Last weekend, cyclists from across the U.S. descended on Washington for Cycle NC’s Coastal Ride. This weekend, musicians and mariners take their place.

At 9 a.m. on Saturday, the annual Washington Marine Market kicks off on Stewart Parkway. Around corner and down the street, the Farmers’ and Artisans Market opens at the same time.

At 10 a.m., Beaufort County Traditional Music Association’s BoCO Music Festival launches its day of live performances at 10 a.m. in the Turnage Theatre Gallery.

The weather is going to be beautiful, so that’s one good reason to visit them all, according to Washington Harbor District Alliance Executive Director Meg Howdy.

“We’re excited; we’ve got a good group of vendors coming in and a large amount of artisans,” Howdy said. “We’re hoping that people are going to come on down and take advantage of all the opportunities.”

For BCTMA founder and publicity officer Linda Boyer, the best part about BoCo Music Festival is music all day long.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun. Folks can just stroll through, you can come and go as you please. It’s all free. It’s our contribution to the community,” Boyer said.

Musicians will be performing inside the Turnage, while anyone who wants to join the regular BCTMA jams can do so on West Main Street, across from the theatre. Other BCTMA players will be making appearances at the Marine Market, as well.

“They’re going to be kind of popping in and out down there,” Boyer said.

She said highlights of the festival include headliners Dymond City Express, out of Martin County, and performances by the next generation of traditional musicians.

“Dymond City Express has played for us before, and they are just old school bluegrass. They are wonderful. They are great musicians and really fine folks. They’ve been playing for years; they did the festival circuit for years,” Boyer said.

Dymond City Express will perform on the Turnage Theatre main stage at 7 p.m., just after the Youth Showcase in the gallery. A “round robin” of songs will be played by high-school students Sydney Moore, Marye Amanda McDaniel and Will Stovill.

“Several have written their own songs, but they also play old favorites and then new music,” Boyer said.

For more information about both of these events, visit www.bctma.org and www.whda.org.