Events

Discover the quieter side of the Outer Banks during a guided morning stroll beside North Pond. Whether you’re a first-time birdwatcher or already know your ducks from your shorebirds, these relaxed walks offer a chance to spot coastal wildlife and learn about the birds that live at—or migrate through—Pea Island.

Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them; a limited selection is available to borrow. Sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and clothing suited to the weather are recommended.

The refuge website lists Friday walks from 8–9:30 a.m.; confirm the current start time before attending. The road often closes due to flooding and tide damage.

Dates: Friday–Saturday, November 6–7, 2026
Time: Main show 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. both days
Location: Soundside Event Site, 6800 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head
Cost: Spectator admission price not confirmed; show-vehicle registration is separate.

Explore an assortment of classic trucks, mini trucks, and lifted and lowered vehicles during this two-day gathering for truck enthusiasts. The show features vehicle judging, a DJ, food vendors and opportunities to meet fellow owners and admire customized rides.

Saturday’s schedule includes the national anthem at noon, followed by the charity raffle and awards from 3:30–4:30 p.m. An open cruise to Bodie Island Lighthouse follows the show. Additional gatherings take place at Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill in Kitty Hawk beginning at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For a full schedule of events, see the event website link.

Dates: Friday–Sunday, November 6–8, 2026
Locations: Race expo at Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront; Saturday races at Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills; Sunday races at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo
Cost: Race registration fees vary by event.

Celebrate a weekend of running and community spirit with events for a range of ages and abilities. Saturday features the Surf Pediatrics Surf & Soar 8K, 5K and Color Fun Run. Sunday brings the TowneBank Outer Banks Marathon and Half Marathon, followed by an after-party at The Lost Colony.

Weekend schedule:

Friday: Packet pickup, late registration and expo, 1–7 p.m.

Saturday: 8K at 7:30 a.m.; 5K at 7:45 a.m.; Color Fun Run at 8 a.m. Packet pickup and expo continue from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Sunday: Marathon at 7 a.m.; half marathon at 7:15 a.m.; after-party begins at 9:30 a.m.

Runners must collect their packets before race day; race-day packet pickup is not available. Spectators are welcome to cheer on participants.

Discover stories of wildlife, conservation and the connections between people and the natural world at the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. Presented by the Peace Garden Project, this three-day event brings environmental filmmaking to Manteo through documentaries, short films and discussions.

The lineup explores subjects ranging from right whales and American bison to coastal ecosystems and community conservation. Saturday’s schedule includes a red wolf panel at 6 p.m. and awards at 8 p.m.

Dates: Thursday–Saturday, November 5–7, 2026
Start time: Thursday screenings begin at 4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday start times are not specified
End time: Festival concludes Saturday at 10 p.m.; daily screening end times vary
Location: Film screenings at Roanoke Island Festival Park’s theater, 1 Festival Park, Manteo. Awards at Dare Arts, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo.

Festival website: https://www.obxeff.com/
Tickets and schedule: https://filmfreeway.com/OuterBanksEnvironmentalFilmFestival/tickets

Admissions:
Adult: $15
Youth (3 - 12): $13
Children 2 & Under: Free
Last tickets sold at 4:30 pm 

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.

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. 

Dates: Friday–Sunday, November 6–8, 2026
Locations: Race expo at Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront; Saturday races at Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills; Sunday races at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo
Cost: Race registration fees vary by event.

Celebrate a weekend of running and community spirit with events for a range of ages and abilities. Saturday features the Surf Pediatrics Surf & Soar 8K, 5K and Color Fun Run. Sunday brings the TowneBank Outer Banks Marathon and Half Marathon, followed by an after-party at The Lost Colony.

Weekend schedule:

Friday: Packet pickup, late registration and expo, 1–7 p.m.

Saturday: 8K at 7:30 a.m.; 5K at 7:45 a.m.; Color Fun Run at 8 a.m. Packet pickup and expo continue from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Sunday: Marathon at 7 a.m.; half marathon at 7:15 a.m.; after-party begins at 9:30 a.m.

Runners must collect their packets before race day; race-day packet pickup is not available. Spectators are welcome to cheer on participants.

Secotan Market shifts into its fall schedule beginning in October.

The Wanchese producer-only farmers market brings together growers, food producers, makers and artisans from northeastern North Carolina. The people selling the products are the people who grew, raised or crafted them.

Expect market offerings to vary from week to week, including:

Fresh produce
Pasture-raised meat and eggs
Vegetable ferments
Kombucha
Pecans
Mushroom products
Baked goods, pies and cakes
Jams and pickles
Local honey
Herbs, spices and teas
Flowers and potted plants
Natural skin care
Rotating local artisans
Fall Market Schedule

Beginning in October, Secotan Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m.–Noon through Thanksgiving.

Upcoming dates include:

October 3
October 10
October 17
October 24
October 31
November 7
November 14
November 21

There is also a special Wednesday-before-Thanksgiving market on November 25 from 9 a.m.–Noon.

Dates: Friday–Saturday, November 6–7, 2026
Time: Main show 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. both days
Location: Soundside Event Site, 6800 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head
Cost: Spectator admission price not confirmed; show-vehicle registration is separate.

Explore an assortment of classic trucks, mini trucks, and lifted and lowered vehicles during this two-day gathering for truck enthusiasts. The show features vehicle judging, a DJ, food vendors and opportunities to meet fellow owners and admire customized rides.

Saturday’s schedule includes the national anthem at noon, followed by the charity raffle and awards from 3:30–4:30 p.m. An open cruise to Bodie Island Lighthouse follows the show. Additional gatherings take place at Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill in Kitty Hawk beginning at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For a full schedule of events, see the event website link.

Discover Jockey’s Ridge with a park ranger during this afternoon dune hike. Explore the park’s distinctive landscape and enjoy an opportunity to ask questions while experiencing the dunes on foot.

Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand, bring drinking water and dress for the weather. Check the official event page for meeting instructions and any program updates before arriving.