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Belhaven's Intracoastal Waterway
mm136 - 98th Year Celebration

Belhaven's Intracoastal Waterway mm136 - 98th Year CelebrationBelhaven's Intracoastal Waterway mm136 - 98th Year CelebrationBelhaven's Intracoastal Waterway mm136 - 98th Year Celebration

Belhaven, NC Birthplace of the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway)

Join us in Belhaven October 2-3, 2026 to mark the 98th anniversary of the completion of Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Enjoy waterfront festivities, community fun, and a celebration of our maritime heritage!   The final missing link of the 1,300-mile Maine-to-Florida waterway was a 22 mile cut between the Pungo River and the Alligator River which was completed in 1928, near Belhaven. 


The Celebrations in 1928 drawing 20,000 visitors centered around the waterfront area that is now home to the River Forest Manor and Marina, cementing Belhaven's long-standing title as the "Birthplace of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway". 

Belhaven ICW mm136 Celebration Events

Event Date & Time

October 2nd and 3rd, 2026 for Belhaven's the 98th Anniversary Celebration of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Starting Friday 10 am to Saturday evening at 9 pm.

Music

We have invited some of the East Coast's favorite bands to celebrate on Friday and Saturday evening

Event Location

The event will be held in Belhaven from the River Forest Manor to the Heart of Downtown and  Harbor Park on Water Street to Riverbend Cultural Arts Center just a short distance down Pamlico street from Downtown.

Event Schedule

We have an exciting lineup of events planned, from all things boating, vendors, food and fun competitions and activities for the children to a low Country Boil and music to end both days.

98th Anniversary "Birthplace of the Intracoastal Waterway"

Join us at the Ribbon Cutting where it all took place in 1928 at the River Forest Manor for Belhaven's Historic Waterway Celebration

Friday, October 2, 2026 - 11:00 am

Events

Friday, October 2

Get to know Belhaven as the Birthplace of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)

  • 11:00 am - 12:30 pm  =  Ribbon cutting to kick off the celebration at the River Forest Manor, followed by a presentation of the history of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and Belhaven's part in it's completion with the Manor at the center of the event in 1928.
  • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm = Plein air Painting - Explore local artists showcasing their work as part of the waterfront festivities along the Belhaven waterway. 
  • 5:00 pm = Join us for the Artist Reception at the Riverbend Cultural Arts Center, Pamlico Street
  • 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm = Don’t miss the Live Music at Belhaven Harbor Park as we celebrate the ICW anniversary with Queen Anne's Revenge.
  • Be sure to participate in an adventurous Boat Scavenger Hunt exploring Shops and Restaurants in Belhaven All day - Boat Scavenger Hunt.  Pick up the forms at the Welcome Tent or Local businesses.  See if you can find all the Boats made by Jimmy Courson located in the businesses around town. 

Saturday, October 3

Full day of exciting series of Belhaven waterway events featuring 

  • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm = Boat vendors showcase their offerings on  along with the Antique Boat Show, Shop local Vendors, and look for information tents of upcoming happenings around Belhaven -  Belhaven Harbor Park and Water Street
  • 10:00 am = Corn Hole - Round Robin ending with Tournament at 1:00, Belhaven Harbor Park, Water Street,  $25/Team Tickets online or at the Welcome tent
  • 10:00 am - 1:00 pm = Kids can enjoy ARTS ON THE PUNGO at "The Market", Main Street
  • 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm = Savor the delicious Chowder Cook Off from local restaurants, Belhaven Harbor Park, tickets available online or at the Welcome Tent  in the Park 
  • 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm = A traditional Low Country Boil at the ICW Brewery, Water Street
  • 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm = Lucky Duck Race at Wynne's Gut for all ages, Water Street
  • 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm = Delightful Wine Tasting at Backroom Wine Shop, Pamlico Street
  • 5:00 pm = The beloved Blessing of the Fleet followed by a Boat Flotilla on the water Pantego Creek, town Dock
  • 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm = And we will end the event, for music lovers, at the Belhaven Harbor Park  with the Live Music - from the band - Audiomelt 
  • Be sure to participate in an adventurous Boat Scavenger Hunt exploring Shops and Restaurants in Belhaven All day - Boat Scavenger Hunt.  Pick up the forms at the Welcome Tent or Local businesses.  See if you can find all the Boats made by Jimmy Courson located in the businesses around town. 
  • Don't miss the1920's fashions throughout Belhaven


Sign up for Events, Payments and Volunteer Opportunities

Cornhole Tournament SignupChowder ticketAntique Boat Show SignupCHOWDER SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATEVolunteer OpportunitiesVendor Payment

Vendor Application - (payment above)

Belhaven ICW Vendor Application (pdf)

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Application for Sponsors

Belhaven ICW Sponsor Letter (pdf)

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W9 For Sponsorships (pdf)

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About Belhaven ICW mm136 Celebration

Our Mission

Event History

Event History

Belhaven, North Carolina is excited to host the ICW anniversary celebration at mm136, marking the 98th anniversary of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). On August 31, 1928, the final link of the Atlantic ICW was completed in Belhaven, establishing our community as the 'Birthplace of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.' This special celebrat

Belhaven, North Carolina is excited to host the ICW anniversary celebration at mm136, marking the 98th anniversary of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). On August 31, 1928, the final link of the Atlantic ICW was completed in Belhaven, establishing our community as the 'Birthplace of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.' This special celebration is presented by Belhaven 136, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our vision is to expand this event annually as we approach the 100th Anniversary (Centennial) in 2028, showcasing Belhaven’s unique maritime heritage and drawing visitors, boaters, businesses, and history enthusiasts from across the country to join in the waterfront festivities. 

Our mission focuses on preserving and promoting Belhaven’s rich maritime community through tourism, education, and economic development.

Event History

Event History

Event History

The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a 3,000-mile protected inland waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, divided into two main, non-contiguous sections: the Atlantic ICW (Norfolk, VA to Key West, FL) and the Gulf ICW (Carrabelle, FL to Brownsville, TX), with additional unconnected segments in Florida. It features natural bays, rivers

The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a 3,000-mile protected inland waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, divided into two main, non-contiguous sections: the Atlantic ICW (Norfolk, VA to Key West, FL) and the Gulf ICW (Carrabelle, FL to Brownsville, TX), with additional unconnected segments in Florida. It features natural bays, rivers, and sounds linked by manmade 'cuts' or canals. The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) serves as a 1,100-mile protected marine highway stretching from Norfolk, Virginia (Mile 0) to Key West, Florida. Notably, Belhaven plays a significant role at Mile Markers 135/136, where Pantego Creek meets the Pungo River. With the completion of the final link in 1928, Belhaven has become a popular harbor and stopover for thousands of cruising boaters traveling the East Coast annually, especially during events like the Belhaven waterway events and the ICW anniversary celebration, which highlight the vibrant waterfront festivities enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Individual Event Fliers - Click on each flyer for more information

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Visit Us in Belhaven

Have questions about the Belhaven waterway events or the ICW anniversary celebration? Need assistance with the waterfront festivities? Reach out, and we'll be happy to help.

Belhaven ICW mm136 Celebration

P.O. Box 144, Belhaven, NC 27810

ICWmm136@gmail.com

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