Lifestyle OBX

Butterfly House Release
2026-08-26 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-08-27 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-09-02 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-09-03 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-09-09 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-09-10 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-09-16 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-09-17 10:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) and 8 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.

Salty Tails of Love Adoption Day
2026-08-26 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

KDDB New Skater Night
2026-09-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-22 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-29 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-20 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.

First Fridays in Downtown Manteo
2026-09-04 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-02 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
2026-09-05 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-10-03 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.

Surfrider Foundation Spring Beach Cleanup
2026-09-20 16:00 - 17:00 | Jockey’s Ridge Soundside Access, 330 W Soundside Rd, Nags Head, 27959, United States
Give back to the beautiful shores of the Outer Banks at the Surfrider Foundation Spring Beach Cleanup on April 19, 2026, from 4:00–5:00 PM in Nags Head. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites in partnership with the Surfrider Foundation Outer Banks Chapter, this community event invites locals and visitors alike to help keep OBX beaches and waterways clean.
Volunteers will meet at the Soundside Road public access near Jockey’s Ridge State Park to check in and receive gloves and cleanup bags before spreading out along the shoreline to collect litter. Participants are also encouraged to log what they find using the Marine Debris Tracker app, helping support ongoing environmental research and conservation efforts.
This free, family-friendly event welcomes volunteers of all ages (pets included—just keep them leashed). It’s a simple but meaningful way to enjoy the outdoors while helping protect the fragile coastal ecosystems that make the Outer Banks so special.
Additional Dates:

April 19th at 4:00 PM
July 5th at 5:00 PM
September 20th at 4:00 PM
