72nd Annual
team CHEVROLET of swansboro
Mullet Festival of North Carolina
Team Chevrolet of Swansboro’s 72nd Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival of North Carolina returns to Downtown Swansboro on October 10–11, 2026
The festivities kick off Friday, October 9th, with the beloved Blessing of the Fleet at Casper’s Marina beginning at 6 p.m. All boat owners are welcome to participate. A wreath is dropped in memoriam of boat owners who have passed, those who work on the water, those who protect our country, those who provide food from these waters, and all who enjoy them for family and pleasure.
On Saturday, October 10th, the festival begins with the Mullet Parade at 9 a.m. along Highway 24 into Downtown Swansboro. Throughout the weekend, enjoy over 160 craft and food vendors lining the streets, along with the famous Mullet Fish Fry. Admission to the festival is free. Please note downtown streets are closed to traffic, and visitors are encouraged to leave pets at home.
Music and entertainment are always a highlight, with performances scheduled both days at the Downtown Pavilion. The Children’s Area will feature inflatables, a craft zone for the “Little Mullets,” and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Don’t miss the always popular Mullet Toss held between band performances. This year’s headliner, Blackwater Rhythm and Blues Band, takes the stage Saturday night at 6:30 p.m., with more great music to follow.
Shuttle service will be available from the parking area at Ward Farm (behind Hampton Inn) to Swansboro Town Hall. From there, golf cart shuttles will assist patrons needing transportation downtown. Shuttles run Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Hotel INFORMATION
Hampton Inn and Suites if the official hotel for Swansboro Festivals. Hampton Inn, is offering a discount to festival attendees and vendors. Book your stay and use the code to receive a special rate by using this link.
Mullet Festival Vendors use code 90K.
VENDOR INFORMATION
2026 Vendor Guidelines
Mullet Festival vendors spaces for 2025 were transferred to 2026 due to weather cancellation of the event. Very few spaces are available. Applications will be processed by mid-April 2026.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO BE PLACED ON A WAITLIST.
VENDORS WILL BE PLACED BY CATEGORY IN ORDER OF RECEIPT OF COMPLETE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE MOVED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LIST. Ensure that all parts of the application are correct BEFORE submitting.
DO NOT SEND PAYMENT. We will call you for payment if accepted.
For vendor information, contact Deb Pylypiw at dpylypiw@ci.swansboro.nc.us
2026 Mullet Festival NON-Food Vendor Application
2026 Mullet Festival FOOD Vendor Application
2026 Mullet Festival LIMITED FOOD Vendor Application
