Events for September 19, 2026

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: The Elizabethan Gardens, 1411 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC

Description:
The Elizabethan Gardens celebrates its 75th anniversary with the second annual Autumn Ale Faire, a family-friendly fall festival set throughout the Gardens’ 10-acre waterfront property. This year’s “Restoration” theme celebrates the Gardens’ history while raising funds for restoration of the Gatehouse and conservation of the historic statuary in the Sunken Garden.

The afternoon includes regional craft beer, wine, cider and non-alcoholic beverages, food catered by Red Sky, live music by Face 2 Face, garden access and a Kids Zone with crafts, lawn games, a bounce house and slide.

Admission:
Adults ages 13+: $49
Youth ages 6–12: $19
Children 5 and under: Free
Well-behaved dogs: $6

Good to Know:
Food is included with admission. Alcoholic beverages are sold separately and valid photo ID is required to purchase alcohol. The event is rain or shine. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome with a dog admission ticket. Guests may bring blankets and lawn chairs. Outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted.

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Cook-off Event Time: 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Tasting: 4:00–5:30 p.m. (Cost: $10)
Location: Ocracoke Community Center, Ocracoke, NC

Description:
Taste your way through one of Ocracoke’s favorite island traditions at the Ocracoke Community Pool Association’s 3rd Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off. Approximately a dozen chowders are expected, with entries competing in two categories: traditional Ocracoke-style chowder and innovative chowder.

Traditional Ocracoke chowder is made with clams, potatoes, onions and salt meat or bacon, while entries in the innovative category can take a more creative approach as long as clams remain a prominent ingredient. Guests sample the chowders and cast People’s Choice ballots to select the winners.

Admission: $10 per person for chowder tasting.

Good to Know:
The event also includes a raffle and Ocracoke Community Pool Association T-shirts for sale. Proceeds support the organization’s efforts to establish a community swimming pool on Ocracoke.

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. (Tickets required.)
Location: Jockey’s Ridge State Park Visitor Center, 300 W. Carolista Drive, Nags Head, NC

Description:
Celebrate the history and preservation of Jockey’s Ridge during a special Dune Days evening concert featuring Outer Banks musician Mojo Collins and special guests.

Dune Days commemorates the courage and determination of Carolista Baum, whose efforts helped save Jockey’s Ridge from development and preserve the landmark for future generations. A portion of ticket proceeds supports Friends of Jockey’s Ridge and its work to protect and promote the state park.

Admission: $40 per person. Tickets required to attend.

Good to Know:
Tickets are required and seating is limited, so advance ticket purchase is recommended. Purchase tickets on the event website.

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, 59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras, NC

Description:
Keep the Day at the Docks celebration going into the evening with Graveyard After Hours at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. Guests can enjoy the museum after hours along with live music by Jackie Burns, beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Admission: $5 suggested donation.

Good to Know:
Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, the nonprofit organization that supports the museum and its programs.