Swansboro Independence Day Celebration

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

Front Street (entire length)
Church Street (entire length)
Water Street from NC 24 to Broad Street
Main Street from Elm Street to the waterfront

Traffic Access

Elm Street will remain open for southbound traffic.
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

Mullet Festival of North Carolina

🎣 MULLET FESTIVAL WEATHER UPDATE - as of October 9

Saturday, October 10: Festivities are still a go! Check out the updated entertainment line-up!

Sunday, October 11: Cancelled due to the weather forecast.

Here's an updated lineup for Saturday's Mullet Festival fun!

Get your 72nd Annual Mullet Festival T-shirt on Front Street or purchase one online 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 9th
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

Mullet Festival of NC Music Line-up

For a complete line-up of the 72nd Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival of NC happenings, head over to:

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 located at 215 Old Hammock Rd, just 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!