May 2024 Events on the Crystal Coast
NC Coast Events May 2024
Welcome to May on the Crystal Coast, where the sun-kissed beaches and vibrant communities come alive with excitement! As spring transitions into summer, this month brings a tidal wave of events and activities for all to enjoy. From lively festivals and outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and culinary delights, there’s something for everyone to discover along our picturesque coastline. Join us as we dive into the festivities awaiting you in May!
Maritime Heritage Series: The Cape Lookout Lighthouse
May 2nd
Location: North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort
Join Education Curator Benjamin Wunderly for an insightful discussion on the history of the Cape Lookout lighthouse, a Carteret County landmark. Learn about the 1812 and 1859 towers through captivating images and uncover lesser-known facts about the ‘Diamond’ tower.
Beginner Adult Pine Needle Workshop
May 3rd
Location: Beaufort Historic Site
Join Penny Holland for an enjoyable workshop! Discover the ancient art of pine needle basket-making, which dates back nearly 9,000 years and is a vital vessel for storing grain, crops, and other essentials. All materials will be provided, so bring a bag lunch and get creative!
NC Shell Show
May 3rd-5th
Location: Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City
Experience the Shell Show featuring captivating shell exhibits. Bring a mystery shell for expert identification and dive into the worldwide shell market scene. The Club hosts a judged show annually, offering competitions across various categories and special groups for novices and juniors. Enjoy divisions for shell crafts and photography too. Join us as the Club invites the public to attend, vote for their favorite displays, and participate in the excitement!
Bike The Banks
May 4th
Location: Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation
Remember to mark your calendars for Bike the Banks! Choose from three exciting bicycle rides: a 10-mile, a 50-mile, or a 100-mile option. All participants will gather at the Emerald Isle Community Center to register and receive important event details. The fun kicks off at 7:30 a.m., so arrive on time!
Downtown Derby Darty
May 4th
Location: Portside Marina in Morehead City
Join Downtown Morehead City, Inc. for an exciting day of food, drinks, and Derby anticipation! The pub crawl will take you to over ten local downtown bars and restaurants, each offering special Derby-themed deals. Dress to impress in your Churchill Downs finest and enter the best-dressed lady, most dapper gentleman, and best hat contests during check-in! Tickets include a vintage mint julep glass, a complimentary drink, Derby souvenirs, and a raffle ticket for a chance to win fantastic Derby prizes!
Outdoor Movie Night- Star Wars
May 4th
Location: The Watering Hole in Beaufort
Join us at The Watering Hole for a delightful, family-friendly outdoor movie night featuring Star Wars! Remember to bring your chair. Enjoy delicious offerings from our on-site food truck, popcorn bar, and special drink deals! The event begins at 7:00 p.m.
Kayak the Salt Marsh
May 9th
Location: Gallants Channel Event Space in Beaufort
Join the education team for kayak instruction and safety lessons on shore, followed by a 1.5-mile paddle through the salt marsh in our touring kayaks. Recommended for ages 12 and up; an adult must accompany participants under 18. Swimming ability is required; some kayak experience is recommended.
2024 CPM Kids Tournament 
May 11th
Location: The Public Docks at Jaycee Park in Morehead City
Celebrate the legacy of Christopher Perri by honoring his love for fishing for the 2024 CPM Kids Tournament. Kids under 15 can enjoy free rods, tackle, and bait, making it the perfect opportunity to experience the joy of fishing. Join us for dock fishing, weigh-ins, and a fun tie-dye session! All fishing equipment will be provided, and the event is free for all children, with no registration required.
6 Years of Beer Anniversary
May 11th
Location: Fishtowne Brewhouse in Beaufort
Celebrate Fishtowne’s 6th anniversary in groovy 70s style! Enjoy live music, delicious food trucks, games, and raffles. Take advantage of the costume contest for the most 70s stud muffin, beach bunny, and hip outfits! The first 50 guests will receive a free anniversary T-shirt. Join the fun!
Paint Party
May 14th
Location: Bogue Sound Distillery in Bogue
Join us for a paint party at Bogue Sound Distillery! Gather your friends, grab a drink, and unleash your inner artist as we create a beautiful painting together! We’ll be painting Whale’s Tail; you can choose your canvas. All materials will be provided, so come ready to learn, have fun, and let your creativity flow! Plan for about 2-2.5 hours to complete this project.
Exploring Coast Habitats on the Rachel Carson Reserve
May 15th
Location: North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort
Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the salt marsh and tidal flats at the Rachel Carson Reserve with a knowledgeable educator. Embark on a guided hike through various habitats, traversing sandy, muddy, and wet terrain across Town Marsh and Bird Shoal.
Beaufort Music Festival 
May 17th and 18th
Location: Gallants Channel Event Space in Beaufort
Join us for a 2-day music festival at Gallants Channel in Beaufort, NC! It’s fun for the whole family with live music, food trucks, beer activations, vendors, and more. Doors open Friday, May 17th, at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 18th, at 11:30 a.m. Featuring The Future Birds, Big Something, American Aquarium, and more! Get your tickets now!
Atlantic Beach Music Festival
May 18th
Location: The Circle in Atlantic Beach
Don’t miss the 10th Annual AB Beach Music Festival at the Circle boardwalk on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring performances by Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot, The Band of Oz, The Embers, The I-42 Band, and The Mighty Saints of Soul. Mark your calendars now for a day of fantastic music and fun!
Military Family Fishing Day
May 18th
Location: Oceanana Fishing Pier in Atlantic Beach
Military families with children on active duty are welcome to enjoy a day of fishing at Oceanana Pier, followed by a free lunch at Pier House Restaurant. This event is complimentary and made possible by Big Rock Sports, Local Point Church, Oceanana Pier, and the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee Star Sponsors and volunteers. Pre-registration is necessary.
Propagation Class
May 21st
Location: Carolina Home and Garden in Newport
Discover the art of growing plants without soil and minimal maintenance! Please mark your calendar for an informative session led by an in-house expert, Fran, as she teaches you the proper techniques for propagation. This hands-on class ensures you’ll leave with a living plant to nurture and watch flourish!
World Turtle Day: Sea Turtles of North Carolina
May 23rd
Location: North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort
Join us in honoring World Turtle Day! Unlike many other turtles, sea turtles spend most of their lives in the ocean. From hatchlings to adults, their journey at sea is remarkable. Discover the various species of sea turtles found in the coastal waters of North Carolina and the challenges they encounter even before hatching from their sandy nests.
Morehead City Marlins vs. Wilmington Sharks
May 24th
Location: Big Rock Stadium in Morehead City
Immerse yourself in the excitement of a Morehead City Marlins baseball game! Experience the lively atmosphere of Big Rock Stadium, where every night is filled with bats cracking, fans cheering, and exciting moments for everyone. Join us for an unforgettable evening brimming with action, delicious food, and the timeless delight of America’s beloved pastime.
Cannon Day
May 25th
Location: Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach
Join us at Fort Macon to discover the loading, aiming, and firing techniques of the fort’s various cannons! Event starts at 10:30 a.m.
Morehead Motor Co. Memorial Day Classic
May 26th
Location: Carteret Speedway in Swansboro
Join in on Memorial Day fun at Carteret Speedway. Gates for fans open at 5 p.m., followed by a driver meet & greet at 6 p.m. The show kicks off at 7 p.m.!
Experience May on the Crystal Coast
As May waves goodbye on the Crystal Coast, let’s cheer for the incredible memories it brought and get pumped for the extraordinary adventures waiting for us in June! Look no further if you’ve sniffed out the perfect events and need a cozy spot to crash during your coastal escapades. Your dream vacation rental on the Crystal Coast awaits!
Crystal Coast Events Year-Round
Get set for a burst of excitement on the Crystal Coast this May! But wait, there’s more! Mark your calendar for June’s epic 63rd Annual Old Homes Tour Kickoff Party, Fort Macon’s 100th Anniversary Celebration Car Show, and the 66th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. The excitement is brewing for these incredible events on the horizon! Brace yourself for even more thrilling escapades on the Crystal Coast as summer draws near. And be sure to keep tabs on our year-round event calendar to stay tuned into all the happenings in our community!
