Live Music By The Sea in Emerald Isle & Swansboro

Ahhh, the beach season has officially arrived. The days are chock-full of sun, sand, and surf. But what about the evenings?

How about a nice combination of fresh coastal air, warm hues of a sunlit evening, and some free live music? Pack up a picnic dinner, grab a chair or blanket, and head out for an evening of music by the sea on the Crystal Coast through the summer concert series set in two locations.

The town of Emerald Isle offers Emeraldfest for its residents and visitors on the first and third Thursday evenings of the month from 6:30-8p.m. May through September. Located at the Western Ocean Regional Access just off of Islander Drive and under a half-mile from the Cameron Langston Bridge, the access offers its guests convenient access to the beach, lots of parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and more. Emeraldfest features varied musical performances in a spectrum of genres throughout the season. Be sure to check the list of scheduled performances for full details.

Not far from Emerald Isle just over the Cameron Langston Bridge and a short drive to the waterfront town of Swansboro, you'll find Swanfest occurring on most Sunday evenings 6:30-8p.m. from May through September. Swanfest features a different performer each Sunday evening in such musical categories as acoustic rock, blues, folk, country, bluegrass, soul, and reggae just to name a few. The performances are held at the pavilion at Olde Town Square in downtown Swansboro. Please view the schedule of performances slated for the season. Also, pets and alcohol are not permitted at Swanfest. Concerts are weather-permitting.

Don't forget, these summer concert series are free and family-friendly as are many of the events here. Whether you've already booked your beach house in Emerald Isle or you're still researching some of our coastal vacation rental specials, make it a point to check out the local events that are happening during your stay. They will add to your Southern Outer Banks experience and give you a chance to mingle with the locals. We look forward to seeing you!

Have you attended any musical events or festivals during your stay in Emerald Isle? Tell us about it! We'd love to hear from you.