The OBX Rod & Custom Festival returns to the Outer Banks May 1–2, 2026, bringing together car enthusiasts for a weekend celebration of classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles. Held primarily at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, the festival features cruise-ins, static car displays, special showcases, vendors, food, and family-friendly activities set against the scenic coastal backdrop of the OBX. Visitors can explore an impressive lineup of vintage restorations and modern custom builds while enjoying local attractions and historic sites throughout the area. Proceeds from the event help support several local charities and community programs, making it both a showcase of automotive craftsmanship and a celebration of community spirit. See the event website for a full schedule of daily events around the OBX.

Friday, March 6, kicks off the 2026 First Friday season in downtown Manteo. We will have Joe Mapp playing live music on the front porch of the Gallery starting at 6:00 pm.

There will also be live music by The Conch Shells at Poor Richard's, The Bar Cats Duo at NouVines, and DJ Night at Lost Colony Brewery.

The First Friday Manteo Stroll, where restaurants and shops in downtown Manteo stay open late with specials, live music, sales, and events at their locations, will also be happening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. 

Take a trip around the Alligator River Refuge and learn about the wild lands and wildlife. Bring your binoculars and camera! Drinking water and insect repellent are also recommended. The program will proceed, except in the event of lightning, heavy wind, rain, or impassable road conditions. Dress for the weather! Meet at Creef Cut Wildlife Trail parking lot, Hwy 64 and Milltail Road, approximately 6 miles west of Manns Harbor. Call 252-216-9464 for reservations.

Alligator River Refuge Tram Tour $10 per adult. Children 12 and under are free with one or more paying adults. Reservations required. Tram seating is limited.

The OBX Rod & Custom Festival returns to the Outer Banks May 1–2, 2026, bringing together car enthusiasts for a weekend celebration of classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles. Held primarily at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, the festival features cruise-ins, static car displays, special showcases, vendors, food, and family-friendly activities set against the scenic coastal backdrop of the OBX. Visitors can explore an impressive lineup of vintage restorations and modern custom builds while enjoying local attractions and historic sites throughout the area. Proceeds from the event help support several local charities and community programs, making it both a showcase of automotive craftsmanship and a celebration of community spirit. See the event website for a full schedule of daily events around the OBX.

New to roller skating or curious about roller derby? The Kill Devil Derby Brigade hosts New Skater Night on the first Tuesday of every month, offering a fun, welcoming introduction to skating basics in a non-contact setting. Sessions run from 6–8 p.m. at Aviation Skate Park in Kill Devil Hills. Full safety gear is required, and loaner gear may be available. No experience needed, just a positive, resilient attitude and a willingness to learn.

Experience the magic of butterflies taking flight during the Butterfly Release at The Elizabethan Gardens. Held Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (April through September), this interactive program allows visitors to watch newly emerged butterflies take their first flight while learning about butterfly life cycles and the plants that attract them to your own garden. Guests can add the experience to their garden admission and enjoy a close-up look at these beautiful pollinators as they are released into the gardens’ butterfly habitat.

Experience the magic of butterflies taking flight during the Butterfly Release at The Elizabethan Gardens. Held Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (April through September), this interactive program allows visitors to watch newly emerged butterflies take their first flight while learning about butterfly life cycles and the plants that attract them to your own garden. Guests can add the experience to their garden admission and enjoy a close-up look at these beautiful pollinators as they are released into the gardens’ butterfly habitat.

Enjoy an intimate evening of live music at the indoor theater at Roanoke Island Festival Park during this special spring concert series featuring nationally touring roots and bluegrass artists. Each show offers a relaxed, up-close concert experience with only 250 tickets available per performance.

Guests can arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere—lobby and concessions open at 6:00 PM, theater doors open at 6:30 PM, and shows begin at 7:00 PM. Beer, wine, and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Concert Schedule

March 15: Scythian

March 28: Appalachian Road Show

April 28: The Brothers Comatose

May 9: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

Time: 7:00 PM (Doors at 6:30 PM)
Location: Roanoke Island Festival Park Indoor Theater, Manteo
Tickets: $55 (advance purchase required)

This limited-seating series is a great opportunity to experience high-energy Celtic rock, Americana, and bluegrass in one of the Outer Banks’ most unique performance venues.

New to roller skating or curious about roller derby? The Kill Devil Derby Brigade hosts New Skater Night on the first Tuesday of every month, offering a fun, welcoming introduction to skating basics in a non-contact setting. Sessions run from 6–8 p.m. at Aviation Skate Park in Kill Devil Hills. Full safety gear is required, and loaner gear may be available. No experience needed, just a positive, resilient attitude and a willingness to learn.

Experience the magic of butterflies taking flight during the Butterfly Release at The Elizabethan Gardens. Held Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (April through September), this interactive program allows visitors to watch newly emerged butterflies take their first flight while learning about butterfly life cycles and the plants that attract them to your own garden. Guests can add the experience to their garden admission and enjoy a close-up look at these beautiful pollinators as they are released into the gardens’ butterfly habitat.

Experience the magic of butterflies taking flight during the Butterfly Release at The Elizabethan Gardens. Held Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (April through September), this interactive program allows visitors to watch newly emerged butterflies take their first flight while learning about butterfly life cycles and the plants that attract them to your own garden. Guests can add the experience to their garden admission and enjoy a close-up look at these beautiful pollinators as they are released into the gardens’ butterfly habitat.