Greater Downtown New Bern

06/18/2026

Congratulations to our most recent Property Enhancement Grant recipient, Benson Wealth Partners. Located at 212 S. Front Street, Benson Wealth provides personalized wealth management and comprehensive financial planning services for individuals, families, and institutions. They moved into this beautiful building on Front Street, repurposing it from an architecture firm into their office while honoring and maintaining its historic legacy. Charles Benson took advantage of all three aspects of our Property Enhancement Grant, receiving funding for facade renovations, signage, and landscaping. Stop by today and tour the amazing work they’ve done to maintain this historic property in our downtown!

06/17/2026

🐻🎉 Happy Mascot Day from Bernie the Bear! 🎉🐻

Did you know Bernie the Bear has been part of the Swiss Bear family since 1986? Over the years, he’s waved from parade routes, greeted festivalgoers, and helped create countless downtown memories.

After a long hibernation, Bernie was recently discovered snoozing away in the attic of the Swiss Bear offices! With a little encouragement (and maybe a few honey-flavored treats 🍯), he made his triumphant return at the 2026 Mardi Gras Parade in Downtown New Bern.

Now that he's awake, Bernie is ready for more adventures! Keep an eye out for him at upcoming downtown events, including the 4th of July Parade and more throughout the year.

If you spot Bernie, be sure to stop and say hello—and snap a photo! 📸🐻

06/13/2026

New art is coming to downtown! We’re excited to see the finished installation later this summer!

05/28/2026

Ever wondered how the sausage... well, BAGELS were made? PBS NC stopped by Gemelli Italian Deli & Bagelry in downtown New Bern and did the research. We've done our OWN research and agree that they have some of the best bagels we've ever tasted!

05/27/2026

Happy Birthday to our favorite soda inventor, Caleb Bradham! Stop by the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, New Bern, NC, raise a Pepsi in his honor and grab a piece of birthday cake to cut the sweetness! 😉

On this day we celebrate Caleb Bradham’s birthday with gratitude from the Birthplace of Pepsi. 🎉 His creation continues to bring people together, one sip at a time. 💙

Celebrate with us at the Birthplace of Pepsi—we’re open today from 10AM–6PM!🥤

Stop in and enjoy:
✨ 5¢ Pepsi (yes, really!)
🎂 Birthday Cake (while supplies last)

Come raise a glass to the man who started it all! 💙

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on their service and sacrifice, and wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.

05/22/2026

Nothing says Fourth of July like a hometown parade 🇺🇸✨ Grab your flags, bring your family, and celebrate America 250 with us in Downtown New Bern on July 4th!

Tag your Fourth of July crew below.
See you downtown! ❤️🤍💙

05/21/2026

🚨UPCOMING INTERSECTION CLOSURE🚨
Crosswalk Improvement Project

The Craven & Po***ck streets intersection will be closed & work will begin on Tuesday, May 26th (after the Memorial Day holiday weekend). All four crosswalks will be replaced. The intersection will be fenced off with directional signage for pedestrian crossing (see attached map). Pedestrian access to all businesses will be maintained throughout the project but expect restricted vehicle access. Additionally, digital & static signage will be placed at the opposite end of each block alerting motorists there is a road closure ahead. Please note there will be no pedestrian crossing on Craven Street at the north end of the intersection – this will be a staging area for heavy equipment & project supplies. City Hall will remain open & access to & from the City Hall parking lot & Craven Street parking lot will be maintained.

For more information on this project, please contact City of New Bern Public Works.

05/14/2026

Join us tomorrow afternoon as the iconic Harrier Jets make their coastal flyover ahead of the official Harrier Sundown Celebration this June.

This is your chance to experience these legendary aircraft as they soar over the coast and through Eastern North Carolina. Their flight path will take them directly over Union Point Park, making downtown New Bern one of the best viewing spots for the flyover.

We’re honored to welcome the excitement and the thousands of visitors to downtown New Bern this June for this historic farewell.

Keep your eyes on the skies tomorrow!

For more information on the Harrier Sundown Celebration, visit: https://visitnewbern.com/event-calendar/?imgoing-event=harrier-sundown-and-last-flight-696569fe263e4c84a97e1b1d

05/13/2026

Downtown New Bern is full of creativity this week as the North Carolina Plein Air Art Festival in New Bern brings artists to our streets, waterfront, and historic downtown.

Come stroll downtown, watch beautiful works of art come to life in real time, shop local, and enjoy everything our downtown has to offer. You never know where you’ll spot an artist painting the next masterpiece!