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

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, and the attendance is expected to be even higher this year. Over 45 food vendors will be on hand, so be sure to come with an appetite. The kids’ zone includes a fossil dig, petting zoo and special activities for your little ones. If you want to get in some exercise in addition to walking around the fest, sign up for the Mumosa 5K and One-Mile Fun Run, presented by New Bern Parks and Recreation. The course begins and ends at Union Point Park. Better yet, you can enjoy a free “Mumosa” afterward! Sign up here.

Do You Be-leaf in Ghosts?

Now in its 35^th year, Ghostwalk offers the entire family some good, ghostly fun. Each year’s experience is different from the past, as new ghosts seem to pop up in New Bern’s past and historic sites. The event is set for October 23 – 25, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Guides will lead you through stops at Cedar Grove cemetery to hear exciting stories based on real characters and events. Afterward, you go at your own pace, with historical spirits sharing their tales on porches and in select buildings in downtown New Bern. If you get ghoulishly hungry, local churches are selling budget-friendly meals for Ghostwalk visitors. For more information, click here.

Fall is an amazing time to enjoy the sights and sounds of New Bern. You “autumn” get here as soon as you can! Check out visitnewbern.com for a complete list of activities.

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 original, two-dimensional art. Entries will be priced for sale by the artist, and registration ends March 28. For details, click here.

Be on the Hunt

With Easter coming up, you can be sure to find a good egg hunt (or two)! The annual Easter Egg Hunt is set for Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m., at Lawson Creek Park. Kids aged one to 12 will have different hunt starts. For the older kiddos, come out to the Twilight Egg Hunt on Thursday, April 17, 7:45 p.m., at Glenburnie Park. Be sure to bring a basket or other container to collect the goodies, along with a flashlight for the Twilight hunt. Both events are free to participate, compliments of the New Bern Parks and Recreation Department.

Take the Stage

One of the most enjoyable shows of the year is back! The New Bern Follies for 2025 takes place on Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Bern Civic Theatre. With a nostalgic nod to the years of Vaudeville, all kinds of acts will take the stage, whether it be singing, dancing, comedy and more. I have been to this show in years past, and I must say it is a night full of surprises and pure entertainment. Tickets begin at just $24; click here to purchase.

There is a load of fun in store for you and your family over the 30 days in April. It’s full “spring” ahead in New Bern!

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

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 the Arts on Middle Street, which is showcasing the 2024 National Juried Exhibition. For more information, click here.

On Stage

New Bern Civic Theatre is presenting two entertaining performances over the next couple of months. In July, the Teens take over with Disney’s Camp Rock: The Musical. The show centers around a summer musical camp that experiences a camp rival across the lake. You will find yourself cheering on Camp Rock, and the songs will likely last in your head long after the show is over. Performances run July 19 – 21 and July 26 – 28. For tickets, click here.

In August, one of my favorite Shakespearean plays, Twelfth Night, hits the stage. The comedic play is set for performances at the New Bern Civic Theatre. With false identities and unrequited love, this romp will surely bring on laughs. Performances run August 23 – 25 and August 30 – September 1. For details and tickets, click here.

On Mic

Footloose on the Neuse is raring with fantastic performances in July and August. First up, a Tribute to Fleetwood Mac band is set to take the stage on Friday, July 12. Next, a tribute band to the Eagles will perform on Friday, August 9. You should “Go your own way” and “take it easy” by attending both events at Union Point Park. For the complete Footloose on the Neuse lineup, click here.

For the listing of all activities and events over the summer, check out visitnewbern.com.

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!

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 Festive

Mark 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 do even more this year. Be sure to stop by the mum arch at Union Point Park for a photo op, along with a trip around the mum maze.

Get Loud

I can barely contain my excitement about the headline performer at this year’s MumFest Concert! Sugar Ray, the fantastic pop rock band from the 90s, will hit the stage on Saturday, October 21. Be there to sing along to favorites such as Someday, Fly and Every Morning. The concert takes place at Lawson Creek Park, with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $30; click here to purchase.

Get Spooky

Ghostwalk, now in its 33^rd year, combines spirits from New Bern’s past and historic sites for a fun event for the entire family. This year’s event is set for October 19 – 21, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Guides will lead you through stops at Cedar Grove cemetery to hear exciting stories based on real characters and events. Afterward, you go at your own pace, with historical spirits sharing their tales on porches and in select buildings in downtown New Bern. To reserve tickets, click here.

In addition to these amazing, fun-filled events, be sure to check out all that New Bern has to offer in October here. Now get going!

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!

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

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 points along the way. Be sure to capture a photo at the Craven County Convention Center with the water and marina as your backdrop. From there, enjoy a picnic lunch at Union Point Park. Afterward, stop by the Cub House for a location map of the downtown bears to find as many as you can. Extra points for taking selfies with at least eight of them! To cap off the day, enjoy a yummy Winter Mule during happy hour at Cypress Hall. If the weather cooperates, you can sit by the open windows to enjoy the fresh air and people-watching.

Itinerary Two – For the History Buff

Begin your “Day in History” with a visit to the New Bern Historical Society. Here, you will greatly expand your knowledge about our city from its founding in 1710 to 300 years later, along with the individuals who have played a significant role in shaping our city. Once you have worked up an appetite, enjoy a delicious lunch at Morgan’s Tavern & Grill, housed in a building that dates back to the early 1900s. After your hunger is satiated, take a leisurely walk down Pollock Street to Tryon Palace, North Carolina’s first state capitol building. Plan to spend a few hours here, and make sure to visit the gardens and surrounding historical buildings. For details and tickets, click here.

Itinerary Three – For the Middle Streeter

New Bern has a variety of fabulous boutiques, art galleries and restaurants to experience as you entice the shopper in you. Start your morning with a stop at Baker’s Kitchen on Middle Street, the cafe where the locals eat. Afterward, take a short stroll down Middle to Bank of the Arts for breathtaking art masterpieces. Then, head back down south for an afternoon of shopping at an array of shops, including Surf, Wind and Fire, Blue Magnolia and The Birthplace of Pepsi Store. Cap off the day with a delicious meal at The Chelsea. One piece of advice: do not pass up dessert!

No matter how you spend this Valentine’s Day (or any day) in New Bern, you are sure to love it as much as I do!

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 display while you enjoy food, entertainment, arts, crafts and so much more. Last year’s MumFest drew in over 70,000 visitors, and this year it is sure to be even bigger. Stop by the mum arch at Union Point Park for a photo op, along with a trip around the mum maze.

The Music Maker

One of my favorite performers, Jimmie Allen, is the headliner for the MumFest Concert on Friday, October 14. Allen received the CMA New Artist of the Year Award, and he will be ready to show us why he won with his amazing voice and energy! The concert takes place at Lawson Creek Park, with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $25; click here to purchase.

And the Feast of It

Now that we have become spoiled with the delicious MumFeast for the past two years, thank goodness it is back again! Taking place the weekend of October 21 and 22, the “Feasting in the Streets” in Downtown New Bern will offer a meal to satisfy any and all your cravings. This year, we have the added bonus of Ghostwalk happening the same days to round out a weekend of food, fright and sights!

Mums are the word for the month, however no one is keeping mum about these fantastic events!

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 have yet to visit New Bern during the holidays, plan to do so this year.

Love #6 – The Arts

While many towns and cities offer a selection of art galleries, it is a little more special here. The Craven Arts Council is based in New Bern, presenting a variety of special events promoting the arts. My favorite just so happens on a monthly basis on the second Friday. ArtWalk provides the perfect opportunity to peruse galleries either before or after dinner, as you stroll through the downtown streets. Think of it as increasing your exposure to the arts while you wine, dine and shop!

Love #7 – The Artwork

New Bern offers a plethora of meaningful art around the town, represented by two examples in downtown. The Unity Project, a grasping hands sculpture created by volunteers, represents the harmony and link between uptown and downtown. The Red Spider Lily kinetic sculpture, located along the riverfront, was created by Susan Pascal Beran. Legend has it that the red spider lily was introduced to New Bern in the 1850s when Navy Captain William Roberts brought lilies back from Japan to plant in his home garden.

Love #8 – The Architecture

You do not need to travel far if you want to see an expansive array of architectural styles. Whether you wish to see examples of Federalist, Greek Revival, Victorian, Italianate, Georgian or more, you can do so in New Bern. A self-guided walking tour of the town’s beautiful architectural styles can be found here.

As you can tell, I really love New Bern. Stay tuned, as the lovefest continues in next month’s post!