Halloween Island 2026

October 1–31, 2026
Location: Participating locations throughout Manteo and Roanoke Island
Best Nights to Visit: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Prime Evening Hours: Approximately 6–8:30 p.m.

October gets spooky on Roanoke Island when Manteo transforms into Halloween Island: Rise of the Moondog.

The month-long charity celebration turns more than a dozen local establishments into individually themed Halloween bars and gathering spots. Guests can make their way around town collecting passport stamps while exploring a lineup of elaborate Halloween themes.

Among this year’s themed stops are haunted houses, ghost ships, vampires, zombies, witches, a mad scientist laboratory, a Harry Potter-inspired stop and more.

Many participating businesses operate throughout the week, but Halloween Island organizers say Thursday through Saturday are the best nights to visit because all of the Halloween bars are open. The most active time is generally from about 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Opening Weekend

Thursday, October 1

• Halloween Island officially begins for the month of October.
• Participating bars and businesses begin their Halloween transformations.

Friday, October 2

• Halloween Island coincides with Manteo’s monthly First Friday celebration.
• Downtown activity is concentrated during the evening.

Saturday, October 3

• Halloween Island continues throughout Manteo.
• Saturday is one of the primary nights when all participating Halloween bars are expected to be open.

Halloween Island continues through Halloween night, October 31.

Proceeds from the 2026 celebration support the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.