Mullet Festival of North Carolina

Join us for the 71st Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival of North Carolina in Historic Downtown Swansboro. (More details to follow!)

Free Admission | Rain or Shine Event

Pre-order your 70th Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival T-shirt!
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What began as a small potluck-style gathering to celebrate the completion of the bridge over the White Oak River is now a highly anticipated part of Eastern North Carolina culture and the oldest festival on North Carolina's Crystal Coast.

The occasion celebrates the mullet, a species of fish 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. Back in 1954, mullet fed the workers building the White Oak River Bridge.

Photo Credit: Swansboro Historical Assn. | Frank Tursi | Charles Farrells

The White Oak River Bridge now serves as a vital link between Onslow and Carteret counties. Upon its completion, the conception of the Mullet Festival began as a way for the communities to celebrate the arrival of the modern era – in bridge form – and that spirit of celebration continues, 70 years later!

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Plan Your Mullet Festival Getaway to Swansboro!

It's a perfect fall weekend to discover the charm of our quaint and historic coastal town. Book your stay for a FUN-filled Mullet Festival Weekend at our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites – Swansboro!

The weekend festivities kick off on Friday, October 11th, with the traditional Blessing of the Fleet at Casper's Marina at 6 pm. This is a very festive occasion, for both spectators and boat owners. All are welcome to participate. As the tradition continues, a wreath will be dropped in memory of the boat owners who have passed on.

Check out the Mullet Festival Music Line Up!

All Drone Photos: Todd Dini

For a complete line-up of the 70th Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival of NC happenings, head over to the

Swansboro Festivals Website

Enjoy the convenience of transportation to Historic Downtown Swansboro via the Mullet Festival FREE PARKING SHUTTLE running throughout the weekend from Ward Farm just behind the Hampton Inn – Swansboro off of Hwy 24!

Out of care and concern for your companion animals, please leave pets at home. However, we do allow trained service dogs to accompany a person with a disability, per the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Fall Fishing & Boating

Find out more about fishing and boating in Swansboro. Let our expert local fishing charters, outfitters, and eco-tour operators provide some of the most amazing and relaxing experiences on the water along North Carolina's Coast.

Download our Merchants & Restaurants Guide

We look forward to seeing you in Swansboro!

Swansboro Arts By The Sea

Join us for The Town of Swansboro's annual Arts by the Sea Festival in Historic Downtown Swansboro.

Admission is Free!

Pottery, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, fiber, carvings, photography, sculpture, and metalwork are just a few of the crafts represented at this annual event. The festival features live, local entertainment in the heart of Swansboro's downtown historic district at the Harry C. Pugliese “Pug” Pavilion.

Come for the day or a weekend getaway and see the best artists and crafters as they line our historic streets with beautiful fine art and handmade crafts. The juried craft show represents some of the finest crafters in the Southeast and draws art lovers from around the state, eager to spy their next artistic find!

Get your ticket to the 🍷 WINE & FOOD TASTING EVENT! Experience the ultimate culinary showdown at our 'Taste of the Town' competition. Get your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of gastronomic delights and fine wines by the sea! The cost is $45 in advance and $50 on the day of the event. Find out more here.

Plan Your Arts by the Sea Getaway to Swansboro!

It's a perfect spring weekend to discover the charm of our quaint and historic coastal town. Book your stay for your Arts by the Sea Weekend at our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites Swansboro!

To keep things safe, we ask that eventgoers abide by the following: no pets, bicycles, or skateboards. Streets are closed to vehicular traffic. As an extra treat, leave the parking to us!

🚙 PARK & RIDE! Enjoy the convenience of the FREE shuttle that will run from Ward Farm, located just behind the Hampton Inn & Suites.

Are you interested in vendor information? The Swansboro Festivals Team is seeking fine arts and crafts and food vendors! Please visit www.swansborofestivals.com to find application forms, special hotel rates for vendors at the Hampton Inn Swansboro, and more vendor details.

Humphrey Farm General Store

Swansboro Independence Day Celebration

Join us for the Town of Swansboro Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show along Swansboro's Historic Downtown Waterfront!

Admission is Free!

Enjoy all the evening's festivities starting with The Cat5 Band in Olde Town Square at the Harry C. Pugliese Pavillion at 6 pm. Grab a bite for dinner at one of our amazing local eateries or one of the food trucks that will be onsite.

Stay for the weekend with this special rate at our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites and enjoy a getaway!

🇺🇲 Singing of the National Anthem by the award-winning Nashville recording artist, Velvet Rodeo, and an awe-inspiring fireworks show over the water will start at sunset!

Streets will be closed on July 3rd from 3 pm until approximately 11 pm. Please ensure all vehicles are removed from the downtown streets promptly by 3 pm. We thank you for your cooperation.

Street closures are as follows:

Front Street – from Main Street to Church Street
Church Street – from Front Street to Water Street
Water Street – from Church Street to Main Street
Main Street will be closed at Water Street for eastbound traffic

🎆 This is a family fun event! For safety reasons, we kindly ask attendees to follow these guidelines: No pets, bicycles, or skateboards.

Plan Your Late Summer or Fall Getaway to Swansboro!

It's a perfect time to plan your adventure! Discover the charm of our quaint and historic coastal town. Book your stay at our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites Swansboro or at one of our Airbnbs, VRBOs or Vacation Rentals!

Don't miss the 70th Anniversary of the Swansboro Mullet Festival of NC!

Novelty Nook

Swansboro Paddle Boarding & Kayaking

Preston’s Corner Bar & Grill

Hearts & Horizons Getaway to Swansboro

Glamour and Grace Boutique

Moore’s Olde Tyme BBQ Chicken & Seafood