Events

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.

The 2026 Town of Duck "Concert on the Green" series features free live music on Thursday evenings from June 11 to August 27, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Duck Town Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and picnics to the park for these family-friendly, weekly, outdoor performances.2026 Concert on the Green Schedule (6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

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.

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. 

Discover the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make the Outer Banks such a unique coastal environment during Nature on the Boardwalk, a free guided nature program presented by the Town of Duck.

Led by a knowledgeable naturalist, this interactive morning walk takes participants along the Duck Boardwalk to explore local wildlife, native vegetation, marsh habitats, and the natural history of the Currituck Sound. Each program offers opportunities to observe birds, learn about coastal ecology, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds Duck.

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, families, visitors, and residents alike, this educational program provides a fun and engaging way to connect with the environment while enjoying a scenic stroll along the waterfront.

2026 Dates & Times
Mondays, June 1 – August 24, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Get up close with one of the Outer Banks' most beloved residents at Corolla Wild Horse: Meet Riptide in Duck. This free family-friendly program offers a unique opportunity to meet Riptide, a rescued and gentled Banker horse, while learning about the history of the wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs that roam the northern beaches. Representatives from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund will share Riptide's story, discuss ongoing conservation efforts, and explain how the organization works to protect and preserve these iconic horses for future generations. Perfect for horse lovers, families, and anyone interested in Outer Banks wildlife and history.

2026 Dates:
• June 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
• August 11, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Where: Duck Town Green, Duck, NC
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages welcome

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.

Movies on the Green Brings Family Favorites to Duck

Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and enjoy a free movie under the stars at Movies on the Green. This beloved summer tradition transforms the Town Green into an outdoor theater, offering family-friendly films in a beautiful soundside setting.

Movie nights begin at sunset (8:45 - 10:15 pm) and are free to attend. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, and coolers for a memorable evening of outdoor entertainment. See the event website for specific movie titles.

Soundside Summer Market Returns to Nags Head for a Fourth Season

Spend your Wednesday mornings shopping local at the Soundside Summer Market Series, returning for its fourth season at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. Held weekly from June 17 through August 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the market brings together talented local artists, makers, crafters, and vendors from across the Outer Banks.

Visitors can browse unique handmade goods, enjoy live music, sample local food, and soak up beautiful soundside views while supporting small businesses. Whether you're searching for one-of-a-kind gifts, fresh local products, or simply a fun way to spend a summer morning, the Soundside Summer Market offers something for everyone.

When: Wednesdays, June 17 – August 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Soundside Event Site, Nags Head

Experience the charm and creativity of Hatteras Island at the Tri Villages Market, a beloved weekly community gathering featuring local artists, makers, bakers, farmers, and small businesses. Browse handmade jewelry, artwork, home décor, fresh baked goods, local treats, and unique coastal treasures while supporting the talented entrepreneurs who call the Outer Banks home.

Held at Camp Hatteras Resort in Rodanthe, the market offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere where residents and visitors can shop local, meet vendors, and enjoy a morning on the island.

When: Wednesdays, May 27 – October 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Camp Hatteras Resort, Rodanthe

Prepare to Be Amazed at the OBXTreme Magic Show in Duck. Get ready for a morning of mind-bending illusions, laughter, and family-friendly entertainment as world-renowned illusionist Clive Allen returns to Duck for another season of the popular OBXTreme Magic Show.

A longtime favorite among Outer Banks families and visitors, Clive Allen combines incredible magic, audience participation, and comedy to create an unforgettable experience for all ages. Whether you're seeing the show for the first time or returning for another year of amazement, you'll be entertained by a fast-paced performance filled with surprises and interactive fun.

The series is presented with support from Kellogg Supply and The Cottage Shop and takes place at the Duck Amphitheater in the heart of Duck Town Park. See the event website for specific details.