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  • 29th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show Exhibit

    Dare Arts Center 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, United States

    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.

  • Aaron Canipe Exhibit: South of Heaven

    Aaron Canipe Exhibit: South of Heaven
    Dare Arts Center 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, United States

    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 Bird Walk

    Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center 14500 NC Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC, United States

    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. 

  • KidsFest 2026

    Roanoke Island Festival Park 1 Festival Park, Manteo, United States

    Families with young children are invited to enjoy a morning of fun at KidsFest on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo. This free outdoor festival, presented by the Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County, features games, crafts, music, and hands-on play activities designed especially for young children. Local businesses and organizations host interactive stations—such as arts and crafts, bubbles, vehicles to explore, and other kid-friendly activities—creating a lively morning of learning and play for families.

  • 29th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show Exhibit

    Dare Arts Center 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, United States

    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.

  • Aaron Canipe Exhibit: South of Heaven

    Aaron Canipe Exhibit: South of Heaven
    Dare Arts Center 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, United States

    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.

  • Nags Head Woods 5K

    Nags Head Woods Preserve

    Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend with the 40th Annual Nags Head Woods 5K on Saturday, May 9 at Nags Head Woods Preserve. Hosted by the First Flight Rotary Club, this longtime Outer Banks tradition is the area’s oldest charity race and features a scenic out-and-back course through the beautiful Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve. The event includes a 5K race, a 1-Mile “Walk in the Woods,” and a Fun Run for children ages 12 and under, making it a fun and active event for the whole family. Proceeds support local charitable initiatives and community service projects across the Outer Banks. Registration is required, and races begin Saturday morning starting at 7:45 a.m. for the Fun Run and 8 a.m. for the 5K and walk.

    $30 – $50
  • OBX Women Who Walk

    First Flight High School 100 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills, United States

    Enjoy a weekly walk meet-up for women in the Outer Banks. All women are invited to socialize, meet new people, move our bodies, and enjoy the outdoors! No cost! No requirement to come to each walk!

    Saturday, May 9, 9 am: Meet at First Flight High School for a Wright Brothers Memorial Walk

  • 37th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival

    Dowdy Park 3005 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC, United States

    The 37th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival returns to Dowdy Park on Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free, family-friendly celebration of the arts features interactive art activities, live music, local student vocal and dance performances, artisan vendors, and food trucks. This year’s “Cirque Des Arts” theme is inspired by featured performers from the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center. Visitors can enjoy snacks and sweet treats from Fork ‘et Me Not, Island Snowball, and The Muse Buzz throughout the day. Hosted by Dare Arts, the festival also supports the Artrageous Youth Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to local students pursuing fine or performing arts studies.

  • 29th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show Exhibit

    Dare Arts Center 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, United States

    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.

  • Aaron Canipe Exhibit: South of Heaven

    Aaron Canipe Exhibit: South of Heaven
    Dare Arts Center 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, United States

    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.

  • Bluegrass Island Concert Series at Roanoke Island Festival Park

    Roanoke Island Festival Park 1 Festival Park, Manteo, NC, United States

    Enjoy an intimate evening of live music at the indoor theater at Roanoke Island Festival Park during this special spring concert series featuring nationally touring roots and bluegrass artists. Each show offers a relaxed, up-close concert experience with only 250 tickets available per performance.

    Guests can arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere—lobby and concessions open at 6:00 PM, theater doors open at 6:30 PM, and shows begin at 7:00 PM. Beer, wine, and refreshments will be available for purchase.

    Concert Schedule

    March 15: Scythian

    March 28: Appalachian Road Show

    April 28: The Brothers Comatose

    May 9: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

    Time: 7:00 PM (Doors at 6:30 PM)
    Location: Roanoke Island Festival Park Indoor Theater, Manteo
    Tickets: $55 (advance purchase required)

    This limited-seating series is a great opportunity to experience high-energy Celtic rock, Americana, and bluegrass in one of the Outer Banks’ most unique performance venues.