Fall 2025 Installation: Souvenir by artist Todd Hale will be on display in The Courtyard Fall of 2025. The mixed media installation will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 5 and remain on display through mid-November. More information on this installation below.​​​​​

Curious Currents By Emily Holmes is the next exhibit in the Rotating Art Show. A free opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Saturday, November 1 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Come see the exhibit and talk to the artist about her work.
The exhibit will be on display Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. October 31, 2025- January 21, 2026 in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall.

The final yoga in the park with Lisa has been rescheduled to Tuesday, November 4th from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM at Dowdy Park. Bring your mat or towel and water, and join us for a peaceful close to the season. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Fall 2025 Installation: Souvenir by artist Todd Hale will be on display in The Courtyard Fall of 2025. The mixed media installation will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 5 and remain on display through mid-November. More information on this installation below.​​​​​

Curious Currents By Emily Holmes is the next exhibit in the Rotating Art Show. A free opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Saturday, November 1 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Come see the exhibit and talk to the artist about her work.
The exhibit will be on display Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. October 31, 2025- January 21, 2026 in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall.

Fall 2025 Installation: Souvenir by artist Todd Hale will be on display in The Courtyard Fall of 2025. The mixed media installation will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 5 and remain on display through mid-November. More information on this installation below.​​​​​

Curious Currents By Emily Holmes is the next exhibit in the Rotating Art Show. A free opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Saturday, November 1 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Come see the exhibit and talk to the artist about her work.
The exhibit will be on display Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. October 31, 2025- January 21, 2026 in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall.

Join a park ranger at Jockey’s Ridge State Park for a guided hike to the top of the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast. Along the way, you’ll discover the fascinating plants and animals that thrive in this ever-changing landscape and learn what makes this park such a natural treasure. Once at the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the Roanoke Sound and Atlantic Ocean that you won’t soon forget. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public. Just be sure to wear sunscreen, bring water, and wear comfortable shoes. The group will meet at the park’s pavilion beside the visitor center.

Fall 2025 Installation: Souvenir by artist Todd Hale will be on display in The Courtyard Fall of 2025. The mixed media installation will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 5 and remain on display through mid-November. More information on this installation below.​​​​​

Curious Currents By Emily Holmes is the next exhibit in the Rotating Art Show. A free opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Saturday, November 1 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Come see the exhibit and talk to the artist about her work.
The exhibit will be on display Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. October 31, 2025- January 21, 2026 in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall.

Come to the Theatre of Dare for the 50th Anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”

Fall 2025 Installation: Souvenir by artist Todd Hale will be on display in The Courtyard Fall of 2025. The mixed media installation will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 5 and remain on display through mid-November. More information on this installation below.​​​​​

Curious Currents By Emily Holmes is the next exhibit in the Rotating Art Show. A free opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Saturday, November 1 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Come see the exhibit and talk to the artist about her work.
The exhibit will be on display Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. October 31, 2025- January 21, 2026 in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall.

Experience the park after dark with this FREE event!  Get out and take a fun and informative hike to the ridge with Ranger Austin.  All aspects of the park will be discussed, including our natural and cultural history, ecology, geology, and more.  We hope you can join us.   

If inclement weather occurs, an indoor presentation will be offered.  

Preregistration is required. Email austin.paul@ncparks.gov to sign up.

Fall into Movie Night!
Come for a Free Movie Night at Dowdy Park. Will it be Remember the Titans or The Fox and the Hound? The Community Choice Movie Winner will be announced on Friday, October 31, so cast your vote in the comments below! Cozy up, enjoy the fall vibes, and join your neighbors for a fun evening at the park!

First Friday is a fun-filled, family-oriented event held the first Friday of each month, March through November from 6pm to 8pm, in historic downtown Manteo. The sidewalks pulse with live music, magic, artisans, food, drinks and much more. The Manteo Stroll featuring celebrations, specials, music all over town, art, and more inside other Manteo galleries, shops and restaurants also happens during First Friday. First Friday celebrations are a great time to explore downtown Manteo. 

Come to the Theatre of Dare for the 50th Anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”

Get ready to dance, sing, and vibe with your friends at this unique 21+ Silent Disco experience. With three channels of music, bring your wireless headphones, you can switch between 70s disco, 80s top hits, 90s guilty pleasures, old school hip-hop, EDM/remix hits, and Emo anthems all night long.

Fall 2025 Installation: Souvenir by artist Todd Hale will be on display in The Courtyard Fall of 2025. The mixed media installation will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 5 and remain on display through mid-November. More information on this installation below.​​​​​

Secotan Market in Wanchese is a producer-only market featuring fresh produce, vegetable ferments, kombucha, pasture-raised meat & eggs, pecans, mushroom products, pastries, pies, cakes, jams, pickles, honey, medicinal products, flowers, herbs, spices, teas, potted plants, natural skin care, rotating artisans and so much more. Our family of producers join each market in person to share food and goods that they have grown or crafted themselves, here in Northeastern North Carolina. We are deeply committed to honesty and sustainability in our practices. Winter Season Markets are every first and third Saturday of the month December - April 5 from 9am -12pm.

Get ready to shop, stroll, and soak up the holiday spirit at Dowdy Park! Come for the festive Holiday Markets at Dowdy Park for a celebration of local makers, coastal charm, and community cheer.

Market Dates:
November 8, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
November 29, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
December 13, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Dowdy Park, Nags Head
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smiles of the season while supporting small businesses that make our community special. Mark your calendar, bring your friends, and let’s make this holiday season merry at Dowdy Park!

Artisans bring forth a delightful array of trinkets and treasures that whisper stories of love and creativity. From soothing teas and enchanting candles to captivating home decor, handbags, and accessories, there is something to inspire every heart.  Delight in the whimsical world of kids' toys and explore charming figurines that add character to any space. Adorn yourself with exquisite jewelry, or find the perfect keychain to keep your keys grounded in positivity. Each handcrafted item radiates unique energy, fostering connection and joy.

Each market, offers craft sessions inside the shop that cater to all ages! Immerse yourself in a world of creativity and connection as you explore various projects designed to spark your imagination and nurture your spirit.
Celebrate the spirit of community the second Saturday of every month.

This program is FREE to the public. Challenge a ranger to a round of target practice with an atlatl.  This is an example of primitive technology Native Americans and early people worldwide used for thousands of years to survive.  Additional games will be set up for visitors to play. This is a great activity for young explorers and big adventurers!

Recommended for ages 6 and up.  

Activity will take place near the end of the visitor center's boardwalk.  

Come to the Theatre of Dare for the 50th Anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”

Fall 2025 Installation: Souvenir by artist Todd Hale will be on display in The Courtyard Fall of 2025. The mixed media installation will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 5 and remain on display through mid-November. More information on this installation below.​​​​​

Come to the Theatre of Dare for the 50th Anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”