Events

Dare Arts in Manteo will showcase South of Heaven, a photography exhibit by Aaron Canipe, on display in the Vault Gallery from May 1 through May 30. The collection features Canipe’s original photographs created between 2015 and 2019, primarily in North Carolina, and explores themes of faith, belief, and the mysterious atmosphere of the Southern gothic landscape. The exhibit blends dark humor and introspective storytelling while raising thought-provoking questions about culture and identity in the South. An opening reception will be held Friday, May 1, from 6–8 p.m. during Downtown Manteo’s First Friday celebration, where visitors can meet the artist and enjoy the exhibit. Admission is free and open to the public.

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. 

Dare Arts will host the 29th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show in the Courtroom Gallery in Manteo, opening with a free reception on Sunday, May 3, from 2–4 p.m. The exhibit honors Mollie A. Fearing, a founding supporter of Dare Arts, and showcases a diverse collection of artwork by local and regional artists across a variety of mediums. After the opening reception, the exhibit will remain on display May 5 through May 30 during normal gallery hours, offering visitors a chance to explore the creativity of the Outer Banks arts community and celebrate the legacy of one of Dare County’s most influential arts advocates.

Dare Arts in Manteo will showcase South of Heaven, a photography exhibit by Aaron Canipe, on display in the Vault Gallery from May 1 through May 30. The collection features Canipe’s original photographs created between 2015 and 2019, primarily in North Carolina, and explores themes of faith, belief, and the mysterious atmosphere of the Southern gothic landscape. The exhibit blends dark humor and introspective storytelling while raising thought-provoking questions about culture and identity in the South. An opening reception will be held Friday, May 1, from 6–8 p.m. during Downtown Manteo’s First Friday celebration, where visitors can meet the artist and enjoy the exhibit. Admission is free and open to the public.

Dare Arts will host the 29th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show in the Courtroom Gallery in Manteo, opening with a free reception on Sunday, May 3, from 2–4 p.m. The exhibit honors Mollie A. Fearing, a founding supporter of Dare Arts, and showcases a diverse collection of artwork by local and regional artists across a variety of mediums. After the opening reception, the exhibit will remain on display May 5 through May 30 during normal gallery hours, offering visitors a chance to explore the creativity of the Outer Banks arts community and celebrate the legacy of one of Dare County’s most influential arts advocates.

Dare Arts in Manteo will showcase South of Heaven, a photography exhibit by Aaron Canipe, on display in the Vault Gallery from May 1 through May 30. The collection features Canipe’s original photographs created between 2015 and 2019, primarily in North Carolina, and explores themes of faith, belief, and the mysterious atmosphere of the Southern gothic landscape. The exhibit blends dark humor and introspective storytelling while raising thought-provoking questions about culture and identity in the South. An opening reception will be held Friday, May 1, from 6–8 p.m. during Downtown Manteo’s First Friday celebration, where visitors can meet the artist and enjoy the exhibit. Admission is free and open to the public.

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.

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.

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.

Dare Nights at The Lost Colony

The Roanoke Island Historical Association will host Dare Nights for the 89th season of The Lost Colony on June 4 and 5, 2026 at Waterside Theatre in Manteo. Sponsored by Midgett Insurance, this special community tradition offers free admission for residents of Dare, Tyrrell, Currituck, and Hyde counties with proof of ID when they bring non-perishable food donations to support local food pantries. The June 4 performance benefits the Roanoke Island Food Pantry, while the June 5 performance supports the Beach Food Pantry. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to drop off donation items and receive tickets, and seats may also be reserved in advance through The Lost Colony box office.

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.