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.

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.

In September, Dare Arts Courtroom Gallery will feature photography by Theresa Scott. The Road Through “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell:” A Veterans History Project is a documentary series that encapsulates the struggles of serving in the military before “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) was repealed. Scott draws on skills as a photographer and a Marine who served under DADT. She invited service members to collaborate on amplifying their voices. Through transcribed interviews and photography, Scott supports participants in unpacking their struggles under policies like DADT and the unique path toward healing. In this exhibit, Scott offers insight into the lives of LGBTQIA+ service members that served before and after the repel of DADT, and she reveals the impact of such discriminatory policies on families and communities today. 

This exhibit will be on display in the Courtroom Gallery from September 6-28, 2024.

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.

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.

Join wildlife guides for a trip around the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge and learn about the plants and animals. Bring your binoculars and camera! Drinking water and insect repellent are also recommended. The program will not occur when there is lightning, heavy wind, heavy rain, or impassable road conditions. Dress for the weather!

The Alligator River Tram Tour is $10 per adult. Children 12 and under free with one or more paying adults. Reservation required, as tram seating is limited.

Meet at Creef Cut Wildlife Trail parking lot, Hwy 64 and Milltail Road, app. 6 miles west of Manns Harbor. Call 252-216-9464 for reservations.

The 18th Annual Currituck Wildlife Festival is a two-day show that features some of the region’s most talented and well-known wildlife artists. Vendors at this years’ event will include decoy carvers, sculptors, painters, photographers and more. The show will be held at the Currituck County High School in Barco, North Carolina from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday (Sept 7) and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday (Sept 8). Proceeds from this event benefit local community members and organizations. Admission is $5 for the weekend.

In September, the Dare Arts Vault Gallery will feature Taylor Williams’ latest collection of oil paintings titled, Hideaway. Hideaway highlights the serene moments of coastal North Carolina and beyond. Taylor's use of soothing, low contrast colors accentuates feelings of tranquility. Her work goes beyond merely capturing the visual beauty of the coast, offering glimpses into the sense of sanctuary that these landscapes provide. It's not just about what you see, but about how you feel—a reminder that amidst the chaos of the world, there are places of quiet refuge waiting to be discovered.

Hideaway will be on display in the Vault Gallery September 6-28, 2024.