy.
🎶 Live Entertainment: Misfits of Fortune
Hoist the sails and head to the Pugliese Pavilion for live performances throughout the day by Misfits of Fortune—bringing high-energy music, pirate spirit, and plenty of fun to the waterfront.
🏴☠️ Pirate Encampments, Sword Fighting & More
Explore several pirate encampments throughout downtown Swansboro and experience life on the high seas up close. It’s a fun, interactive way to step into the world of pirates during this FREE event!
✨Parking & Free Shuttle✨
🏴☠️ Here’s everything you need to know before you arrive!
A FREE shuttle will be running from Ward Farm (located behind the Hampton Inn), bringing you right into downtown—easy and stress-free.
Handicap parking will be available at Town Hall, with golf cart shuttles ready to assist and help you get where you need to go.
Plan ahead, hop on the shuttle, and enjoy the day—we can’t wait to see you in Swansboro!
Friday Night's Swashbucklin’ Sunset Cruise with Lady Swan Boat Tours
ALL SEATS SOLD
Join us on Friday, May 8th at 6:30 PM aboard the Lady Swan for a 90-minute Pirate Cruise through the scenic Swansboro waters! 
Photo: Captain Jane, Lady Swan Boat Tours
This one-of-a-kind voyage is $45 per person and includes an exclusive pirate show just for cruise-goers—featuring the very same pirates who will be invading downtown Swansboro for PirateFest on May 9th! 
Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 6:30 PM
Duration: 90 minutes
Departure: Lady Swan dock
Cost: $45/person - Register Here
Space is limited for this special adventure—so grab your crew and register today!
Register online at swansboro.recdesk.com
For more info, call the Swansboro Recreation Center at 910-326-2600
Celebrate Mother's Day in Swansboro!
Enjoy a relaxing Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 10th at one of our local eateries, then spend the afternoon on a guided paddling trip or an eco-tour with one of our tour operators, or an afternoon scenic history cruise through the coastal marshes aboard the Lady Swan.
Discover the Treasure Map to Swansboro's Shops & Eateries!