Swansboro Mullet Festival

Join us downtown Swansboro for the 69th Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival of North Carolina on October 14-15, 2023. Featuring a parade Saturday at 9am, street vendors, kids’ area, live music, fish fry, food vendors, and more. The 69th Annual Mullet Festival is presented by Team Chevrolet Swansboro and Sanders Ford Swansboro. Stay tuned for more information.
​
The Swansboro Mullet Festival of North Carolina, the oldest festival in the Crystal Coast, began in 1954. The weekend centers around the small, bony fish that appears as having a purplish-blue tint when found in Eastern North Carolina waters. Swansboro natives remember days long ago when mullets were hauled to shore in nets hooked to tractors along the beach.
​
In 1954, mullet fed the workers building the White Oak River Bridge that later became a vital link between Onslow and Carteret counties. Upon its completion, the conception of the Mullet Festival began. It was a way to celebrate the arrival of the modern era in bridge form. The event started as a potluck-type event with the town coming together and contributing to the celebration.

Events:

The Swansboro Mullet Festival Parade begins the weekend long festivities on Saturday, October 14, 9 AM.

Enjoy delicious fried mullet and whiting in downtown Swansboro across from the stage on Front Street. Fish plates will be available both Saturday and Sunday from 11:00AM to 5:00PM. Plates include fish, hushpuppies, coleslaw, and beans.

USMC Static Display - October 14, 2022, 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM, 502 West Church St.
Check out current USMC equipment at the static display on Church Street.

October 13, 2022; 6 PM, Casper's Marina - Blessing of the Fleet! This event is for: those who work on boats; those who protect our country; those who provide food from these waters; those who use these waters for family and pleasure; any other boats or owners in our area. Join us for this annual event! ALL boats and boaters are welcome to join us - kayaks, motor boats, fishing vessels, etc. Boats will assemble at 5:45 in the water in front of Caspers Marina.

October 13, 2023; 6:00 PM, Swansboro Recreation Center - Mullet Gnome Door Hanger Workshop


Click on the website buttons for more info. "Our vendor spaces are all filled!! No more applications will be accepted."

Address