Every First Friday of the month, many art studios and businesses in downtown Elizabeth City are open from 4:00 pm until 7:00 PM-ish for our First Friday ArtWalk! Guest artists along with food and music abound as businesses remain open later and the downtown streets come to life.

The annual TarWheel Cycling Event takes place in April on a scenic, flat countryside course through the beautiful Pasquotank & Perquimans Counties in northeastern NC. You have the option of 33, 64, or 100 mile ride, starting on the waterfront in downtown Elizabeth City.

The annual NC Potato Festival is a fun-filled, family festival that celebrates one of our largest crops. Enjoy rides and games, live music, potato-oriented activities, a cornhole tournament, an car & bike show, free french fries, and bushels of FUN for the whole family!

Legends & Lore is an annual clue-based scavenger hunt for adults built around a local legend. Participants are given clues and directed around the Downtown area.

Classic American films are shown on a large screen with Elizabeth City’s beautiful waterfront at Mariners’ Wharf Park as the backdrop. Held on eight consecutive Tuesdays at dusk during the months of June and July.

A series of free outdoor festival-style concerts Tuesday evenings from August-September. Held on the water at Mariners' Wharf Park.

Bring your kids to Downtown Elizabeth City on the Saturday before Halloween for some Trick or Treating in the central business district. Participating Businesses will be handing out candy (while supplies last). Costumes are encouraged! 

The Holiday Celebration & Grand Illumination is always the official start of the holiday season in Elizabeth City! The community comes together throughout the season for caroling, hot cocoa, whispering your gift wishes into Santa’s ear, and many other activities. 

A national initiative started by American Express, this day brings attention to the importance of shopping local. ECDI and individual small businesses organize a day of fun experiences, from holiday music to decorated window displays, Santa Claus visits, and SALES!