Craven Arts Council Archives

8 September

Fall for New Bern

Jackie B2025-09-10T11:44:06-04:00September 8th, 2025|Blog, Uncategorized|

Fall in New Bern is a spectacular time of year to fall in love with our hometown. There is a bounty of activities and special events, including these two favorites. The Mum Maze is A-Maize-ing The mum arch has become the signature location for selfies and family photographs. Get ready for our hometown to bloom with color! On Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12, the MumFest arch and mum maze are back with another year of food, mums, live entertainment, arts, crafts and more (did I mention mums already?). The festival boasted over 75,000 attendees last year,

26 February

An April Shower of Fun

Jackie B2025-04-16T13:45:49-04:00February 26th, 2025|Blog, Uncategorized|

The month of April in our hometown presents a splendid display of springtime activities. With the longer daylight, warmer weather and an extensive city calendar, here are a few events coming up that are sure to get you out and about. Paint the Town (or Anything Else You Want) Now this is a cool event! Open Easels is a show for artists 18 years old and up who are not currently represented in public spaces. The show takes place on Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12, at the Harrison Center (Christ Church). Each artist can display two pieces of

28 June

Bring On Summer Fun

Jackie B2024-07-11T11:38:53-04:00June 28th, 2024|Blog, Uncategorized|

We all know it is hot during the summer months in our hometown. It’s also hot with fun activities to enjoy. Here are a few recommendations to add to your calendar. On Canvas Come out for a colorful evening at ArtWalk on July 12. We love our art in New Bern! If you are new to the area or are in town visiting, be sure to check out ArtWalk on Friday, July 12. Downtown is resplendent with all the shops, galleries and restaurants welcoming you to an art block party. Make sure to stop by the Bank of

30 April

Get Together for Fun

Jackie B2024-05-08T11:15:11-04:00April 30th, 2024|Blog, Uncategorized|

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 The Plein Air Art Festival is set for May 12-19. 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”

27 February

Family Fun All Around

Jackie B2024-03-12T11:15:33-04:00February 27th, 2024|Blog, Uncategorized|

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

28 September

Get Going to October Fun

Jackie B2023-10-12T11:15:23-04:00September 28th, 2023|Blog, Uncategorized|

It's MumFest, Baby! Guess what time it is? For those of you who have yet to visit our lovely hometown in October, it is officially Mum Season! Of course, we cannot forget that other season, the spooky one. Here are three “mumorable” events this month in New Bern.Get FestiveMark those calendars for the weekend of October 14 and 15, when the town is abloom with color! The entire downtown is transformed into a massive floral display while you enjoy food, entertainment, arts, crafts and so much more. In 2022, the weekend drew over 80,000 visitors, and it is sure to

23 March

Arty Party in April

Jackie B2023-03-23T16:04:47-04:00March 23rd, 2023|Blog, Uncategorized|

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

24 January

Loving The Day

Jackie B2023-01-25T17:55:58-05:00January 24th, 2023|Blog, Uncategorized|

Every year as February 14 rolls around, the impending day can bring about a plethora of emotions. Whether you are celebrating Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day or simply that it is a Tuesday, here are some great ways to spend the day in New Bern. Itinerary One – For the Outdoor Enthusiast The New Bern Riverwalk winds along the convergence of the Trent and Neuse rivers. If I had to dream up a perfect day, it would always begin with a late-morning walk along the riverfront. Our Riverwalk showcases the convergence of the Trent and Neuse rivers, with spectacular stopping

20 September

Mum It Up!

Jackie B2022-09-20T15:17:03-04:00September 20th, 2022|Blog, Uncategorized|

The mums say it best! Fall has arrived, and that can mean only one thing. Well actually several things, as New Bern is chock full of activities lined up for October. Three of my absolutely favorite events celebrate the beautiful blooms seen throughout our hometown, mums! MumFest, MumFest Concert and MumFeast are set, so now it is just a matter of how to fit in all the fun. The Best Fest Mark those calendars for the weekend of October 8 and 9, when the city is in full bloom! The entire downtown is transformed into a massive floral

23 November

A Love Letter to New Bern, Part Two

Jackie B2021-11-23T21:28:39-05:00November 23rd, 2021|Blog, Uncategorized|

In last month’s post, I listed four of the reasons why I simply adore New Bern. The lovefest continues, with four more reasons why this town is so special. Love #5 – The Holidays Like many other things in New Bern, the holidays take on a whole new meaning when you enjoy them here. From the tree lighting to the Christmas parade, from the carriage rides to Santa’s Village, you would have to be a Scrooge to not get into the holiday spirit. The entire month is full of activities, all under the aptly named Beary Merry Christmas. If you