Mullet Festival of North Carolina

Join us for the 70th Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival of North Carolina in Historic Downtown Swansboro.

Free Admission | Rain or Shine Event
Festival Logo Design by
What the Fin Apparel

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 Eastern North Carolina waters. 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.

Photo Credit: Swansboro Historical Assn. | Frank Tursi | Charles Farrells

The White Oak River Bridge now serves as a vital link between Onslow and Carteret counties. Upon its completion, the conception of the Mullet Festival began as a way for the communities to celebrate the arrival of the modern era – in bridge form – and that spirit of celebration continues, 70 years later!

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 at our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites – Swansboro!

The weekend festivities kick off on Friday, October 11th, with the traditional Blessing of the Fleet at Casper's Marina at 6 pm. This is a very festive occasion, for both spectators and boat owners. All are welcome to participate. As the tradition continues, a wreath will be dropped in memory of the boat owners who have passed on.

All Drone Photos: Todd Dini

For a complete line-up of the 70th 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 off of Hwy 24!

The Mullet Festival is jam-packed with live music! Stay tuned for more details to follow!

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 & Restaurants Guide

We look forward to seeing you in Swansboro!

Swansboro Independence Day Celebration

Join us for the Town of Swansboro Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show along Swansboro's Historic Downtown Waterfront!

Admission is Free!

Enjoy all the evening's festivities starting with The Cat5 Band in Olde Town Square at the Harry C. Pugliese Pavillion at 6 pm. Grab a bite for dinner at one of our amazing local eateries or one of the food trucks that will be onsite.

🇺🇲 Singing of the National Anthem by the award-winning Nashville recording artist, Velvet Rodeo, and an awe-inspiring fireworks show over the water will start at sunset!

Streets will be closed on July 3rd from 3 pm until approximately 11 pm. Please ensure all vehicles are removed from the downtown streets promptly by 3 pm. We thank you for your cooperation.

Street closures are as follows:

Front Street – from Main Street to Church Street
Church Street – from Front Street to Water Street
Water Street – from Church Street to Main Street
Main Street will be closed at Water Street for eastbound traffic

🎆 This is a family fun event! For safety reasons, we kindly ask attendees to follow these guidelines: No pets, bicycles, or skateboards.

Plan Your 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 stay at our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites Swansboro or at one of our Airbnbs, VRBOs or Vacation Rentals!

Don't miss the 70th Anniversary of the Swansboro Mullet Festival of NC!

Swansboro by Candlelight

☔ Rain or Shine Event

Historic Downtown Swansboro becomes a magical winter wonderland on November 9th, 2024 from 5 pm - 9 pm as the Swansboro Downtown Merchants & Restaurants host their Annual Swansboro by Candlelight. Luminaries line the streets, shop windows display whimsical scenes, and ribbons & bows put the finishing touches on a journey back to the days of yesteryear.

Live entertainment in the Olde Towne Square, Wine Tasting at Bake Bottle & Brew, and The Gray Dolphin. The downtown merchants will be offering refreshments to all of their guests and they will be open until 9 pm.

Don't miss the Swansboro Dance Studio as they perform scenes from their Nutcracker Ballet at 5 pm!

A highlight of the evening will be the Annual Town of Swansboro Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 pm at Olde Town Square!

Instigator Fishing & Diving Charters will have freebie megalodon shark teeth fragments for the kiddos as well. This is a great time to get your Christmas gift and/or stocking stuffer! "Way better than a lump of coal!" Located at 135 Front Street next to their Viking boat!

We invite you to stay for a long weekend in Swansboro! Visit our website at www.VisitSwansboro.org for information on where to stay, including Swansboro's award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Enter the Win the Swansboro Cool & Breezy Getaway Contest

Discover the charm of Swansboro! Enjoy the quieter cooler vibes of the fall and winter seasons! Throw on a sweater and shop and stroll in our historic downtown. Adventures on the water and excursions to Bear Island are available nearly year-round. Enjoy the fall sunsets, island treasure hunting, and shelling. Savor the waterfront views and flavors of our local eateries!

❄️PRIZE PACKAGE INCLUDES❄️

2 Nights Stay for Two at Hampton Inn & Suites - Swansboro*
1 $50 Gift Card from Bake, Bottle & Brew
1 $100 Gift Card from The Boro Restaurant & Bar

The winner will be randomly selected and announced on our Facebook Page on Monday, November 27th.

*One room for two individuals for two nights at the Hampton Inn & Suites - Swansboro. Valid through November 11, 2024. Certain exclusions and black-out dates apply. Reservations must be made 7 days prior to arrival. Total value is a maximum of $350.

Kids Can Enjoy the Night Out Too While You Shop!

Where to Park

Street closures will be at 3 pm and will re-open at 9 pm, immediately after the event.

Streets affected by the closures include:

• All of Church Street

• All of Front Street

• Main Street will be closed up to Elm Street

• Moore Street and Church Street will be closed up to Water Street

Download Merchants & Restaurants Guide & Map

We look forward to seeing you in Swansboro!

Swansboro Arts By The Sea

Join us for The Town of Swansboro's annual Arts by the Sea Festival in Historic Downtown Swansboro.

Admission is Free!

Pottery, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, fiber, carvings, photography, sculpture, and metalwork are just a few of the crafts represented at this annual event. The festival features live, local entertainment in the heart of Swansboro's downtown historic district at the Harry C. Pugliese “Pug” Pavilion.

Come for the day or a weekend getaway and see the best artists and crafters as they line our historic streets with beautiful fine art and handmade crafts. The juried craft show represents some of the finest crafters in the Southeast and draws art lovers from around the state, eager to spy their next artistic find!

Get your ticket to the 🍷 WINE & FOOD TASTING EVENT! Experience the ultimate culinary showdown at our 'Taste of the Town' competition. Get your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of gastronomic delights and fine wines by the sea! The cost is $45 in advance and $50 on the day of the event. Find out more here.

Plan Your Arts by the Sea Getaway to Swansboro!

It's a perfect spring weekend to discover the charm of our quaint and historic coastal town. Book your stay for your Arts by the Sea Weekend at our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites Swansboro!

To keep things safe, we ask that eventgoers abide by the following: no pets, bicycles, or skateboards. Streets are closed to vehicular traffic. As an extra treat, leave the parking to us!

🚙 PARK & RIDE! Enjoy the convenience of the FREE shuttle that will run from Ward Farm, located just behind the Hampton Inn & Suites.

Are you interested in vendor information? The Swansboro Festivals Team is seeking fine arts and crafts and food vendors! Please visit www.swansborofestivals.com to find application forms, special hotel rates for vendors at the Hampton Inn Swansboro, and more vendor details.

Swansboro Christmas Flotilla

Food & Family Fun with Santa

Bring your appetites and have a bite to eat with one of the food vendors! Music will fill the air while you enjoy sweet treats, cider, and hot cocoa. You might even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus as he disembarks his boat on his way over to Pug Pavillion to visit with the children directly after the flotilla!

Bring Your Own Boat!

⚓ Don't miss your chance to join the fun and the possibility of winning a cash prize. Sign up at Swansboro Festivals Boat Sign Up.

Parking

Parking for the 2023 Swansboro Christmas Flotilla will be street parking as well as at Swansboro Town Hall, located at 601 W. Corbett Avenue.

Stay for the Weekend!

Plan a long Thanksgiving weekend getaway to Swansboro! Bring your holiday shopping list and enjoy Shop Small Saturday! Check out our unique accommodations with Airbnb and VRBO, as well as our Trip Advisor top-rated Hampton Inn & Suites, conveniently located within a short distance from Historic Downtown Swansboro.

Gobble up some coastal Swansboro goodness for Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 23rd at local eateries, Saltwater Grill or Swansboro Food & Beverage Co. Give them a call and make your reservations!

Enjoy nature and hike the trails at Hammocks Beach State Park! Learn about the flora, fauna, and our history. The park's Visitor Center and hours of operation are from 8 am to 6 pm daily, except for Christmas Day.

What Not To Bring for Safety of Our Patrons

Flotilla Parade Route

Downtown Swansboro Event Road Closures Map

Front Street, Church Street, and Water Street will be closed during the event. Street closures will begin at 3pm.

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Enter the Win the Swansboro Cool & Breezy Getaway Contest

Discover the charm of Swansboro! Enjoy the quieter cooler vibes of the fall and winter seasons! Throw on a sweater and shop and stroll around our historic downtown. Adventures on the water and excursions to Bear Island are available nearly year-round. Enjoy the fall sunsets, island treasure hunting, and shelling. Savor the waterfront views and flavors of our local eateries!

❄️PRIZE PACKAGE INCLUDES❄️

2 Nights Stay for Two at Hampton Inn & Suites - Swansboro*
1 $50 Gift Card from Bake, Bottle & Brew
1 $100 Gift Card from The Boro Restaurant & Bar

The winner will be randomly selected and announced on our Facebook Page on Monday, November 27th.

*One room for two individuals for two nights at the Hampton Inn & Suites - Swansboro. Valid through November 11, 2024. Certain exclusions and black-out dates apply. Reservations must be made 7 days prior to arrival. Total value is a maximum of $400.

Download Merchants & Restaurants Guide & Map

We look forward to seeing you in Swansboro!