Turn beach cleanup into creative expression at the Sweep the Beach Trash Art Contest, running March 1 – April 1 on the Outer Banks. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites in partnership with Dare Arts Council, the contest invites artists of all ages to transform litter collected from local beaches and sounds into meaningful works of art.

Submitted pieces will be displayed along the TrART Walk at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, highlighting both creativity and the importance of protecting the coastal environment. Select artworks will later be featured during Earth Fair OBX on April 25 at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, where contest winners will be announced at the Kitty Hawk Kites booth at 3:45 PM.

Artists can compete for $250 prizes in several categories, including People’s Choice, Youth Award (age 12 and under), Best Plastics Art, and Best Litter Art. Submissions are accepted through March 30 at the Kitty Hawk Kites Flagship Store, and artwork must be made from collected beach litter and durable enough for outdoor display.

This unique community project celebrates environmental stewardship, creativity, and the beauty of the Outer Banks, turning debris from the shore into powerful reminders of why protecting our coast matters.

Practicing Persistence: Pocosin Arts Residents Exhibit at Dare Arts in Manteo showcases the work of three emerging artists currently in residence at Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft. The exhibit features handcrafted works in mediums such as ceramics, wood, and metal, highlighting each artist’s exploration of form, texture, and evolving craft techniques. Visitors can experience the creativity and craftsmanship of these rising artists while celebrating the continued tradition of handmade art. The exhibition will be on display in the Vault Gallery March 7–28, with a free opening reception March 6 from 6–8 p.m. during First Friday in downtown Manteo.

Enjoy an intimate evening of live music at the indoor theater at Roanoke Island Festival Park during this special spring concert series featuring nationally touring roots and bluegrass artists. Each show offers a relaxed, up-close concert experience with only 250 tickets available per performance.

Guests can arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere—lobby and concessions open at 6:00 PM, theater doors open at 6:30 PM, and shows begin at 7:00 PM. Beer, wine, and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Concert Schedule

March 15: Scythian

March 28: Appalachian Road Show

April 28: The Brothers Comatose

May 9: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

Time: 7:00 PM (Doors at 6:30 PM)
Location: Roanoke Island Festival Park Indoor Theater, Manteo
Tickets: $55 (advance purchase required)

This limited-seating series is a great opportunity to experience high-energy Celtic rock, Americana, and bluegrass in one of the Outer Banks’ most unique performance venues.

Turn beach cleanup into creative expression at the Sweep the Beach Trash Art Contest, running March 1 – April 1 on the Outer Banks. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites in partnership with Dare Arts Council, the contest invites artists of all ages to transform litter collected from local beaches and sounds into meaningful works of art.

Submitted pieces will be displayed along the TrART Walk at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, highlighting both creativity and the importance of protecting the coastal environment. Select artworks will later be featured during Earth Fair OBX on April 25 at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, where contest winners will be announced at the Kitty Hawk Kites booth at 3:45 PM.

Artists can compete for $250 prizes in several categories, including People’s Choice, Youth Award (age 12 and under), Best Plastics Art, and Best Litter Art. Submissions are accepted through March 30 at the Kitty Hawk Kites Flagship Store, and artwork must be made from collected beach litter and durable enough for outdoor display.

This unique community project celebrates environmental stewardship, creativity, and the beauty of the Outer Banks, turning debris from the shore into powerful reminders of why protecting our coast matters.

Head to Jockey’s Ridge State Park for a ranger-led one-mile loop hike along the scenic Soundside Nature Trail. This easy walk takes you through maritime thickets, wetlands, and sandy shoreline habitats, offering an up-close look at the plants and wildlife that thrive at the base of the towering dunes. Along the way, the ranger will share insights into the delicate ecosystems that connect the dunes to the Roanoke Sound and why they are so vital to the Outer Banks. This free, family-friendly program is open to the public. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for a refreshing and educational outdoor experience.

“Golden Hour” by Robyn Scott is the first exhibit in the 2026 Rotating Art Show series. The exhibit will be on display in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall and open from 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from January 30-April 23, 2026. Golden Hour is a love letter to the Carolina coast, where the light hits Mother Earth with a gentle glow leading into the peaceful night sky. This collection is meant to celebrate the warm hug offered by our beautiful ocean as we drive up and down the coastal roads, exploring the many beaches and seaside shops. Many of the works feature scenes from Corolla, in particular, some of my favorite hidden soundside spots and stretches of the beach in the offseason.

Turn beach cleanup into creative expression at the Sweep the Beach Trash Art Contest, running March 1 – April 1 on the Outer Banks. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites in partnership with Dare Arts Council, the contest invites artists of all ages to transform litter collected from local beaches and sounds into meaningful works of art.

Submitted pieces will be displayed along the TrART Walk at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, highlighting both creativity and the importance of protecting the coastal environment. Select artworks will later be featured during Earth Fair OBX on April 25 at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, where contest winners will be announced at the Kitty Hawk Kites booth at 3:45 PM.

Artists can compete for $250 prizes in several categories, including People’s Choice, Youth Award (age 12 and under), Best Plastics Art, and Best Litter Art. Submissions are accepted through March 30 at the Kitty Hawk Kites Flagship Store, and artwork must be made from collected beach litter and durable enough for outdoor display.

This unique community project celebrates environmental stewardship, creativity, and the beauty of the Outer Banks, turning debris from the shore into powerful reminders of why protecting our coast matters.

This 2-hour Zoom seminar offers new and less-experienced boaters a guided virtual tour of the Outer Banks waterways from a boater’s perspective. Using OpenCPN navigation software and Google Earth, participants will “fly over” the OBX from north to south, exploring sounds, rivers, channels, marinas, and key points of interest including important navigation hazards.

The seminar covers practical questions such as where to launch, fuel up, dock, swim, shop, eat, sightsee, and fish, helping boaters gain confidence and familiarity before heading out on the water. 

Register online at event website.

“Golden Hour” by Robyn Scott is the first exhibit in the 2026 Rotating Art Show series. The exhibit will be on display in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall and open from 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from January 30-April 23, 2026. Golden Hour is a love letter to the Carolina coast, where the light hits Mother Earth with a gentle glow leading into the peaceful night sky. This collection is meant to celebrate the warm hug offered by our beautiful ocean as we drive up and down the coastal roads, exploring the many beaches and seaside shops. Many of the works feature scenes from Corolla, in particular, some of my favorite hidden soundside spots and stretches of the beach in the offseason.

Turn beach cleanup into creative expression at the Sweep the Beach Trash Art Contest, running March 1 – April 1 on the Outer Banks. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites in partnership with Dare Arts Council, the contest invites artists of all ages to transform litter collected from local beaches and sounds into meaningful works of art.

Submitted pieces will be displayed along the TrART Walk at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, highlighting both creativity and the importance of protecting the coastal environment. Select artworks will later be featured during Earth Fair OBX on April 25 at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, where contest winners will be announced at the Kitty Hawk Kites booth at 3:45 PM.

Artists can compete for $250 prizes in several categories, including People’s Choice, Youth Award (age 12 and under), Best Plastics Art, and Best Litter Art. Submissions are accepted through March 30 at the Kitty Hawk Kites Flagship Store, and artwork must be made from collected beach litter and durable enough for outdoor display.

This unique community project celebrates environmental stewardship, creativity, and the beauty of the Outer Banks, turning debris from the shore into powerful reminders of why protecting our coast matters.