Who is DMC, Inc. and What Do We Do?

Downtown Morehead City, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing energy, growth, and community spirit to the heart of Morehead City. Using the NC Main Street Four Point Approach, we work to create a vibrant, welcoming downtown for both locals and visitors. Guided by four passionate, volunteer-led committees, Organization, Promotion, Economic Vitality, and Design, we’re building a thriving downtown where businesses flourish and people love to gather.

Our non-profit is dedicated to strengthening the downtown economy and creating a vibrant, welcoming experience for everyone. Over the years, we’ve helped transform downtown from a place people simply pass through into a place where people choose to invest, gather, and spend time. As a nonprofit organization, we’re able to raise funds, pursue grants that support small businesses, manage volunteer-driven programs, collaborate with arts and civic partners, and track performance in meaningful ways, all of which expands what the city can accomplish without adding to city staff.

DMC, Inc. has played an important role in enhancing downtown’s charm and investment appeal through thoughtful beautification and placemaking projects. Highlights include the Bask Hotel, the 6th Street Circle murals, the mural on the side of the Genesis building, and the Fishwalk, an engaging public art experience featuring 14 sea life and Coastal Carolina inspired sculptures created by local artists Willie Baucom Lambert and Keith Lambert. Our organization also played a key role in helping Carteret Community Theatre find its permanent home in downtown Morehead City, strengthening our cultural core and bringing more arts activity to the heart of downtown. We continue to help spread the word beyond our community through statewide destination marketing, including a billboard on Highway 70 in Kinston that invites travelers to discover Morehead City.

We also bring downtown to life through three signature, large-scale events that attract both locals and visitors. Our Downtown Derby Darty, held alongside the Kentucky Derby, draws about 400 ticketed attendees each year for a fun, festive experience. Our Alive at Five concert series runs from June through October at Katherine Davis Park or Jaycee Park. Last year’s lineup included Liquid Pleasure, Bounce Party Band, The I-42 Band, The Green Room, and The Band of Oz, with attendance ranging from 800 to 1,000 people per concert. These family-friendly events create memorable evenings and help make downtown a lively place to connect and celebrate. Chowder & Cheer brings together local businesses to serve up chowder and sweet or spirited “cheers” (desserts or drinks), and the excitement is real. 750 tickets sell out in less than three minutes.

Downtown Morehead City, Inc. has been a driving force behind the vibrant and welcoming downtown culture we share. With over 400 volunteers, an innovative Board of Directors, and the incredible support of our downtown businesses, we are excited to continue building a thriving, welcoming, and dynamic downtown for all.