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Events Calendar
There are plenty of activities and events to entertain vacationers on North Carolina's Crystal Coast.
Select a month from the drop menu below to view the current calendar of events.
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NC Coastal Reserve Summer Children's Programs
Event Dates: Jul. 1-31, Aug. 1-10, 2009
The Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve locally known as "Carrot Island" is offering programs this summer for children of all ages. All classes will be hands-on, field based estuarine studies.

Junior Naturalist

Beginning June 17, the Junior Naturalist program for students in grades 4-8 will run Wednesdays through August 5, from 9-12 p.m. Students will conduct field investigations of estuaries. Activities will include marsh seining, water quality sampling, animal population studies, beach and marsh profiles, and phytoplankton identification.

Participants may register for all eight sessions for $100. Registration is now open. To register, contact Lori Davis at (252) 838-0883 or lori.c.davis@ncmail.net.

Adventures in the Estuary

Two sessions of Adventures in the Estuary for students in grades 1-3 will be held this summer. The first session will be June 16, 18, 23, 25 and the second session will be August 4,6,11,13. Each session is $40 for all four classes. Classes are 9am-12pm. To register, contact Lori Davis at (252) 838-0883 or lori.c.davis@ncmail.net.

Preschool Storytime and Crafts

June 15, July 13, August 10. All sessions will consist of a story, estuarine critter observation and a craft. Sessions are from 9-10am and free of charge but registration is required. Topics will include hermit crabs, snails and birds. To register, contact Lori Davis at (252) 838-0883 or lori.c.davis@ncmail.net.

All summer programs will be held at the Reserve's classroom located on Pivers Island in Beaufort. For more information about the Rachel Carson Reserve, visit our website at www.nccoastalreserve.net.



Rachel Carson Reserve Summer Public Field Trips
Event Dates: Jul. 1-31, Aug. 1-31, Sep. 1-15, 2009
Public field trips on the Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve occur Memorial Day through Labor Day, usually on Tuesday and Thursday every week.

All programs are open and free to the public but reservations are required as boat space is limited. Call (252) 838-0883 to make reservations or for more information.
The Reserve offers two types of field trips, a nature hike and a boardwalk trip, which are determined by the tides. Nature hikes occur during low tides, when the most land is exposed on the island. Boardwalk trips occur at high tide, when the water is high enough in the estuary for our 24-foot skiff to easily navigate around the island to our boardwalk on Carrot Island.
On the nature hike, be prepared to get your shoes wet and muddy. We require close-toed shoes because of the abundance of oysters on the island. You may also have the opportunity to swim on the nature hike, so dress accordingly. On both the nature hike and boardwalk trip, we encourage you to bring sunglasses, hats, binoculars, water and sunscreen.
The field trips are free. We do accept donations for our nonprofit organization, Carolina Estuarine Reserve Foundation (CERF).

June
June 23, Tuesday: Boardwalk trip from 9-11 a.m.
June 25, Thursday: Boardwalk trip from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
June 30, Tuesday: Nature hike from 9-11a.m.
July
July 2, Thursday: Nature hike from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
July 7, Tuesday: Boardwalk trip from 9-11 a.m.
July 9, Thursday: Boardwalk trip from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
July 14, Tuesday: Nature hike from 9-11a.m.
July 16, Thursday: Nature hike from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
July 21, Tuesday: Boardwalk trip from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
July 23, Thursday: Boardwalk trip from 9-11 a.m.
July 28, Tuesday: Nature hike from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
July 30, Thursday: Nature hike from 9-11 a.m.
August
August 4, Tuesday: Boardwalk trip from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
August 11, Tuesday: Boardwalk trip from 9-11 a.m.
August 13, Thursday: Nature hike from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
August 18, Tuesday: Boardwalk trip from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
August 20, Thursday: Boardwalk trip from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
August 25, Tuesday: Boardwalk trip from 9-11a.m.
August 27, Thursday: Nature hike from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
September
September 1, Tuesday: Boardwalk trip from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
September 8, Tuesday: Boardwalk trip from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
September 15, Tuesday: Nature hike from 9:30-11:30 a.m.





Emerald Isle Summer Tennis Clinics
Event Dates: Jul. 1-31, Aug. 1-28, 2009
The Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Department will be offering Summer Tennis Clinics with local tennis expert, Tony Pereira.

Clinics will take place at Blue Heron Park Tennis Courts at the Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Community Center, June 22-August 28 on Mondays from 8:00-9:00am and Fridays from 6:00-7:00pm.

$5 for Community Center members and $10 for non members. Ages 14-Adult. No pre-registration required; drop ins are welcome.

For more information, please contact Brittany Wood, Recreation Coordinator, Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation, 252.354.6350 or bwood@emeraldisle-nc.org.


Special Exhibit at the N.C. Aquarium
Event Dates: Jul. 1-31, 2009
Location: NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Crunch A special exhibit features a titan of a turtle. Crunch, a 165-pound alligator snapping turtle measuring nearly four feet long, takes up residence for the month of July.

Free with admission or membership. Details: 252-247-4003.

Weekly Programs at the N.C. Aquarium
Event Dates: Jul. 1-31, Aug. 1-31, Sep. 1-7, 2009
Location: North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, 1 Roosevelt Drive, Pine Knoll Shores, NC

These programs repeat weekly through Labor Day. Advance registration is required. Fees do not include Aquarium admission unless specified. Closed-toe shoes are a must. Call 252-247-4003 for more information or to register.

EVERY MONDAY

River Cruise. Call for times. Keep a sharp eye out for birds, bottlenose dolphins and other marine life during this enjoyable, calm-water cruise. Ages 6 and up, $25. Details: 252-247-4003.

Surfing, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn to catch some waves in the North Carolina surf with the Aquarium's surfboards and expert instructions. Ages 10 and up, $25. Details: 252-247-4003.

Sound Seafood: Catching Crabs and Clams, 1 – 4 p.m. Learn the art of harvesting crabs and clams, and the importance of conserving coastal habitats. Ages 5 and up, $20. Details: 252-247-4003.

Behind the Scenes: The Aquarium at a Glance, 3 – 3:45 p.m. Visit food preparation areas, animal holding areas and labs, and get an overhead view of the Living Shipwreck. Ages 5 and up, $5. Details: 252-247-4003.

EVERY TUESDAY

Breakfast with the Rays, 8–9:30 a.m. Enjoy a continental breakfast and help feed these amazing animals before the Aquarium opens for the day. Ages 5 and up, $15. Details: 252-247-4003.

Onboard Collection Cruise. Call for times. All aboard for a trawl and dredge excursion in coastal waters to see what comes up in our nets. Ages 6 and up, $25. Details: 252-247-4003.

Fishing Fanatics, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn to catch the big ones from the surf with hands-on instruction. Equipment, bait and licensing requirements are covered. Ages 10 and up, $20. Details: 252-247-4003.

Nature Crafts, 1 – 2 p.m. Create your own nature-themed masterpiece, with step-by-step guidance and supplies provided. Ages 5 and up, $12. Details: 252-247-4003.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Snorkeling for Kids – Bogue Sound. Call for times. Kids learn what lies beneath the surface of Bogue Sound as they snorkel with an Aquarium naturalist. Gear provided. Ages 5 and up, $20. Details: 252-247-4003.

Surfing, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn to catch some waves in the famed North Carolina surf with the Aquarium's surfboards and expert instructions. Ages 10 and up, $25. Details: 252-247-4003.

Behind the Scenes: The Aquarium at a Glance, 3 – 3:45 p.m. Visit food preparation areas, animal holding areas and labs, and get an overhead view of the Living Shipwreck. Ages 5 and up, $5. Details: 252-247-4003.

Night Trek, 7 – 9 p.m. Stroll the nighttime beach as you learn about the fascinating life of sea turtles, and look for loggerheads nesting in the sand. Ages 5 and up, $8. Details: 252-247-4003.

EVERY THURSDAY

Onboard Collection Cruise. Call for times. All aboard for a trawl and dredge excursion in coastal waters, and see what comes up in our nets. Ages 6 and up, $25. Details: 252-247-4003.

Picnic Paddle - Canoe the Roosevelt Natural Area, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bring a picnic and enjoy a leisurely canoe trek to explore the mysteries of the salt marsh. Ages 6 and up; paddlers 12 and up, $20. Details: 252-247-4003.

Nature Crafts, 1 – 2 p.m. Create your own nature-themed masterpiece, with step-by-step guidance and supplies provided. Ages 5 and up, $12. Details: 252-247-4003.

Dinner with the Critters, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Enjoy pizza, learn about animal care and see what it's like to feed the animals in the invertebrate touch pool. Ages 5 and up, $15. Details: 252-247-4003.

EVERY FRIDAY

Cape Lookout Exploration. Call for times. Meet Aquarium staff at the ferry dock for a boat trip over to the Cape! As you hike across the undeveloped island on the lookout for wildlife, you also will learn about the unique culture of our coast. Don't forget a picnic lunch. Ages 8 and up, $25. Details: 252-247-4003.

Snorkeling the Sea – Radio Island. Call for times. Glimpse the mysteries below the surface with a snorkeling trip to Radio Island, led by an Aquarium naturalist. Gear provided. Ages 10 and up, $25. Details: 252-247-4003.

Aquarist Apprentice, 1 – 4 p.m. Join Aquarium staff on a behind-the-scenes tour, help prepare animal meals and then participate in some daily care and maintenance tasks. Educators will teach you about the animals as you assist our Aquarists with their caretaking responsibilities. Ages 14 and up, $25. Details: 252-247-4003.

Behind the Scenes: The Aquarium at a Glance, 3 – 3:45 p.m. Visit food preparation areas, animal holding areas and labs, and get an overhead view of the Living Shipwreck. Ages 5 and up, $5. Details: 252-247-4003.

EVERY SATURDAY

Kayaking the Roosevelt Natural Area, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Explore tidal flats and quiet backwaters as you become aware of the intricate web of life thriving in this pristine natural environment. The Aquarium provides the kayaks. Ages 12 and up, $20. Details: 252-247-4003.

Aquarium ABCs, 10 – 11 a.m. Preschoolers spend an hour learning about aquatic species with live animals, crafts to bring home, storytelling and videos. Ages 3-5, $8. Details: 252-247-4003.

Critter Class, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Creative art projects, games, videos and live animals introduce young children to marine life. Ages 6-8, $8. Details: 252-247-4003.

EVERY SUNDAY

Barrier Island Exploration, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Trek the maritime forest, the salt marsh and the shallow waters of Bogue Sound to learn about the fascinating creatures that live in these vital habitats. Ages 8 and up, $10. Details: 252-247-4003.

Behind the Scenes: Aquarium Close Encounters, 2 –3:30 p.m. Visit labs and holding areas, help with food preparation and feed the animals in this through behind-the-scenes adventure that includes an overhead view of the Living Shipwreck. Ages 8 and up, $12. Details: 252-247-4003.

Night Trek, 7 – 9 p.m. Stroll the nighttime beach as you explore the fascinating life of sea turtles, and look for loggerheads nesting in the sand. Ages 5 and up, $8. Details: 252-247-4003.











KID F.L.A.I.R. Summer Art Programs
Event Dates: Jul. 1-31, Aug. 1-27, 2009
Event Time(s): 11:00am -3:00 pm
KID FLAIR (Fun Learning Art In Relaxation) classes run through August 27th and take place Tuesday-Thursday every week until the end of summer.

Location: The Parent Trap, 2900 Arendell Street, Suite #6, Morehead City (Near Lowe's Food)

Lessons and activities include: Self portraits, vacation journals, acrylic painting, graphite sketching, charcoal drawings, outdoor/landscape painting, private lessons are available for ages 13 and over. Tuition is $125 per week.

For more details, please contact instructor Mellisa Tetterton, melloo653@yahoo.com or 252-240-9561 and 252-622-3421

Family Nights at the NC Aquarium
Event Dates: Jul. 2,16,30, Aug. 13, 2009
Event Time(s): 5-9:00 pm
The Aquarium stays open until 9 p.m. for our fun-filled and popular Family Nights. Lively themes, special guests and performances and children's activities and programs make these evenings wonderful adventures for the entire family.

June 18 – Glow Wild!
July 2 – CSI: Critter Signs Investigation
July 16 – Banjos to Beach Music – North Carolina Culture
July 30 – Sharks!
Aug. 13 – Pirates

Fourth of July Parade in Beaufort
Event Date: Jul. 4, 2009
Event Time(s): 11:00 am
Please Contact Martha Barnes for details- 252-728-3917

July 4th Arts & Crafts Show
Event Dates: Jul. 4-5, 2009
Event Time(s): Sat- 10-5, Sun-12-5
Sponsored by: Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition

Juried sale of arts and crafts of coastal artisans held at the Beaufort Historic Site.

For more information contact Carol Collier, collier1505@embarqmail.com




Emerald Isle 4th of July Fireworks
Event Date: Jul. 4, 2009
Contact the Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Department for more information: 252-354-6350

Atlantic Beach 4th of July Celebration
Event Date: Jul. 4, 2009
Plan to spend your July 4th vacation at AB!

The annual Atlantic Beach Independence Day Celebration, complete with a live band and fireworks, returns in 2009! We hope to see more citizens and visitors come to enjoy a day full of sun, fun, fireworks, great music, and dancing on Saturday, July 4, 2009!

The featured band will be Sammy O'Banion and the Marti Gras Band, playing from 7:00 PM until 11:00 PM, with a break at 9:00 PM for a beautiful fireworks display.

Please bring your beach chairs and blankets and enjoy the show!


4th of July Underwater Bike Race
Event Date: Jul. 4, 2009
Race is organized by Discovery Diving Company of Beaufort. Dive and race occur on the shipwreck of the Indra.

Details: Debby Boyce, 252-728-2265 and visit the website. Event Times: 3:00 PM


Morehead City 4th of July Celebrations
Event Date: Jul. 4, 2009
The Morehead City Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor the Morehead City celebration on Saturday, July 4th. The fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:15 pm from Sugarloaf Island.

The Carolina Beach Club band will perform from 7-11:00 pm at Jaycee Park, 9th and Shepard Streets. Vendors will be on hand to sell refreshments.

For more information, call 726-5083.

4th of July Fireworks Cruises
Event Date: Jul. 4, 2009
Event Time(s): 7:30 pm
CAPTAIN STACY IV- July 4th leaving from the Atlantic Beach Causeway at 7:00 pm, returning at 10:00 pm
$15 for adults & $10 for Children
Make your reservations ASAP as it's filling up quickly! Call 252-726-4675

DIAMOND CITY FIREWORKS CRUISE
Maximum 70 persons
Seafood and BBQ combo dinner buffet
3 hour harbor tour & Fire Works
Cost: $40.00 adult Children 5-12 $25.00 Under 5 $6.00
Time is 7:00pm - 10:00pm
252-728-7827
*Due to limited seating availability, reservation must be made with Credit Card and will be charged in full, no refunds, no exceptions.

MYSTERY FIREWORKS CRUISE
Maximum 75 persons
3 hour Harbor tour & Fire Works
Cost: $25.00 adult Children 5-12 $15.00 Under 5 $5.00
252-728-7827
*Due to limited seating availability, reservation must be made with Credit Card and will be charged in full, no refunds, no exceptions.

CONTINENTAL SHELF FIREWORKS CRUISE
Leaves the Morehead City waterfront (713 Shepard Street) at 7:30 pm. Adults- $15, Children- $10
Call 252-726-7454 for details



Fort Macon Summer Concert Series
Event Date: Jul. 10, 2009
Event Time(s): 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
All concerts are at Fort Macon State Park and are FREE to the public.

July dates:

10th- The Morehead Brass Consortium
24th- The Mac and Tammy McRoy Band

For more information, please contact Paul Molnar, pmolnar@email.com

Friday Free Flicks
Event Dates: Jul. 10, Aug. 14, Sep. 11, Oct. 9, 2009
Event Time(s): 7:00 pm
Location: Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation Community Center, 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle

Movies are family oriented. Free and open to the public, children must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn and drink for $1.00. Please bring chairs and or blankets, no outside beverages or snacks.

Call 252.354.6350 for movie title one week prior to showing.


Summer Party at Beaufort Historic Site
Event Date: Jul. 11, 2009
Event Time(s): 7-11:00 pm
Come celebrate Beaufort's 300th Anniversary with a summer party at the Beaufort Historic Site. Wonderful food from Beaufort Grocery Company, open bar, music by the O'Kaysions, Live Auction and Silent Auction with the proceeds benefiting the Beaufort Historical Association.

Tickets $100.00 per person. Call 252-728-5225 for more information or to purchase tickets.

Emerald Isle Summer 4 X 4 Beach Volleyball Series
Event Dates: Jul. 11, Aug. 8, Sep. 12, 2009
Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation presents the 4 v 4 Beach Volleyball Series for five Saturdays this summer, from 9:00am until the last game is over.

Tournaments will be on May 16th, June 13th, July 11th, August 8th and September 12th. The will take place at the Western Ocean Regional Access on Islander Drive in Emerald Isle (between Queen's Court Condos and Islander Motor Inn).

Registration is $55 per team; PRE-registration is required (deadline is Friday before game day at 5pm). There will be no game day registration. Payments are cash only. Prize money will go to the first and second place teams (70% to first place; 30% to second place). Players must be at least 16 years of age. Teams bring their own ball and will act as officials when not playing. Plan to officiate even after elimination. There are no rain dates. Refunds will be issued for bad weather. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in for the tournament.

Registration/Roster forms may be downloaded at www.emeraldisle-nc.org/eiprd or may be picked up at the Emerald Isle Community Center, 7500 Emerald Drive. Registration details are outlined on the form. For more information, contact Brittany Wood: 252.354.6350 or bwood@emeraldisle-nc.org.


Bastille Day Celebration
Event Date: Jul. 14, 2009
Location: The History Place, Morehead City

Call 252-247-7533 for details

Barta Boys and Girls Club Billfish Tournament
Event Dates: Jul. 16-18, 2009
Headquartered at the Beaufort Town Docks in downtown Beaufort legendary outdoorsman Tred Barta holds his 6th Annual Billfish Release Only Tournament which also includes game fish (Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo and King Mackerel).

Over 200 trophies are given out for Billfish Releases and game fish weighed in. Weigh In is from 4-6pm Friday & Sat. 100% of the proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina.

For more information visit www.bartabillfish.com or contact Cynthia Barber at 252-808-2286





Free Concert on the Beaufort Waterfront
Event Dates: Jul. 16, Aug. 20, Sep. 17, Oct. 15, 2009
Event Time(s): 6-8:00 pm
Sponsored by the Beaufort Business Association

Location: The clock beside the Dock House.

Details: Pat Wesson, patwesson@embarqmail.com or 252-504-3396

Beach Jive After Five
Event Dates: Jul. 16, Aug. 20, Sep. 17, 2009
Event Time(s): 5:30-7:30 pm
Enjoy live music and the tranquil ocean breeze. Bring chairs, blankets, even dinner! Access also features volleyball courts, picnic tables and restrooms. Alcoholic beverages prohibited.

Western Ocean Regional Access (WORA) in Emerald Isle. No admission fee, sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation. 252-354-6350.


Freedom Invasion- Contemporary Christian Concert
Event Date: Jul. 17, 2009
Event Time(s): 7-11:00 pm
Location: Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City

Tickets $10 advance $15 at the door –
Master Card and Visa Accepted
1-252-247-3883 or 1-888-899-6088

Featuring The Jon Lloyd Band, an upcoming and popular band who have opened for Todd Agnew and Building 429. This is a high energy band appealing to all age groups. They are on the brink of being the next hottest Christian band on the charts.

Styling Strother is a psalmist with a unique way of ministering through music.

Shannon Gardner is a solo recording artist from Minnesota who just got picked up by Rain Music

Zach Ward is a solo key board player

Worship 103 – a local band from Greenville with a passion for music.


30th Annual Historic Beaufort Road Race
Event Date: Jul. 18, 2009
The race is run through the historic areas of Beaufort and along the waterfront.

Proceeds from the Race fund college scholarships for high school seniors across Carteret County.

For more information, 252-222-6359.

Creative Memories Scrapbooking Workshop
Event Dates: Jul. 18, Aug. 15, Sep. 12, 2009
Event Time(s): 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Creative Memories Scrapbooking Workshops with Linda Phelps will take place at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation. Pre-registration is required, ages 12 and up.

Fee is $5 with additional packages available. Use of tools and snack included. Fees payable at workshop. You may call Linda Phelps at 910.326.6164 or email rphelps@ec.rr.com


Rodeo in July
Event Dates: Jul. 24-25, 2009
Event Time(s): Gates open at 4:30pm
Newport Flea Mall presents:

2nd Annual East Coast Championship Tahoe Pro Rodeo

Taking place at the Newport Flea Mall

196 Carl Garner Rd. Off of Highway 70 in Newport, NC

July 24th and 25th

Gates open at 4:30pm

Live entertainment by the MRA Band from 5pm to 7pm each night

Rodeo starts at 8pm

Adults (13 and up)-- $12
Children 5-12-- $8
Children 4 and under- FREE

Bareback/Saddle Bronc Riding
Calf Roping
Cowgirl's Breakaway Roping
Steer Wrestling
Cowgirl's Barrel Racing
Team Roping
Wild Bull Riding
Champion vs. Champion
Award-Winning Livestock
Beautiful Pageantry
Pony Rides
Mechanical Bull

Fun for the Whole Family!

For more info call 252-883-2758

For advance tickets call 252-223-4019

We'll take your breath away... 8 seconds at a time!

American Red Cross Blood Drive
Event Dates: Jul. 24, Sep. 18, 2009
Event Time(s): 2-7:00 pm
Carteret County Chapter of the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Community Center, 7500 Emerald Drive. Please give!

Call 252-354-6350 for details

Shark Week at the N.C. Aquarium
Event Dates: Jul. 26-31, Aug. 1, 2009
Event Time(s): 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Get a close-up look at the ocean's top predators during Shark Week. Touch a bamboo shark in a special exhibit, and enjoy dive programs, crafts, games and films that illuminate the mysterious and misunderstood world of sharks. The Aquarium showcases four shark species that frequent North Carolina's near-shore waters: bonnethead sharks, nurse sharks, sandbar sharks and sand tiger sharks.

Free with admission or membership. Details: 252-247-4003.


JR Tedesco in Concert
Event Date: Jul. 26, 2009
Event Time(s): 3:00 pm
On Sunday, July 26th at 3 p.m., the History Place will once again host the phenomenal musical talent of J.R. Tedesco.

Mrs. Tedesco is a well known concert pianist having performed for the White House, the Ed Sullivan Show and the Seoul Symphony. She studied at Peabody Conservatory of Music. She also studied under internationally renowned concert pianist Eugene List. Mrs. Tedesco is a native of Korea and has been studying piano since she was four years old. Anne Joslyn Mereness Strupp will be a guest performer. She will join JR in several duets.

Tickets are $20 per person and include wine, cheese and other refreshments. Call 252-247-7533 for more information.

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