Pea Island Bird Walk is a FREE event. Pea Island is ACTUALLY for the birds! This National Wildlife Refuge has close to 400 species of birds that live here or pass through. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll enjoy this casual stroll beside North Pond. Field guides, binoculars, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended. Some field guides and binoculars will be available for loan.

Pea Island Bird Walks are held year-round except during the Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival in October and December. Meet at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, located on NC Highway 12 approximately 4 miles south of Oregon Inlet and 9 miles north of Rodanthe.

WRV Outer Banks Pro Contest is from August 28th - Sunday, September 1st from 7 am - 4 pm.

Spectators are welcome to hit the sand and watch some of the top surfers in the region and the world compete in this late summer competition that promises to be one of the best live shows on the beach. Wave Riding Vehicles has stood for surfing since it was first founded in 1967, and this annual week-long surfing competition continues the celebration of this tradition in both its causal and competitive forms.

The competition takes place on the beach next to Jennette’s Pier in the town of Nags Head, which makes it easy to reach for visitors throughout the central Outer Banks. Vacationers who want to check out the action can take a beach chair or beach blanket to the sand to enjoy the display of amazing athletics and abilities, or can head to the pier itself for a bird’s eye view of the competition in the ocean waves below (There is a fee to enter the pier).

Surface and Undercurrents: Influences from Iceland, the Arctic & the Anthropocene is a collaborative group exhibition that explores environmental themes. Ideas for this exhibit were developed during the artists' retreat in Iceland during the summer of 2023. The exhibition features work by North Carolina artists Lisa LeMair, Christina Weisner, Chistopher Proto, Emily Holmes, Wendy Allen, Scott Solter and Ashley Paskov. Surface and Undercurrents: Influences from Iceland, the Arctic & the Anthropocene will be on display in the Courtroom Gallery August 2-31, 2024.

There will be an opening reception on Friday, August 2 from 6pm to 8pm, where visitors can meet Lisa LeMair, Christina Weisner, Chistopher Proto, Emily Holmes, Wendy Allen, Scott Solter and Ashley Paskov and view their work.

The opening reception is during downtown Manteo's First Friday festivities, and is free and open to the public.

In August the Vault Gallery will feature porcelain pieces by Pamela Lassiter. Pamela's work is inspired by the natural environment of her home on Hatteras Island. The body of work in this exhibition is a reflection of the life and patterns that she sees on the island. The various organic forms and processes develop from studying the oceans movements. Pamela is fascinated by the tide as it ebbs and flows creating dynamic patterns in the sand. These patterns are interpreted through a process of carving and adding coils to wheel thrown and altered or hand built forms.

Sea and Sand will be on display in the Vault Gallery August 2-31, 2024.

​There will be an opening reception on Friday, August 2 from 6pm to 8pm, where visitors can meet Pamela and view her work.The opening reception is during downtown Manteo's First Friday festivities and is free and open to the public.​ 

Come cast your line and learn the basics needed to catch your first fish! Learn how to assemble tackle, bait your hook, identify fish species, and practice catch-and-release techniques. Bring your patience as we try our luck fishing from our Soundside Pier. Closed toe shoes required. This program is for those ages 5 & up. Children ages 5-13 must be accompanied by a paying paid participating adult. (Program Duration 1.5 Hours) The program cost is $15.00 per person plus the cost of regular aquarium admission ($12.95 per adult ages 13 - 61, $10.95 per child ages 3-12, free for children 2 and under. $11.95 military and senior rates, or $13.50 for NC Aquarium Society Members).