About Mumfest
For more than four decades, MumFest has been a cherished tradition in New Bern — bringing together families, friends, visitors, artists, musicians, local businesses, and the community for a weekend celebrating the spirit of downtown.
What began in 1979 as the “Swiss Bear Festival” was created with a simple but powerful mission: to encourage people to rediscover and support historic downtown New Bern during a time when downtown was not the vibrant destination it is today. The festival also served as a fundraiser to support many of the downtown improvement projects that helped shape New Bern into the destination it is today, including projects such as James Reed Lane, downtown streetscape improvements, the trees that now line the streets, sidewalks throughout downtown, and enhancements to areas like Union Point Park. In 1980, the event evolved into the “Chrysanthemum Festival,” inspired by the beautiful mums that bloom throughout the fall season. By the early 1990s, the festival became known simply as “MumFest” — a name that has remained synonymous with fall in New Bern ever since.
Today, MumFest has grown into one of eastern North Carolina’s largest and most beloved street festivals, welcoming thousands of visitors each year to enjoy live entertainment, local artists and makers, family activities, food vendors, attractions, and the charm of New Bern’s historic waterfront downtown.
MumFest is proudly produced by Swiss Bear, Inc., the nonprofit Main Street organization dedicated to downtown revitalization and development. As Swiss Bear’s largest annual fundraiser, proceeds from MumFest directly support downtown initiatives, future community events, beautification efforts, and grant opportunities that help local downtown businesses continue to grow and thrive.
Beyond the entertainment and festivities, MumFest represents something even greater — community investment, local pride, and the continued preservation and growth of downtown New Bern for future generations.
Whether you are attending for the first time or continuing a long-standing tradition, we are honored to welcome you to MumFest.