North Carolina Seafood Festival
Dive into the heart of coastal North Carolina at this renowned seafood festival. Indulge in an unparalleled selection of fresh, local seafood, from classic favorites to innovative dishes. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with continuous live music, captivating cooking demonstrations, and a bustling Fisherman's Village showcasing local crafts. Experience the tradition of the Blessing of the Fleet, celebrating the region's maritime culture.
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What to Expect
Premier celebration of North Carolina's seafood heritage.
Event Details
Duration
3 days
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Waterfront
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Dakota Blue
- Carsyn Gray
- Jake Sutton
- Dillon Carmichael
Organizer
North Carolina Seafood Festival, Inc.
Food & Drink
Wide variety of seafood vendors, wine tasting, food trucks, and beverage vendors available.
Local Insight & Ratings
Scare Factor
Family Friendly
Best For
Seafood lovers, families, music enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, coastal, community-oriented
Energy Level
High
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Medium
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: STATE PORT- FREE parking is offered at the NC State Port, 113 Arendell Street, Morehead City, with a free shuttle Saturday & Sunday ONLY to and from the Festival grounds. The shuttle leaves from the state port and carries attendees to 4th Street. The shuttle runs Saturday from 9 AM– Midnight and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00pm. Other lots around the footwall area are operated by community groups with most charging a daily fee to park. We urge you NOT to park on side streets or alleys surrounding the festival. Vehicles parked illegally will be towed at owners expense.
- Accessibility: Designated handicap parking spaces are available in the S. 3rd Street parking lot off Arendell St. Additional handicapped accessible parking is available at the North Carolina Port on Saturday and Sunday. Designated handicap drop-off location for buses and vans: From Arendell Street heading east, turn right onto S. 11th St., then turn left onto Evans St. Drop-off location is the corner of S. 10th and Evans Streets. Exit on S. 10th Street.
- Pets: No pets allowed
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early, especially on Saturday, as the festival attracts large crowds and parking can fill up quickly. Consider using the free shuttle service from the NC State Port.
- Bring cash for vendors, as not all may accept cards, though many do. This will speed up your transactions and allow you to enjoy the festival without delay.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as you'll be doing a lot of walking along the waterfront and the weather can change.
- Check the schedule for specific performance times and cooking demonstrations to plan your day and ensure you don't miss out on key attractions.
- Explore beyond the main seafood vendors; discover unique crafts, local artisan goods, and other festival activities for a well-rounded experience.
Special Events & Promotions
- Armband Friday Fundraiser - $5 from each transaction donated to a chosen school.
- Title Wave Book Mobile debut on Sunday.
- Twin Bridges 8K Race on Saturday, October 4th.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Festival?
The 38th Annual NC Seafood Festival will take place October 3rd-5th, 2025. Festival hours are Friday, October 3rd from 12 noon - 11:00 pm; Saturday, October 4th from 10:00 am - 11:00 pm; and Sunday, October 5th from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Where can I park?
Free parking is available at the NC State Port (113 Arendell Street, Morehead City) with a free shuttle service to the festival grounds on Saturday and Sunday only. Other community-operated lots may charge a fee. Avoid parking on side streets as illegally parked vehicles will be towed.
Will the Festival be open if the weather is bad?
This is a rain or shine event. However, in the event of a dangerous weather threat, updates will be communicated via social media and news outlets regarding any postponement or cancellation.
Do you offer handicap parking?
Yes, designated handicap parking is available in the S. 3rd Street parking lot off Arendell St., and at the NC Port on Saturday and Sunday. A designated drop-off location is also available at the corner of S. 10th and Evans Streets.
Are pets allowed at the Festival?
To ensure the safety of all patrons and pets, pets are not allowed at the festival. Please leave your pets at home.
Tags
Website & Socials
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.