Events

Storytime at the main branch of the Onslow County Public Library. Hosted every Tuesday in two different sessions at 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM.

Storytime at the main branch of the Onslow County Public Library on Thursdays is held in three different sessions at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 11:30 AM.

Come celebrate spring at the Jacksonville Jamboree — a FREE all-day festival packed with fun for the whole family! Kids will love the carnival rides, petting zoo, rock climbing wall, and trackless train, while the whole crew enjoys live music and entertainment throughout the day. Best of all, admission and parking are completely free — just show up and enjoy the fun at Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex!

Kick off the 2026 season with the Jacksonville Ospreys as they take on the Sandhills Bogeys in their home opener at Jack Amyette Park! General admission tickets are just $10 per person — bring a lawn chair or blanket and cheer on the local team with the whole family. Opening night is expected to sell out, so arrive early for the best spots in the bleachers.

Head to Jacksonville Commons for a free live concert featuring Push Play as part of the Jammin Jacksonville Summer Concert Series! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and the whole family for a fun evening of live music outdoors. Food vendors will be on-site. The show runs from 7-9 PM — a perfect summer night out!

Cast a line and reel in some memories at the City of Jacksonville Youth Fishing Derby at Hines Farm Park! This free event is open to young anglers ages 0-17 and features friendly competition with prizes for the biggest and smallest fish in various age groups. The first 125 registered participants receive a complimentary lunch. Check-in begins at 8:30 AM with fishing from 9 AM to noon.

Kick off SwanFest at the Pugliese Pavilion with Southern Hellcats! Swansboro's beloved free waterfront concert series returns every Sunday this summer, and this week's show is a great way to start. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, grab the family, and enjoy an evening of live music by the water. Free admission, 6:30–8:00 PM!

Come celebrate creativity and coastal culture at the Arts by the Sea Festival in historic downtown Swansboro! Browse over 80 art and craft vendors showcasing handmade jewelry, paintings, pottery, and home decor, while the whole family enjoys live performances from local favorites throughout the day. With food vendors, free shuttle parking from Ward Farm, and something for everyone, it is a perfect Saturday outing by the sea. Free admission, 9 AM to 5 PM!

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with an unforgettable evening of live music at Jacksonville Commons! The 2nd Marine Division Band, the Band of America's Few, and guests from the Airwing Band take the stage at 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM — bring your chairs and blankets and get ready for a show. Arrive early to enjoy local food trucks, static military displays, demonstrations from the Daughters of the American Revolution, and more. It's a night of music, community, and patriotic spirit the whole family will remember.

SwanFest continues at the Pugliese Pavilion with Smalltown taking the stage! Head down to the Swansboro waterfront for a free Sunday evening of live music the whole family will enjoy. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and soak up the summer vibes. Free admission, 6:30–8:00 PM!

SwanFest rolls on at the Pugliese Pavilion with East Coast Jam Band bringing the good vibes to the Swansboro waterfront! This free Sunday concert series is the perfect way to spend a summer evening with the family. Grab your chairs, bring the kids, and enjoy the music. Free admission, 6:30–8:00 PM!

Express your inner artist at Arts in the Park with a fun ceramic painting session at Northeast Creek Park! Families are invited to create colorful keepsakes in a laid-back outdoor setting — no experience needed. Grab your spot, pick up a brush, and enjoy a creative evening with the kids. Free to attend!

SwanFest at the Pugliese Pavilion wraps up June with a performance by Telluride! Enjoy a free evening of live music on the Swansboro waterfront with family and friends. Bring your lawn chairs, soak up the summer breeze, and make some memories. Free admission, 6:30–8:00 PM!

Celebrate the 4th of July Swansboro style at the waterfront Independence Day Celebration! Enjoy live music from The Tams at the Pugliese Pavilion starting at 6 PM, then watch a spectacular fireworks display over the water at 9 PM. Food vendors will be on-site and downtown restaurants welcome festival-goers. A wonderful summer night out for the whole family — free to attend!

Saddle up for an epic movie night under the stars at Movies in the Park! Watch the beloved How to Train Your Dragon and follow Hiccup and Toothless on their legendary adventure. Activities begin at 6:30 PM with the movie starting at sundown — food trucks and concessions available. Bring your blankets and chairs — admission is free!

SwanFest is back at the Pugliese Pavilion with the Will & Tony Show lighting up the Swansboro waterfront! This free Sunday concert series is a summer staple for families in the area. Pull up a lawn chair, bring the kids, and enjoy a fun night out by the water. Free admission, 6:30–8:00 PM!

SwanFest at the Pugliese Pavilion continues with 4Everall performing on the Swansboro waterfront! Join the community for a free Sunday evening of live music, fresh air, and good times by the water. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs — the whole family is welcome. Free admission, 6:30–8:00 PM!

Get crafty with the kids at Arts in the Park: Friendship Bracelets at Jacksonville Commons! This fun and easy activity is perfect for all ages — weave colorful bracelets together and bring home a handmade keepsake to treasure. A great way to spend a summer evening as a family. Free to attend!

SwanFest brings Heart Stop to the Pugliese Pavilion for another free waterfront concert in Swansboro! This beloved summer series is the perfect Sunday night activity for families — bring your lawn chairs, enjoy the breeze, and dance to the music. Free admission, 6:30–8:00 PM!

SwanFest at the Pugliese Pavilion heads into August with The Dust Parade bringing the music to the Swansboro waterfront! Grab your lawn chairs and bring the family for a free Sunday evening of live music by the water. A perfect late-summer outing for all ages. Free admission, 6:30–8:00 PM!

Unwind and reconnect as a family with a relaxing outdoor yoga session at Riverwalk Park! Arts in the Park: Family Yoga is open to all ages and skill levels — enjoy gentle movement and breathwork in a beautiful waterfront setting as the sun goes down. All are welcome. Free to attend!

SwanFest keeps the music flowing at the Pugliese Pavilion with Pure T Mommicked performing on the Swansboro waterfront! This free Sunday concert series is one of the best parts of summer in Swansboro — bring the kids, bring your chairs, and enjoy the show. Free admission, 6:30–8:00 PM!

Unleash your creativity at Arts in the Park: Canvas Painting at Georgetown Park Shelter! Families of all skill levels are invited to paint their own masterpiece in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Whether you are a seasoned painter or picking up a brush for the first time, it is sure to be a fun evening. Free to attend!

SwanFest at the Pugliese Pavilion features the Michael Schott Band for a free waterfront concert in Swansboro! Enjoy a warm August evening by the water with the whole family as the music fills the air. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and make a night of it. Free admission, 6:30–8:00 PM!

Get the whole family moving at Jacksonville Commons for a fun-filled Family Field Day! Enjoy classic outdoor games and friendly competition including relay races, tug-of-war, sack races, obstacle courses, and group challenges. It is a fantastic day of teamwork, laughs, and fresh air for all ages. Free to attend!

SwanFest wraps up August at the Pugliese Pavilion with The Conspiracy, an arena rock tribute band playing classic hits from the 70s through 90s! This free waterfront concert is a fantastic night out for families who love classic rock. Grab your chairs and get ready to sing along. Free admission, 6:30–8:00 PM!

SwanFest closes out the season at the Pugliese Pavilion with Henry Bitzer for one final free waterfront concert in Swansboro! Celebrate the end of a wonderful summer with family and friends as the music carries across the water. Bring your chairs, come early, and soak it all in. Free admission, 6:30–8:00 PM!

Cheer on the world's most talented golden retriever at Movies in the Park! Air Bud is the classic family favorite about a lovable dog with an incredible talent for basketball that's sure to have the whole family laughing and cheering. Activities start at 5:45 PM with the movie at sundown — bring your blankets and chairs. Admission is free!

Round up the family for a one-of-a-kind arts and crafts experience at Wooten Park! Arts in the Park invites kids and parents to color and customize their very own cowboy or bucket hat to take home. It is creative, it is fun, and it is completely free — just show up and let the creativity flow!

Wrap up the concert season in style at the Jacksonville Commons Amphitheater with Oc3ans, part of the Jammin Jacksonville Summer Concert Series! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a free evening of live music under the October sky. Food vendors will be available. Show runs 7-9 PM. Free and open to all!