The Budweiser Clydesdales trotted back into downtown New Bern on Friday, March 27, marking the first time these massive horses had graced the historic city’s streets since 2016. If you missed it, don’t worry — we’ve got the full story, plus everything you need to know about the visit, the horses, and why New Bern keeps landing on this iconic team’s tour stops.
What Happened When the Budweiser Clydesdales Visited New Bern?
The Clydesdales made two full loops through downtown New Bern between 4 and 6 p.m., starting and ending at Union Point Park. Along the way, the hitch stopped for photos at New Bern City Hall, the intersection of Pollock and Middle Street, and the Birthplace of Pepsi — three of the most recognizable landmarks in the city’s historic district.[1]
Crowds lined the sidewalks well before the horses arrived, and the event was completely free to attend — no tickets, no fees, just a community gathered to watch one of America’s most recognizable brand traditions roll through town.
Why Did the Clydesdales Choose New Bern?
City leaders say the stop wasn’t originally on the calendar. Adams Beverages, which hosts the Clydesdales’ regional appearances, reached out to Swiss Bear because the team was already scheduled to be nearby.
“So, we were reached out to by Adams Beverages, and they are the ones hosting the Clydesdales, and they were already coming to an event in the area,” said Karen Sullivan, executive director of Swiss Bear. “They said, we would really love it if you guys would host them downtown. Are you interested in that? We, of course, said yes.”
The horses had already spent several days at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point before rolling into New Bern, giving the Eastern NC military community a front-row seat to the tour as well.
How Many Horses Travel With the Budweiser Clydesdale Team?
The Budweiser hitch travels with 10 horses total, but only eight pull the wagon at any given appearance. Hitch handler Alec Smith explained that rotating horses in and out keeps the team fresh across a grueling travel schedule.
“New Bern is honestly a pretty right-on place,” Smith said. “We came on over, Cherry Point was a huge hit for us, and while we were in town, we had to stop on into New Bern and check out the historical, amazing town you guys have around here.”
According to Smith, the Clydesdales are on the road roughly 300 days a year, moving from city to city while a dedicated care team keeps the horses healthy, groomed, and ready for the next stop.
What’s the History Behind the Budweiser Clydesdales?
The Clydesdales have been tied to Anheuser-Busch for more than 90 years. The tradition dates back to 1933, when a six-horse hitch famously delivered beer to New York City to celebrate the end of Prohibition. Nearly a century later, the horses remain one of the most recognizable symbols in American advertising — Budweiser’s Clydesdale commercials have been named the best Super Bowl ad in each of the past two years running.[2]
Was There More Than Just the Parade?
Yes — the visit sparked a broader community moment beyond the parade route. The Isaac Taylor House hosted a companion event tied to the Clydesdales’ visit, with owner Rachel Fortune focused on bringing New Bern residents together. Seniors from the Indigo Senior Center were specifically invited to take part, giving longtime locals a chance to enjoy the spectacle up close alongside younger families.[3]
When Was the Last Time the Clydesdales Visited New Bern?
Before this year’s stop, the Clydesdales hadn’t appeared in New Bern since 2016 — a full decade between visits. That gap is exactly why the March 27 parade drew such a large crowd; for many residents, this was a once-in-ten-years chance to see the hitch in person without traveling out of town.
Grab a Bite Nearby in Downtown New Bern
If you’re heading downtown to watch the parade or explore the historic district, make sure to stop by some of the town’s favorite local dining spots:
- The Chelsea: Classic American fine dining in a relaxed, historic setting.
- Baker’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery: Famous for its homestyle breakfast, bakery items, and local butter syrup.
- Morgan’s Tavern & Grill: High-end tavern fare, draft beers, and exceptional seafood in a beautifully restored building.
Where Can You See the Budweiser Clydesdales Next?
The hitch stays on the road nearly year-round, so if you missed this stop, keep an eye on Anheuser-Busch’s official Clydesdale tour schedule and local event pages like Greater Downtown New Bern’s Facebook events feed for future East Coast appearances.[4]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Budweiser Clydesdales come to New Bern?
Adams Beverages, the local host for the Clydesdales’ regional tour, reached out to Swiss Bear about adding a downtown New Bern stop while the team was already in the area visiting MCAS Cherry Point.
How many Budweiser Clydesdales pull the wagon at once?
Eight horses pull the wagon during appearances, though the full traveling team includes 10 horses so the group can rotate and stay fresh.
Was the Budweiser Clydesdales event in New Bern free?
Yes, the parade was free and open to the public, with the hitch completing two loops through downtown between 4 and 6 p.m.
When did the Clydesdales last visit New Bern before 2026?
The Clydesdales’ previous downtown New Bern appearance was in 2016, making this year’s visit the first in a decade.