Events

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.

Turtle Talk at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Discover the fascinating world of turtles during this free educational program at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Learn the differences between sea […]

Join refuge volunteers for a customized wildlife-viewing adventure through Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. With room for just six participants, this intimate tour offers excellent opportunities to search for black […]

The 2026 Town of Duck "Concert on the Green" series features free live music on Thursday evenings from June 11 to August 27, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Duck Town Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and picnics to the park for these family-friendly, weekly, outdoor performances.2026 Concert on the Green Schedule (6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

Concert on the Green Returns to Duck for Summer 2026

Spend your Thursday evenings enjoying live music under the open sky at the Town of Duck's popular Concert on the Green series. Held on the Town Green, these free concerts feature a variety of local and regional musicians performing everything from classic covers and country favorites to original songs and beach music.

Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, and coolers and settle in for an evening of family-friendly entertainment in one of the Outer Banks' most scenic soundside settings. Concerts take place every Thursday evening from June through August.

When: Thursdays, June 11 – August 27, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Duck Town Green, Duck, NC
Cost: Free

Please note: Performers, dates, times, and locations are subject to change without notice. Check the Town of Duck for the latest event information.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to nearly 400 species of birds that reside here or migrate 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. The Pea Island Bird Walk is FREE. 

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.

Enjoy an evening under the string lights during the First Friday Vendor Market at the historic Pioneer Theater Garden in downtown Manteo. Beginning at 5:00 p.m., the open-air market features local artisan and craft vendors, food trucks, a beer and wine bar, and live local music in a relaxed garden setting. Held every First Friday from March through December, it’s a lively way to shop local, grab a bite, and enjoy music in the heart of Manteo. Attendance is free and open to the public.

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. 

Discover the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make the Outer Banks such a unique coastal environment during Nature on the Boardwalk, a free guided nature program presented by the Town of Duck.

Led by a knowledgeable naturalist, this interactive morning walk takes participants along the Duck Boardwalk to explore local wildlife, native vegetation, marsh habitats, and the natural history of the Currituck Sound. Each program offers opportunities to observe birds, learn about coastal ecology, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds Duck.

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, families, visitors, and residents alike, this educational program provides a fun and engaging way to connect with the environment while enjoying a scenic stroll along the waterfront.

2026 Dates & Times
Mondays, June 1 – August 24, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Get up close with one of the Outer Banks' most beloved residents at Corolla Wild Horse: Meet Riptide in Duck. This free family-friendly program offers a unique opportunity to meet Riptide, a rescued and gentled Banker horse, while learning about the history of the wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs that roam the northern beaches. Representatives from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund will share Riptide's story, discuss ongoing conservation efforts, and explain how the organization works to protect and preserve these iconic horses for future generations. Perfect for horse lovers, families, and anyone interested in Outer Banks wildlife and history.

2026 Dates:
• June 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
• August 11, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Where: Duck Town Green, Duck, NC
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages welcome

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.