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

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.

In October, the Vault Gallery will feature mixed media by Virginia artist Andy Harris. SUN-MADE is an exhibition of new, original collage works that explore the dual role of the sun, highlighting its power to nurture life through photosynthesis with simultaneously eroding the vibrancy of pigments. The process in which the paintings were created mirrors the balance between creation and destruction inherent in nature.​ SUN-MADE is free and open to the public. It will be on display in the Vault Gallery from October 4-26, 2024.

Giant Jellies, by artist Carol Willett, are sculptures on display in Dare Arts Center. This display will be in the outdoor courtyard from September 6 through mid-November. 

There is something exquisite about the simplicity of jellies. Their color, shape and size are mesmerizing. This trio of Giant Jellies were created to spark curiosity about these magical creatures. The bells were sculpted over exercise balls, then drilled, sanded, painted and sealed. The colorful tentacles are made from deconstructed bath sponges and recycled beads. The reefs and their creatures are built out of expanding foam and wet sand, plus polymer clay and up-cycled plastic bottles. Electrical conduit, bicycle wheels and plywood make up the armatures.

The Women of the Outer Banks Small Group Show is on the first floor conference room of the Duck Town Hall! This exhibit, part of the Town's Rotating Art Show. It is FREE and open to the public Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. On display are works by Kate Lawrence, Erin Moore, Peggy Morse, Willow Rea, and Susannah Sakal

Dare Arts’ benefit art auction, The Great Art Heist, will open at the Gallery in downtown Manteo on Friday, October 4 from 6pm - 8 pm. The Great Art Heist is a silent art auction, featuring the work of local and regional artists, that guests can view and bid on at the Dare Arts Gallery and online at DareArts.org/artauction. Artists willing to donate a piece of artwork or a performing arts experience to The Great Art Heist can email Dare Arts Gallery Manager Tiffany Lindsey at DareArtsShows@gmail.com to coordinate details. Your support is deeply appreciated. The Great Art Heist will be open for viewing and bidding from October 4 through October 25.
Final bids must be in by 7:00pm on Friday, October 25.

Music lovers from all over the world flock to the Outer Banks for this tradition that adds a roster of acclaimed bands with one of the most beautiful venues anywhere. The Bluegrass Island Music Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and this year's event is no exception, with a number of regionally and internationally famous bands set to take the stage.

The festival is held at the stunning Roanoke Island Festival Park, which overlooks miles of pristine sound waters. The Festival Kick-Off Line-up includes: Ettore Buzzini, The Wildwoods, Backline, & The Goodwin Brothers. The gates open at noon with the first band starting at 3 pm, and the last band beginning at 8 pm.There will be a bluegrass jam session at 10 pm. A daily event schedule is available at the event website. Tickets can be purchased online at the event website. 

The Endangered Red Wolf Tour is a FREE program. Join refuge staff for a guided program on the endangered red wolf! Tours will begin with an introduction to the history and biology of the red wolf. From there, participants will return to their vehicles and follow staff along the wildlife drive within the home range of wild red wolf family group. These tours do not guarantee that participants will see a wild red wolf, but they do serve as an opportunity to showcase the vast territory of the only wild red wolf population.

Programs will not be offered in inclement weather.

Meet at the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail Parking Lot, located on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge at Milltail Road and Hwy 64 W approximately 6 miles west of Manns Harbor.

In October, the Vault Gallery will feature mixed media by Virginia artist Andy Harris. SUN-MADE is an exhibition of new, original collage works that explore the dual role of the sun, highlighting its power to nurture life through photosynthesis with simultaneously eroding the vibrancy of pigments. The process in which the paintings were created mirrors the balance between creation and destruction inherent in nature.​ SUN-MADE is free and open to the public. It will be on display in the Vault Gallery from October 4-26, 2024.

Giant Jellies, by artist Carol Willett, are sculptures on display in Dare Arts Center. This display will be in the outdoor courtyard from September 6 through mid-November. 

There is something exquisite about the simplicity of jellies. Their color, shape and size are mesmerizing. This trio of Giant Jellies were created to spark curiosity about these magical creatures. The bells were sculpted over exercise balls, then drilled, sanded, painted and sealed. The colorful tentacles are made from deconstructed bath sponges and recycled beads. The reefs and their creatures are built out of expanding foam and wet sand, plus polymer clay and up-cycled plastic bottles. Electrical conduit, bicycle wheels and plywood make up the armatures.

THE SECRET IS OUT!! The 13 Nights of Halloween Island event running from October 19th - October 31st in the Downtown Manteo Social District! Enjoy 13 nights of spooky fun around the Walking Waterfront. This TRICK-OR-TREATING…FOR ADULTS!

Enjoy Halloween treats and drinks at local businesses including That Art Place, Lost Colony Tavern, Olives, Poor Richard's, 1587 Lounge, Vineyards on the Scuppernong, NouVines, Old Tom's, The Pioneer Theater, Kiiind Cocktails, Ortega'z, and Outer Banks Distilling as you stroll around the Social District enjoying the Manteo Waterfront Marina decorated for the Halloween season.