Whether you’re into food, music, water sports, boating, or running, North Carolina has numerous opportunities for family fun. Here are five great local upcoming events you don’t want to miss:
Aug 2, 2016, 5-9 PM, Rain or Shine
America’s night out against crime is held annually on the first Tuesday of August, at Riverwalk Crossing Park in downtown Jacksonville. The City of Jacksonville hosts this exciting celebration of community as a way of promoting crime prevention. Attended by over 12,000 people annually, this event won the 2014 Event of the Year Award from the North Carolina Association of Festivals and Events. The 2016 National Night Out Event will feature live musical entertainment, military, police, and fire vehicles, and police dog demonstrations. There will also be a car exhibit, bicycle giveaway, children’s activity area, food vendors, and fireworks to top off the evening.
July 30, 2016, 7:30 AM
A ‘sister’ event to National Night Out, 5K Running With The Law is now in its fourth year, with over 150 runners of all ages participating. Participants receive an event t-shirt and finisher medal, along with top prize medals awarded by age category. Run side-by-side with local Law Enforcement, get some exercise, and support a great cause. This event is open to the public, with proceeds benefiting North Carolina Special Olympics. Pre-registration costs $20, while event day registration is $30. Event packets may be picked up on Friday, July 29th at 6:30 p.m., or Saturday, July 30th from 6-7 a.m. at the Jacksonville Commons Admin Office, 100 Recreation Lane.
The Emerald Isle Beach Music Festival
August 27, 2016, 11 AM – 5:30 PM
The Emerald Isle Beach Music Festival has returned after a 17-year absence, and the new 2016 event promises to match the excitement of the 1980s and 1990s festivals! Top performers this year include: Sammy O’Banion, Spare Change, Hip Pocket, Too Much Sylvia, The Tams, and Jim Quick & Coastline. The festival takes place on the beach at Western Ocean Regional Access (next to The Islander).
August 12th – 13th, 2016, 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This fun-filled weekend on the water in New Bern features dragon boat racing, great food, wonderful music, a parade, and lots of activities for the kids. Dragon Boats are the world’s largest flat-water racing canoes, with an elaborate design originating in ancient China. They are propelled by a crew of 20 plus a drummer and a steersperson, and teamwork is everything. There is nothing else like this event in the area, and several thousand people are expected to attend. Admission is free.
The Beak Week Poultry Festival
September 9th – September 16th
Goldsboro’s signature event, Beak Week, features a full week of events, including the Tour du Coop Bike Ride, Signature Sandwich competition, scavenger hunt, wing-eating contest, and a Kansas City BBQ Cook Off. 30 professional cooking teams will travel from all over the east coast in hopes of winning a $20,000 prize. 4 categories of meat will be judged – ribs, chicken, pork, and brisket. It all culminates into one big Downtown Goldsboro festival on Center Street, with live music, food trucks, art vendors, fun activities for the kids, and much more!
From the mountains to the shore – and at every point in between – there’s always something to celebrate in North Carolina. Take advantage of these great local opportunities to bring your family closer together – with fun, food, and festivities celebrating everything our great state has to offer.