Summer fun in Little Washington: 4 upcoming events

The temperatures are warming and the days are getting longer — and that means more time to spend on summer fun. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly festivals, fireworks or some live music, Little Washington has something just for you.

If you’re into live music, The Drifters will surely get your feet tapping with hits like “Under the Boardwalk.” They will be performing on Saturday, April 16 at the Washington-Warren Airport.

Event coordinator Al Powell was inspired to start the event after he and the Mayor of Washington discussed it and decided a “feel-good event’” would go over well in the community. With people ready to get out and enjoy themselves after a couple of years not being able to go anywhere due to the pandemic, the atmosphere is perfect for a spring concert.

“We thought it would be great to have a feel-good event that would invigorate the area and give hope,” said Powell. “A lot of people have been going through some tough times these last few years, economically, medically or emotionally. We know from past history that music has a way of healing the soul.”

Powell thinks The Drifters will be a fantastic draw since they have an established reputation — not to mention are Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees — and their music crosses many genres.

The event is a collaborative effort between the City of Washington and the Inner Banks STEM Center. The IBX STEM Center offers a sustainable and innovative Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program to at-risk and under-represented middle school youth to help prepare for modern STEM employment.

Along with the concert, there will be other activities at the event.

“We decided to make this an event that would get people out for more than just a live music show. Having it at the airport will really showcase what a community resource the airport is — it can be used for a variety of things, not just for airplanes,” said Powell. “A classic car show will be on hand, as well as boats on display that are made right here in Beaufort County.”

The event will be rounded out with a variety of food vendors and a beer & wine garden. Gates open at noon on the 16th, with the concert starting at 4 p.m.

Admission to the event is free. For more information, email visitwashingtonnc@gmail.com.

Maritime history is very important to Washington. The town was built on and around the Pamlico-Tar River, and the Maritime Festival — held on May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — was meant to celebrate that rich history.

Harbor District Alliance executive director Meg Howdy says the city has long been a hub for trade, which helped create the history that the festival is recognizing.

The “Marine Market,” a nod to the area’s name in the past, has been going as part of the festival since 2011. According to Howdy, now is a great time to re-introduce the market and bring it back better than ever.

“The festival will really encompass all things nautical, from art to boat builders and boats on display, to possibly kayak races. There will be something for all ages,” said Howdy. “It’s definitely a family friendly event, and it’s also for anyone that loves the water and everything it represents.”

The Beaufort County Traditional Music Association will be out playing tunes from roots to rockabilly to bluegrass. Ribeyes Steakhouse will also have live music on their river view porch.

There will be an educational piece to the event, as well, and the downtown businesses will participate in a window decorating contest.

For Howdy, the festival is a “new” annual event, with so much to offer in terms of activities and vendors.

“It’s where kids and adults alike can experience the magic of the water, the beauty of watercrafts and the richness of maritime culture,” said Howdy. “Bring your family for a weekend they’ll never forget, and experience Washington for yourself: the boats, the craftsmanship, the community and the celebration.”

June 10 and 11 will welcome the 39th Annual Washington Summer Festival. Washington native and fan favorite Craig Woolard and The Embers will perform on Friday night, and the Alabama Blues Queen herself, DieDra Ruff, will take the stage on Saturday night. There will be a 5K fun run on Saturday morning.

Rides, bounce houses and games from local Brook’s Amusements will be set up for kids. On Saturday, armbands will be available for $25 for all-you-can-ride amusements from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and United Way will be holding a “duckie” race on the waterfront.

“We truly have something for everyone,” said Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce executive director Catherine Glover. “The 5K run is new this year. We’ll have a lot of things for little kids and big kids, too. We have a variety of vendors and nonprofits that offer plenty of food items, as well.”

Festival favorites include ice cream, funnel cakes, burgers and shrimp baskets. The Little Washington Sailing School will be giving free sailboat rides.

According to assistant director Robin McKeithan, fireworks will be held an hour earlier this year, at 9 p.m., in order to accommodate families with small children.

Washington will also be having waterfront fireworks on the Fourth of July this year, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Throughout the holiday, people can enjoy kayaking, cycling, great food, shopping and Independence Day fun.

“The last two years changed so many things for folks. The City is trying to do a lot of different things like the fireworks and The Drifters concert to appeal to many different people. We are really excited about it,” said the city’s Parks & Recreation director Kristi Roberson.