Don’t miss the 71st annual Swansboro Mullet Festival, coming this Fall—Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, 2025—in historic downtown Swansboro, NC. Admission is free, rain or shine!
Every fall, the charming town of Swansboro, North Carolina, comes alive with the Swansboro Mullet Festival — the oldest festival on the Crystal Coast. This unique event celebrates the mullet fish, a staple of Eastern North Carolina’s waters.
Historically, mullets were hauled ashore in large nets pulled by tractors along the beach. In 1954, these fish helped feed the workers building the White Oak River Bridge, which links Onslow and Carteret counties.
Once the bridge was completed, the festival was born in 1958 as a way to commemorate this milestone.
What began as a simple potluck gathering among Swansboro locals has blossomed into a vibrant two-day festival held in the heart of the town’s quaint waterfront downtown area.
Today, the festival draws crowds eager to enjoy live music, delicious seafood, arts and crafts, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
What to expect at the festival:
Held annually in October (October 11–12, 2025), the Swansboro Mullet Festival is a lively weekend filled with live music, delicious seafood, arts and crafts, family-friendly activities, and plenty of local charm.
Parade: The festival kicks off Saturday morning with a festive parade down Main Street, showcasing local groups and floats.
Seafood Galore: Indulge in mullet prepared a variety of ways—fried, smoked, grilled, and more—plus other regional favorites.
Music: Enjoy performances all weekend long at the Pugliese Pavilion, featuring local bands playing beach tunes and Carolina classics.
Family Fun Zone: Kids can enjoy interactive games and activities designed to keep little ones entertained.
Mullet Toss: A fun, quirky competition where participants fling mullet fish at targets for prizes and laughs.
Fish Fry: On Sunday, the Rotary Club hosts a popular fish fry, offering a taste of local cuisine.
Planning Your Visit:
Location: Downtown Swansboro, primarily around Main Street, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
Parking: Free parking is available at nearby Ward Farm Park with shuttle service to the festival grounds.
Admission: The festival is free and open to the public, rain or shine.
Stay with Bluewater
Make the most of your Swansboro Mullet Festival experience by booking your stay with Bluewater, your trusted partner for vacation rentals along the Crystal Coast. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage, a spacious family home, or a waterfront retreat, Bluewater offers a wide range of comfortable and conveniently located properties to suit every traveler’s needs.
With easy access to downtown Swansboro and nearby attractions, our rentals provide the perfect home base for enjoying all the festivities and coastal adventures. From fully equipped kitchens to relaxing outdoor spaces, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable and stress-free stay.
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