Head on down to beautiful Morehead City on the first weekend in October for an eastern North Carolina tradition, the 25th Annual NC Seafood Festival…and while you’re there, plan to check out the latest in new boats and boating accessories. The Southern Outer Banks Boat Show and Expo will be held as part of the Seafood Festival on October 1–2 at the NC Port Authority in Morehead City. Many of the region’s leading boat dealers are scheduled to show a variety of boats and boating-related items at the event, which is FREE to everyone. The North Carolina Seafood Festival is Carteret County’s annual seafood celebration and the second largest festival in North Carolina. Downtown Morehead City plays host to an average of 200,000+ people each year during the event. Founded in 1987, the three-day celebration has been estimated to impact the economy of and surrounding areas by nearly 32 million dollars. The Festival is a time when the community comes together, as more than 2000 volunteers work to make it a success. The Festival is a time of celebration and thanksgiving for our state’s greatest natural resource ~ SEAFOOD. The North Carolina Seafood Festival is proud to provide the fund raising avenue for more than 60 non-profit vendors to raise over $125,000.00 each year for their individual organizations. While enjoying the large variety of seafood available, you can also experience educational exhibits and take part in hands-on activities for the young and the old alike. You can also watch as net-menders, crab pot makers and ol’ timers join together to pass on the heritage of the seafood industry. Our new Chef’s Tent offers free samples of N.C. fresh seafood and is a tantalizing experience for the taste buds! Add entertainment and amusements and you have the makings of a wonderful weekend at the Crystal Coast. One of the most memorable events of the weekend is the Blessing of the Fleet held on Sunday at the Morehead City State Port. This is a time of honoring those who have lost their lives in the fishing industry and ask for blessings on those continuing this tradition.
