The 2025 local games will be held from Saturday, April 12 - 28, 2025, with 50 different sporting events and over 30 different artistic categories. See the event schedule on the event website for a detailed schedule. 2025 Event highlights include:

5k Race (in partnership with Outer Banks Sporting Events' Flying Pirate 5K): April 12, 2025

Senior Games Athletic Events: April 28, 2025 to May 9, 2025

Silver Arts Competition: April 28, 2025 to April 30, 2025

Silver Arts Showcase/Exhibition: May 1, 2025 to May 9, 2025

Spring 2025 Installation: Aeronautical Sea Marks by artist Christina Lorena Weisner will be on display in The Dare Arts Courtyard. The installation will open at 6pm on Friday, March 7 and remain on display through May. This outdoor installation features several geometric structures made from lightweight, weather-resistant PVC pipe and deconstructed fabric from discarded beach umbrellas collected from local beaches by the artist. The cube-like structures vary in size, with some reaching up to eight feet. Their arrangement encourages viewers to move around and in between them, providing a dynamic experience of changing perspectives and spatial relationships within the courtyard. All of The Courtyard events are free, family-friendly and open to the public.

Join park staff for a paddle on the Roanoke Sound. Learn about the sound and estuary portions of Jockey's Ridge State Park. No experience necessary, but children under 13 must paddle with an adult 18 years or older.  All equipment is provided to include boats, paddles, and life vests. Registration is required.

The 2025 local games will be held from Saturday, April 12 - 28, 2025, with 50 different sporting events and over 30 different artistic categories. See the event schedule on the event website for a detailed schedule. 2025 Event highlights include:

5k Race (in partnership with Outer Banks Sporting Events' Flying Pirate 5K): April 12, 2025

Senior Games Athletic Events: April 28, 2025 to May 9, 2025

Silver Arts Competition: April 28, 2025 to April 30, 2025

Silver Arts Showcase/Exhibition: May 1, 2025 to May 9, 2025

Spring 2025 Installation: Aeronautical Sea Marks by artist Christina Lorena Weisner will be on display in The Dare Arts Courtyard. The installation will open at 6pm on Friday, March 7 and remain on display through May. This outdoor installation features several geometric structures made from lightweight, weather-resistant PVC pipe and deconstructed fabric from discarded beach umbrellas collected from local beaches by the artist. The cube-like structures vary in size, with some reaching up to eight feet. Their arrangement encourages viewers to move around and in between them, providing a dynamic experience of changing perspectives and spatial relationships within the courtyard. All of The Courtyard events are free, family-friendly and open to the public.

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.

Come to the Elizabethan Gardens for the butterfly release everyThursday at 10 am April through September.

Discover butterflies up-close as they take their first flight! The garden staff will share more about butterflies and what plants attract them to your garden. Limited to 40 guests per session. Price $28.00 for members and non-members, includes admission, program and butterfly. Tickets may be purchased online until the Sunday before the release. There may be a limited number of tickets available for same-day purchases.

Discover butterflies up-close as they take their first flight! The garden staff will share more about butterflies and what plants attract them to your garden. Limited to 40 guests per session. Price $28.00 for members and non-members, includes admission, program and butterfly. Tickets may be purchased online until the Sunday before the release. There may be a limited number of tickets available for same-day purchases.

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.

The 2025 local games will be held from Saturday, April 12 - 28, 2025, with 50 different sporting events and over 30 different artistic categories. See the event schedule on the event website for a detailed schedule. 2025 Event highlights include:

5k Race (in partnership with Outer Banks Sporting Events' Flying Pirate 5K): April 12, 2025

Senior Games Athletic Events: April 28, 2025 to May 9, 2025

Silver Arts Competition: April 28, 2025 to April 30, 2025

Silver Arts Showcase/Exhibition: May 1, 2025 to May 9, 2025

Spring 2025 Installation: Aeronautical Sea Marks by artist Christina Lorena Weisner will be on display in The Dare Arts Courtyard. The installation will open at 6pm on Friday, March 7 and remain on display through May. This outdoor installation features several geometric structures made from lightweight, weather-resistant PVC pipe and deconstructed fabric from discarded beach umbrellas collected from local beaches by the artist. The cube-like structures vary in size, with some reaching up to eight feet. Their arrangement encourages viewers to move around and in between them, providing a dynamic experience of changing perspectives and spatial relationships within the courtyard. All of The Courtyard events are free, family-friendly and open to the public.

Wind & Waves Maritime Festival will be at KOA Cape Hatteras, May 16-18, 2025. This is a FREE Family Friendly Event! Expect a fun-filled weekend packed with a variety of activities for all ages! At the Maritime Heritage Marketplace, you’ll enjoy live music, oyster shucking, and insightful talks from experts, alongside a vibrant arts and crafts market featuring local Outer Banks vendors. At Soundfront by the Boat Ramp, you can dive into sailing activities like races, lessons, and boat tours, or test your skills with boat-building and paper boat races. The Oceanfront Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere with a bonfire, delicious barbecue, surf lessons, surf fishing, and Hobie Cat sailing. On Saturday, Shredfest brings an Outer Banks Boil, bottomless drinks, and live music by The Simps. All proceeds support Hatteras Community Sailing, so expect a lively, community-driven event with a mix of outdoor fun, local culture, and plenty of maritime activities!