Summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21, but New Bern is heating up well before then! Check out these three awesome events for the entire family to enjoy.

Get Arty

One of my favorite events of the year is back, and it promises to be better than ever! The Fourth Annual North Carolina Plein Air Art Festival begins Sunday, May 12, and continues through Sunday, May 19. The eight-day festival spotlights 35 nationally and globally acclaimed plein air artists.

Plein air, which is French and translates to “open air” in English, can be traced back to Impressionist artists. It captures any moment in time outdoors rather than detailed representations. For more information about the Plein Air Art Festival, click here.

Get Loose

Our hometown’s summer concert series, Footloose on the Neuse, kicks off its season on Memorial Day Weekend. On Friday, May 24, at 6:30 p.m., bring your blanket and lawn chairs out to Union Point Park for the ultimate Journey tribute band, Trial by Fire. “Don’t stop believing” how amazing this concert will be! A total of seven concerts are planned over the summer. Check out the concert series full lineup here.

Get Racing

When the calendar marks June, you know it is time for The Great Trent River Raft Race is set for Saturday, June 24! A variety of races, from classic to peddle to paddle, will test participants with design capabilities. The category of “anything that floats” always brings out the laughs. This event is a treat for all ages. In addition to the races, you will enjoy food, games and live entertainment. For all the details, click here.

New Bern is an amazing place to live year-round, and this summer is no exception. For other fun activities, check out visitnewbern.com.

The months of March and April are always full of amazing activities in New Bern, and this year is no exception. Springtime is also the perfect time to enjoy these activities with the entire family. Here are three upcoming events for the young, young-at-heart and everyone in between.

Under the Sea

One of our favorite animated shows is now a live action musical! Your favorite Nickelodeon characters are at the bottom of the sea with The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition. From the title character to Patrick to Squidward, you’ll be saying, “I’m ready, I’m ready!” While the show is geared toward younger audiences, the show appeals to all ages. Performances run the weekends of March 15-17 and 22-29. For more information and tickets at New Bern Civic Theatre, click here.

Over the Moon

The Glow Run is an evening run/walk 5k for participants of all ages, set for Saturday, April 6. Proceeds will directly benefit those living with disabilities, mental health issues and substance use challenges who are receiving services from Easterseals UCP/Port Health in our community. In addition to the 5K, the event also features a one-mile fun run, food trucks, live music and more. For more information, including how to roll with Ainsley’s Angels, click here.

Around the Arts

It’s back! The Second Annual Arts in April has a full slate of events throughout the month, including the Music Fest on Saturday, April 27. From a wide variety of live music performances to community art exhibitions to a kid’s activity zone, this special event holds something for the entire family. For more information, click here.

In addition to these great ideas for family fun, New Bern has a roster of amazing activities to enjoy. Whether you are looking for an Easter egg hunt, live music or outdoor fests, you will find it in our resplendent hometown. For a schedule of upcoming events, Visit New Bern is the website to check out!

New Bern is known for many things, including its amazing art scene. This April, you have the opportunity to experience a number of special events showcasing incredible talent, with the First Annual Arts in April, a month-long celebration. While there is an extensive lineup, here are three standouts.

Arty Party #1 – Plein Fun

Each weekend in April, Plein Air artists will draw or paint beautiful landscapes of Tryon Palace and Gardens. Plein Air is a format where artists leave the studio behind and paint what is in front of them outside. You will also get a glimpse of what is in store for the Third Annual North Carolina Plein Air Art Festival, being held in New Bern in May. To learn more about Plein Air, click here.

Arty Party #2 – Walk It Out

The second Friday of the month can only mean one thing: ArtWalk! On April 14, downtown is the place to be for family or date night fun. I love this monthly opportunity to get outside, enjoy the cool evening air, peruse the stores and art galleries, and of course, enjoy some fantastic food at one of several downtown restaurants. For details, click here.

Arty Party #3 – A Little Night (and Day) Music

The art festivities continue throughout the weekend of April 14 – 16. The First Annual Arts in April Music Festival kicks off on Friday with some fantastic acts all over downtown, many of them free! On Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon, featured artists will perform concerts at New Bern Civic Theatre. For information and tickets, click here.

There are so many additional events and activities happening throughout the month, including the annual Garden Lover’s Weekend at Tryon Palace; Earth Day celebrations; and a Community Art Open House on April 29 and 30. As for the other eleven months of the year, you will also discover wonderful showings, galleries and festivals celebrating the arts. You might say New Bern “bears” a lot for art!