Events in New Bern, NC

Craven Community College hosts a household hazardous waste collection sponsored by the Coastal Environmental Partnership, the public authority that manages solid waste for Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties. This collection is part of CEP's series held in each of the three counties. Accepted items include cooking oil, drain openers, household batteries, automotive fluids, pesticides and fertilizers, and both latex and oil-based paints along with paint thinners. Latex paint that has dried may be placed with regular household trash. Items that are not accepted include commercial waste, infectious biological or radioactive materials, explosives, ammunition, and any container that is unlabeled or cannot be readily identified. All materials should be clearly labeled so they can be handled safely.

Enjoy a cozy fall market featuring a wide range of local vendors with unique finds and handmade goods. Browse at a relaxed, family friendly pace, grab a bite from a food truck, and pick up a drink from a mobile coffee shop. Those interested in becoming a vendor can apply through the listed application link or the tickets tab. Be cautious of spam and use only the official form. For questions, contact nbshrinettes@gmail.com or message R & K Clay Co.

The second quilting workshop of 2026 at Gatlin Creek Community Center welcomes both newcomers and returning quilters. Learn the full journey of quilt making, from cutting fabric and sewing to the finishing touches, or spend focused time moving your current project forward alongside fellow makers. The fee is $20 for returning participants and $30 for new quilters, with supplies included for new attendees. Light snacks will be provided. There are 30 spots available, so please RSVP as soon as possible.

This camp brings together animal-centered experiences and the creative arts to support those coping with loss. It offers a calm, caring setting for reflection and expression, creating space for remembrance and gentle healing.

Visit PetSmart in New Bern to meet kittens available for adoption. A red flag will mark where to go.

Standing Watch: New Bern’s America 250 Salute to Service, Sacrifice and Remembrance honors veterans and their families at VFW Post 2514 in New Bern. The program begins with arrival and check in, then continues with a narrated timeline of military eras featuring living models, period uniforms, artifacts, and historical exhibits. The National Anthem is performed by Sam Lewis, followed by a Missing Man Table ceremony. Dinner is served, and the gathering concludes with live acoustic music. Admission is free for veterans and their families, seating is limited, and advance registration is required. Presented in partnership with VFW Post 2514, Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory, the New Bern Historical Society, New Bern Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and New Bern Elks Lodge #764. This event is reserved for veterans and their families and is not open to the general public.

The 15th annual Oktoberfest fundraiser will take place at the Riverfront Convention Center. Tickets are available. Sponsorships are offered at levels from $5,000 to $100, and inquiries can be sent to Oktoberfest@NBBRotary.com. Additional information about the event and its impact is available.

Explore the calming, hands-on benefits of clay at The Unbroken Potter, where simple practices with touch and breath support nervous system regulation and reconnection with the senses. The workshop is led by Marsha Laird, proprietor, and welcomes all levels with no art experience required. Each ticket includes one Clay & Connection workshop plus one month of unlimited ENGAGE access for one adult, providing unlimited entry to in-person ENGAGE workshops for 30 days and 24/7 access to the private online trauma recovery community Healing Place @ Hesed. ENGAGE offers trauma-informed experiences grounded in interpersonal neurobiology, recognizing that safe, attuned relationships help restore balance and support long-term emotional and relational well-being. Sessions feature gentle, sensory-based activities such as music, arts and pottery, yoga, horticulture, and tai chi, and they are designed to complement therapy or serve as a meaningful stand-alone resource for adults. Working with clay can be grounding through touch, it invites slow rhythmic movements that signal safety, engages both hands to encourage whole-brain integration, allows nonverbal expression, and nurtures a sense of agency through creating something tangible. Hesed Place emphasizes kindness and community as part of restoring safety, with practical tools that carry into everyday life. A public parking lot is located across the street.

Seniors 60 and older can take part in a friendly bingo gathering that offers camaraderie, fun, and prizes.

At PetSmart in New Bern, visitors can see kittens available for adoption. Look for a red flag.

In historic downtown New Bern, this city sponsored festival produced by Swiss Bear, Inc. brings thousands of visitors together for a waterfront weekend filled with live music, shopping, great food, and family friendly activities. Expect two days of continuous entertainment with performances on stage, artists and makers showcasing their work, tasty food vendors, a KidsZone, street performers, a beer garden, and a variety of attractions set against the charm of the riverfront. The lineup includes national and regional acts, interactive experiences, returning favorites, and new additions throughout the festival. Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available, and applications are accepted only through the festival’s Eventeny application. Organizers will not request payments through social media comments or direct messages, and any posts claiming to sell vendor spaces are spam and should be reported. Title sponsorship is provided by Riverside Automotive Group.

At MumFest, Howard Matthews and friends come together with fellow musicians to share performances purely for the love of music and in celebration of community.

Explore how ailments and injuries were addressed in the 1700s with guidance from Charles Brett, an apothecary-surgeon, while learning about the responsibilities of medical professionals in colonial North Carolina. Step into the role of an apprentice as you study fundamentals of surgery and bandaging for treating wounds, investigate the restorative qualities of herbs, and mix a historical style remedy using tools and methods of the time. The fee is $35 plus tax and includes materials. Space is limited, advance purchase is required, and all sales are final.

MumFest fills downtown New Bern with two days of activities and waterfront charm. Expect hundreds of vendors, plenty of food, music and shows, plus demonstrations and the festival’s signature mum arch. Inner Banks Adventures will be at Union Point Park by the river, showcasing coastal-inspired pieces that reflect themes like beach house decor, driftwood art, oyster shell work, and sea glass art. Explore the booths, take in the views, and experience a lively celebration along the water.

Visit PetSmart in New Bern to meet kittens available for adoption. A red flag will mark the spot so you can easily find the group.

The annual Mumfest MUMosa 5K returns to the streets of historic downtown New Bern, presented by New Bern Parks & Recreation and aligned with the Mumfest weekend, a community favorite filled with music, food, arts, and family friendly fun. This edition unveils a new route on a partially closed course that winds through the center of the festival footprint, keeping participants in the middle of the celebration. Choose between the 5K or a 1 mile Fun Run, then toast the finish with a complimentary mimosa. Registration is $20 for the Fun Run. The 5K offers an early bird rate of $30, then increases to $40 after the early window. Awards recognize the top three overall male and female finishers, plus the top three male and female runners in age groups spanning 10 and under through 80 plus. Support from Thompson Homes Real Estate Group and Swiss Bear, Inc. helps make this event possible.

Build the skills and knowledge needed for responsible concealed carry in this North Carolina handgun course led by a law enforcement instructor. The class covers core marksmanship fundamentals along with the laws that govern carrying concealed. Tuition is $80 per student. Participants should bring a handgun and 50 rounds of ammunition. Rental handguns are available for an additional $25, and ammunition is included with the rental. This is a full-day class designed to help students gain confidence and a clear understanding of legal requirements. For questions, call 252-671-4007.

Business Cards & Brews is a relaxed, come as you are networking social at Brewery 99 for business owners, entrepreneurs, creatives, and side hustlers. Expect genuine community, easy conversation, and local beer. There are no speeches, no membership sign ups, and no pressure. It is a drop in format, so arrive when it works for you and stay as long as you like. Bring business cards to trade contacts and to enter raffles. The atmosphere is welcoming for every stage of business and keeps networking light and enjoyable. Each month, two local businesses are featured, one focused on services and one on products. Spotlighted companies receive extra attention, a chance to share what they do, and can bring their offerings. Everyone else comes to connect and build relationships, with the emphasis on community rather than a vendor market. Whether launching something new or building on recent momentum, it offers a place to meet peers who understand the journey and make connections that move work forward.

NK leads a nostalgic tour through the golden eras of rock and pop, showcasing favorites from the 70s and 80s that spark feel-good memories.

Meet kittens available for adoption at PetSmart in New Bern. Watch for a red flag to find the event.

Enjoy a free family yoga session that blends playful movement with lively music in a welcoming setting. The class introduces children and adults to simple poses, mindful moments, and calming breathwork, offering practical tools to ease stress for all ages. Expect interactive games, imagination-fueled activities, laughter, and original tunes woven through a kid-friendly flow. Parents, grandparents, toddlers, teens, and everyone in between can participate, and all experience levels are supported. A small number of mats will be available to borrow, so bringing a personal mat is encouraged.

This herbal class covers how to make elderberry syrup with a focus on supporting the immune system. It is scheduled as the season of colds and flu approaches, offering timely know-how for preparing it.

The Pirates of the Neuse Parrot Head Club gathers at The Brown Pelican for a relaxed meetup with a Jimmy Buffett inspired vibe. Expect cold drinks, lively music, and friendly company while getting to know the club and what it is all about. The group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, and each gathering brings something a little different while keeping the same warm welcome. Open to new members and curious locals.

This event delivers a spirited celebration that blends rock energy with Irish flavor.

The Aurora Fossil Museum hosts a family friendly celebration of National Fossil Day with a focus on discovery and North Carolina’s prehistoric past. Explore exhibits that highlight fossils found in Aurora and learn about the ancient seas that once covered eastern North Carolina. Then head outside to the Pits of the Pungo, where guests can search for their own fossil finds. Suitable for seasoned collectors and first time fossil hunters alike. Admission is free.

Meet kittens available for adoption from CCHS at PetSmart in New Bern. Look for the red flag when you arrive.

Settle in for live music with dinner and drinks, paired with a beautiful waterfront view of the marina.

See kittens available for adoption at PetSmart in New Bern. Look for the red flag to find the setup.

Settle in on the lawn at Union Point Park for a Movies in the Park screening of Hocus Pocus. The film begins at dusk, admission is free, and concessions will be available to purchase on site. Pack a blanket, gather your crew, and enjoy a relaxed evening under the stars. This event is presented with support from Chasin’ Tails Doggie Spa.

Celebrate Halloween with Smokehouse at the DoubleTree by Hilton. This holiday-themed event brings Smokehouse to the hotel for a festive gathering.

Designed for first-time and novice shooters, this introductory handgun class focuses on safe handling and practical skills. Instruction covers essential safety rules, core marksmanship skills, clearing common malfunctions, and proper cleaning and care. Students should bring a handgun and 100 rounds of ammunition. The fee is $105. Registration is available through the organizer’s link, and questions can be directed to 252-671-4007.

Meet kittens available for adoption at PetSmart in New Bern. Look for the red flag to find the area.

MERCI on Middle turns Middle Street in downtown New Bern into an open-air culinary celebration that brings food, music, and community together. The street becomes a festive dining corridor with eight to ten chef stations serving tasting portions, paired with carefully selected beer and wine, plus an exclusive tasting from Weldon Mills Distillery created for this event. Live music from the I-42 Band sets the mood while attendees enjoy a lively atmosphere, a photo booth, and a live auction, all amid the character of the historic downtown. All proceeds support MERCI Clinic and its mission to provide free healthcare for uninsured community members. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band bring the Then Came the Morning Tour 2026 to Temple Church in New Bern, NC. The renowned singer and songwriter, a recipient of multiple Grammy and Dove Awards, has spent over fifty years shaping music as a performer, writer, and mentor, and his long-running Homecoming CD and DVD series continues to connect with audiences worldwide. Sharing the stage with the Gaither Vocal Band are Chris Blue, Ladye Love Smith, Gene McDonald, and Kevin Williams for a live concert experience. Tickets are on sale now. For the protection of attendees and participants, third party ticket resales are not allowed on TPR event pages, and purchases from unofficial sellers are not guaranteed or supported. To ensure valid entry and access to updates or assistance, use the official ticketing outlet.

Now in its ninth year, this studio tour invites visitors into artists’ workspaces to meet creators and see how their art takes shape. It is designed to connect the public with artists and to share insight into creative processes. Explore studios, learn directly about the work, and discover more along the way.

Meet kittens available for adoption at PetSmart in New Bern. A red flag will help you spot the group when you arrive.

Union Point Park will be the setting for the 3rd Annual Wreaths Across America Chili Cook-off and Vendor Fair, featuring chili teams and a marketplace of vendors. New River Harley-Davidson has come aboard as the primary sponsor and will support the People’s Choice Award. Team and vendor applications open in August. To prevent scams, applications and registrations are handled only through cedargrovewreaths@gmail.com, and no information or payments should be sent elsewhere. The event aims to be the biggest edition yet in support of a meaningful cause.

Kittens will be available for adoption at PetSmart in New Bern. Look for the red flag to locate the event area.

Pirates of the Neuse Parrot Head Club presents a casual meetup at The Brown Pelican that embraces a relaxed, Jimmy Buffett inspired vibe with cold drinks, lively music, and friendly company. It offers a friendly way to learn about the club and connect with fellow Parrot Heads, with each gathering bringing a slightly different flavor while keeping the same warm welcome. The meetup is open to longtime fans, newcomers, and curious locals.

Pokekon-Fest brings family-friendly fun to the Havelock Tourist & Event Center in Havelock, North Carolina. Explore a lively vendor marketplace, discover creations by local artists, and enjoy trading card games and video gaming. The event also features appearances by voice actors, with a variety of activities planned for all ages.

Kittens will be available for adoption at PetSmart in New Bern. Look for the red flag to locate the event.