Events

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Join in for FREE fun at Waves Village Watersports Resort from Friday, May 29th, through Sunday, May 31st, to kick off our 2026 Kiteboarding season! Kiteboarding Kickoff Weekend is your chance to connect with the kiteboarding community, demo the latest gear from top brands like Cabrinha, Eleveight, and Mystic, and enjoy one of the best kiteboarding spots on the East Coast! See the event website for a detailed schedule of events.

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.

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.

Join in for FREE fun at Waves Village Watersports Resort from Friday, May 29th, through Sunday, May 31st, to kick off our 2026 Kiteboarding season! Kiteboarding Kickoff Weekend is your chance to connect with the kiteboarding community, demo the latest gear from top brands like Cabrinha, Eleveight, and Mystic, and enjoy one of the best kiteboarding spots on the East Coast! See the event website for a detailed schedule of events.

Join in for FREE fun at Waves Village Watersports Resort from Friday, May 29th, through Sunday, May 31st, to kick off our 2026 Kiteboarding season! Kiteboarding Kickoff Weekend is your chance to connect with the kiteboarding community, demo the latest gear from top brands like Cabrinha, Eleveight, and Mystic, and enjoy one of the best kiteboarding spots on the East Coast! See the event website for a detailed schedule of events.