Outdoor Activities & Entertainment

Entertainment: Discovering Entertainment in Our Community

Vibrant Leisure in a Riverside Setting

In New Bern, entertainment doesn’t require battling traffic or booking weeks in advance. Here, your evenings and weekends are filled with walkable charm, local artistry, and waterside relaxation. Whether you’re catching live music on a breezy patio, browsing art at a local gallery, or sipping craft beer during a street festival, you’ll find a community that knows how to unwind and celebrate.

The heart of New Bern’s entertainment scene lies downtown, where historic streets give way to boutique shops, coffeehouses, and restaurants with live performances. The New Bern Civic Theatre and the North Carolina History Center host an impressive rotation of concerts, plays, and cultural events throughout the year—making it easy to find enriching experiences close to home.

How You’ll Spend Your Free Time in New Bern:

  • Performing Arts:
  • New Bern Civic Theatre offers community productions of plays and musicals in a beautiful historic venue
  • RiverTowne Players present local theater with an intimate, passionate cast of performers
  • Craven Community College’s Orringer Auditorium hosts symphonies, traveling shows, and academic lectures
  • Live Music & Nightlife:
  • Catch live jazz, acoustic sets, or bluegrass at local favorites like Tap That and The Brown Pelican
  • Brewery 99 and Freshwater Beer Co. offer rotating taps and weekly trivia nights or music events
  • Downtown bars feature dancing, karaoke, and casual nightlife without the city crowds
  • Festivals & Celebrations:
  • MumFest draws tens of thousands each fall for music, food trucks, riverfront games, and art displays
  • ArtWalk transforms downtown into a gallery crawl every second Friday
  • Juneteenth and multicultural celebrations honor New Bern’s diversity through food, music, and storytelling
  • Museums & Cultural Sites:
  • North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace blends immersive exhibits with interactive displays for all ages
  • New Bern Firemen’s Museum offers family-friendly history tied to one of the country’s oldest fire companies
  • Local galleries, including Bank of the Arts, showcase regional artists and host opening receptions
  • Culinary Scene & Dining Out:
  • Enjoy riverfront dining at Persimmons, or explore Southern fusion and seafood at Morgan’s Tavern & Grill
  • Casual options abound: from food trucks to locally owned diners that locals swear by
  • Coffee and sweet treats are everywhere—check out Bear City Fudge Company or a morning brew at Craven Coffee House
  • Movie & Media Options:
  • AMC New Bern 3 screens blockbusters, while streaming culture thrives in cozy home setups thanks to excellent local broadband
  • Bookworms can explore New Bern-Craven County Library and attend author readings or literary events

Unlike bigger cities where entertainment often means lines, fees, and planning, New Bern offers spontaneity and intimacy. It’s a place where you can walk to a concert, bike to brunch, or let your weekend unfold at the pace you choose.

Outdoor Activities: Embrace the Outdoors: Activities in Our Area

Nature at Your Doorstep, Adventure Around Every Bend

In New Bern, outdoor living is more than a weekend hobby—it’s a way of life. Cradled between the Neuse and Trent Rivers and just a short drive from the Atlantic coast, the area offers an unparalleled variety of outdoor experiences that invite you to unplug, breathe deep, and explore.

You might start your Saturday paddling across glassy water at sunrise, spend the afternoon hiking through pine forests filled with birdsong, and wrap up with a sunset walk along the riverwalk downtown. From novice explorers to seasoned adventurers, New Bern offers the natural canvas for every kind of outdoor pursuit.

How You’ll Get Outside in New Bern:

  • Hiking & Nature Trails:
  • Croatan National Forest boasts over 160,000 acres of protected land with scenic trails like the Neusiok Trail—a 20+ mile coastal trek through marshes, forests, and sandy shores
  • Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park offers gentle hiking trails and boardwalks ideal for birdwatching and family outings
  • Glenburnie Park Trail combines river views with shaded walking paths and a peaceful atmosphere
  • Water Activities:
  • Kayak or paddleboard the Neuse and Trent Rivers—local rental shops and guided tours are available year-round
  • Launch a boat from one of several public ramps for fishing, sunset cruises, or scenic exploration
  • Nearby beaches like Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle (40–45 minutes away) offer swimming, shelling, and surfing
  • Fishing & Boating:
  • The Neuse River is known for striped bass, catfish, and red drum—ideal for both fly fishing and deep-water adventures
  • Union Point Park is a favorite for casual fishing and riverside relaxation
  • Local marinas offer slips and services for recreational boaters and yacht owners alike
  • Golf Courses:
  • Carolina Colours Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course surrounded by woods and water
  • Emerald Golf Club provides a more relaxed but scenic golfing experience with rolling fairways and a welcoming clubhouse
  • Seasonal tournaments and league play available for all skill levels
  • Specialty Adventures:
  • Rock climbing walls and ropes courses are available in nearby Greenville or Wilmington for weekend outings
  • Equestrian centers just outside the city offer horseback riding lessons and trail rides
  • Local outfitters organize kayak camping trips, eco-tours, and wildlife photography excursions
  • Wildlife & Birdwatching:
  • Croatan National Forest and the nearby Goose Creek State Park are hotspots for birdwatchers, with sightings of bald eagles, herons, and migratory species
  • Riverbanks and estuaries provide chances to spot otters, turtles, and even dolphins closer to the coast

Unlike the congestion and restrictions that limit outdoor activity in many urban areas, New Bern’s geography invites you to immerse yourself in nature at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re carving out personal time or adventuring with your family, outdoor wellness is always within reach here.

Recharge and Play: Recreation Options

Everyday Wellness, Community Connection

In New Bern, staying active and engaged is a natural part of the lifestyle. Whether you prefer a morning spin class, afternoon pickleball match, or weekend family swim, the community offers a broad range of recreational facilities designed to support wellness across all ages. Fitness here isn’t a chore—it’s often social, scenic, and satisfying.

You’ll find a welcoming environment at local gyms and wellness centers, where the atmosphere is community-focused rather than crowded or intimidating. Neighborhood parks and playgrounds are thoughtfully designed and well-maintained, offering safe spaces for children and relaxing environments for parents. Adult leagues, group classes, and community events round out a robust recreation scene that invites you to stay active on your own terms.

Where You’ll Get Moving in New Bern:

  • Fitness Centers & Gyms:
  • Gold’s Gym New Bern offers strength training, cardio equipment, group classes, and childcare
  • Snap Fitness and Planet Fitness provide convenient 24-hour access for physicians with unpredictable schedules
  • Local yoga studios like A Hopeful Balance blend mindfulness with mobility in small, welcoming classes
  • Racquet Sports & Pickleball:
  • Several public parks feature outdoor tennis courts and newly added pickleball courts, a fast-growing favorite
  • Creekside Park is a go-to spot for racquet sports and hosts tournaments and lessons
  • Family-Friendly Recreation:
  • Creekside Park and Lawson Creek Park include multi-sport fields, shaded playgrounds, and splash pads
  • New Bern Aquatics Center offers seasonal family swimming and water aerobics
  • Kidsville at West New Bern Recreation Center is a local favorite for imaginative play and community playdates
  • Recreation Centers & Programs:
  • Stanley White Recreation Center provides year-round youth sports, adult leagues, and fitness classes
  • Seniors enjoy programming through New Bern Parks & Recreation including Tai Chi, walking clubs, and craft workshops
  • Craven County Recreation Department supports leagues for soccer, basketball, and baseball
  • Wellness-Focused Resources:
  • CarolinaEast Health System Wellness Center integrates clinical-grade fitness with public access for comprehensive wellness
  • Nutrition counseling, massage therapy, and physical rehab services available for residents and staff alike

With convenient access and a wide range of offerings, New Bern’s recreational scene supports not only physical health but social connection and emotional well-being. For physicians seeking a sustainable, active lifestyle, this community offers all the tools to keep balance a part of the routine.

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