Elizabeth City, NC — April 24-26, 2026 — Elizabeth City, North Carolina, will welcome local residents, boaters, and visiting cruising sailors this April for a free, open waterfront gathering celebrating maritime heritage, innovation, and the city’s long-standing tradition as the Harbor of Hospitality.

The event is hosted in partnership with the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) and local  rose-buddies.com organization, and is designed to bring the local community and traveling cruisers together for a relaxed weekend of tours, social events, and waterfront activities.

We are pleased to include the Rose Buddies as the local partner for the Elizabeth City event. The Rose Buddies are a volunteer group dedicated to welcoming visiting boaters and travelers to Elizabeth City, proudly known as the “Harbor of Hospitality.”

Rose Buddies will serve as waterfront ambassadors, providing docking assistance, maritime guidance, and local orientation, while helping visitors connect with city services, businesses, and attractions. Their involvement reflects Elizabeth City’s strong commitment to supporting the cruising community.

SSCA will be on site with welcome materials and banners, supporting visiting boats while highlighting Elizabeth City’s unique maritime culture.

Planned activities (open to all) include a community reception and potluck at Seven Sounds Brewing Company, guided tours of TCOM Americas, the Museum of the Albemarle, and the Elizabeth City State University Planetarium, plus bocce, beer bites, and social time at Waterfront Park along the Pasquotank River.

Dates: April 24-26,2026

Friday

• Reception / Pot Luck at  Seven Sounds Brewing Co, 5:00 PM

Saturday

• Boce, Brews & Bites  - Mariner’s Wharf
• EC State University Planetarium
• TCOM - (the only “blimp factory” in the US)tcomlp.com

Sunday

• Elizabeth City Walkabout Meet the Community.

Who’s invited: Elizabeth City residents, area boaters, ICW cruisers, Loopers, families, students, and anyone interested in maritime life. No registration or fee required.