The Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival takes place October 14–19, 2025, across six national wildlife refuges in northeastern North Carolina. This celebrated event offers more than 60 programs designed to connect people with the natural beauty and wildlife of the Outer Banks and surrounding areas. Activities include birding trips, paddling excursions, photography workshops, and guided nature walks, all led by expert naturalists and local guides. The festival promotes conservation and education through the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society and attracts nature enthusiasts from across the country. This year’s keynote speaker is Brian Patteson, who will present “Pelagic Seabirds off Cape Hatteras,” sharing striking images and insights from his many offshore birding adventures. An additional Wings Over Water Encore event will be held December 5–7, 2025, for participants who want to experience more of the region’s winter wildlife. 

See the event schedule at https://wingsoverwater.org/event-schedule/ for a list of daily events and cost(s). Events take place at multiple locations.

Fall 2025 Installation: Souvenir by artist Todd Hale will be on display in The Courtyard Fall of 2025. The mixed media installation will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 5 and remain on display through mid-November. More information on this installation below.​​​​​

On First Friday, October 3, Halloween Island kicks off with 13 Nefarious Nights of 13 Halloween Bars, each uniquely themed with its own unique Halloween name and theme. Pick up a HALLOWEEN ISLAND PASSPORT at any of the 13 Halloween Bars and creep your way through Manteo for an exclusive Passport Completion Reward!

Along the way, check out the zombie-themed food & drink menus at GORTEGA’Z, a Zombie Apocalypse Bar by Ortega'z Southwestern Grill!
Halloween Island runs every Thursday through Saturday throughout the month of October, and is brought to you by The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau along with support from our many other local sponsors. Bus services are available through Outer Banks Adventures, the Official Transportation Partner of HALLOWEEN ISLAND!

Fall 2025 Installation: Souvenir by artist Todd Hale will be on display in The Courtyard Fall of 2025. The mixed media installation will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 5 and remain on display through mid-November. More information on this installation below.​​​​​

Todd Hale; Mixed Media is the next exhibit in the Rotating Art Show. The exhibit will be on display Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. August 1 – October 29 in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall. A free opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Thursday, August 6 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Come see the exhibit and talk to the artist about his work. 

On First Friday, October 3, Halloween Island kicks off with 13 Nefarious Nights of 13 Halloween Bars, each uniquely themed with its own unique Halloween name and theme. Pick up a HALLOWEEN ISLAND PASSPORT at any of the 13 Halloween Bars and creep your way through Manteo for an exclusive Passport Completion Reward!

Along the way, check out the zombie-themed food & drink menus at GORTEGA’Z, a Zombie Apocalypse Bar by Ortega'z Southwestern Grill!
Halloween Island runs every Thursday through Saturday throughout the month of October, and is brought to you by The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau along with support from our many other local sponsors. Bus services are available through Outer Banks Adventures, the Official Transportation Partner of HALLOWEEN ISLAND!

Energize, embrace, and exhale with Estella! Join us for FREE Tuesday YOGA at Dowdy Park for a yoga session that awakens your body, centers your mind, and helps you release stress with ease. Bring your mat or towel and water for a peaceful start to your day. Enjoy fresh air, a peaceful atmosphere, and a gentle stretch to get you centered and energized for the day ahead.
What to bring:
- Comfortable clothes you can move in
- A yoga mat or beach towel
- Water to stay hydrated
- An open mind and good vibes

Fall 2025 Installation: Souvenir by artist Todd Hale will be on display in The Courtyard Fall of 2025. The mixed media installation will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 5 and remain on display through mid-November. More information on this installation below.​​​​​

Head to Jockey’s Ridge State Park for a ranger-led one-mile loop hike along the scenic Soundside Nature Trail. This easy walk takes you through maritime thickets, wetlands, and sandy shoreline habitats, offering an up-close look at the plants and wildlife that thrive at the base of the towering dunes. Along the way, the ranger will share insights into the delicate ecosystems that connect the dunes to the Roanoke Sound and why they are so vital to the Outer Banks. This free, family-friendly program is open to the public. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for a refreshing and educational outdoor experience.

Todd Hale; Mixed Media is the next exhibit in the Rotating Art Show. The exhibit will be on display Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. August 1 – October 29 in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall. A free opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Thursday, August 6 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Come see the exhibit and talk to the artist about his work. 

On First Friday, October 3, Halloween Island kicks off with 13 Nefarious Nights of 13 Halloween Bars, each uniquely themed with its own unique Halloween name and theme. Pick up a HALLOWEEN ISLAND PASSPORT at any of the 13 Halloween Bars and creep your way through Manteo for an exclusive Passport Completion Reward!

Along the way, check out the zombie-themed food & drink menus at GORTEGA’Z, a Zombie Apocalypse Bar by Ortega'z Southwestern Grill!
Halloween Island runs every Thursday through Saturday throughout the month of October, and is brought to you by The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau along with support from our many other local sponsors. Bus services are available through Outer Banks Adventures, the Official Transportation Partner of HALLOWEEN ISLAND!