Pirate Fest

Historic Downtown Swansboro – Free Admission

☠️ Ahoy, Mateys! ☠️

Onslow County and Swansboro Parks and Recreation Departments proudly present Pirate Fest — an epic day of high-seas adventure in Historic Downtown Swansboro!

Join the crew on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an exciting swashbuckling celebration. From live sword fights and sea shanties to treasure hunts and live mermaids, this event brings the golden age of piracy to life along the Carolina coast.

Don your finest pirate garb and set sail for a day of plundering fun! Enjoy pirate shows, encampments, live music, and photo ops with sirens of the sea.

⚓ Pirate Fest is proudly sponsored by Onslow County Tourism, Curtis Media, and Lighthouse Realty Group.

For more information, contact:
📞 Onslow County Parks & Recreation: 910-347-5332
📞 Swansboro Parks & Recreation: 910-326-2600

Photo: Captain Jane, Lady Swan Boat Tours

Friday Night's Swashbucklin’ Sunset Cruise with Lady Swan Boat Tours

Join us on Friday, May 9th at 6:30 PM aboard the Lady Swan for a 90-minute Pirate Cruise through the scenic Swansboro waters!

Photo: Captain Jane, Lady Swan Boat Tours

This one-of-a-kind voyage is $45 per person and includes an exclusive pirate show just for cruise-goers—featuring the very same pirates who will be invading downtown Swansboro for PirateFest on May 10th!

Date: Friday, May 9
Time: 6:30 PM
Duration: 90 minutes
Departure: Lady Swan dock
Cost: $45/person

Space is limited for this special adventure—so grab your crew and register today!

Register online at swansboro.recdesk.com
For more info, call the Swansboro Recreation Center at 910-326-2600

Discover the Treasure Map to Swansboro's Shops & Eateries!

We’ll be waiting with treasure chests full of fun in Swansboro!

Rocket Fizz

Swansboro Christmas Flotilla

Enjoy the Spectacular Views!

Food & Family Fun with Santa

Come hungry and enjoy delicious bites from local food vendors! Let the festive music set the mood as you savor sweet treats, warm cider, and hot cocoa. Keep an eye out for Santa Claus, who will make a special arrival by boat before heading to Pug Pavilion to greet the children right after the flotilla!

Bring Your Own Boat!

⚓ Don't miss your chance to join the fun and the possibility of winning a cash prize. Sign up at Swansboro Festivals Boat Sign Up.

Free Parking Shuttle & Tractor Hayride

For the first time ever, the Town of Swansboro is offering a FREE Parking Shuttle and 🚜 Tractor Hayride! Add a touch of magic to your evening—park at the Swansboro Recreation Center and catch a fun ride to downtown Swansboro to enjoy the festive boat parade. Service runs from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

♿ Accessible parking will also be available at Swansboro Town Hall with golf cart shuttles to take you downtown for your convenience.

Stay for the Weekend!

Plan a long Thanksgiving weekend getaway to Swansboro! Bring your holiday shopping list and enjoy Shop Small Saturday! Check out our unique accommodations with Airbnb and VRBO, as well as our Trip Advisor top-rated Hampton Inn & Suites, conveniently located within a short distance from Historic Downtown Swansboro.

Gobble up some coastal Swansboro goodness for Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 28th at local eateries, Saltwater Grill or Preston's Corner Bar & Grill. Give them a call and make your reservations!

Enjoy nature and hike the trails at Hammocks Beach State Park! Learn about the flora, fauna, and our history. The park's Visitor Center and hours of operation are from 8 am to 6 pm daily, except for Christmas Day.

What Not To Bring for the Safety of our Patrons

Flotilla Parade Route

Enjoy the Spectacular Views!

Street closures will be at 2 pm and will re-open at 9 pm, immediately after the event. This allows time for our vendors to set up and we appreciate your cooperation to have the streets cleared of all vehicles by 2 pm.

Streets affected by the closures include:

All of Church Street
All of Front Street
Water Street from Elm Street to the water
Elm Street will be open for southbound traffic
Walnut Street will be open to northbound traffic

Download Merchants & Restaurants Guide & Map

We look forward to seeing you in Swansboro!

Swansboro by Candlelight

☔ Rain or Shine Event

Step into a magical winter wonderland in Historic Downtown Swansboro on November 8th, 2025, from 5 pm to 9 pm, as the Swansboro Downtown Merchants & Restaurants host their Annual Swansboro by Candlelight. Enjoy the warm glow of luminaries lining the streets, whimsical shop window displays, and the charming touches of ribbons and bows that evoke the nostalgia of days gone by.

Enjoy live entertainment in Olde Towne Square, indulge in wine tasting at Bake Bottle & Brew and The Gray Dolphin, and savor refreshments provided by the Downtown Merchants and Restaurants.

Don't miss the Swansboro Dance Studio as they perform scenes from their Nutcracker Ballet at 5 pm!

A highlight of the evening will be the Annual Town of Swansboro Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 pm at Olde Town Square!

Plan a long weekend getaway in Swansboro! Discover our unique Airbnb and VRBO accommodations, as well as our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites.

Back Bar on Front Street

El Catrin Mexican Kitchen

Brickhouse Boutique

Giovanni’s Brooklyn Bagels

Devoted Nutrition

By the Bridge Restaurant