“Golden Hour” by Robyn Scott is the first exhibit in the 2026 Rotating Art Show series. The exhibit will be on display in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall and open from 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from January 30-April 23, 2026. Golden Hour is a love letter to the Carolina coast, where the light hits Mother Earth with a gentle glow leading into the peaceful night sky. This collection is meant to celebrate the warm hug offered by our beautiful ocean as we drive up and down the coastal roads, exploring the many beaches and seaside shops. Many of the works feature scenes from Corolla, in particular, some of my favorite hidden soundside spots and stretches of the beach in the offseason.

“Golden Hour” by Robyn Scott is the first exhibit in the 2026 Rotating Art Show series. The exhibit will be on display in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall and open from 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from January 30-April 23, 2026. Golden Hour is a love letter to the Carolina coast, where the light hits Mother Earth with a gentle glow leading into the peaceful night sky. This collection is meant to celebrate the warm hug offered by our beautiful ocean as we drive up and down the coastal roads, exploring the many beaches and seaside shops. Many of the works feature scenes from Corolla, in particular, some of my favorite hidden soundside spots and stretches of the beach in the offseason.

Watch history in the making. A remarkable milestone in local aviation is set to take place when First Flight High School’s student-built airplane makes its official first flight on April 14 at 9:00 a.m. at First Flight Airport in Kill Devil Hills. Built by students in the school’s aviation program over the past two and a half years, the two-seat aircraft recently received FAA certification, clearing the way for its inaugural flight.
The public is invited to attend and watch the launch from the same historic grounds where the Wright Brothers achieved the first powered flight. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as parking may be limited. This event is FREE and open to the public.

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.

“Golden Hour” by Robyn Scott is the first exhibit in the 2026 Rotating Art Show series. The exhibit will be on display in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall and open from 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from January 30-April 23, 2026. Golden Hour is a love letter to the Carolina coast, where the light hits Mother Earth with a gentle glow leading into the peaceful night sky. This collection is meant to celebrate the warm hug offered by our beautiful ocean as we drive up and down the coastal roads, exploring the many beaches and seaside shops. Many of the works feature scenes from Corolla, in particular, some of my favorite hidden soundside spots and stretches of the beach in the offseason.

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.

“Golden Hour” by Robyn Scott is the first exhibit in the 2026 Rotating Art Show series. The exhibit will be on display in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall and open from 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from January 30-April 23, 2026. Golden Hour is a love letter to the Carolina coast, where the light hits Mother Earth with a gentle glow leading into the peaceful night sky. This collection is meant to celebrate the warm hug offered by our beautiful ocean as we drive up and down the coastal roads, exploring the many beaches and seaside shops. Many of the works feature scenes from Corolla, in particular, some of my favorite hidden soundside spots and stretches of the beach in the offseason.

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.

April 16 | 6:00 PM | Jockey’s Ridge State Park Visitor Center

Celebrate the natural beauty of the Outer Banks through art at the opening reception for Art From the Edge, a special exhibition inspired by the landscapes and wildlife of Jockey’s Ridge. The show features works by talented regional artists including Mark Brothers, Marcia Cline, Carolina Cato, Anna Donavan, Janet Fenton, Fay Edwards, Sarah Gill, Dawn Moraga, Holly Nettles, Rick Nilson, Jaqueline Perry, Brad Price, Fen Rascoe, Terry Rowell, Meg Rubino, Willow Rea Temple, and more. Guests are invited to enjoy the first public viewing of the exhibit and meet some of the artists whose work captures the spirit of the dunes. All artwork will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting Friends of Jockey’s Ridge, helping fund programs and conservation efforts at the park.

The First Flight Society invites the community to celebrate the birthday of aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright with a festive evening gathering on the Outer Banks. Held each year in honor of Wilbur Wright’s April 16, 1867 birthdate, this year’s celebration will feature a relaxed birthday-party atmosphere with cocktails, light bites, and live music. Guests will also enjoy “The Spirit of Wilbur Wright,” a special appearance that brings the aviation pioneer’s legacy to life.

The event also includes a silent auction featuring signed items from First Flight Society honorary members and donations from sponsors, with proceeds supporting the organization’s honorary member and sponsor programs.

Evening event (cocktails, music, and social gathering) 6-8 pm

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. 

“Golden Hour” by Robyn Scott is the first exhibit in the 2026 Rotating Art Show series. The exhibit will be on display in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall and open from 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from January 30-April 23, 2026. Golden Hour is a love letter to the Carolina coast, where the light hits Mother Earth with a gentle glow leading into the peaceful night sky. This collection is meant to celebrate the warm hug offered by our beautiful ocean as we drive up and down the coastal roads, exploring the many beaches and seaside shops. Many of the works feature scenes from Corolla, in particular, some of my favorite hidden soundside spots and stretches of the beach in the offseason.

The festival takes place April 17 & 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Ocracoke School Gym, located at

In Ocracoke. Throughout the day, attendees can browse vendor displays, talk with carvers and collectors, and see a wide range of decoys representing different carving styles and waterfowl species. The event attracts artists and collectors from Ocracoke and across the region, making it a great opportunity to experience a traditional coastal craft while connecting with the community that keeps this unique art form alive. Tickets are required for admission, and additional event details and ticket information are available through Visit Ocracoke.

The 24th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week roars into the Outer Banks from April 18–26, 2026, bringing thousands of riders and motorcycle enthusiasts together for nine days of coastal cruising, entertainment, and biker culture. The rally is headquartered at Outer Banks Harley-Davidson, just north of the Wright Memorial Bridge, but events and rides take place throughout the Outer Banks.

Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy guided scenic rides along the barrier islands, live music, bike shows, demo rides, and a bustling vendor marketplace. Special events include a Poker Run, bike games, contests, and daily entertainment, along with opportunities to explore some of the region’s most iconic coastal routes—from Corolla to Ocracoke Island.

The event grounds open daily starting at 9:00 AM, and many activities are free to attend, making it a fun stop for both riders and spectators. Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or simply want to experience the energy and camaraderie of one of the East Coast’s most unique rallies, Outer Banks Bike Week offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of reasons to ride—or just stop by and enjoy the show.

Secotan Market is a producer-only farmers’ market held in Wanchese, North Carolina, where local growers and artisans sell fresh produce, pastured meats and eggs, fermented foods, baked goods, honey, flowers and more directly to visitors in a community-focused setting.

The 2025 seasonal schedule runs as follows: during the Cool Season (December through April) the market operates on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM; in the Main Season (May through September) it is open every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; and in the Fall Season (October through Thanksgiving) it again runs every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with an additional market on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

This schedule gives you plenty of opportunities to visit on weekend mornings throughout the year, with the busiest and earliest hours in the heart of the growing season.

Location: 2868 NC-345, Wanchese, NC 27981

The festival takes place April 17 & 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Ocracoke School Gym, located at

In Ocracoke. Throughout the day, attendees can browse vendor displays, talk with carvers and collectors, and see a wide range of decoys representing different carving styles and waterfowl species. The event attracts artists and collectors from Ocracoke and across the region, making it a great opportunity to experience a traditional coastal craft while connecting with the community that keeps this unique art form alive. Tickets are required for admission, and additional event details and ticket information are available through Visit Ocracoke.

The 24th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week roars into the Outer Banks from April 18–26, 2026, bringing thousands of riders and motorcycle enthusiasts together for nine days of coastal cruising, entertainment, and biker culture. The rally is headquartered at Outer Banks Harley-Davidson, just north of the Wright Memorial Bridge, but events and rides take place throughout the Outer Banks.

Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy guided scenic rides along the barrier islands, live music, bike shows, demo rides, and a bustling vendor marketplace. Special events include a Poker Run, bike games, contests, and daily entertainment, along with opportunities to explore some of the region’s most iconic coastal routes—from Corolla to Ocracoke Island.

The event grounds open daily starting at 9:00 AM, and many activities are free to attend, making it a fun stop for both riders and spectators. Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or simply want to experience the energy and camaraderie of one of the East Coast’s most unique rallies, Outer Banks Bike Week offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of reasons to ride—or just stop by and enjoy the show.

Sip, savor, and celebrate on the waterfront at the annual Wine & Culinary Festival hosted by The Lost Colony in Manteo. This popular spring event brings together Outer Banks chefs, regional wineries, and craft brewers for an afternoon of tastings, live music, and coastal views at the historic Waterside Theatre. Guests can sample dishes from local restaurants while enjoying wines from around the world, craft beer selections, and browsing a silent auction and regional art displays. The Grand Tasting runs from 2–5 PM (VIP entry begins at 1 PM) and is a 21+ ticketed event benefiting the historic outdoor drama.

Ticket prices: General Admission $90, VIP $110 (early entry), Non-Alcohol GA $50, and Non-Alcohol VIP $60.

Give back to the beautiful shores of the Outer Banks at the Surfrider Foundation Spring Beach Cleanup on April 19, 2026, from 4:00–5:00 PM in Nags Head. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites in partnership with the Surfrider Foundation Outer Banks Chapter, this community event invites locals and visitors alike to help keep OBX beaches and waterways clean.

Volunteers will meet at the Soundside Road public access near Jockey's Ridge State Park to check in and receive gloves and cleanup bags before spreading out along the shoreline to collect litter. Participants are also encouraged to log what they find using the Marine Debris Tracker app, helping support ongoing environmental research and conservation efforts.

This free, family-friendly event welcomes volunteers of all ages (pets included—just keep them leashed). It’s a simple but meaningful way to enjoy the outdoors while helping protect the fragile coastal ecosystems that make the Outer Banks so special.

Additional Dates:

April 19th at 4:00 PM
July 5th at 5:00 PM
September 20th at 4:00 PM