Events

Discover the heart of rural North Carolina through the lens of ten talented photographers in Southern is Feeling: A Visual Telling of Rural NC at Dare Arts' Courtroom Gallery in Manteo. This compelling photography exhibition explores themes of community, heritage, landscape, and identity, capturing the people and places that define rural life across the state. The exhibit invites visitors to experience North Carolina beyond its destinations, revealing the stories, traditions, and emotional connections woven into its small towns and landscapes.

The exhibition opens with a free public reception on Friday, July 3, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. during Manteo's First Friday celebration, where guests can meet the photographers and explore the collection. The exhibit remains on display July 4 through August 29, T-F 10 am - 5 pm, Sat 10 am - 4 pm, Sun 11 am - 3 pm.

Celebrate the creativity of the Outer Banks during Outer Banks Squared – The Art Show, a unique month-long exhibit featuring original square-format artwork inspired by the region's iconic landmarks, rich history, coastal landscapes, and native wildlife. From miniature works to large-scale paintings, each piece offers a fresh perspective on the beauty and spirit of the Outer Banks while showcasing the talents of local and regional artists.

Dates: August 1 - 29
Gallery Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Closed Sundays)

Admission: Free

Step back in time and experience one of the Outer Banks' most fascinating living history demonstrations. Each Thursday during the summer, volunteers at the historic Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station recreate the famous Beach Apparatus Drill, showcasing how members of the U.S. Life-Saving Service rescued shipwreck victims long before helicopters, rescue boats, and modern technology. The demonstration […]

Climb aboard for a guided wildlife adventure through Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and discover some of the incredible animals that call this wild corner of the Outer Banks home.

Led by refuge volunteers, each van tour is a little different and can be customized around the wildlife participants are most interested in seeing. The van travels through the refuge, stopping whenever wildlife or other interesting sights are spotted along the way.

Keep your eyes open for black bears, river otters, wild turkeys, bald eagles, great blue herons, alligators, turtles and even the refuge's critically endangered red wolves.

Of course, this isn't a zoo, so no particular animal sighting can be guaranteed. That's part of the adventure—with thousands of animals living throughout the refuge, you never know what might appear around the next corner.

Dates: Every Thursday in August — remaining dates Aug. 20 & Aug. 27, 2026, 5 - 7 pm
Location: Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Ages: 6 and up
Group Size: Maximum of 6 participants
Cost: $30 per person; $20 for children ages 12 and under
Meeting Location: Creef Cut Wildlife Trail Parking Lot, Hwy. 64 & Milltail Road, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge — approximately 6 miles west of Manns Harbor.
Reservations: Required

To reserve: Call 252-216-9464 to make your reservation and pay for the tour.

Space is extremely limited with only six participants per tour, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Concert on the Green Returns to Duck for Summer 2026

Spend your Thursday evenings enjoying live music under the open sky at the Town of Duck's popular Concert on the Green series. Held on the Town Green, these free concerts feature a variety of local and regional musicians performing everything from classic covers and country favorites to original songs and beach music.

Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, and coolers and settle in for an evening of family-friendly entertainment in one of the Outer Banks' most scenic soundside settings. Concerts take place every Thursday evening from June through August.

When: Thursdays, June 11 – August 27, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Duck Town Green, Duck, NC
Cost: Free

Please note: Performers, dates, times, and locations are subject to change without notice. Check the Town of Duck for the latest event information.

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. 

Step into an immersive outdoor art experience at Dare Arts' Courtyard this summer with Weather the Storm, a captivating mixed-media installation by artist Lara E. Parks. Blending light, shadow, sound, movement, and fabric, the installation transforms with changing weather and natural light, inviting visitors to return throughout the season to experience it in new ways.

Celebrate the opening during First Friday on Friday, July 3, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., where you can meet the artist and enjoy live music by The Blue Crab Boys in the Courtyard. The installation will remain on display through the fall, offering a unique outdoor art experience in the heart of downtown Manteo. Be sure to walk through and enjoy the art!

Discover the heart of rural North Carolina through the lens of ten talented photographers in Southern is Feeling: A Visual Telling of Rural NC at Dare Arts' Courtroom Gallery in Manteo. This compelling photography exhibition explores themes of community, heritage, landscape, and identity, capturing the people and places that define rural life across the state. The exhibit invites visitors to experience North Carolina beyond its destinations, revealing the stories, traditions, and emotional connections woven into its small towns and landscapes.

The exhibition opens with a free public reception on Friday, July 3, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. during Manteo's First Friday celebration, where guests can meet the photographers and explore the collection. The exhibit remains on display July 4 through August 29, T-F 10 am - 5 pm, Sat 10 am - 4 pm, Sun 11 am - 3 pm.

Celebrate the creativity of the Outer Banks during Outer Banks Squared – The Art Show, a unique month-long exhibit featuring original square-format artwork inspired by the region's iconic landmarks, rich history, coastal landscapes, and native wildlife. From miniature works to large-scale paintings, each piece offers a fresh perspective on the beauty and spirit of the Outer Banks while showcasing the talents of local and regional artists.

Dates: August 1 - 29
Gallery Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Closed Sundays)

Admission: Free

Let your child's creativity set sail at Maritime Crafts for Kids at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras! This free weekly program invites children of all ages to create fun, hands-on crafts inspired by the unique coastal environment and rich maritime heritage of the Outer Banks. Best of all, the museum provides all the supplies—just bring your imagination!

Held on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., this family-friendly activity is a great way to enjoy a creative morning while learning about the coast through art and hands-on exploration.

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras
Free Admission | All Ages Welcome

Discover the mysterious side of Ocracoke Island on an evening walking tour filled with local legends, fascinating history, and ghostly tales. Choose between the Down Point Tour, featuring stories near the Ocracoke Lighthouse, or the 'Round Creek Tour, exploring the historic Howard Street area. Each tour is led by knowledgeable local guides who bring the island's rich past—and its lingering spirits—to life.

Tours are offered most Tuesdays and Fridays from May 19 through September 29, beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m. and lasting approximately 90 minutes. Advance online reservations are required, and space is limited.

Experience the freshest flavors of Northeastern North Carolina at Secotan Market, a producer-only farmers market where everything is grown, raised, crafted, or created by local vendors. Held in Wanchese, this community-focused market brings together farmers, bakers, artisans, and makers offering an impressive selection of seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats and eggs, honey, flowers, herbs, teas, mushrooms, […]