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> Area Info > Area Events > Mullet Festival of Swansboro

Mullet Festival of Swansboro

Where:
Downtown Swansboro
 204-208 Main Street Extension
Swansboro, NC 28584
When:

October 10, 2026 – October 11, 2026

WEBSITE

Mmm, mmm, mullet! Whether you prefer fried, broiled, grilled, smoked or stewed, you can get mullet any way you like it at the annual Mullet Festival of Swansboro. The festival began in 1954, making it the oldest festival on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. What started as a potluck-style gathering to celebrate the completion of the bridge that runs over the White Oak River is now one of the most anticipated festivals on the Crystal Coast.

Mullet Festival Schedule

Saturday

The Swansboro Mullet Festival offers a glimpse into history that is combined with a celebration of all things mullet. This family-friendly festival kicks off on Saturday in downtown Swansboro with a parade down Highway 24.

Enjoy the sounds of beach music and live bands coming from the Harry C. Pugliese Pavilion. And the kiddos will love the children’s area that includes games, a climbing wall, inflatables and the always popular “Mullet Toss!”

Sunday

More beach music favorites will be featured from the pavilion while craft and food vendors line the downtown Swansboro streets for the famous Rotary fish fry.

Swansboro Mullet Festival

Mullet Festival Event Information

Admission

Admission is FREE

Hours

Saturday: 9am-10pm
Sunday: 10am-5pm

Parade starts at 9 am on Saturday
Vendor booths open at 10am on both days
Live music at Pug Pavilion starts at 11am on both days

Parking

Downtown streets in Swansboro will be closed to traffic during both days of the festival. Parking is available at Ward Farm and Park Facilities, with shuttle services provided.

Swansboro Mullet Festival parade

Ready to plan your stay?

From events and festivals to attractions and dining, you’ll find plenty of things to do in and around the Emerald Isle area. And save 10% to 25% off the advertised rates with our last minute Outer Banks vacation rental deals!

Event dates and information are subject to change without notice. Please visit the official event website for more information.

UPCOMING EMERALD ISLE EVENTS

Emerald Isle Day4Kids

   Sep 5, 2026
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Emerald Isle Fall Fishing Tournament

   Sep 25, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026
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NC Seafood Festival

   Oct 2, 2026 – Oct 4, 2026
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Mullet Festival of Swansboro

   Oct 10, 2026 – Oct 11, 2026
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Swansboro Five-0 King Mackerel Tournament

   Oct 13, 2026 – Oct 17, 2026
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Tuna Relay 200

   Oct 16, 2026 – Oct 18, 2026
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Carolina Kite Festival

   Oct 24, 2026 – Oct 25, 2026
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Emerald Isle Marathon

   Oct 24, 2026
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Swansboro by Candlelight

   Nov 14, 2026
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Emerald Isle Car Show

   Nov 14, 2026
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Swansboro Christmas Flotilla

   Nov 27, 2026
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Emerald Isle Christmas Parade

   Nov 28, 2026
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Special vacation rental discounts for military members, veterans, first responders, and essential workers. It’s our way of saying thank you for your service and dedication. Get 10% off your weekly rate or $50 off 3 night stays.
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