Category Archives: Swansboro Festivals

Festivals, Historic Swansboro, Live Music, Arts, Crafts, Seafood, Fireworks, Wine, Beer, Waterfront, Christmas Flotilla, Independence Day, vendors, fresh fish

Swansboro by Candlelight

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 |  5pm to 9pm

☔ Rain or Shine Event
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 Tastings at Bake Bottle & Brew and The Gray Dolphin
☕ Seasonal Refreshments from Downtown Merchants & Restaurants
🩰 Nutcracker Ballet Scenes by Swansboro Dance Studio — 5 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

Justin Castellano + Ed Prophet

Where to Park

Street closures begin promptly at 3 PM and reopen at 9 PM immediately after the event. Affected streets include:
  • All of Church Street
  • All of Front Street
  • Water Street from NC 24 to Broad Street
  • Elm Street will open for southbound traffic
  • Walnut will be open for northbound traffic
  • 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 Swansboro’s ultimate culinary competition! Sample delicious bites and sip fine wines while local chefs go head-to-head in a flavorful showdown.
🎟️ Tickets:
$45 in advance | $50 day-of event
Find out more and get your ticket  ➤ Click Here

Thank you to our Sponsors!

 

🎶 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.

🚙 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, view special hotel rates, and find full event details.

2025 Arts by the Sea Vendors

As of May 17, 2025

We look forward to seeing you in 🦢 The Friendly City by the Sea!

Pirate Fest

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 10, 2025, 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

Friday Night's Swashbucklin’ Sunset Cruise with Lady Swan Boat Tours

(Arrgghhh! Sold Out)

Join us on Friday, May 9th 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 10th! ⚔️🦜

🗓️ Date: Friday, May 9
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM
⏱️ Duration: 90 minutes
📍 Departure: Lady Swan dock
💰 Cost: $45/person

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 11th 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!

We’ll be waiting with treasure chests full of fun in Swansboro!

Swansboro Christmas Flotilla

Friday, November 28, 2025 | 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
🚌 Free Parking Shuttle & Tractor Hayride from the Swansboro Recreation Center (4:00–8:30 pm)

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! 

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, 11/27 • Christmas Flotilla, 11/28 •
Shop Small Saturday, 11/29

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 27th, 2025 — 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.
See Menu Here
Saltwater Grill
910-326-7300
Waterfront dining with beautiful views and a warm holiday welcome + catering options.
See Menu Here
The Boro Restaurant & Bar
252-470-8313
We'll take care of the cooking, so you can take care of the company. Taking orders up to November 25.
See Menu for Prepackaged Holiday Meals Here
Icehouse Catering
252-470-8313
Bringing coastal goodness straight to your table — perfect for vacation rentals!
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.

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!

Mullet Festival of North Carolina

October 10 thru 12, 2025

Public Notice | Cancelled Due to Weather

For the safety of all, the 2025 Mullet Festival has been cancelled due to the approaching coastal storm. The Town of Swansboro is deeply grateful to its sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who worked tirelessly to prepare for this year's celebration. Thank you for your understanding and continued support of the Friendly City by the Sea!

Pre-order your 71st Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival T-shirt!
Click Here!
What began as a small potluck-style gathering to celebrate the completion of the bridge over the White Oak River is now a highly anticipated part of Eastern North Carolina culture and the oldest festival on North Carolina's Crystal Coast.
The occasion celebrates the mullet, a species of fish found in the waters of Eastern North Carolina. Swansboro natives remember days long ago when mullets were hauled to shore in nets hooked to tractors along the beach. Back in 1954, mullet fed the workers building the White Oak River Bridge.

Plan Your Mullet Festival Getaway to Swansboro!

It's a perfect fall weekend to discover the charm of our quaint and historic coastal town.
Book your stay for a fun-filled Mullet Festival Weekend!
Check out Swansboro's Airbnbs or VRBOs, or enjoy a stay at our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites!

Friday, October 10th
Blessing of the Fleet

The weekend festivities begin on Friday evening with Swansboro’s traditional Blessing of the Fleet at Casper’s Marina at 6 p.m. This moving ceremony honors those who work on the water and pays tribute to our local fishermen who have passed. A wreath will be placed in the water, accompanied by the playing of Taps, as blessings are offered for the boats and their crews.
Where to Watch: Spectators can view the procession and ceremony from Casper’s Marina, the Church Street Dock, Ward Shore, or along the downtown waterfront.
All boaters are welcome to participate—everything from kayaks to fishing vessels. For registration details, visit the Swansboro Festivals website.

Photo: Swansboro Festivals Team

The Mullet Festival Music Line Up

For a complete line-up of the 71st Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival of NC happenings, head over to the
Swansboro Festivals Website
Enjoy the convenience of transportation to Historic Downtown Swansboro via the Mullet Festival FREE PARKING SHUTTLE running throughout the weekend from Ward Farm just behind the Hampton Inn – Swansboro off of Hwy 24!

Out of care and concern for your companion animals, please leave pets at home. However, we do allow trained service dogs to accompany a person with a disability, per the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Fall Fishing & Boating

Find out more about fishing and boating in Swansboro. Let our expert local fishing charters, outfitters, and eco-tour operators provide some of the most amazing and relaxing experiences on the water along North Carolina's Coast.

Download our Merchants, Tours, Food & Drink Guide & Map

We look forward to seeing you in Swansboro!

Swansboro Independence Day Celebration

July 3, 2025 | 6pm to 10pm

Historic Downtown Swansboro Waterfront
Admission: Free

Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with us in beautiful, historic Swansboro! Join friends, family, and neighbors for an unforgettable evening of live music, delicious food, and dazzling fireworks over the waterfront.
🍔 Savor Swansboro’s coastal flavors at our local restaurants or enjoy a tasty bite from one of the food trucks onsite.
🎇 The night ends with a spectacular fireworks display over the water—a perfect way to celebrate our nation's independence!
🎆 This is a family-friendly event! For safety reasons, we ask attendees to follow these guidelines: No pets, bicycles, or skateboards.
🎶 Entertainment begins at 6 PM with a performance by the legendary Tams at Olde Towne Square’s Harry C. Pugliese Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes and settle in for a night of music and fun!

Plan Now for your 4th of July Weekend, Late Summer, or Fall Getaway to Swansboro!

????️ It's a perfect time to plan your adventure! Discover the charm of our quaint and historic coastal town.
Book your getaway at our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites Swansboro or one of our unique Airbnbs, or VRBOs!

Thank you to our Sponsors!

🚗 Event Details and Street Closures

🅿️ More Parking Details for Thursday, July 3rd
🔵 Town Hall will be designated handicapped parking ONLY — the entire lot will be reserved for those with proper credentials.
• Golf cart shuttles will run from Town Hall to downtown
🅿️ General parking will be available at:
• Swansboro Municipal Park fields
• Ward Farm (behind the Hampton Inn)

🚫 There will be NO SHUTTLE SERVICE — all attendees must walk from the general parking areas to downtown. Please plan accordingly.

🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ The Swansboro Fire Department will have a crosswalk on Hwy 24 (at the fire station) to help everyone cross safely.

🙏 We appreciate your patience and kindness to our volunteers who are working hard to park everyone safely and efficiently.

❓Questions? Call the Swansboro Recreation Center at 910-326-2600.
Let’s make it a safe and fun celebration for all!
🚧 Street Closures

In preparation for the Independence Day festivities, streets will be closed from 3 PM to approximately 11 PM. We kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring that all vehicles are removed from the affected streets by 3 PM.
  • Front Street – entire length
  • Church Street – entire length
  • Water Street – from NC 24 to Broad Street
  • Main Street – from Elm Street to the waterfront
  • Elm Street – open for southbound traffic
  • Walnut Street – open for northbound traffic
🐾 For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please remember that no pets, bicycles, or skateboards are permitted during the event.

We look forward to seeing you in 🦢 The Friendly City by the Sea!