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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.
Returning for its fourth season in 2025, the Old Trent Market is coming once again every Thursday with artists and vendors from all over the Outer Banks region. Continuing well into the fall months, the Old Trent Market features a distinctive collection of gifts, artworks, apparel, local crafts and goodies, and much more. It begins May 15 and runs until October 30 every Thursday from 9 am - 2 pm.
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.
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.
Curious Currents By Emily Holmes is the next exhibit in the Rotating Art Show. A free opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Saturday, November 1 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Come see the exhibit and talk to the artist about her work.
The exhibit will be on display Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. October 31, 2025- January 21, 2026 in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall.
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.
Come to Ocracoke Island for a Pirate Halloween! The Ocracoke Pirate Jamboree is an annual and multiple-day event that is highlighted by a family-friendly Pirate Encampment by Blackbeard's Pirate Crew on Ocracoke Island, and an ensuing world of fun on the southern Outer Banks. Visitors can learn all about what it was like to live in a bustling pirate community thanks to the historically accurate pirate encampment as well as a reenactment of the infamous pirate Blackbeard’s last battle off the coast of Ocracoke Island. During the event, visitors are encouraged to dress up in their best pirate gear to fit in with the crowds, and can partake in a wide range of activities and demonstrations which includes a Scallywag School that’s just for kids, Strolling Minstrels, Sword Fights, Black Powder Demonstrations, Beer Gardens, The Pirate Bazaar, and plenty of other surprises and pirate activities. With a production of Blackbeard’s last stand at the edge of Silver Lake Harbor, this event effortlessly combines history with miles of pirate-themed fun. An ideal event for pirate lovers of all ages, this annual festival has quickly become one of the most beloved weekends on undeniably pirate-friendly Ocracoke Island.
Join a park ranger at Jockey’s Ridge State Park for a guided hike to the top of the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast. Along the way, you’ll discover the fascinating plants and animals that thrive in this ever-changing landscape and learn what makes this park such a natural treasure. Once at the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the Roanoke Sound and Atlantic Ocean that you won’t soon forget. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public. Just be sure to wear sunscreen, bring water, and wear comfortable shoes. The group will meet at the park’s pavilion beside the visitor center.
Wanchese Tiki Bar will host its annual Halloween Bash and Costume Contest. Come Friday, October 31st, to kick off the annual Halloween Bash at 7:00 pm - 10 pm. The Eric Dunlow Band takes the stage at 8:00pm. Set list brewing—expect bass, boos, and spooky moves.
Costume contest prizes will be awarded to best couple, most creative, best traditional, scariest, & best all around. We can't wait to see what everyone comes up with this year!