Mullet Festival of North Carolina

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

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.