Events

Step into an immersive outdoor art experience at Dare Arts' Courtyard this summer with Weather the Storm, a captivating mixed-media installation by artist Lara E. Parks. Blending light, shadow, sound, movement, and fabric, the installation transforms with changing weather and natural light, inviting visitors to return throughout the season to experience it in new ways.

Celebrate the opening during First Friday on Friday, July 3, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., where you can meet the artist and enjoy live music by The Blue Crab Boys in the Courtyard. The installation will remain on display through the fall, offering a unique outdoor art experience in the heart of downtown Manteo. Be sure to walk through and enjoy the art!

One of the premier offshore fishing tournaments on the East Coast returns to the Outer Banks for a week of world-class competition, dockside excitement, and family-friendly entertainment. The 43rd Annual Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament brings together elite anglers from across the country to compete in the Gulf Stream waters off Oregon Inlet while spectators enjoy daily weigh-ins, live music, special events, and waterfront festivities. See the website for the full schedule and to register.

Spectator Tip: The best time to visit is late afternoon through the evening as tournament boats return to Pirate's Cove Marina for the daily weigh-ins. Enjoy the excitement on the docks, browse vendor displays, listen to live music, and experience one of the Outer Banks' most celebrated summer traditions.

One of the premier offshore fishing tournaments on the East Coast returns to the Outer Banks for a week of world-class competition, dockside excitement, and family-friendly entertainment. The 43rd Annual Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament brings together elite anglers from across the country to compete in the Gulf Stream waters off Oregon Inlet while spectators enjoy daily weigh-ins, live music, special events, and waterfront festivities. See the website for the full schedule and to register.

Spectator Tip: The best time to visit is late afternoon through the evening as tournament boats return to Pirate's Cove Marina for the daily weigh-ins. Enjoy the excitement on the docks, browse vendor displays, listen to live music, and experience one of the Outer Banks' most celebrated summer traditions.

Step into an immersive outdoor art experience at Dare Arts' Courtyard this summer with Weather the Storm, a captivating mixed-media installation by artist Lara E. Parks. Blending light, shadow, sound, movement, and fabric, the installation transforms with changing weather and natural light, inviting visitors to return throughout the season to experience it in new ways.

Celebrate the opening during First Friday on Friday, July 3, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., where you can meet the artist and enjoy live music by The Blue Crab Boys in the Courtyard. The installation will remain on display through the fall, offering a unique outdoor art experience in the heart of downtown Manteo. Be sure to walk through and enjoy the art!

One of the premier offshore fishing tournaments on the East Coast returns to the Outer Banks for a week of world-class competition, dockside excitement, and family-friendly entertainment. The 43rd Annual Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament brings together elite anglers from across the country to compete in the Gulf Stream waters off Oregon Inlet while spectators enjoy daily weigh-ins, live music, special events, and waterfront festivities. See the website for the full schedule and to register.

Spectator Tip: The best time to visit is late afternoon through the evening as tournament boats return to Pirate's Cove Marina for the daily weigh-ins. Enjoy the excitement on the docks, browse vendor displays, listen to live music, and experience one of the Outer Banks' most celebrated summer traditions.

Family Fun Times takes place Tuesdays from June 16 through August 11 and Fridays from June 5 through August 14, from 9:00–10:30 a.m. The program is designed to provide engaging, educational fun while making the most of a summer morning on the Outer Banks.

Dowdy Park
3005 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head

Free Admission

Get up close with one of the Outer Banks' most beloved residents at Corolla Wild Horse: Meet Riptide in Duck. This free family-friendly program offers a unique opportunity to meet Riptide, a rescued and gentled Banker horse, while learning about the history of the wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs that roam the northern beaches. Representatives from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund will share Riptide's story, discuss ongoing conservation efforts, and explain how the organization works to protect and preserve these iconic horses for future generations. Perfect for horse lovers, families, and anyone interested in Outer Banks wildlife and history.

2026 Dates:
• June 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
• August 11, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Where: Duck Town Green, Duck, NC
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages welcome

Discover the heart of rural North Carolina through the lens of ten talented photographers in Southern is Feeling: A Visual Telling of Rural NC at Dare Arts' Courtroom Gallery in Manteo. This compelling photography exhibition explores themes of community, heritage, landscape, and identity, capturing the people and places that define rural life across the state. The exhibit invites visitors to experience North Carolina beyond its destinations, revealing the stories, traditions, and emotional connections woven into its small towns and landscapes.

The exhibition opens with a free public reception on Friday, July 3, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. during Manteo's First Friday celebration, where guests can meet the photographers and explore the collection. The exhibit remains on display July 4 through August 29, T-F 10 am - 5 pm, Sat 10 am - 4 pm, Sun 11 am - 3 pm.

Celebrate the creativity of the Outer Banks during Outer Banks Squared – The Art Show, a unique month-long exhibit featuring original square-format artwork inspired by the region's iconic landmarks, rich history, coastal landscapes, and native wildlife. From miniature works to large-scale paintings, each piece offers a fresh perspective on the beauty and spirit of the Outer Banks while showcasing the talents of local and regional artists.

Dates: August 1 - 29
Gallery Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Closed Sundays)

Admission: Free

Dive into the rich maritime history and culture of the Outer Banks at the Salty Dawgs Lecture Series at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras. Held every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. from May 19 through August 18, this free summer series features historians, authors, park rangers, musicians, and researchers sharing fascinating stories about shipwrecks, lifesaving history, local legends, music, and coastal heritage. No reservations are required.

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.

Discover the mysterious side of Ocracoke Island on an evening walking tour filled with local legends, fascinating history, and ghostly tales. Choose between the Down Point Tour, featuring stories near the Ocracoke Lighthouse, or the 'Round Creek Tour, exploring the historic Howard Street area. Each tour is led by knowledgeable local guides who bring the island's rich past—and its lingering spirits—to life.

Tours are offered most Tuesdays and Fridays from May 19 through September 29, beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m. and lasting approximately 90 minutes. Advance online reservations are required, and space is limited.