Events

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

Walk with a Doc is a nonprofit program that brings communities together for guided walks led by local healthcare providers. Led by Outer Banks Health providers, each walk combines light physical activity with simple, practical health education in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

This free program is open to all ages and abilities. Stay active, learn about your health and connect with others in the community. 

Location: Please park and meet at First Flight High School for a walk at the Wright Brothers Memorial.
Time: Please arrive a couple minutes early for checking in, as the walk will begin at 8 a.m. sharply. Beginning in September the walks will begin at 9 a.m. Walks last about 1 hour.

Get a head start on your holiday shopping and support local makers, artists, growers, and small businesses at the Dowdy Park Holiday Markets. Browse unique, locally made gifts and seasonal favorites from 50 local vendors. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, something special for your home, or want to enjoy a festive morning at the park, the Holiday Markets are a wonderful way to shop local and celebrate the season.

Find a special gift with a local touch at the Hatteras Island Arts & Craft Guild’s Holiday Art & Craft Show! Browse local art and handmade creations while supporting the Guild’s community art mission. Held at Cape Hatteras Secondary School on Highway 12 in Buxton, it’s a festive stop for your Thanksgiving weekend.

The Hatteras Island Arts and Craft Guild brings local artists and craftspeople together for two days of holiday shopping in Buxton. Browse original artwork and handcrafted gifts, and meet the people who made them. The annual show helps support the guild’s scholarship fund and local school art programs.

Friday and Saturday, November 27–28 · 10 a.m.–3 p.m. both days, Free admission
Cape Hatteras Secondary School, N.C. Highway 12, Buxton

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