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!

In 1587, English colonists came to Roanoke Island. Come to the Elizabethan Gardens for Pumpkin Carving on Thursday, October 23rd and Friday, October 24th from 10a-4pm to carve a free pumpkin to add to the pumpkin path. You can find it on the evening of the 26th to take home after The Night of 1587 Pumpkins event! You must have a regular admission ticket to participate. See the event website for additional information and to purchase tickets in advance.

In October our Vault Gallery will feature paintings by Willow Rea Temple. The month-long exhibit, "Little Worlds and Ephemeral Life", is a nod to the bittersweet notes of nostalgia. This series of paintings was inspired by vintage photos of local life with many photo references being sourced from the Outer Banks History Center and others found in friends and family photo albums.

Willow uses a variety of mediums and bold colors to weave new tales into past life, making each image a timeless reminder of the brevity of youth. As you look at each character depicted, imagine all the different “little worlds” they live in. Many of our life experiences are unique, but most of them are shared, connecting us all to each other.

There will be an opening reception on Friday, October 3 from 6pm to 8pm, where visitors can meet Willow and view her work. The opening reception is during downtown Manteo's First Friday festivities, and is free and open to the public.

Little Worlds and Ephemeral Life will be on display in the Vault Gallery October 3 - November 1, 2025.

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.

OBX-WIND 2025 returns October 25 through November 1, hosted by OceanAir Sports in Avon. This high-energy windsurfing race festival brings back the Mega Slalom course and will feature open/limited classes to accommodate all levels. Registration is now open for long distance, slalom, and light-wind races (aka “The Beer Race”). During the week, racers will check in, pick up gear and race numbers, and compete on days chosen by forecasted conditions, including wind speeds are expected to run between 18 and 30 mph. A full schedule with daily races, a raffle to support future events, and an awards party on October 31 is available on the event website. Whether you’re a seasoned windsurfer or just want to soak up the action from shore, OBX-WIND is shaping up to be a can’t-miss celebration of wind, waves, and community.

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!

In October our Vault Gallery will feature paintings by Willow Rea Temple. The month-long exhibit, "Little Worlds and Ephemeral Life", is a nod to the bittersweet notes of nostalgia. This series of paintings was inspired by vintage photos of local life with many photo references being sourced from the Outer Banks History Center and others found in friends and family photo albums.

Willow uses a variety of mediums and bold colors to weave new tales into past life, making each image a timeless reminder of the brevity of youth. As you look at each character depicted, imagine all the different “little worlds” they live in. Many of our life experiences are unique, but most of them are shared, connecting us all to each other.

There will be an opening reception on Friday, October 3 from 6pm to 8pm, where visitors can meet Willow and view her work. The opening reception is during downtown Manteo's First Friday festivities, and is free and open to the public.

Little Worlds and Ephemeral Life will be on display in the Vault Gallery October 3 - November 1, 2025.

Every Saturday in October through November 1, browse the Brew & Arts Market showcasing pottery, jewelry, driftwood creations, paintings, photography, handmade soaps, and more from local artisans. Enjoy the crisp autumn air, unique handcrafted goods, and support the vibrant local arts scene.