Events

Join professional hang glider pilots, fans, families, and friends for one of Kitty Hawk Kites’ most beloved flight traditions! The Hang Gliding Spectacular is the longest-running hang gliding competition in the world, and we’re excited to celebrate its 54th consecutive year with four days of flying, community, and fun on the Outer Banks.

Kitty Hawk Kites invites pilots from across the country to come fly with us at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC, and the Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg, NC. This year’s event will include glider demos, along with competition flying, pilot gatherings, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. The Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Games are free for the public to watch, with fun activities planned throughout the event. See the event schedule for a list of event activities and times.

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. 

Join professional hang glider pilots, fans, families, and friends for one of Kitty Hawk Kites’ most beloved flight traditions! The Hang Gliding Spectacular is the longest-running hang gliding competition in the world, and we’re excited to celebrate its 54th consecutive year with four days of flying, community, and fun on the Outer Banks.

Kitty Hawk Kites invites pilots from across the country to come fly with us at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC, and the Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg, NC. This year’s event will include glider demos, along with competition flying, pilot gatherings, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. The Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Games are free for the public to watch, with fun activities planned throughout the event. See the event schedule for a list of event activities and times.

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.

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 professional hang glider pilots, fans, families, and friends for one of Kitty Hawk Kites’ most beloved flight traditions! The Hang Gliding Spectacular is the longest-running hang gliding competition in the world, and we’re excited to celebrate its 54th consecutive year with four days of flying, community, and fun on the Outer Banks.

Kitty Hawk Kites invites pilots from across the country to come fly with us at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC, and the Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg, NC. This year’s event will include glider demos, along with competition flying, pilot gatherings, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. The Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Games are free for the public to watch, with fun activities planned throughout the event. See the event schedule for a list of event activities and times.