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.

he U.S. Waveski Surfing Championship is an exhilarating competition that brings together the best waveski surfers from across the country & internationally to showcase their skills and compete for the prestigious titles. Come out to Jennette's Pier to watch this exciting event and cheer for the competitors. It's sure to thrill all ages. This event is free to observers.

For those who want to participate in the competition, entry fees are $125 to compete in their first division and $35 for any additional divisions.
Paid divisions are U.S. Open (Men & Women), U.S. Women’s Open, Adaptive Open, Age Categories & Surf Kayak Open
Discounted Hotel Options  are available for event competitors.

Date and Time: Sep 27, 2024, 8:00 AM – Sep 29, 2024, 4:00 PM

Location: Jennette's Pier, Nags Head, 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA

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.

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 to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center Pavillon for a children's program about the sea turtles of the Outer Banks. Learn about sea turtles through interactive games and activities for children of all ages. This program lasts 30 minutes and is free to the public.

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.

First Friday is a fun-filled, family-oriented event held the first Friday of each month, in historic downtown Manteo. The sidewalks pulse with live music, magic, artisans, and much more. The Manteo Stroll featuring celebrations, specials, art openings, sales and more inside Manteo galleries, shops and restaurants also happens during First Friday.