The best things to do in New Bern

15 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 15 places · showing the latest additions first

Bear Town Cinema

Entertainment

Bear Town Cinema is the no-fuss move when you want the big screen without leaving New Bern. Check showtimes for whatever’s new, treat the…

2806 Trent Rd

Bear Town Cinema is the no-fuss move when you want the big screen without leaving New Bern. Check showtimes for whatever’s new, treat the kids to Summer Kid Shows, or book a theatre rental with friends... and snag a gift card for your favorite movie buddy.

From the New Bern newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Emerald Golf Club

Entertainment

Designed by Rees Jones, Golf World’s 1995 Architect of the Year, Emerald Golf Club serves up a classic Carolina layout that’s equal parts…

5000 Clubhouse Dr

Designed by Rees Jones, Golf World’s 1995 Architect of the Year, Emerald Golf Club serves up a classic Carolina layout that’s equal parts forgiving and feisty. Line up a round this week, with multiple tees and plenty of risk-reward to win your weekend bragging rights.

From the New Bern newsletter, August 24, 2026

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River Bend Country Club is an 18-hole course open to the public, with memberships if you want to make it your regular loop. This week, slip…

94 Shoreline Dr

River Bend Country Club is an 18-hole course open to the public, with memberships if you want to make it your regular loop. This week, slip into leagues, low-key mixers, a lesson, and the River Bend Grille for a post-round bite, an easy reset when you need some fresh-air therapy.

From the New Bern newsletter, September 9, 2026

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The Emerald

Entertainment

The Emerald is a Rees Jones design with a welcoming, semi-private vibe, plus leagues that include non-members, junior golf that actually…

5000 Clubhouse Dr

The Emerald is a Rees Jones design with a welcoming, semi-private vibe, plus leagues that include non-members, junior golf that actually grows the game, and social nights like Wine & Nine and live music. Swing by this week to dial in the driver or just hang with the golf crowd.

From the New Bern newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Bruin Theater

Entertainment

Bruin Theater makes the midweek slump a lot more fun with current releases you actually want to see and Summer Kid Shows when you need an…

2500 Neuse Blvd

Bruin Theater makes the midweek slump a lot more fun with current releases you actually want to see and Summer Kid Shows when you need an easy win. Rally the crew, pick a flick, and enjoy a simple, no-fuss night out right here in New Bern.

From the New Bern newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Skip the same-old errands and let the New Bern Historical Society bring history to life this week with a wander through New Bern…

511 Broad St

Skip the same-old errands and let the New Bern Historical Society bring history to life this week with a wander through New Bern Battlefield Park, a stroll in the Attmore-Oliver House Heritage Garden, or time exploring the African American Heritage Trail. Local stories, zero textbook yawns.

From the New Bern newsletter, September 14, 2026

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New Bern Civil War Battlefield Park lets you stretch your legs on trails lined with 36 interpretive panels, check out the big concrete…

300 Battlefield Trail

New Bern Civil War Battlefield Park lets you stretch your legs on trails lined with 36 interpretive panels, check out the big concrete battle map, and fire up a free audio tour app narrated by local historians and descendants... a quick, brain-boosting reset between errands or after work this week.

From the New Bern newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Taberna Country Club is serving up New Bern golf at its finest with a welcoming course now open for public play, plus clubhouse dining when…

401 Taberna Way

Taberna Country Club is serving up New Bern golf at its finest with a welcoming course now open for public play, plus clubhouse dining when you finish the round. Prefer practice over pressure? They’ve got lessons, tennis, and a pool for when the putts refuse to drop.

From the New Bern newsletter, August 28, 2026

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The Golf Place

Entertainment

New Bern finally has a legit place to keep your game sharp when the forecast or your schedule won’t cooperate. The Golf Place runs premium…

3920 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd

New Bern finally has a legit place to keep your game sharp when the forecast or your schedule won’t cooperate. The Golf Place runs premium indoor golf simulators for members, perfect for quick practice, friendly match vibes, or sneaking in reps without roasting on the fairways.

From the New Bern newsletter, August 30, 2026

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With a climbing structure and slide, bounce area, swing, and two separate play zones for crawlers and bigger kids, Little Bee Indoor…

1910 S Glenburnie Rd

With a climbing structure and slide, bounce area, swing, and two separate play zones for crawlers and bigger kids, Little Bee Indoor Playground is a great way to let the crew burn energy without wrecking your living room. They also host private play dates and birthdays that actually feel easy.

From the New Bern newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Harbour Pointe Golf Club threads 18 scenic, marsh-hugging holes that somehow humble you and keep you coming back. Hit the practice…

1105 Barkentine Dr #9328

Harbour Pointe Golf Club threads 18 scenic, marsh-hugging holes that somehow humble you and keep you coming back. Hit the practice facility, grab a lesson, then refuel at the newly renovated The Pointe Restaurant... a pretty perfect New Bern reset this week.

From the New Bern newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Carolina Colours School of Golf pairs plain English coaching with Top 50 Teaching Professional Terri Migliaccio, offering private and group…

3300 Waterscape Wy

Carolina Colours School of Golf pairs plain English coaching with Top 50 Teaching Professional Terri Migliaccio, offering private and group lessons plus half and full day schools that work with what you have, what you understand, at your pace.

From the New Bern newsletter, September 18, 2026

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If the kids need to sprint, laugh, and come home happily exhausted, George St Park Sprayground brings the splash with shower tunnels, foam…

807 George St

If the kids need to sprint, laugh, and come home happily exhausted, George St Park Sprayground brings the splash with shower tunnels, foam geysers, pop jets, and those mischievous mini popcorn jets. Swing by this week, cool down, and call it a win for everyone.

From the New Bern newsletter, August 23, 2026

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New Bern Golf & Country Club is a this-week move where you can dial in your swing, rally on the courts, then refuel with fine dining that…

4301 Country Club Rd (Trent Woods)

New Bern Golf & Country Club is a this-week move where you can dial in your swing, rally on the courts, then refuel with fine dining that beats another takeout night. Pool and fitness keep the endorphins high, plus it’s a solid spot to plan that milestone event you’ve been dodging.

From the New Bern newsletter, September 11, 2026

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Whether you want a focused solo round or a friendly scramble, Carolina Colours Golf Club delivers an 18 hole championship layout with those…

3300 Waterscape Wy

Whether you want a focused solo round or a friendly scramble, Carolina Colours Golf Club delivers an 18 hole championship layout with those Eastern NC vistas where land, water, and sky keep stealing your attention. Sneak in a round this week, then finish with clubhouse dining and call it cross training.

From the New Bern newsletter, September 21, 2026

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