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.

he U.S. Waveski Surfing Championship is an exhilarating competition that brings together the best waveski surfers from across the country & internationally to showcase their skills and compete for the prestigious titles. Come out to Jennette's Pier to watch this exciting event and cheer for the competitors. It's sure to thrill all ages. This event is free to observers.

For those who want to participate in the competition, entry fees are $125 to compete in their first division and $35 for any additional divisions.
Paid divisions are U.S. Open (Men & Women), U.S. Women’s Open, Adaptive Open, Age Categories & Surf Kayak Open
Discounted Hotel Options  are available for event competitors.

Date and Time: Sep 27, 2024, 8:00 AM – Sep 29, 2024, 4:00 PM

Location: Jennette's Pier, Nags Head, 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA

Giant Jellies, by artist Carol Willett, are sculptures on display in Dare Arts Center. This display will be in the outdoor courtyard from September 6 through mid-November. 

There is something exquisite about the simplicity of jellies. Their color, shape and size are mesmerizing. This trio of Giant Jellies were created to spark curiosity about these magical creatures. The bells were sculpted over exercise balls, then drilled, sanded, painted and sealed. The colorful tentacles are made from deconstructed bath sponges and recycled beads. The reefs and their creatures are built out of expanding foam and wet sand, plus polymer clay and up-cycled plastic bottles. Electrical conduit, bicycle wheels and plywood make up the armatures.

In September, the Dare Arts Vault Gallery will feature Taylor Williams’ latest collection of oil paintings titled, Hideaway. Hideaway highlights the serene moments of coastal North Carolina and beyond. Taylor's use of soothing, low contrast colors accentuates feelings of tranquility. Her work goes beyond merely capturing the visual beauty of the coast, offering glimpses into the sense of sanctuary that these landscapes provide. It's not just about what you see, but about how you feel—a reminder that amidst the chaos of the world, there are places of quiet refuge waiting to be discovered.

Hideaway will be on display in the Vault Gallery September 6-28, 2024.

In September, Dare Arts Courtroom Gallery will feature photography by Theresa Scott. The Road Through “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell:” A Veterans History Project is a documentary series that encapsulates the struggles of serving in the military before “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) was repealed. Scott draws on skills as a photographer and a Marine who served under DADT. She invited service members to collaborate on amplifying their voices. Through transcribed interviews and photography, Scott supports participants in unpacking their struggles under policies like DADT and the unique path toward healing. In this exhibit, Scott offers insight into the lives of LGBTQIA+ service members that served before and after the repel of DADT, and she reveals the impact of such discriminatory policies on families and communities today. 

This exhibit will be on display in the Courtroom Gallery from September 6-28, 2024.

Come enjoy a 30 minute presentation about the Bodie Island Lighthouse that has been lighting the way for over 150 years. Learn details about this lighthouse and its history. This program is free and family friendly.

Come to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center Pavillon for a children's program about the sea turtles of the Outer Banks. Learn about sea turtles through interactive games and activities for children of all ages. This program lasts 30 minutes and is free to the public.

Come meet with a Ranger for a guided tour of the 1874 Boat House and 1892 Cook House. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Life Saving Stations on the Outer Banks through captivating stories about this iconic station. Located 3.5 miles north of Avon on the sound side. Please note there are no restrooms available and the presentation and tour last 45 minutes.

Bring your rods and reels and discover how incredible the fishing on the Outer Banks can be when the temps cool and the fall season rolls around by signing up for the Hatteras Island Surf Fishing Challenge. This popular fishing tournament takes place all across the islands, and allows anglers to pick a favorite spot, cast a line, and hopefully reel in a few big catches, as well as a few hefty cash prizes, along the way. Registration for fishing participation is $75 for early registration and $85 for late registration. Non-participant observers are free. See the event website for additional information and a full schedule.

Come to the Theater of Dare and enjoy this hilarious Broadway comedy about a married couple who are art dealers. Their domestic tranquility is shattered upon the arrival of the wife’s goody-goody nerd of a sister, her uptight CPA husband, and her archetypal Jewish mother. The comic sparks really begin to fly when the mother hits it off with the elderly minimalist artist who is the art dealers’ best client!
Tickets can be purchased in advanced on the event website.

**This production does include mild adult themes and may not be suitable for young children.