Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend & Decoy Festival

Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend brings a celebration of waterfowling heritage to the Core Sound Museum and Heritage Center on Harkers Island during the first weekend in December. The Core Sound Decoy Guild also hosts the annual Core Sound Decoy Festival during this same weekend.

This unique celebration brings together dozens of artists, carvers and crafters to showcase their work during the Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend. Throughout the weekend, in addition to the museum filled with artists and crafters, patrons can enjoy unique events, great food, fun entertainment and a fellowship service on Sunday morning.

The Decoy Festival will be hosting decoy exhibits and retriever demonstrations, along with duck calling, loon calling and head whittling competitions. It’s the perfect way to experience the holiday season “Down East.”

This event is fun and family-friendly, so make your way out to Harkers Island for Waterfowl Weekend and the Decoy Festival this December!

Waterfowl Weekend Schedule

Friday

Our annual celebration of Down East’s traditions beginning Friday evening with the Island’s “Bring Back the Lights” opening night.

Saturday

Saturday will offer everything from scallop fritters to sweet puppies, artists and carvers, online auction and the next day, Sunday morning church.

Admission

As always, admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Parking

Parking at National Park Service, golf carts will be circling to pick you up
(No cars – except pickup and deliveries – inside the Museum parking lot)
CCATS Shuttle Service will be provided from the school.

Decoy Festival Schedule

Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm

9:00am – Show Opens
9:00am – Carving Competition Registration, NCWRC Safari Trailer
10:00am – Competition Judging
11:00am – Retriever Demonstration
2:00pm – Retriever Demonstration
5:00pm – Show Closes

Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm

10:00am – Show Opens – YOUTH DAY!!
10:00am – Competition Judging
10:00am –NCWRC Safari Trailer
1:00pm – Head Carving Contest
1:00pm – Retriever Demonstration
3:00pm – Youth Prize Drawing (ages 6-17)
3:30pm – Awards Presentation, Announce 2023 Featured Carver/bird, and raffle drawing winners for the Shotgun, Decoy, and Print.

Located at Harkers Island Elementary School, 1163 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC

Need help booking your stay?

Make your visit to the Crystal Coast a memorable one when you plan your stay with Emerald Isle Realty! Search and compare over 700 vacation rentals, all perfectly priced to fit your budget.