Sanctuary Vineyards specializes in family-friendly fun with year-round festivals centered on fresh local seafood, beer, and of course, wine. Every event offers the opportunity to sample the best that Currituck, NC, and The Outer Banks have to offer, plus live music, games, and more. 

Thursdays at The Cotton Gin in Corolla, 5:30-8:30 pm

Enjoy this comedy movie based on Barbara Robinson's book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The Herdmans are six siblings who have a reputation for being the worst kids in the world. However, when they take over the local church pageant during the holidays, they just might teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas. This movie is rated PG.

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.

Wings Over Water (WOW) is an annual national wildlife refuge fundraising event that has grown from a few activities in 1997, to over 70 birding, paddling, photography, art & natural history programs. The festival takes place in 6 national wildlife refuges over 6 northeast North Carolina counties. It is one of the premier east coast wildlife festivals. Locally, many activities take place on National Park Service property, specifically Cape Hatteras National Seashore, one of the Festival partners. See the event website for a full list of all the programs and activities offered during this festival. There is certain to be something for everyone in the family.

Join a park Ranger for an exciting dune hike. This guided hike will take you on a one mile loop hike along the Soundside Nature Trail.  Learn more about the environment found at the base of the dunes, including the Roanoke Sound and the unique ecosystem at Jockeys Ridge. Observe plants and learn about the wildlife at Jockey’s Ridge. This hike will take approximately 45 minutes and will meet at the Visitor’s Center Pavilion. Please wear appropriate shoes, sunscreen, and bring water! This is free and open to the public.

From November through December, the Dare Arts Vault Gallery will feature photography by Ocracoke artist Robert Chestnut. This series of environmental portraits, named “Ocra-broke” exposes the viewer to the other side of living in paradise: the everyday people who work hard and have fun, an island that closes down during the winter months, and the weathered structures that persist through each tourist season. Along with nature filled scenes, Robert  loves to find forgotten items and help shine a light on them. To convey his ideas he uses photography, oil painting, and printmaking. Ocra-broke will be on display in the Vault Gallery November 1 through December 21, 2024. 

Local high school programs will face off against nationally ranked players as Phenom Hoops will partner with First Flight basketball coach Chad Williams to host the Annual Good Guys vs. Cancer Showcase, at First Flight High School. Good Guys vs Cancer Showcase takes place December 4th-7th, 2024 at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills, NC. Start times vary. See the event website for a full event schedule.

Experience the magic of the holidays at the Annual Corolla Christmas Village! Historic Corolla Village comes alive with twinkling lights, festive music, and the warmth of holiday cheer. Each weekend brings something new—whether it’s visits from Santa, live music filling the crisp evening air, or a delicious treat from the food trucks and The Kind Cup coffee shop. Stroll through the sparkling village and shop unique local finds from Corolla Village merchants. This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season, with something for everyone to enjoy. Corolla Christmas Village is every Friday and Saturday evening from 5:00pm-8:00pm, November 29 – December 28.

First Friday is a fun-filled, family-oriented event held the first Friday of each month, in historic downtown Manteo. The sidewalks pulse with live music, magic, artisans, and much more. The Manteo Stroll featuring celebrations, specials, art openings, sales and more inside Manteo galleries, shops and restaurants also happens during First Friday.

Wings Over Water (WOW) is an annual national wildlife refuge fundraising event that has grown from a few activities in 1997, to over 70 birding, paddling, photography, art & natural history programs. The festival takes place in 6 national wildlife refuges over 6 northeast North Carolina counties. It is one of the premier east coast wildlife festivals. Locally, many activities take place on National Park Service property, specifically Cape Hatteras National Seashore, one of the Festival partners. See the event website for a full list of all the programs and activities offered during this festival. There is certain to be something for everyone in the family.