Events

From November to December, the Dare Arts Courtroom Gallery will feature over 30 commissioned pieces from the private collection of descendant, historian, and researcher Joan Collins.

Each piece in the exhibit tells part of the story behind the life of Collins' father, Herbert M. Collins, who was the last surfman at the historic Pea Island station, and the Collins family's history on Roanoke Island.

Beyond Pea Island will be on display November 7- December 19, 2026, in the Courtroom Gallery.

Current Gallery Hours: 

Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Sunday & Monday: Closed

Looking for a fun way to spend a Wednesday afternoon? Join the team at the Outer Banks Brewing Station for their weekly Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting, held every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Guests will gather on the brewery's mezzanine for a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, including a guided video tour, an opportunity to see, smell, and learn about the ingredients used to craft their beers, and a live Q&A session. The experience concludes with a guided tasting featuring four 5-ounce samples of the brewery's handcrafted beers. Tours are designed for guests ages 21 and older and are limited to 20 participants. Tickets are $15 per person and include the tasting. Advance registration is recommended.

For reservations and additional information, see the event website.

Experience a little Christmas magic as ten acres of The Elizabethan Gardens become an enchanted wonderland of dazzling lights, festive décor, and seasonal sounds. Pick up hot cocoa at the Gingerbread House, wander the illuminated garden paths, and warm up beside a crackling open-air fire. Live entertainment adds to the celebration on designated evenings, while the Gift Shop and Nursery offer holiday gifts and seasonal plants.

2026 dates: November 20, 21, 25, 27 & 28; December 2–5, 9–12, 16–19, 21–23 & 26–29 from 6-9 pm

Admission: $22 for ages 13 and older; $14 for ages 3–12; free for children 2 and younger. Well-behaved dogs are welcome with a $6 ticket. Advance online tickets are recommended. This outdoor event is weather-dependent, with overflow parking at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and shuttle service on select nights.

Celebrate the season at 12 local bars and restaurants transformed into festive holiday pop-ups. From a Griswold family Christmas to a tropical holiday tiki hut, 12 Outer Banks bars and restaurants are getting a festive makeover! Discover over-the-top decorations, themed food and drinks, and plenty of playful details as you explore these holiday hangouts. Pick a few favorites for an evening out or make it a season-long adventure.

Explore the 12 Bars of Christmas, menus, and operating hours here: https://12barsofchristmas.com/questions-and-answers

The Facing History Exhibit displays the work of North Carolina potter Ben A. Watford through a collection of his face jugs, functional pottery, and dragon vases. Facing History will be on display in the Vault Gallery from November 6 through December 23, 2026. The gallery is FREE and open to the public.

Current Gallery Hours: 

Tuesday-Friday: 10:00am-5:00pm

Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm

Sunday & Monday: Closed

From November to December, the Dare Arts Courtroom Gallery will feature over 30 commissioned pieces from the private collection of descendant, historian, and researcher Joan Collins.

Each piece in the exhibit tells part of the story behind the life of Collins' father, Herbert M. Collins, who was the last surfman at the historic Pea Island station, and the Collins family's history on Roanoke Island.

Beyond Pea Island will be on display November 7- December 19, 2026, in the Courtroom Gallery.

Current Gallery Hours: 

Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Sunday & Monday: Closed

Experience a little Christmas magic as ten acres of The Elizabethan Gardens become an enchanted wonderland of dazzling lights, festive décor, and seasonal sounds. Pick up hot cocoa at the Gingerbread House, wander the illuminated garden paths, and warm up beside a crackling open-air fire. Live entertainment adds to the celebration on designated evenings, while the Gift Shop and Nursery offer holiday gifts and seasonal plants.

2026 dates: November 20, 21, 25, 27 & 28; December 2–5, 9–12, 16–19, 21–23 & 26–29 from 6-9 pm

Admission: $22 for ages 13 and older; $14 for ages 3–12; free for children 2 and younger. Well-behaved dogs are welcome with a $6 ticket. Advance online tickets are recommended. This outdoor event is weather-dependent, with overflow parking at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and shuttle service on select nights.

Celebrate the season at 12 local bars and restaurants transformed into festive holiday pop-ups. From a Griswold family Christmas to a tropical holiday tiki hut, 12 Outer Banks bars and restaurants are getting a festive makeover! Discover over-the-top decorations, themed food and drinks, and plenty of playful details as you explore these holiday hangouts. Pick a few favorites for an evening out or make it a season-long adventure.

Explore the 12 Bars of Christmas, menus, and operating hours here: https://12barsofchristmas.com/questions-and-answers

The Facing History Exhibit displays the work of North Carolina potter Ben A. Watford through a collection of his face jugs, functional pottery, and dragon vases. Facing History will be on display in the Vault Gallery from November 6 through December 23, 2026. The gallery is FREE and open to the public.

Current Gallery Hours: 

Tuesday-Friday: 10:00am-5:00pm

Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm

Sunday & Monday: Closed

From November to December, the Dare Arts Courtroom Gallery will feature over 30 commissioned pieces from the private collection of descendant, historian, and researcher Joan Collins.

Each piece in the exhibit tells part of the story behind the life of Collins' father, Herbert M. Collins, who was the last surfman at the historic Pea Island station, and the Collins family's history on Roanoke Island.

Beyond Pea Island will be on display November 7- December 19, 2026, in the Courtroom Gallery.

Current Gallery Hours: 

Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Sunday & Monday: Closed

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.

Experience a little Christmas magic as ten acres of The Elizabethan Gardens become an enchanted wonderland of dazzling lights, festive décor, and seasonal sounds. Pick up hot cocoa at the Gingerbread House, wander the illuminated garden paths, and warm up beside a crackling open-air fire. Live entertainment adds to the celebration on designated evenings, while the Gift Shop and Nursery offer holiday gifts and seasonal plants.

2026 dates: November 20, 21, 25, 27 & 28; December 2–5, 9–12, 16–19, 21–23 & 26–29 from 6-9 pm

Admission: $22 for ages 13 and older; $14 for ages 3–12; free for children 2 and younger. Well-behaved dogs are welcome with a $6 ticket. Advance online tickets are recommended. This outdoor event is weather-dependent, with overflow parking at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and shuttle service on select nights.