When you’re on vacation and looking for things to do in Atlantic Beach, take the time to check out these fun music festivals on these popular beaches! As spring returns and the temperature rises, it’s time to enjoy the outdoors again.
Check out this lineup of festivals featuring the best live music from local performers, the freshest meals from restaurants in the community, and various attractions. See what makes these festivals unique and plan your next getaway with our vacation rentals in Atlantic Beach NC, all within walking distance!
Spring Festivals in Atlantic Beach
Located on a beautiful barrier island by the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound, Atlantic Beach is known for its friendly locals and gorgeous coastal surroundings. Popular attractions for visitors include music and food festivals that bring on the good times!
Atlantic Beach Music Festival

The Atlantic Beach Music Festival brings live music to the boardwalk at the Circle. With musical performances by Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot, The Band of Oz, Jim Quick & Coastline, I-42 Band, and The Mighty Saints of Soul, you’re sure to find a new music genre to love!
Best of all, this event is free to everyone, so you can walk on the boardwalk and soak in the music without worrying about getting tickets in time. Grab lunch at any of the food trucks and explore the downtown while you’re at the beach, which is a short walk away from our Atlantic Beach vacation rentals.
Atlantic Beach International Food Festival
If you’re into checking out the local foodie scene, there are more Atlantic Beach festivals like the International Food Festival. Come by and enjoy the variety of delicious food on the beach and support local restaurants and businesses.
With a wide selection of cultural food and desserts from the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Venezuela, Italy, Japan, and Palestine, you’ll easily find a new favorite dish!
While you’re attending the food festival, enjoy the live music entertainment from cultures all over the world. Check out dancers with moves from Latin America, Turkey, and the Middle East, and join the largest beach dance party!
The best part is this festival is free to attend, family-friendly, and welcoming to pets. So, get your groove on and check out all these diverse flavors in one place.
Spring Festivals in Beaufort
Named “America’s Favorite Town,” Beaufort has a lot to offer visitors to its pristine waterfront, where boaters love to dock and explore on land. Check out the boutiques, take in the historic sites, and its annual festivals!
Beaufort Music Festival
This Beaufort NC festival is a community effort and volunteer-run by Beaufort Arts and Music every year. The Beaufort Music Festival has been around for 30 years and is always a jam-packed event that visitors and locals alike love attending.
Since 2019, the music festival has entertained Gallants Channel, owned by the NC Maritime Museum. The event aims to introduce a diverse lineup of music to attendees and have a fun, family-friendly festival.
While at the music festival soaking in the tunes, grab a bite to eat at the food trucks and check out the family area with children’s activities.

Wooden Boat Show
For Crystal Coast events on the water, check out the Wooden Boat Show, which celebrates the art of traditional wooden boatbuilding and boat racing! Check out the dozens of handcrafted wooden boats displayed with nautical demonstrations for everyone to enjoy.
There are also lots of activities for kids to check out if they prefer to stay dry on land.
The Wooden Boat Show started with only nine wooden boats competing in 1975. The following year, in 1976, the event grew with 20 boats hitting the water! From there, more boats competed year after year, with over 80 boats registered in 1982.
So, register your wooden boat and enjoy this favorite community event in the gorgeous spring weather!
Beaufort Wine and Food Weekend
To taste the local wine scene, you’ve got to check out the Beaufort Wine and Food Festival.
Since 2005, the event has raised money for local nonprofits to give back to the community. With the support of the sponsors, members, volunteers, and wine and culinary participants, the Wine and Food Weekend has become a massive success over the years.
With local vendors like Beaufort Grocery Co., Aqua Restaurant, Soundside Restaurant, 34 North Restaurant and Bar, Carolina Pickle Co., Moonrakers Coastal Cuisine, Beaufort Creamery, Historic Coffee Grounds, and more, you’re sure to find delicious options available!
Morehead City Spring Festival
A coastal city, Morehead City has plenty of waterfront and downtown areas to go around. Explore the charming shops on foot, check out the marinas to continue your adventure on the water, and attend these fun-filled festivals!
Bites and Blues
For Morehead City festivals, celebrate spring rolling in with Bites and Blues on the Morehead City Waterfront. Enjoy tasty local dishes while listening to live musical performances filling the air! In a unique twist, you get to use your ticket to stop at participating restaurants to try all the different local food and drinks in the community.
The event highlights the importance of fresh seafood and the boost it brings to the local economy of Morehead City.
Some of the participating restaurants include the Southern Salt Seafood Company and Waterfront Restaurant, Tight Lines Pub, Next Door Deli, Beach Bowls, Reed’s Coffee and Framing, Blue Ocean Market hosted by BluSail, Dank Burrito, Bogue Sound Distillery, and more!

Shuck, Rattle & Roll
This annual seafood harvesting event has the freshest seafood available in the area, served by current and former Carteret CC Aquaculture students. While you’re there, check out the local oyster grower booths to taste their product and ask about their process.
While you’re enjoying the delicious varieties of seafood, enjoy a craft beer or wine with live music.
Attending the event not only fills your stomach but supports local programs and students at Carteret Community College. So, you get to enjoy yourself with an evening of fun and give back during your visit!
Plan Your Next Visit!
Don’t miss out on the exciting festival lineup happening in Atlantic Beach this season! Pack your bags and book your stay with Cannon and Gruber!
Where to Stay in Atlantic Beach, NC
While planning which festivals you’ll attend this spring, stay with us at our Atlantic Beach NC vacation rentals! If you love being close to the beach, you’ll take full advantage of our oceanfront condo rentals in Atlantic Beach that offer stunning waterfront views and comfortable lodging.
You’ll love your home away from home for your vacation, especially with all of the included amenities that, include one to four bedrooms and bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, private beach access, an indoor pool, hot tub, tennis and basketball courts, miniature golf and shuffleboard, and BBQ grill.
The best part about our vacation rentals is their central location, giving you close access to the best of the Crystal Coast! Check out popular spots like the shops, restaurants, and attractions like the marina or local outlet mall.
Planning a vacation can be a stressful experience, but we’re happy to make it an easy process so you can quickly get to relaxing in our luxurious accommodations. Contact us today to book your perfect beach getaway with our professional staff, who are happy to answer your questions. Get ready for the beach experience of a lifetime!

