Corporate Summer Events in Eastern North Carolina: A Planning Guide for Businesses, Nonprofits, and Military-Connected Organizations Summer is the season when companies, associations, and organizations across Eastern North Carolina pause long enough to bring their people together. Staff appreciation dinners, mid-year all-hands meetings, regional trainings, client receptions, and recognition events all tend to cluster between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and for good reason. The pace of business often eases just enough during these months to make a full-day event feasible, the timing supports recognition tied to fiscal-year milestones, and people are generally more available than they are during the spring and fall conference rush. The challenge is that summer event planning carries its own set of complications, and the organizations that handle them well tend to start earlier than they think they need to. This guide is for the people responsible for making corporate summer events happen across Havelock, New Bern, Jacksonville, Cherry Point, and the broader Craven, Carteret, and Onslow County region. When to Start Planning a Summer Corporate Event The single most […]
The City of Havelock invites the community to gather for its annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Havelock Tourist & Event Center. This meaningful community event offers residents, visitors, veterans, service members, and families an opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is a time to remember their sacrifice and recognize the lasting impact of their courage on our nation and our community. The service will be held at the Havelock Tourist & Event Center, located at 201 Tourist Center Drive in Havelock, NC. Guests are encouraged to attend and join the City of Havelock in paying tribute to those who served and sacrificed. For more information, contact the HTEC at 252-444-4348 or visit havelockevents.com.
One of Eastern North Carolina’s biggest annual events is just around the corner. The 2026 MCAS Cherry Point Air Show takes place May 9 and 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, right here in Havelock, and this year’s lineup is one for the books. The headliner is the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, but the skies will be packed with performance from start to finish. The F-16 Viper Demo Team and the F-35B Demo are both on the schedule, along with aerobatic performers, a wingwalker, skydiving teams, and even mini jet airshows. A rare treat this year: the AV-8B Harrier II will make a special appearance, giving crowds a chance to see the iconic jump jet in action before it fades further into history. On the ground, visitors can get up close with aircraft, including the MV-22 Osprey, KC-130J Super Hercules, AH-1Z Viper, and more. There will also be a Kids Zone and historical exhibits tying the show to America’s 250th anniversary. Admission to the flight line is free, but a base vehicle pass […]
HAVELOCK, NC – The Eastern Carolina Aviation Heritage Foundation (ECAHF) has announced its annual gala, a premier fundraising event dedicated to supporting aviation-based STEM education programs for youth across the region. The 2026 ECAHF Gala will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Havelock Tourist & Event Center, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme, “Gotta Keep ‘Em Separated,” pays homage to the critical role of air traffic control and the precision of military aviation that defines the heritage of Eastern North Carolina. The gala is the foundation’s most significant source of funding, enabling it to provide immersive, hands-on STEM activities, summer camps, and educational programs that inspire the next generation of aerospace leaders. The ECAHF’s mission is to honor aviation history and cultivate future aerospace leaders. The foundation offers a unique opportunity to experience the heritage and patriotism that have grown from the deep-rooted relationship between Marine Corps aviation and the coastal Carolina communities. Proceeds from the gala directly support these initiatives, including the popular S.T.E.M. Challenge and free family […]
The City of Havelock invites the community to celebrate the holiday season at the annual Christmas Ball on Friday, December 5th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Havelock Tourist & Event Center. This festive evening promises an unforgettable experience with a catered dinner, live music by Amazying Entertainment, photo opportunities to capture the memories, and exciting door prizes throughout the night. A cash bar will be available for guests 21 and over. This year’s event holds special significance as attendees are encouraged to wear semi-formal attire in red and gold to honor the Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday-a fitting tribute to Havelock’s strong military community and heritage. The evening will also feature a special announcement revealing the 2025 Grand Marshal for the 54th Annual Havelock Christmas Parade, adding an extra element of excitement to the celebration. Tickets are $30 per person and available for purchase at the Senior Center, Recreation Center, and City Hall. Limited tickets may be available at the door. The event is open to ages 16 and up. Don’t miss this […]
It’s Back – and Bigger than Ever! Mark your calendars, food lovers! The 2nd Annual Havelock Food Truck Festival is rolling into town, and this year promises to be even more delicious than before. Event Details Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Location: Walter B. Jones Park, Havelock, NC A Feast for the Senses Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure right here in Havelock! Whether you’re craving BBQ, tacos, gourmet burgers, sweet treats, or international flavors, our diverse lineup of food trucks will have something to satisfy every palate. Bring your appetite, bring your family, and bring your friends for an afternoon of great food, community spirit, and fun! More Than Just Food This community celebration brings together local vendors, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. It’s the perfect opportunity to support local businesses, discover new favorite flavors, and connect with your neighbors in a festive outdoor setting. Save the Date! Saturday, November 15th is shaping up to be one of the most delicious days of the […]
Havelock Holiday Hobby Show Returns December 6 Shoppers explore tables of sports cards, comics, and collectibles at the annual Havelock Holiday Hobby Show – a festive favorite at the Havelock Tourist & Event Center. If you’re searching for a fun way to kick off the holiday season and find unique gifts, the Havelock Holiday Hobby Show is the perfect destination. Join us on Saturday, December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Havelock Tourist & Event Center. This showcase brings together 90 tables of hobby-related treasures, including: Sports cards Pokémon & other trading card games Comics Hot Wheels 3D printed collectibles D&D dice Coins and more Enjoy giveaways throughout the day, concessions for purchase, and a welcoming atmosphere that’s fun for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, you’ll find something special. Vendors: New applicants are encouraged to submit their applications using the official vendor form. Applying does not guarantee a spot; all submissions will be reviewed, and accepted vendors will be contacted directly by Card Haven via Facebook. […]
GULF SHORES, Ala. (October 16, 2025)-It is with great honor that the publishers of ConventionSouth, the national multimedia resource for planning events in the South, present Havelock Tourist and Event Center with a 2025 Readers’ Choice Award. “ConventionSouth readers and fans have once again voted to decide the best meeting sites in the South, and it is no surprise to us that Havelock Tourist and Event Center has been selected to receive our annual Readers’ Choice Award,” said ConventionSouth Associate Publisher Tiffany Burtnett. “This prestigious recognition comes from the United States’ top meeting professionals who hold events in the South. These planners demand the highest level of customer service and quality facilities, and they have determined that Havelock Tourist and Event Center indeed displays the commitment to professionalism, creativity, and service that they require.” Havelock Tourist and Event Center is among 502 convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), meeting facilities, hotels, and unique venues located across the South to receive this year’s Readers’ Choice Award. Throughout the year, meeting professionals nominated the meeting sites they believe […]
Buy Tickets The Havelock Tourist & Event Center is proud to host the Ducks Unlimited Havelock Banquet on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and guests are invited to enjoy an evening of dining, fellowship, and fundraising in support of wildlife and wetland conservation. This annual banquet is more than just a dinner-it’s a chance to be part of Ducks Unlimited’s mission to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. Guests will enjoy a delicious meal and beverages while taking part in raffles, silent and live auctions, and exciting games offering exclusive merchandise, outdoor gear, and firearms. A variety of ticket options are available to suit individuals, families, and businesses, from single and couple tickets to sponsorship levels that include reserved seating, raffle opportunities, and special gifts. Sponsorships also provide a unique way to support conservation while receiving tax-deductible benefits. Event Location: Havelock Tourist & Event Center, 201 Tourist Center Drive, Havelock, NCDate & Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025 – Doors open at 5:30 PM Whether you’re […]
The Havelock Tourist & Event Center is excited to welcome back Friends of the Brothers Boyd Comic Con Issue 2 on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This one-day celebration of comics, pop culture, and community promises fun for all ages. Guests will enjoy browsing through a wide variety of vendors, artists, authors, collectibles, LEGO creations, and trading cards. Cosplay is encouraged, so fans can show off their favorite characters while exploring everything the convention has to offer. This year’s special guests include Philip Andrew, best known as the Lunar Wolf Ranger from Power Rangers: Wild Force, and Rorrie D. Travis, the Red Ranger from Power Rangers: Beast Morphers. Both will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs, and share in the excitement of the day. Admission is just $5 at the door, and children 10 and under are free, making it an affordable outing for families. In addition to the fun, the event will also feature a raffle supporting suicide prevention efforts, giving attendees the chance to make a […]