A great day of camaraderie and good sportsmanship at the 2025 Bocce Ball Tournament. Elizabeth City, NC – Albemarle Area United Way will gather at Waterfront Park again this spring to hold its 8th annual Bocce, Beer & Bites event. The event will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This popular event, typically attracting 350 attendees, will enable up to 40 teams to compete in the double elimination bocce tournament consisting of 4-person tea

Bocce, Beer & Bites 2022 brought the community together for an evening of friendly competition, great food, refreshing drinks, and charitable giving. This signature Albemarle Area United Way event united supporters, sponsors, and local businesses in support of programs and services that make a difference across the region, all while enjoying fellowship and fun on the bocce court.

Our 2019 community event was a tremendous success, bringing hundreds of neighbors together at Waterfront Park while raising more than $20,000 to support programs and services that improve lives across the Albemarle Area. Thanks to the generosity of participants, sponsors, and volunteers, the event made a meaningful local impact. We look forward to continuing this family-friendly tradition and serving our community together.

Getting ready for Bocce, Beer & Bites? Join us on April 21 from 2–6 p.m. in Elizabeth City for an afternoon of bocce, food, drinks, and community fun. If you're new to the game, we've gathered a few quick videos to help you learn the basics and improve your skills before tournament day. Check out “How to Play Bocce Ball” and “9 Simple Steps to Perfect Bocce” and get ready to roll!

Albemarle Area United Way’s inaugural Bocce, Beer & Bites brought hundreds of community members to Waterfront Park for a day of friendly competition, local food, craft beer, and philanthropy. The event exceeded expectations, expanding from 32 to 46 teams and raising more than $17,000 to support United Way partner agencies and programs serving communities across the region.