Pea Island Bird Walk is a FREE event. Pea Island is ACTUALLY for the birds! This National Wildlife Refuge has close to 400 species of birds that live here or pass 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.

In October, the Vault Gallery will feature mixed media by Virginia artist Andy Harris. SUN-MADE is an exhibition of new, original collage works that explore the dual role of the sun, highlighting its power to nurture life through photosynthesis with simultaneously eroding the vibrancy of pigments. The process in which the paintings were created mirrors the balance between creation and destruction inherent in nature.​ SUN-MADE is free and open to the public. It will be on display in the Vault Gallery from October 4-26, 2024.

Giant Jellies, by artist Carol Willett, are sculptures on display in Dare Arts Center. This display will be in the outdoor courtyard from September 6 through mid-November. 

There is something exquisite about the simplicity of jellies. Their color, shape and size are mesmerizing. This trio of Giant Jellies were created to spark curiosity about these magical creatures. The bells were sculpted over exercise balls, then drilled, sanded, painted and sealed. The colorful tentacles are made from deconstructed bath sponges and recycled beads. The reefs and their creatures are built out of expanding foam and wet sand, plus polymer clay and up-cycled plastic bottles. Electrical conduit, bicycle wheels and plywood make up the armatures.

The Women of the Outer Banks Small Group Show is on the first floor conference room of the Duck Town Hall! This exhibit, part of the Town's Rotating Art Show. It is FREE and open to the public Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. On display are works by Kate Lawrence, Erin Moore, Peggy Morse, Willow Rea, and Susannah Sakal

Dare Arts’ benefit art auction, The Great Art Heist, will open at the Gallery in downtown Manteo on Friday, October 4 from 6pm - 8 pm. The Great Art Heist is a silent art auction, featuring the work of local and regional artists, that guests can view and bid on at the Dare Arts Gallery and online at DareArts.org/artauction. Artists willing to donate a piece of artwork or a performing arts experience to The Great Art Heist can email Dare Arts Gallery Manager Tiffany Lindsey at DareArtsShows@gmail.com to coordinate details. Your support is deeply appreciated. The Great Art Heist will be open for viewing and bidding from October 4 through October 25.
Final bids must be in by 7:00pm on Friday, October 25.

The beloved Duck Jazz Festival returns for its 15th Anniversary, promising two days of captivating live performances at the scenic Duck Town Park. This free event celebrates the enduring power of jazz – its timeless notes that have transcended generations and cultures.The 2024 event will begin with a Concert on the Green style event, Saturday, October 12, 2023 from 4 – 6 p.m. Return to the park on Sunday, October 13, 2024, to enjoy a full day of music during this free, non-ticketed festival showcasing national, regional and local jazz musicians on two stages. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. with live music starting at 11:00 a.m. and food and soft drinks available for purchase from Duck eateries.

Come enjoy a 30 minute presentation about the Bodie Island Lighthouse that has been lighting the way for over 150 years. Learn details about this lighthouse and its history. This program is free and family friendly.

Come meet with a Ranger for a guided tour of the 1874 Boat House and 1892 Cook House. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Life Saving Stations on the Outer Banks through captivating stories about this iconic station. Located 3.5 miles north of Avon on the sound side. Please note there are no restrooms available and the presentation and tour last 45 minutes.

Enjoy a FREE family friendly movie on the Duck Town Park Green.When the sun goes down the silver screen comes to life! Bring the family, lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and picnics for a free family movie night under the stars.

Schedule:
October 11- Back to the Future
October 19- Hook

In October, the Vault Gallery will feature mixed media by Virginia artist Andy Harris. SUN-MADE is an exhibition of new, original collage works that explore the dual role of the sun, highlighting its power to nurture life through photosynthesis with simultaneously eroding the vibrancy of pigments. The process in which the paintings were created mirrors the balance between creation and destruction inherent in nature.​ SUN-MADE is free and open to the public. It will be on display in the Vault Gallery from October 4-26, 2024.

Giant Jellies, by artist Carol Willett, are sculptures on display in Dare Arts Center. This display will be in the outdoor courtyard from September 6 through mid-November. 

There is something exquisite about the simplicity of jellies. Their color, shape and size are mesmerizing. This trio of Giant Jellies were created to spark curiosity about these magical creatures. The bells were sculpted over exercise balls, then drilled, sanded, painted and sealed. The colorful tentacles are made from deconstructed bath sponges and recycled beads. The reefs and their creatures are built out of expanding foam and wet sand, plus polymer clay and up-cycled plastic bottles. Electrical conduit, bicycle wheels and plywood make up the armatures.