The Swansboro Mullet Festival of north Carolina
69th ANNUAL MULLET FESTIVAL
Planning to attend this year's festival? Coming from out of town? Festival sponsor, Hampton Inn, is offering a discount to festival attendees.
Mullet Festival Goers use code MFG and book your stay here.
Mullet Festival Vendors use code MFV and book your stay here.
Join us downtown Swansboro for the 69th Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival of North Carolina on October 14-15, 2023. Featuring a parade Saturday at 9am, street vendors, kids’ area, live music, fish fry, food vendors, and more. The 69th Annual Mullet Festival is presented by Team Chevrolet Swansboro and Sanders Ford Swansboro. Stay tuned for more information.
The Swansboro Mullet Festival of North Carolina, the oldest festival in the Crystal Coast, began in 1954. The weekend centers around the small, bony fish that appears as having a purplish-blue tint when found in Eastern North Carolina waters. Swansboro natives remember days long ago when mullets were hauled to shore in nets hooked to tractors along the beach.
In 1954, mullet fed the workers building the White Oak River Bridge that later became a vital link between Onslow and Carteret counties. Upon its completion, the conception of the Mullet Festival began. It was a way to celebrate the arrival of the modern era in bridge form. The event started as a potluck-type event with the town coming together and contributing to the celebration.
Hampton Inn and Suites if the official hotel for Swansboro Festivals. Book your stay and use the code MUL to receive a special rate by using this link.
Our vendor spaces are all filled!! No more applications will be accepted.
2024 applications will be available online here by the end of October.
For more information, contact vendor chair at dpylypiw@ci.swansboro.nc.us
Looking for a previous vendor? Checking to see if one of your favorite vendors is returning? Click here for our vendor list.
