Croaker Festival 2026 - Schedule of Events
Our full schedule packed full of exciting and entertaining events including a selection of activites and more that will be sure to keep you and your family celebrating all weekend!
Friday July 3rd 2026
- 7:00 am: South Ave. becomes one way
- 8:00 am: Vendor set up starts
- 9:00 am: Vendors open their booths as soon as they are set up
- 12:00 noon: South Street Closes at the Festival grounds
- 2:00 pm: Croaker Festival Information Booth opens
- 3:00–4:30 pm: Baking Contest drop-off behind Croaker Booth
- 4:00 pm: 46th Annual Croaker Festival Opening Ceremonies – Lou Mac Park
- 4:30 pm: The Pamlico Chorale followed by The Pamlico Community Band
- 4:45 pm: Judging for the Baking Contest begins
- 5:30 pm: Mini & Miss Minnow Pageants followed by Croaker Queen Pageant
- 7:00 pm: Baking Contest winners announced
- 7:30 pm: Street Dance: Southern Hellcats
Saturday July 4th 2026
- 8:15 am: South Street Closes at the Festival grounds
- 8:15 am: South Street Closes at the Festival grounds
- 8:30 am: Vendor Booths open
- 8:30 am: Check-in for Bow to Stern Croakerfest Regatta
- 9:00 am: Captains Meeting for Bow to Stern Croakerfest Regatta
- 9:00 am: Parade Line-up at Ragan Road
- 10:00 am: The Parade! Theme – “Liberty Thru History”
- 11:00 am: First Gun for Bow to Stern Croakerfest Regatta
- 11:00 am: Kid’s Park Opens on Mildred Street
- 11:00 am: 2DMAW Marine Corps Band (Invited to Perform)
- 11:30 am: Reading of the Declaration of Independance (*Alternative Time)
- 12:00 noon: Parade Winners announced – Main Stage
- 12:00 pm: Music by Hoff & Finch – Main Stage
- 1:00 pm: Reading of the Declaration of Independance (*StandardTime)
- 1:30 pm: Music by Moores Creek Bluegrass – Main Stage
- 2:00 pm: Coloring Contest Pages Due at Croaker Booth
- 3:00 pm: Kid’s Park Closes
- 3:00 pm: Announcement of Coloring Contest Winners
- 3:00 pm: Music by Smokehouse – Main Stage
- 3:00 pm: Bridge closes for Fireworks
- 5:00 pm: Music by Idlewild South – Main Stage
- 6:00 pm: Vendor Booths Close
- 7:00–9:00 pm: Street Dance – Featured Artist: Unknown Tongues
- 9:15 pm (Approx.): Fireworks over the Harbor!!
- 10:00 pm: Streets Open
Sunday July 5th 2026
- 8:00 am: Deadline for removal of all Vendor Booths and trash
