Footloose on the Neuse Archives - West New Bern

Sites and Sights

Jackie B — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:31:48 +0000

Every month of the year, I fall in love with New Bern even more. As we enter the “shady” side of the 2020s (2026), here are three of my top reasons why our town is my favorite.

Riverfront Revelry

New Bern is ideally situated at the convergence of two rivers, Trent and Neuse. Situated where the two rivers meet is the unofficial community hub for the town, Union Point Park. The park is the site for many events and activities, including Footloose of the Neuse, Mumfest and The Great Trent River Raft Race. On the off chance an event isn’t going on, the park is the perfect place to meet a friend for a walk, enjoy a family picnic or take in the waterfront’s beauty. Be sure to take time to read the dedication bricks along the way, and check out the Red Spider Lily sculpture in front of the Convention Center!

Bear with Us

Dr. Paw Bear stands tall in front of a dentist office in downtown New Bern.

Did you know New Bern was named after Bern, Switzerland, and that the word translates to bears? Our hometown prides itself by promoting the Bern connection with over 90 themed bears situated throughout the town. With fantastic names such as Flag Bearer at City Hall and Captain Black Bear’d at the Courtyard by Marriott, the creativity is “beary” amazing! You can find one of the fiberglass bears in our destination community, appropriately named Welcome Home Bear, at Comet West New Bern apartments! If you’re looking for a fun scavenger hunt type of activity, pick up a map of the bear locations at the Cub House Visitor Center or click here.

It’s History

Throughout New Bern’s downtown, you will often be reminded of its 300-plus years of history. Beautiful Victorian, Italianate, Greek Revival, Federalist and Georgian architecture showcase some of the most exquisite homes and buildings. For more information and a self-guided walking tour, click here. If you want to enjoy a stay in a historic home, check into one of the charming bed-and-breakfasts located in downtown. I even refer to Pollock Street as the BnB row, with Aerie, Hanna House, Benjamin Ellis House and The Jarvis at 220.

While these are just three reasons I love New Bern, there are so many more. Why don’t you set a date to spend some time in the town that’s known as the place where it all comes together? In my opinion, that’s being a little humble!

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A Sizzlin’ Summer of Activities

Jackie B — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 07:19:10 +0000

When the temperature heats up in New Bern, you know it’s time to have a summer full of fun! Here are some ideas to enjoy the longer days with lots of sizzlin’ excitement.

Sizzlin’ Idea #1

Footloose on the Neuse finishes up its concert series with three incredible rock tribute bands.

If you are a 70s and 80s rock-and-roll aficionado, you are going to be in dreamland over the next several weeks. That’s because the Footloose on the Neuse concert series has saved some of the best for last, with tribute bands of our favorite rock groups taking the stage at Union Point Park. First up is Tell Me Lies, a Fleetwood Mac Experience, on Friday, July 18. The next month, On the Border, an Eagles tribute band, performs on Friday, August 8. The series wraps up on Friday, August 29, with Rev On, a Foreigner Experience. Each performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and admission is free. Be sure to bring your portable chairs or blanket. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Sizzlin’ Idea #2

When you need a break from the heat, why not take in a play in an air-conditioned theatre? Running the last two weekends in July, Around the World in 80 Days will be performed at New Bern Civic Theatre. The Jules Verne classic is set in the 1870s and tells the story of Phileas Fogg’s trip around the world to win a bet. The play is performed by the Saax Bradbury Teen Players, and tickets begin from $15; details here. Then over the first two weekends in August, Death of a Salesman is being performed by the RiverTowne Players. Set in the 50s, Arthur Miller’s famous play tells the story of traveling salesman Willy Loman as he deals with strained relationships in his family and career. The play runs Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased here.

Sizzlin’ Idea #3

Looking for a relaxing day to take in a movie, or three (or more)? The Seventh Annual North Carolina Film Festival is set for Saturday, August 2, beginning at 10 a.m. at New Bern Civic Theatre. An all-day pass of $25 grants you access for a day of local, national and international short films. Tickets may be purchased here.

These are just a few ideas to enjoy the plethora of summer activities in our favorite hometown. For more ideas, check out visitnewbern.com.

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One Cool Summer

Jackie B — Tue, 06 May 2025 16:45:38 +0000

Summer is just around the corner, and New Bern is set for a jam-packed schedule of activities and events. Here are three of our cool favorites to celebrate the season.

Cool Favorite #1

Don’t Stop Believin… Footloose on the Neuse is back for another outstanding round of performances! The concert series kicks off Memorial Day Weekend on Friday, May 23, with the Journey tribute band, Trial by Fire. The band takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. at Union Point Park, and admission is free. Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs or blanket; Any Way You Want It. For the complete Footloose on the Neuse lineup, including The Stranger, a tribute band to Billy Joel, click here.

Cool Favorite #2

If you can float it, you can race it! The Great Trent River Raft Race sets “sail” on June 7.

Summertime can mean many things to our hometown, however one event always seems to stand out (or hopefully stand up to the water). The Great Trent River Raft Race is set for Saturday, June 7, so you need to be set to have an absolute blast! A variety of races, from classic to peddle to paddle, challenge fun-loving participants to build the vessel to win. The category of “anything that floats” always brings out the most amazing creations. In addition to the races, you will enjoy food, games, live entertainment and family-friendly fun. For all the details, click the race’s Facebook page here.

Cool Favorite #3

Culture, history, classical music. Is there a more beautiful listening experience? On Thursday, June 12, Tryon Palace is the backdrop for the North Carolina Symphony performance of Beethoven’s Fifth. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are free! Make sure to bring along your friends and family, along with your own lawn chairs.

There is so much more to enjoy over the warmer months in New Bern. Be sure to check out Visit New Bern for a complete list of activities and events!

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After a Year of No, Say Yes to Fun!

Jackie B — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 20:14:12 +0000

After a year of saying no to so many evenings out, we are finally getting back to being able to say yes! Here are three upcoming special nights out in July, all in New Bern:

Yes #1 – ArtWalk

You have read here before how much I enjoy the monthly ArtWalk in Downtown New Bern. On Friday, July 9, you can stroll along the streets, stopping into the town’s many shops, galleries and restaurants. Even more special this month is “Stacked,” an exhibition featuring area artists’ creations on a deck of playing cards. Each card will have a unique work of art! ArtWalk runs 5 to 8 p.m. Click here for more details about Stacked.

I hope they sing my favorite songs. Actually, they are all my favorites!

Yes #2 – Footloose on the Neuse

If you love being outdoors, listening to great music and catching up with friends, this music series is the perfect yes. This year’s line-up is fantastic, and you cannot go wrong with any concert. However, on July 16, we get to hear the sounds of my all-time favorite band. The “Ultimate Eagles Tribute – On the Border” is sure to please, and it will surely be packed, so get to Union Point Park early! Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. Check out the series schedule here.

Yes #3 – Steel Magnolias

We are talking about July, so when you want to head inside for cooler air, why not say yes to taking in a memorable play? You have likely seen the movie; now it is time to experience the story in live theater. Rivertowne Players is presenting Steel Magnolias over two weekends, July 16-18 and 23-25. While the movie came out decades ago, the story of everlasting friendships is timeless. We secured tickets for Friday, July 23, and I am already thinking of my favorite lines from the movie! For tickets, click here.

It may be one of New Bern’s hottest months in more ways than one. Get out, have some fun and enjoy our town’s variety of things to say yes to!

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