Events

70th Annual Mullet Festival of North Carolina

October 11-13, 2024

The Swansboro Mullet Festival of North Carolina, the oldest festival in the Crystal Coast, began in 1954. The weekend centers around the small, bony fish that appears as having a purplish-blue tint when 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. In 1954, mullet fed the workers building the White Oak River Bridge that later became a vital link between Onslow and Carteret counties. Upon its completion, the conception of the Mullet Festival began. It was a way to celebrate the arrival of the modern era in bridge form. The event started as a potluck-type event with the town coming together and contributing to the celebration.

Today, the Swansboro Mullet Festival has expanded into a two-day festival that offers locals and visitors a glimpse into history combined with a modern celebration of all things mullet. The 70^th Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival of North Carolina is presented by Team Chevrolet of Swansboro The festival will return to Downtown Swansboro on October 11-13, 2024.

The weekend festivities kick off on Friday, October 11, with The Blessing of the Fleet. The Blessing begins at Casper's Marina at 6 p.m. All boat owners are welcome to participate. A wreath will be dropped in memoriam of boat owners who have passed.

This is for:
*those who work on boats
*those who protect our country
*those who provide food from these waters
*those who use these waters for family and pleasure
*any other boats and owners in our area

The celebration begins with the closing of Hwy 24 for the parade to lead the way downtown. Over 175 craft vendors along with food vendors will line the streets of downtown Swansboro, and of course the famous Mullet Fish Fry – there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Admission to the festival is free. Downtown streets will be closed to vehicular traffic both days. Visitors are asked to leave their pets at home.

In the Children’s area several inflatables will be set up for kids to climb, bounce and slide on and a craft area for the little mullets. Many other activities will also take place throughout the weekend including the popular “Mullet Toss” in between band performances.

Shuttle service to the festival has been a HUGE success for the festival and patrons of the SWANSBORO MULLET FESTIVAL will continue to be offered shuttle service. Shuttles will carry festival attendants from the parking area at Ward Farm (located behind Hampton Inn) to drop off/pickup at Swansboro Town Hall. Shuttles will run on Saturday 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-5 pm. Accessible parking is available at Swansboro Town Hall.

Music and entertainment are always big hits of the festival, and this year’s lineup is sure to please the crowd. Festival goes can enjoy a variety of musical entertainers all day, both days of the festival at the Pugliese Pavilion on Church St. and the Mattocks Stage on Moore St. This year’s headliner, The Tams kicks off at 6:30 pm on Saturday night.

For more detailed information, entertainment schedule, vending opportunities, or if you would like to volunteer, please visit the festival website –www.swansborofestivals.com or call 910-326-2600.

July 3, 6-10 PM

Celebrating our country’s birthday is a nationwide event, and Swansboro serves up its Independence Day Celebration each year with live music at the Harry C. Pugliese, Jr. Pavilion at Olde Town Square, culminating with awe-inspiring fireworks show over the water for all to see. The Independence Day Celebration is July 3 and begins at 6 pm with Ca 5 performing and the the singing of the National Anthem by Velvet Rodeo before the fireworks. Fireworks are at sunset. There will be food/snack vendors and encourage patrons to visit the downtown restaurants. This Independence Day Celebration is presented by Team Chevrolet of Swansboro, Onslow County Tourism, Sanders Ford Swansboro, Swansboro Tourism Development Authority, The Town of Swansboro, and Curtis Media Group. For more information, please contact Swansboro Parks and Recreation at 910-326-2600.

Street closures will be implemented at 3 p.m. Front Street will be closed to vehicular traffic as well as Main and Church Streets up to Elm Street. Water St. will be closed from Moore St. to Broad St. In addition to street closures, all public docks will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Church St. Dock will be closing at 4 p.m. and dockage will be limited to vessels with reservations only.

For more information and/or vendor opportunities, please visit swansborofestivals.com