Top 5 Spring Festivals Near Emerald Isle, NC

From the quirky Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival and the vibrant AB Beach Music Festival to wine tastings and scenic bike races, spring along the Crystal Coast offers something for families, couples, and adventurers alike.

Springtime on Emerald Isle and the Crystal Coast is something special: the breeze turns soft, the ocean seems brighter, and while the heavier crowds head farther south, this corner of paradise holds onto its calm, peaceful atmosphere. 😌

But there’s also a bit of energy in the air — a welcome kind. From Emerald Isle to Beaufort, local events start to bloom right alongside the season. From road races and wine tastings to music festivals by the sea, spring brings a lineup of standout happenings well worth marking on your calendar.

Here are some of the top spring festivals to catch near Emerald Isle:

• Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival – March
  
• Croatan Buck Fifty Race – March
  
• Beaufort Wine & Food Festival – Late April
  
• Bike the Banks — May
  
• AB Beach Music Festival — Late May / Early June
  

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what makes these standout spring events so memorable, highlighting the experiences, traditions, and little details that keep folks coming back year after year.


About Us

At Spinnaker’s Reach, we provide a fantastic selection of short-term rentals in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, including options with pools and pet-friendly accommodations.

We’re a team of locals who love Emerald Isle and the Crystal Coast (and honestly, we can’t stop bragging about it!) For great insider tips on Emerald Isle, check out our destination blog. We cover everything about the region, including tips for a romantic getaway, a guide to fishing, and the best day trips you can take from Emerald Isle. 

Now, here are our picks for amazing spring events. 👇

1. Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival

Where: Emerald Isle
When: March

Every year in March, Emerald Isle transforms into a sea of green with one of the most beloved community events of the season. Hosted by the Town of Emerald Isle and the Emerald Isle Business Association, this family-friendly celebration of Irish culture includes live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and activities for all ages.

Why go?

• Lively Atmosphere: The whole town gets into the Irish spirit with music, dancing, and family fun.
  
• Local Flavor: Enjoy everything from funnel cakes to corned beef sandwiches while exploring booths from local artists and makers.
  

Is it good for families?

Yes! Emerald Isle’s St. Patrick’s Festival is an excellent event for families. Despite many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations being centered around live music, beer gardens, and pub crawls, this one offers a wide range of family-friendly activities.

Kids can enjoy amusement rides, face painting, and other child-focused fun, while everyone can browse the booths of arts and crafts vendors and enjoy local food and live music in a welcoming, coastal setting.

What about adults?

There’s plenty for adults to enjoy, too. Beyond the great food and entertainment, the festival includes fantastic beer and wine vendors and musicians, mostly featuring local talent. It’s a fun way for grown-ups to unwind, take in the festive energy, and soak up the start of spring in Emerald Isle.

👍 Local tip: Arrive early to find parking near the festival grounds and bring a blanket or camp chair to enjoy the live entertainment comfortably.

2. Croatan Buck Fifty Race

Where: Croatan National Forest (Starting point: Carteret Speedway)
When: March 

For cyclists who love a challenge, this is one for the calendar. The Croatan Buck Fifty offers a gravel racing experience through some of the region’s most scenic forested terrain, with three race distances to choose from: 150, 50, or 20 miles.

Why go?

• Diverse Distance Options: Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, there’s a category for you.
  
• Immersive Setting: Ride under tall pines and through quiet forest trails rarely accessed by car.
  
• Great Spectator Experience: The food truck rodeo and race energy make for a fun day even if you’re not riding.
  

Is it good for families?

With the attractions built around the race, it’s a great spectator event for teens and adults and maybe even the little ones, especially if you’re cheering on someone competing.

👍 Local Tip: Mornings can be chilly — dress in layers. If you’re participating in the race, it’s a good idea to pack a change of clothes if you plan to linger afterward.

3. Beaufort Wine & Food Festival

Where: Beaufort
When: Late April 

When spring’s in bloom on the Crystal Coast, so are the wine tastings — and this festival knows how to pour on the charm. With award-winning wines, gourmet pairings, and plenty of small-town hospitality, the Beaufort Wine & Food Festival is a favorite among foodies and wine lovers alike.

You can expect elegant dinners, educational tastings, lively seminars, and a high-spirited auction to round out the weekend. Best of all? It’s all for a good cause, with proceeds supporting local charities. What’s not to love?

Why go?

• Chef-Curated Events: Meet celebrated chefs and sample their creations.
  
• Wine Tastings Galore: From boutique vineyards to global labels, there’s something for every palate.
  
• Charity Focused: Feel good while indulging—every glass helps support a cause.

Is it good for families?

The Beaufort Wine & Food Festival can be a great event for families depending on the activities you choose to attend. While the festival primarily focuses on wine and culinary experiences, which are clearly adult-oriented, there are often events or aspects of the festival that are family-friendly.

What about couples?

Absolutely! This is a date-night dream, thanks to the event’s intimate dinners, waterfront views, and a sophisticated vibe. And of course, there’s always a little romance in the spring air. ♥️

👍 Local tip: Book event tickets and accommodations early. The festival is known to sell out fast.

4. Bike the Banks

Where: Emerald Isle Community Center
When: May 

One more for enthusiastic cyclists! Bike the Banks is a coastal ride with incredible views, bringing cyclists together for a fun and scenic spring tradition. Choose from 10-, 50-, or 100-mile routes, all starting from the Emerald Isle Community Center.

Why Go?

• Flexible Ride Options: Whether you want a short ride with the family or a personal challenge, you’re covered.
  
• Ocean Views: Cruise along the Crystal Coast with sweeping views of the water.
  
• Support a Cause: Proceeds support local initiatives and make a meaningful impact in the community.
  

👍 Local tip: All rides usually begin at 7:30 AM. Show up early to register and warm up. Take time to appreciate the coastal views and natural beauty along the routes.​ Also, make sure to interact with fellow cyclists and enjoy the camaraderie of the event.

5. Atlantic Beach Beach Music Festival

Where: Atlantic Beach Circle Pavilion
When: Late May / Early June

This laid-back beachfront tradition brings together top beach music bands for a day of dancing, sunshine, and Carolina pride. Held in Atlantic Beach, the AB Beach Music Festival is an annual kickoff to summer that celebrates the rich tradition of beach music — a genre deeply rooted in the coastal culture of the Carolinas.

Why Go?

• Live Performances: Dance along to hits from renowned beach music bands.​
   
• Community Feel: It’s relaxed, welcoming, and fun for all ages. Best of it all? It’s free!
  
• Perfect Setting: With your toes in the sand and music in the air, the vibe couldn’t be better.

Is it good for families?

Yes, the AB Beach Music Festival in Atlantic Beach is a family-friendly event. To accommodate families, especially those with young children, the festival organizers provide free shuttle services from various parking locations, making it convenient to access the event without a long walk.

Overall, the AB Beach Music Festival offers a lively yet relaxed environment that families can enjoy together.

👍 Local tip: For a more comfortable experience, bring beach chairs and coolers (no glass items allowed). Don’t forget sunscreen and some cash for local food vendors and merchandise.


The Best Spring Events Near Emerald Isle

From green beer and beach music to coastal bike rides and wine tastings, spring on the Crystal Coast brings a fresh kind of energy.

Planning your trip around these festivals is a great way to experience the season’s charm while soaking up the character of our laid-back towns and vibrant communities.

Here’s a quick recap of everything we covered above:

The Best Spring Events Near Emerald Isle

From green beer and beach music to coastal bike rides and wine tastings, spring on the Crystal Coast brings a fresh kind of energy.

Planning your trip around these festivals is a great way to experience the season’s charm while soaking up the character of our laid-back towns and vibrant communities.

Here’s a quick recap of everything we covered above:

Discover the Magic of Spring on Emerald Isle & Beyond!

Experience Emerald Isle like a local by staying in a short-term rental. At Spinnaker’s Reach Realty, we have an amazing selection of properties offering the perfect combination of privacy, stunning coastal views, and a cozy atmosphere, ensuring a truly relaxing getaway and a five-star experience on Emerald Isle.