29th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show Exhibit
2026-05-23 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-26 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-28 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-29 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-30 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Dare Arts Center, 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, 27954, United States
Dare Arts will host the 29th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show in the Courtroom Gallery in Manteo, opening with a free reception on Sunday, May 3, from 2–4 p.m. The exhibit honors Mollie A. Fearing, a founding supporter of Dare Arts, and showcases a diverse collection of artwork by local and regional artists across a variety of mediums. After the opening reception, the exhibit will remain on display May 5 through May 30 during normal gallery hours, offering visitors a chance to explore the creativity of the Outer Banks arts community and celebrate the legacy of one of Dare County’s most influential arts advocates.

Aaron Canipe Exhibit: South of Heaven
2026-05-23 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-26 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-28 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-29 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-30 10:00 - 17:00 | Dare Arts Center, 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, 27954, United States
Dare Arts in Manteo will showcase South of Heaven, a photography exhibit by Aaron Canipe, on display in the Vault Gallery from May 1 through May 30. The collection features Canipe’s original photographs created between 2015 and 2019, primarily in North Carolina, and explores themes of faith, belief, and the mysterious atmosphere of the Southern gothic landscape. The exhibit blends dark humor and introspective storytelling while raising thought-provoking questions about culture and identity in the South. An opening reception will be held Friday, May 1 from 6–8 p.m. during Downtown Manteo’s First Friday celebration, where visitors can meet the artist and enjoy the exhibit. Admission is free and open to the public.

Soundside Spring Market Series
2026-05-24 12:00 - 16:00 | The Soundside Event Site, 6800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC, 27959, United States
Celebrate the season at the Soundside Spring Market Series, featuring three vibrant outdoor markets this spring. The series begins with a Spring Equinox Market on Saturday, March 21, followed by an Easter Weekend Market on Saturday, April 4, and wraps up with a Memorial Day Weekend Market on Sunday, May 24, kicking off the summer season.
Visitors can enjoy sunshine, local vendors, and a lively community atmosphere while browsing unique goods and supporting local businesses. The markets build on the strong momentum of the 2025 season and promise plenty of shopping, sunshine, and springtime fun.

KDDB New Skater Night
2026-05-26 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-02 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Aviation skatepark, 109 Veterans Dr, Kill Devil Hills, NC, 27948, United States
New to roller skating or curious about roller derby? The Kill Devil Derby Brigade hosts New Skater Night on the first Tuesday of every month, offering a fun, welcoming introduction to skating basics in a non-contact setting. Sessions run from 6–8 p.m. at Aviation Skate Park in Kill Devil Hills. Full safety gear is required, and loaner gear may be available. No experience needed, just a positive, resilient attitude and a willingness to learn.

Butterfly House Release
2026-05-27 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-05-28 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-06-03 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-06-04 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-06-10 10:00 - 10:30 | Elizabethan Gardens, 1411 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC, 27954, United States
Experience the magic of butterflies taking flight during the Butterfly Release at The Elizabethan Gardens. Held Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (April through September), this interactive program allows visitors to watch newly emerged butterflies take their first flight while learning about butterfly life cycles and the plants that attract them to your own garden. Guests can add the experience to their garden admission and enjoy a close-up look at these beautiful pollinators as they are released into the gardens’ butterfly habitat.

Salty Tails of Love Adoption Day
2026-05-27 10:00 - 12:30 | Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, 3933 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, 27959, United States
Animal lovers are invited to help local pets find their forever homes at Salty Tails of Love Adoption Day, happening April 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM–12:30 PM at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites in partnership with the Outer Banks SPCA/Dare County Animal Shelter, this heartwarming community event gives visitors the chance to meet adoptable dogs and cats and support animal rescue efforts on the Outer Banks.
Guests can stop by to adopt a pet, donate needed supplies, or learn more about local animal welfare efforts. Donations for the shelter are encouraged, and purchases of Salty Tails merchandise at Kitty Hawk Kites locations help support the cause—with $1 from each hat or shirt donated to the Outer Banks SPCA.
Whether you’re hoping to welcome a new furry family member or simply want to support a great cause, this family-friendly event offers a meaningful way to give back while enjoying a spring morning on the Outer Banks.
Come to Jockey’s Ridge Crossing to help a furry friend find a fur-ever home on these dates:

April 8th
May 27th
June 24th
July 8th
August 26th

Pea Island Bird Walk
2026-05-29 08:00 - 09:30 | Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 14500 NC Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC, 27968, United States
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to nearly 400 species of birds that reside here or migrate 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 Pea Island Bird Walk is FREE.

Dare Nights for the 89th Season of The Lost Colony
2026-06-04 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-06-05 20:30 - 22:30 | The Lost Colony, 1409 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC, 27954, United States
Dare Nights at The Lost Colony
The Roanoke Island Historical Association will host Dare Nights for the 89th season of The Lost Colony on June 4 and 5, 2026 at Waterside Theatre in Manteo. Sponsored by Midgett Insurance, this special community tradition offers free admission for residents of Dare, Tyrrell, Currituck, and Hyde counties with proof of ID when they bring non-perishable food donations to support local food pantries. The June 4 performance benefits the Roanoke Island Food Pantry, while the June 5 performance supports the Beach Food Pantry. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to drop off donation items and receive tickets, and seats may also be reserved in advance through The Lost Colony box office.

First Friday Vendor Market at Pioneer Theater Garden
2026-06-05 17:00 - 20:00 | The Pioneer Theater, 113 Budleigh Street, Manteo, 27954, United States
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.

First Fridays in Downtown Manteo
2026-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manteo, Downtown Manteo, Manteo, NC, 27954, United States
Friday, March 6, kicks off the 2026 First Friday season in downtown Manteo. We will have Joe Mapp playing live music on the front porch of the Gallery starting at 6:00 pm.
There will also be live music by The Conch Shells at Poor Richard’s, The Bar Cats Duo at NouVines, and DJ Night at Lost Colony Brewery.
The First Friday Manteo Stroll, where restaurants and shops in downtown Manteo stay open late with specials, live music, sales, and events at their locations, will also be happening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Alligator River Refuge Tram Tour
2026-06-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Creef Cut Wildlife Trail, Creef Cut Trail, Manns Harbor, N C, 27953
Take a trip around the Alligator River Refuge and learn about the wild lands and wildlife. Bring your binoculars and camera! Drinking water and insect repellent are also recommended. The program will proceed, except in the event of lightning, heavy wind, rain, or impassable road conditions. Dress for the weather! Meet at Creef Cut Wildlife Trail parking lot, Hwy 64 and Milltail Road, approximately 6 miles west of Manns Harbor. Call 252-216-9464 for reservations.
Alligator River Refuge Tram Tour $10 per adult. Children 12 and under are free with one or more paying adults. Reservations required. Tram seating is limited.

Dare Day Dockside 2026
2026-06-06 10:00 - 17:00 | Wanchese Marina, 4457 Mill Landing Rd. Wanchese, Wanchese, NC, 27981, United States
A beloved Outer Banks tradition continues in a new location as Wanchese Marina hosts Dare Day Dockside on Saturday, June 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly celebration honors the long-running Dare Day tradition with a full day of coastal fun along the waterfront. Visitors can enjoy fresh local seafood, food trucks, a kids’ area with rides and games, a petting zoo, and a silent auction, along with hands-on experiences like oyster-shucking demonstrations and a kids’ fishing clinic. The event also features short dolphin boat trips and a “Meet the Fleet” opportunity where guests can tour local charter boats and learn more about the Wanchese fishing community.
Held at Wanchese Marina (4457 Mill Landing Rd.), the event highlights the region’s commercial fishing heritage while bringing the community together for a day of food, family activities, and maritime culture on the harbor. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Dowdy Park Farmer's Markets 2026
2026-06-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Dowdy Park, 3005 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC, 27959, United States
The Dowdy Park Summer Market runs from mid-June through mid-August. To maintain a positive experience for vendors and visitors, the market is intentionally capped at approximately 50 vendors per event, with limited date overlap. Market dates and capacity are driven by the local school calendar, as the market has grown to a size that requires the use of the school parking lot for vendor and visitor parking.

The first market day will be Thursday, June 11th, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Admission is FREE.
