New Bern MumFest

The mums are in full bloom for MumFeast!

Around this time of year, I am usually making plans to be in New Bern to partake in one of my favorite events, MumFest. The food, the music, the arts and crafts, and of course, the mums! The renowned festival attracts thousands each year from near and far away.

This October, the event is “blossoming” into something different. For 2020, the creative minds of our town have smartly evolved the event into MumFeast, a festival of outdoor dining and more. Every weekend in October, Downtown will shut down to car traffic. Beginning each Friday at 5 p.m., Downtown New Bern will transform into an amazing feasting in the streets. Eighteen restaurants are participating, so you can dine out every weekend at a different place! With venues ranging from Beer Army to The Chelsea and Morgan’s Tavern & Grill, the menu choices are extensive. In addition to the dining, a variety of yummy foods, intriguing artwork, homemade jewelry and other goods will be presented throughout the weekends. You can have lunch or dinner, then browse and shop artisan wares and more. The fun and excitement will continue all-day Saturday until 9:30 p.m. Live music will be played throughout the weekend.

Even if you choose not to venture out over one of the October weekends to attend MumFeast, you can still enjoy curbside pickup on South Front Street at Craven Street. Some of my favorite fair foods, including funnel cakes, fried Oreos, tacos and other delicious (okay, slightly bad for you) treats, will be sold for you to enjoy at home.

How about the famous mum arch? No worry, as it and the maze will be at Union Point Park. The mum arch makes for fantastic photo opportunities, so be sure to plan a stop there. The mum maze is also fun, as you see the spectrum of colors beautifully displayed.

MumFeast is sure to be a feast for your eyes, as it is a sight not to be missed. Your other senses are sure to enjoy it also!