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!

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.

We hope you're ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy an evening of incredible live music at the 2026 Dowdy Park Summer Concert Series. Each Wednesday night, Dowdy Park comes alive with talented regional and local musicians performing under the summer sky in the heart of Nags Head.

Bring a chair or blanket, settle in on the lawn, and enjoy a laid-back coastal evening filled with great music, family, and community.

Lineup
August 19: Lucky 757 Band
August 26: Jeremy & The Generations
September 2: Birddog
Location & Parking

Dowdy Park
3005 S. Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC
(252) 489-8551

Parking is available in the Nags Head Elementary School lot located next to the park. Guests are strongly encouraged to walk or ride bikes when possible.

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!

Soundside Summer Market Returns to Nags Head for a Fourth Season

Spend your Wednesday mornings shopping local at the Soundside Summer Market Series, returning for its fourth season at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. Held weekly from June 17 through August 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the market brings together talented local artists, makers, crafters, and vendors from across the Outer Banks.

Visitors can browse unique handmade goods, enjoy live music, sample local food, and soak up beautiful soundside views while supporting small businesses. Whether you're searching for one-of-a-kind gifts, fresh local products, or simply a fun way to spend a summer morning, the Soundside Summer Market offers something for everyone.

When: Wednesdays, June 17 – August 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Soundside Event Site, Nags Head

Experience the charm and creativity of Hatteras Island at the Tri Villages Market, a beloved weekly community gathering featuring local artists, makers, bakers, farmers, and small businesses. Browse handmade jewelry, artwork, home décor, fresh baked goods, local treats, and unique coastal treasures while supporting the talented entrepreneurs who call the Outer Banks home.

Held at Camp Hatteras Resort in Rodanthe, the market offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere where residents and visitors can shop local, meet vendors, and enjoy a morning on the island.

When: Wednesdays, May 27 – October 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Camp Hatteras Resort, Rodanthe

Market Series returns to the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, bringing together some of the most talented local artists, makers, creators, food vendors, and small businesses the OBX has to offer. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Roanoke Sound, the market is the perfect place to spend a summer morning shopping, strolling, and […]

Prepare to Be Amazed at the OBXTreme Magic Show in Duck. Get ready for a morning of mind-bending illusions, laughter, and family-friendly entertainment as world-renowned illusionist Clive Allen returns to Duck for another season of the popular OBXTreme Magic Show.

A longtime favorite among Outer Banks families and visitors, Clive Allen combines incredible magic, audience participation, and comedy to create an unforgettable experience for all ages. Whether you're seeing the show for the first time or returning for another year of amazement, you'll be entertained by a fast-paced performance filled with surprises and interactive fun.

The series is presented with support from Kellogg Supply and The Cottage Shop and takes place at the Duck Amphitheater in the heart of Duck Town Park. See the event website for specific details.