Lifestyle OBX

Butterfly House Release
2026-07-09 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-07-15 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-07-16 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-07-22 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-07-23 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-07-29 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-07-30 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-08-05 10:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) and 4 more dates | 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.

KDDB New Skater Night
2026-07-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-28 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-04 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-18 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.

Dancing and Drumming with Thunder and E Nah Dah of the Eastern Band of Cherokee
2026-07-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Frisco Native American Museum, North Carolina Highway 12, Frisco, NC, 27936, United States
Dancing & Drumming at the Frisco Native American Museum invites visitors to experience the rhythm and movement of Native American cultural traditions. During this interactive program, Pow Wow head dancers Thunder and E Nah Dah of the Eastern Band of Cherokee demonstrate traditional dances while explaining their cultural meaning and the importance of drumming—often called the “heartbeat of the Earth.” Guests are encouraged to join in social dances, offering a hands-on opportunity to celebrate and learn about this vibrant tradition. The family-friendly event is FREE open to all ages, and included with museum admission.

Dowdy Park Farmer's Markets 2026
2026-07-16 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-23 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-30 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-06 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-13 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.

Dune Ranger Discovery Camp
2026-07-29 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-30 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-31 09:00 - 12:00 | Jockey’s Ridge State Park, 300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC, 27959, United States
Dune Ranger Discovery Camp at Jockey’s Ridge State Park is an engaging and educational summer program for children in grades 3–6. Held July 29–31 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily, the three-day camp introduces young explorers to the park’s unique coastal environment through hands-on activities. Participants climb the towering sand dunes, explore maritime forests, paddle on the Roanoke Sound, create nature-inspired crafts, play games, and take part in stewardship projects while learning about the park’s ecology. By the end of the camp, kids earn the title of “Dune Ranger.” The program is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. See the event website for details.

Alligator River Refuge Tram Tour
2026-08-01 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.

First Friday Vendor Market at Pioneer Theater Garden
2026-08-07 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
2026-08-07 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.
