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!

Experience the magic of summer evenings in Duck as Duck Unplugged returns to the Duck Amphitheater. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Currituck Sound, this free concert series features intimate acoustic performances as the sun sets and the sound comes alive with music.

2026 Upcoming Performers:
• August 31 – Adam Nixon
• September 14 – Graham Outten
• September 21 – Monte Hooker
• September 28 – Natalie Wolfe
• October 7 – Devin Frazier with Laura Martier

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!

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.

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!

Join Ranger Austin's skeleton crew and cool ghouls for a fun and festive hour at Jockey's Ridge State Park. Learn about what goes bump in the park after dark. This spook-tacular program will include a presentation on nocturnal critters, fun games, and creepy nature crafts. We will make Halloween-themed art using natural materials!

Treats and gift bags will be provided by NC State Parks and the Friends of Jockey's Ridge. This program is intended for ages 6 to 12.

Pre-registration is required in advance.

Please email austin.paul@ncparks.gov for details.

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

Experience the magic of butterflies taking flight during the Butterfly Release at The Elizabethan Gardens. Held Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (April through September), this interactive program allows visitors to watch newly emerged butterflies take their first flight while learning about butterfly life cycles and the plants that attract them to your own garden. Guests can add the experience to their garden admission and enjoy a close-up look at these beautiful pollinators as they are released into the gardens’ butterfly habitat.

Looking for a fun way to spend a Wednesday afternoon? Join the team at the Outer Banks Brewing Station for their weekly Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting, held every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Guests will gather on the brewery's mezzanine for a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, including a guided video tour, an opportunity to see, smell, and learn about the ingredients used to craft their beers, and a live Q&A session. The experience concludes with a guided tasting featuring four 5-ounce samples of the brewery's handcrafted beers. Tours are designed for guests ages 21 and older and are limited to 20 participants. Tickets are $15 per person and include the tasting. Advance registration is recommended.

For reservations and additional information, see the event website.

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!

October 1–31, 2026
Location: Participating locations throughout Manteo and Roanoke Island
Best Nights to Visit: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Prime Evening Hours: Approximately 6–8:30 p.m.

October gets spooky on Roanoke Island when Manteo transforms into Halloween Island: Rise of the Moondog.

The month-long charity celebration turns more than a dozen local establishments into individually themed Halloween bars and gathering spots. Guests can make their way around town collecting passport stamps while exploring a lineup of elaborate Halloween themes.

Among this year's themed stops are haunted houses, ghost ships, vampires, zombies, witches, a mad scientist laboratory, a Harry Potter-inspired stop and more.

Many participating businesses operate throughout the week, but Halloween Island organizers say Thursday through Saturday are the best nights to visit because all of the Halloween bars are open. The most active time is generally from about 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Opening Weekend

Thursday, October 1

Halloween Island officially begins for the month of October.
Participating bars and businesses begin their Halloween transformations.

Friday, October 2

Halloween Island coincides with Manteo's monthly First Friday celebration.
Downtown activity is concentrated during the evening.

Saturday, October 3

Halloween Island continues throughout Manteo.
Saturday is one of the primary nights when all participating Halloween bars are expected to be open.

Halloween Island continues through Halloween night, October 31.

Proceeds from the 2026 celebration support the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.

October 2–31, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, October 2, 6–8 p.m.
Location: Dare Arts Vault Gallery, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo
Admission: Free

Dare Arts opens its October Vault Gallery exhibition with OBX: A Dingbatter's Perspective, a mixed-media exhibition by Outer Banks artist Eric Riggs.

The month-long show combines two sides of Riggs' work: intricate, hand-manipulated printmaking and sculptural pieces inspired by his interest in African art.

Riggs creates his prints using his own equipment before cutting, layering, fusing, gluing and hand-working the pieces. He even constructs his own frames. His sculptures take a different path, incorporating found objects such as bottles, bells, natural materials and other unexpected elements.

Opening Night — Friday, October 2

6–8 p.m.

Opening reception in the Vault Gallery
Meet artist Eric Riggs
View the full exhibition
Reception coincides with Manteo's First Friday celebration
Free and open to the public
Exhibition Dates & Gallery Hours

October 2–31

Regular Dare Arts gallery hours:

Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed

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!

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. 

October 1–31, 2026
Location: Participating locations throughout Manteo and Roanoke Island
Best Nights to Visit: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Prime Evening Hours: Approximately 6–8:30 p.m.

October gets spooky on Roanoke Island when Manteo transforms into Halloween Island: Rise of the Moondog.

The month-long charity celebration turns more than a dozen local establishments into individually themed Halloween bars and gathering spots. Guests can make their way around town collecting passport stamps while exploring a lineup of elaborate Halloween themes.

Among this year's themed stops are haunted houses, ghost ships, vampires, zombies, witches, a mad scientist laboratory, a Harry Potter-inspired stop and more.

Many participating businesses operate throughout the week, but Halloween Island organizers say Thursday through Saturday are the best nights to visit because all of the Halloween bars are open. The most active time is generally from about 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Opening Weekend

Thursday, October 1

Halloween Island officially begins for the month of October.
Participating bars and businesses begin their Halloween transformations.

Friday, October 2

Halloween Island coincides with Manteo's monthly First Friday celebration.
Downtown activity is concentrated during the evening.

Saturday, October 3

Halloween Island continues throughout Manteo.
Saturday is one of the primary nights when all participating Halloween bars are expected to be open.

Halloween Island continues through Halloween night, October 31.

Proceeds from the 2026 celebration support the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.

Friday–Sunday, October 2–4, 2026
Event Begins: Friday at 7 a.m.
Event Ends: Sunday at approximately 2 p.m.
Location: Jennette's Pier, 7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head

Waveski and surf kayak competitors head to Jennette's Pier for the 2026 U.S. Open Waveski Championships. Hosted by the East Coast Waveski Association, the three-day event includes multiple Waveski divisions, a Surf Kayak Open and a Challenger Series designed to give competitors additional time in the water even after elimination from the main competition. FREE to spectators. So, bring a beach chair and cheer them on!

October 2–31, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, October 2, 6–8 p.m.
Location: Dare Arts Vault Gallery, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo
Admission: Free

Dare Arts opens its October Vault Gallery exhibition with OBX: A Dingbatter's Perspective, a mixed-media exhibition by Outer Banks artist Eric Riggs.

The month-long show combines two sides of Riggs' work: intricate, hand-manipulated printmaking and sculptural pieces inspired by his interest in African art.

Riggs creates his prints using his own equipment before cutting, layering, fusing, gluing and hand-working the pieces. He even constructs his own frames. His sculptures take a different path, incorporating found objects such as bottles, bells, natural materials and other unexpected elements.

Opening Night — Friday, October 2

6–8 p.m.

Opening reception in the Vault Gallery
Meet artist Eric Riggs
View the full exhibition
Reception coincides with Manteo's First Friday celebration
Free and open to the public
Exhibition Dates & Gallery Hours

October 2–31

Regular Dare Arts gallery hours:

Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed

The Great Art Heist returns to Dare Arts in October with a collection of one-of-a-kind artwork from local and regional artists, all supporting Dare Arts and its programs in the Outer Banks community.

The benefit silent art auction officially opens Friday, October 2 at 6 p.m. with a free reception at the Dare Arts Gallery in downtown Manteo. The evening will feature libations, hors d'oeuvres and live piano music by Fleck and will be held in conjunction with Manteo's First Friday festivities.

Guests can browse the artwork, discover pieces created by local and regional artists and place bids either in person at the Dare Arts Gallery or online through the Dare Arts website.

OPENING NIGHT: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

6 p.m.

The Great Art Heist officially opens
Silent auction bidding begins
Opening reception at Dare Arts
Hors d'oeuvres and libations
Live piano music by Fleck
Manteo First Friday festivities happening throughout downtown

The opening reception is free and open to everyone.

AUCTION SCHEDULE

October 2–23

Silent auction bidding remains open
View and bid on artwork in person at the Dare Arts Gallery
Online bidding is also available through Dare Arts

Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m.

Final bids are due
The Great Art Heist auction closes
DARE ARTS GALLERY HOURS

Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed

The Great Art Heist is Dare Arts' annual benefit art auction and its signature fundraising event, helping support the nonprofit organization's work to encourage and expand arts opportunities throughout Dare County.

Location: Dare Arts Gallery, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo, NC 27954

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. 

Opening Reception: Friday, October 2, 6–8 p.m.
Location: Dare Arts Vault Gallery, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo
Admission: Free

Dare Arts opens its October Vault Gallery exhibition with OBX: A Dingbatter's Perspective, a mixed-media exhibition by Outer Banks artist Eric Riggs.

The month-long show combines two sides of Riggs' work: intricate, hand-manipulated printmaking and sculptural pieces inspired by his interest in African art.

Riggs creates his prints using his own equipment before cutting, layering, fusing, gluing and hand-working the pieces. He even constructs his own frames. His sculptures take a different path, incorporating found objects such as bottles, bells, natural materials and other unexpected elements.

Opening Night — Friday, October 2

6–8 p.m.

Opening reception in the Vault Gallery
Meet artist Eric Riggs
View the full exhibition
Reception coincides with Manteo's First Friday celebration
Free and open to the public
Exhibition Dates & Gallery Hours

October 2–31

Regular Dare Arts gallery hours:

Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed

Saturday, October 3, 2026
Event Time: Approximately 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Byrd Street Beach Access, Kitty Hawk
Rain Date: Sunday, October 4
Awards Party: Swells'a Brewing, 1802 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills

Things get wonderfully weird on the water at the 7th Annual Which Craft Surf Gathering, a surf contest built around nontraditional boards, local shapers and a good cause. FREE to watch, $45 fee to participate in surfing events.

About a dozen shapers create a special quiver of alternative surfboards just for the event. Competitors don't get to choose their ride. Before each heat, they spin the Which Craft wheel and surf whichever board it lands on.

Style, originality and stoke count just as much as traditional surfing skill.

Event Schedule

Morning — approximately 7:30 a.m.

Contest activities begin at Byrd Street Beach Access.
Competitors and boards gather on the beach.

Throughout the Day

Surf heats featuring locally shaped alternative boards
Competitors spin the wheel before their heats to determine which board they'll ride
Live music
Beach gathering and spectator activities
Raffle activities

After the Final Heat

Contest boards go up for auction.
Every board is one-of-a-kind.
Auction proceeds benefit the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.

After the Beach Contest

Awards gathering at Swells'a Brewing in Kill Devil Hills.

Approximately 5 p.m.

Beach portion of the event concludes.

The event also includes a 2026 raffle, with announced prizes including a Birdhouse skateboard deck signed by Tony Hawk.

100% of event proceeds benefit the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.

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!

October 1–31, 2026
Location: Participating locations throughout Manteo and Roanoke Island
Best Nights to Visit: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Prime Evening Hours: Approximately 6–8:30 p.m.

October gets spooky on Roanoke Island when Manteo transforms into Halloween Island: Rise of the Moondog.

The month-long charity celebration turns more than a dozen local establishments into individually themed Halloween bars and gathering spots. Guests can make their way around town collecting passport stamps while exploring a lineup of elaborate Halloween themes.

Among this year's themed stops are haunted houses, ghost ships, vampires, zombies, witches, a mad scientist laboratory, a Harry Potter-inspired stop and more.

Many participating businesses operate throughout the week, but Halloween Island organizers say Thursday through Saturday are the best nights to visit because all of the Halloween bars are open. The most active time is generally from about 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Opening Weekend

Thursday, October 1

Halloween Island officially begins for the month of October.
Participating bars and businesses begin their Halloween transformations.

Friday, October 2

Halloween Island coincides with Manteo's monthly First Friday celebration.
Downtown activity is concentrated during the evening.

Saturday, October 3

Halloween Island continues throughout Manteo.
Saturday is one of the primary nights when all participating Halloween bars are expected to be open.

Halloween Island continues through Halloween night, October 31.

Proceeds from the 2026 celebration support the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.

Friday–Sunday, October 2–4, 2026
Event Begins: Friday at 7 a.m.
Event Ends: Sunday at approximately 2 p.m.
Location: Jennette's Pier, 7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head

Waveski and surf kayak competitors head to Jennette's Pier for the 2026 U.S. Open Waveski Championships. Hosted by the East Coast Waveski Association, the three-day event includes multiple Waveski divisions, a Surf Kayak Open and a Challenger Series designed to give competitors additional time in the water even after elimination from the main competition. FREE to spectators. So, bring a beach chair and cheer them on!

Saturdays, October 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. each Saturday
Location: Island Farm, 1140 N. US Highway 64, Manteo
Admission: $11 ages 4 and older | Ages 3 and under FREE

One of the Outer Banks' favorite fall traditions returns to Island Farm for the first four Saturdays in October.

The 15th Annual Pumpkin Patch combines locally grown pumpkins with old-fashioned games, historic demonstrations, crafts, food and hands-on fall fun across the living history farm.

The pumpkins are grown in nearby Chowan County by a descendant of Island Farm.

2026 Pumpkin Patch Dates
Saturday, October 3, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Saturday, October 10, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Saturday, October 17, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Activities Throughout the Day

Admission includes:

Pumpkin Patch
Historic games
Nail-driving contest
Jumbo bubbles
Doll crafting
Candle making
Fresh maze/corn tunnel activities
Open-fire popcorn samples
Fresh apple cider
Blacksmith demonstrations and giveaways
Farm animals
Hands-on experiences around the historic farmstead

Visitors can also shop a makers market featuring local art and crafts.

Food and other items available for purchase include:

Local food vendors
Local honey
Apple cider donuts
Additional artisan goods

All scheduled activities take place throughout the 9 a.m.–3 p.m. event window rather than at individually published times.

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.

October 2–31, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, October 2, 6–8 p.m.
Location: Dare Arts Vault Gallery, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo
Admission: Free

Dare Arts opens its October Vault Gallery exhibition with OBX: A Dingbatter's Perspective, a mixed-media exhibition by Outer Banks artist Eric Riggs.

The month-long show combines two sides of Riggs' work: intricate, hand-manipulated printmaking and sculptural pieces inspired by his interest in African art.

Riggs creates his prints using his own equipment before cutting, layering, fusing, gluing and hand-working the pieces. He even constructs his own frames. His sculptures take a different path, incorporating found objects such as bottles, bells, natural materials and other unexpected elements.

Opening Night — Friday, October 2

6–8 p.m.

Opening reception in the Vault Gallery
Meet artist Eric Riggs
View the full exhibition
Reception coincides with Manteo's First Friday celebration
Free and open to the public
Exhibition Dates & Gallery Hours

October 2–31

Regular Dare Arts gallery hours:

Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed

The Great Art Heist returns to Dare Arts in October with a collection of one-of-a-kind artwork from local and regional artists, all supporting Dare Arts and its programs in the Outer Banks community.

The benefit silent art auction officially opens Friday, October 2 at 6 p.m. with a free reception at the Dare Arts Gallery in downtown Manteo. The evening will feature libations, hors d'oeuvres and live piano music by Fleck and will be held in conjunction with Manteo's First Friday festivities.

Guests can browse the artwork, discover pieces created by local and regional artists and place bids either in person at the Dare Arts Gallery or online through the Dare Arts website.

OPENING NIGHT: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

6 p.m.

The Great Art Heist officially opens
Silent auction bidding begins
Opening reception at Dare Arts
Hors d'oeuvres and libations
Live piano music by Fleck
Manteo First Friday festivities happening throughout downtown

The opening reception is free and open to everyone.

AUCTION SCHEDULE

October 2–23

Silent auction bidding remains open
View and bid on artwork in person at the Dare Arts Gallery
Online bidding is also available through Dare Arts

Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m.

Final bids are due
The Great Art Heist auction closes
DARE ARTS GALLERY HOURS

Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed

The Great Art Heist is Dare Arts' annual benefit art auction and its signature fundraising event, helping support the nonprofit organization's work to encourage and expand arts opportunities throughout Dare County.

Location: Dare Arts Gallery, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo, NC 27954

Saturday, October 3, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, 59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras
Cost: Free
Ages: 4 and older

Try a tasty introduction to archaeology! Children will use toothpicks to carefully uncover chocolate chips and candy pieces hidden in cookies while learning how conservators uncover maritime artifacts.

When the excavation is complete, participants can eat their discoveries!

Spend the afternoon at Jockey’s Ridge State Park enjoying fresh local oysters, barbecue, beverages and live music in the shadow of the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 2 p.m.
Location: Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head
Cost: $80 per person
Tickets: Advance purchase recommended; seating is limited

Shuck, sip and support one of the Outer Banks’ most treasured landmarks at the first annual Shuck For The Ridge, a new fundraiser benefiting Friends of Jockey’s Ridge. See the event website for details and a schedule.

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!

October 1–31, 2026
Location: Participating locations throughout Manteo and Roanoke Island
Best Nights to Visit: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Prime Evening Hours: Approximately 6–8:30 p.m.

October gets spooky on Roanoke Island when Manteo transforms into Halloween Island: Rise of the Moondog.

The month-long charity celebration turns more than a dozen local establishments into individually themed Halloween bars and gathering spots. Guests can make their way around town collecting passport stamps while exploring a lineup of elaborate Halloween themes.

Among this year's themed stops are haunted houses, ghost ships, vampires, zombies, witches, a mad scientist laboratory, a Harry Potter-inspired stop and more.

Many participating businesses operate throughout the week, but Halloween Island organizers say Thursday through Saturday are the best nights to visit because all of the Halloween bars are open. The most active time is generally from about 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Opening Weekend

Thursday, October 1

Halloween Island officially begins for the month of October.
Participating bars and businesses begin their Halloween transformations.

Friday, October 2

Halloween Island coincides with Manteo's monthly First Friday celebration.
Downtown activity is concentrated during the evening.

Saturday, October 3

Halloween Island continues throughout Manteo.
Saturday is one of the primary nights when all participating Halloween bars are expected to be open.

Halloween Island continues through Halloween night, October 31.

Proceeds from the 2026 celebration support the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.

Friday–Sunday, October 2–4, 2026
Event Begins: Friday at 7 a.m.
Event Ends: Sunday at approximately 2 p.m.
Location: Jennette's Pier, 7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head

Waveski and surf kayak competitors head to Jennette's Pier for the 2026 U.S. Open Waveski Championships. Hosted by the East Coast Waveski Association, the three-day event includes multiple Waveski divisions, a Surf Kayak Open and a Challenger Series designed to give competitors additional time in the water even after elimination from the main competition. FREE to spectators. So, bring a beach chair and cheer them on!

October 2–31, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, October 2, 6–8 p.m.
Location: Dare Arts Vault Gallery, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo
Admission: Free

Dare Arts opens its October Vault Gallery exhibition with OBX: A Dingbatter's Perspective, a mixed-media exhibition by Outer Banks artist Eric Riggs.

The month-long show combines two sides of Riggs' work: intricate, hand-manipulated printmaking and sculptural pieces inspired by his interest in African art.

Riggs creates his prints using his own equipment before cutting, layering, fusing, gluing and hand-working the pieces. He even constructs his own frames. His sculptures take a different path, incorporating found objects such as bottles, bells, natural materials and other unexpected elements.

Opening Night — Friday, October 2

6–8 p.m.

Opening reception in the Vault Gallery
Meet artist Eric Riggs
View the full exhibition
Reception coincides with Manteo's First Friday celebration
Free and open to the public
Exhibition Dates & Gallery Hours

October 2–31

Regular Dare Arts gallery hours:

Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed

The Great Art Heist returns to Dare Arts in October with a collection of one-of-a-kind artwork from local and regional artists, all supporting Dare Arts and its programs in the Outer Banks community.

The benefit silent art auction officially opens Friday, October 2 at 6 p.m. with a free reception at the Dare Arts Gallery in downtown Manteo. The evening will feature libations, hors d'oeuvres and live piano music by Fleck and will be held in conjunction with Manteo's First Friday festivities.

Guests can browse the artwork, discover pieces created by local and regional artists and place bids either in person at the Dare Arts Gallery or online through the Dare Arts website.

OPENING NIGHT: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

6 p.m.

The Great Art Heist officially opens
Silent auction bidding begins
Opening reception at Dare Arts
Hors d'oeuvres and libations
Live piano music by Fleck
Manteo First Friday festivities happening throughout downtown

The opening reception is free and open to everyone.

AUCTION SCHEDULE

October 2–23

Silent auction bidding remains open
View and bid on artwork in person at the Dare Arts Gallery
Online bidding is also available through Dare Arts

Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m.

Final bids are due
The Great Art Heist auction closes
DARE ARTS GALLERY HOURS

Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed

The Great Art Heist is Dare Arts' annual benefit art auction and its signature fundraising event, helping support the nonprofit organization's work to encourage and expand arts opportunities throughout Dare County.

Location: Dare Arts Gallery, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo, NC 27954

Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: Noon–3 p.m.
Location: Outer Banks Brewing Station, 600 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills
Rain Date: Sunday, October 18

The backyard at Outer Banks Brewing Station turns into a family-friendly fall festival for the 4th Annual Pubkin Patch Kid's Event.

The three-hour celebration includes animals, pumpkins, games and plenty of fall fun while raising money for The Wave Function Project.

Event Schedule

Noon

Pubkin Patch opens in the Brewing Station backyard.

Noon–3 p.m.
Activities available throughout the event include:

Free pony rides
Free petting zoo
Pumpkin painting
Bounce house
Face painting
Seasonal food specials
Seasonal drinks
Cocktails and mocktails

Additional vendors include:

Island Snowball Co.
Under the Seam Hat Bar — additional cost

3 p.m.

Pubkin Patch concludes.

The individual activities are scheduled throughout the noon–3 p.m. event rather than at separate published times.

Rain Date: October 18