Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival

Dates: Tuesday–Sunday, October 13–18, 2026
Times: Vary by registered program
Location: Multiple wildlife refuges and outdoor locations across northeastern North Carolina
Festival headquarters: National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center, 100 Conservation Way, Manteo, NC 27954
Admission: Program fees vary; registration is available online.

Discover the wild side of the Outer Banks during Wings Over Water, a wildlife festival offering approximately 60 programs in birding, paddling, photography and natural history. Guided experiences introduce participants to the birds, habitats and landscapes of the region’s national wildlife refuges and surrounding natural areas.

A highlight is the keynote presentation by author and bird researcher Scott Weidensaul, “The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet,” on Saturday, October 17, from 6–8 p.m. at the Pioneer Theater, 109 Budleigh Street, Manteo, NC 27954.

Each excursion has its own meeting location, schedule and participation requirements. Check the individual program listing before traveling; the headquarters address is not the departure point for every activity.

Admission: Fees vary by activity; many guided programs are $25 per person. Advance registration required.

Event website: https://wingsoverwater.org/
Program schedule: https://wingsoverwater.org/event-schedule/
Meeting locations: https://wingsoverwater.org/directions/