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.

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!

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.

Bring your little bunnies to the Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12, at Lawson Creek Park.

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!

By Caramia Valentin, The Sun Journal

February 3, 2025

Representatives from the Craven County Tourism Development Authority, Tryon Palace and Weyerhaeuser presented a $5,000 check from the Trail to Tryon proceeds to the American Legion Post 539 in New Bern.

The 2024 Trail to Tryon Race on Nov. 9 attracted around 460 participants who traveled through New Bern in a half marathon, 10K or 5K, said Seth Plank, a portfolio analyst for Weyerhaeuser.

Since its inception in 2022, Weyerhaeuser has been the presenting sponsor for the race, along with many other sponsors.

Melissa Riggle, executive director for the TDA, said partners like Weyerhaeuser contributed to the success of Trail to Tryon.

“We’ve had great partners with Weyerhaeuser and Tryon Palace and all of our other sponsors, Chad Sittig Insurance Agency, Trader Construction,” Riggle said. “It has just really come to be this great annual event, so in our third year, we are super proud to present proceeds to our beneficiaries, who have been doing great work in this region for our local veterans.

“We want to do everything we can to support them, and we’re so proud that this can do that year after year.”

American Legion Commander Liz Hartman and American Legion representative Dave Nelson were at Tryon Palace recently to receive the check on behalf of the organization.

Hartman said funds from Trail to Tryon help the American Legion provide financial assistance to veterans in the form of rent payments, car payments and grocery gift cards. Additionally, the funds help send area children to Americanism programs to learn about the United States Constitution and American history.

“I think a lot of times when you see these checks, you think it’s just money, but I want everyone to realize that the $5,000, that’s essentially from Weyerhaeuser, it’s literally changing lives in the community,” Hartman said, during the presentation. “For the American Legion, this isn’t just money, this is people’s lives that Weyerhaeuser has changed.”

Plank was involved in Trail to Tryon as a participant in the first two years but volunteered to help on race day and speak at the start of the race. 

“The event was great, and I was happy to help,” Plank said. “On behalf of Weyerhaeuser, it’s been a great honor to be the presenting sponsor and help out the last few years.”

This year, Trail to Tryon is scheduled for Dec. 6 in New Bern. Riggle said the new festive date offers a run experience coupled with the holiday festivities New Bern has to offer.

Participants can choose between a half marathon, 10K or 5K. The half marathon costs $65 to enter, the 10K costs $45 and the 5K costs $30.

The new year seems to be the perfect time to think about what we love about New Bern. Here are three of my favorite things that offer the best of our spectacular hometown.

Favorite Thing #1 – Downtown

Middle Street in New Bern’s Downtown is Picture-Perfect.

Streetscapes and storefronts that resemble a Hallmark town? In our downtown, you will feel like someone from the big city coming back to his/her hometown without the hassle of being cast in the latest movie. Quaint cafes, art galleries, locally owned shops and sweet (store) sensations await you here. Be sure to check out Baker’s Kitchen, Bear City Fudge, Next Chapter Books and Art, Cypress Hall, Mitchell Hardware and so many more wonderful spaces and places to explore.

Favorite Thing #2 – Town Bears

North Carolina is known for its bears (the real kind), yet New Bern is most known for its friendly bears (the plaster kind). Over 90 bears are out of hibernation around the area, each themed to compliment the bear’s sponsor. From “Greenzly” at Union Point Park to “Flag Bearer” at City Hall to one of the newest bears, “Welcome Home Bear” at Comet West New Bern Apartments, these creatures are fun to hunt down. For a complete list and map of locations, you can pick up one in person at the Cub House Visitor Center or click here.

Favorite Thing #3 – Town Events

You may first think of New Bern as a friendly, lovely and charming town, all of which are true. However, our town’s true colors beautifully show during the plethora of events we enjoy throughout the year. An array of offerings, including Plein Air Art Festival, Footloose on the Neuse Summer Concert Series, MumFest and Beary Merry Christmas are just some of our signature annual events. Add in the monthly ArtWalk, July Fourth Celebration and Halloween festivities, and your calendar is packed before you know it. Check out Visit New Bern’s website for an up-to-date list of activities.

In New Bern, your list of favorite things may likely include at least one of the above-mentioned. However, there is so much to choose from, the “few” should be changed to “many” things!

Ho, ho, ho! The holiday season is upon us, and New Bern is the place for a Beary Merry Christmas! If you enjoy celebrating the magic of the season, you will find it in our hometown, with music, movies, snow, shopping and gallons of hot cocoa! While there are lots of activities and events for you and your family to enjoy, here are a few of my all-time favorites.

Light Up the Park

Once your Thanksgiving meal has settled, it’s time to come on down to the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, November 29! The block party begins at 4 p.m. on Middle Street, with a DJ, games, axe throwing, aerial circus performances, crafts, face painting and more. The tree lighting takes place at Union Point Park at 5:45 p.m., with Santa arriving soon after. The party continues with entertainment until 8:30 p.m. This is a wonderful way to kick off the holidays.

The Live Window Displays are a must-see this (and every) holiday season!

Light Up the Scene

On Friday, December 13, the windows come alive! New Bern’s Live Window Display takes place 6 – 8 p.m. Will it be a repeat for 2023’s first-place winner Twice as Nice? Bring out the entire family for an evening of window shopping while enjoying the sights of the season. Grab dinner either before or after your stroll at New Bern’s extensive restaurant offerings, including Morgan’s Tavern, Captain Ratty’s or Cypress Hall.

Light Up the Town

The splendor of the season continues throughout December. On Thursday evenings, stores will be open late, so you have extra time to find that special gift, all with festive entertainment. Visits with Santa provide the perfect opportunity to capture memories of your child’s wish list. Santa’s House is a magical place to see where the “Red One” lives this time of year. Definitely do not miss the chance for a carriage ride to enjoy the twinkling, colorful lights!

The holiday season is truly enchanting in New Bern. Be sure to enjoy all these delights (and more) that we have to light up your life! For more information, check out Visit New Bern.

It’s fall. That means cooler weather, football games, and most importantly, MumFest! This year’s “mum-orable” time begins with MumFeast.

Feast for Your Eyes

Mum’s the word on one of our favorite events of the year…NOT! We love spreading the word about the delicious MumFeast. The time to wear stretchy pants is back, with the feast fest set for Friday, September 27. The “feasting in the streets” takes place in Downtown New Bern from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. along Middle Street. This year’s MumFeast includes street cafes, food trucks, a beer garden, games and live music with Sam Lewis. It’s a feast for the eyes and stomach! For more details, click here.

This Fest is Best

The Amazing MumFest Arch, located in Union Point Park.

For the weekend of October 12 and 13, excitement blooms all around town! While MumFest’s main attraction may be our love for colorful mums, the weekend is full of activities for the entire family. Union Point Park is the main “planting stage” for events, including live entertainment, demonstrations and BMX stunt performances. Of course, you are missing out if you don’t take a selfie in front of the mum arch! Down along Pollock and Craven Streets, you can enjoy a brew in the Yuengling Beer Garden while listening to live music. Or, perhaps chalk art, motorcycle demonstrations or dance performances are more your style. No matter how you wish to spend your day (or days) at MumFest, there will be plenty of opportunities for entertainment. Of course, your hunger pangs will be relieved, as food and beverages are available throughout the event. If you want to get in some exercise to work off those calories, there is a 5k and fun run on Sunday, October 12, at 7:30 a.m. For a complete schedule of activities, click here.

New Bern is always hopping with lots of amazing things to do, sights to see and food to indulge. MumFeast and MumFest present a bouquet of it all!

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 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.

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.

Lace up those running shoes for the Easterseals Glow Run on April 6!

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!