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 plants, animals, and ecosystems that make the Outer Banks such a unique coastal environment during Nature on the Boardwalk, a free guided nature program presented by the Town of Duck.

Led by a knowledgeable naturalist, this interactive morning walk takes participants along the Duck Boardwalk to explore local wildlife, native vegetation, marsh habitats, and the natural history of the Currituck Sound. Each program offers opportunities to observe birds, learn about coastal ecology, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds Duck.

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, families, visitors, and residents alike, this educational program provides a fun and engaging way to connect with the environment while enjoying a scenic stroll along the waterfront.

2026 Dates & Times
Mondays, June 1 – August 24, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

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

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!

Looking for laughs, amazement, and family-friendly entertainment this summer? The Town of Duck's Variety Show series brings nationally recognized performers to the Duck Amphitheater for a season filled with juggling, comedy, bubbles, puppetry, and interactive fun.

Each show features a different entertainer, ensuring that no two performances are ever the same. Designed for audiences of all ages, the Variety Show series has become a favorite summer tradition for Outer Banks families and visitors alike. From incredible bubble artistry and comedy juggling to magic and puppetry, every performance offers something unique and entertaining. The series is generously sponsored by Treehouse Cafe & Coffee.

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

Survival Techniques of the Eastern Woodlands at the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center offers an engaging look at the traditional skills used by Native peoples of the Eastern Woodlands. During this interactive program, cultural educators demonstrate historic hunting tools and techniques—such as archery, atlatls, spears, and knives, while explaining how these tools were crafted and used for survival and hunting. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge, craftsmanship, and the resourceful ways people lived off the land. 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.

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!

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.

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 […]

Animal lovers are invited to help local pets find their forever homes at Salty Tails of Love Adoption Day, happening April 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM–12:30 PM at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites in partnership with the Outer Banks SPCA/Dare County Animal Shelter, this heartwarming community event gives visitors the chance to meet adoptable dogs and cats and support animal rescue efforts on the Outer Banks.

Guests can stop by to adopt a pet, donate needed supplies, or learn more about local animal welfare efforts. Donations for the shelter are encouraged, and purchases of Salty Tails merchandise at Kitty Hawk Kites locations help support the cause—with $1 from each hat or shirt donated to the Outer Banks SPCA.

Whether you’re hoping to welcome a new furry family member or simply want to support a great cause, this family-friendly event offers a meaningful way to give back while enjoying a spring morning on the Outer Banks.

Come to Jockey’s Ridge Crossing to help a furry friend find a fur-ever home on these dates:

April 8th
May 27th
June 24th
July 8th
August 26th

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.

Salty Tails and Kitty Hawk Kites are teaming up to support our local Outer Banks SPCA with the Salty Tails of Love Adoption Day. Each month, join us at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm and drop off goods to donate to the local SPCA or help a furry friend find a forever home at our event, or go into any Kitty Hawk Kites location and purchase Salty Tails merchandise to help support and spread awareness! With each purchase of a Salty Tails hat or shirt, $1.00 will be donated to the Outer Banks SPCA/Dare County Animal Shelter to help support their cause.  

Come to Jockey’s Ridge Crossing to help a furry friend find a fur-ever home on these dates:

May 27th
June 24th
July 8th
August 26th

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

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.

Start your morning with movement and fresh coastal air at Dynamic Flow on the Green with OBX Fit. This fun and engaging calisthenics-based workout combines mobility, strength, and flexibility exercises designed for all fitness levels—from beginners to seasoned athletes. The natural, practical, and playful class focuses on simple movements that help improve balance, mobility, and overall wellness. Participants are welcome to join in person on the Town Green or online. Thanks to the generous support of Duck’s Cottage Coffee & Books, all classes will also be available on the Town of Duck Facebook page for 30 days after each session. In the event of lightning, the class will be offered via livestream only.

Cost: Free
What to Bring: Water, comfortable workout attire, and a yoga mat or towel if desired.

Join Amy for a relaxing, all-levels yoga class on the beach, sponsored by Outer Banks Health. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi, everyone is welcome.

📅 Thursdays
June 4 – August 27, 2026

🕢 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

📍 North Beach at Jennette's Pier
7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC

💲 FREE

✔ Open to all skill levels
✔ No RSVP required
✔ Weather permitting

Bring:
• Yoga mat or beach towel
• Water bottle
• Positive vibes

📞 Questions? Call 252-449-4529

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!

Why choose between story time and creative play when you can enjoy both? The Town of Duck's Story Time and Chalk the Walk combines engaging children's stories with a colorful outdoor art activity, making it a perfect summer morning for young readers and budding artists.

The event begins on the steps of the Paul F. Keller Meeting Hall, where local partners from Island Bookstore and Duck's Cottage Coffee & Books share entertaining stories for children and families. After story time, participants head over to Duck Town Hall to create colorful sidewalk masterpieces during Chalk the Walk. Sidewalk chalk is provided—just bring your imagination! Be sure to bring water and dress for warm weather. Please note: Dates, times, locations, and program details are subject to change. Check the Town of Duck event calendar for the latest information.

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.

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

Head north to Carova for Artsy August, a fun family-friendly celebration of local makers, coastal art and community spirit hosted by Carova Beach Volunteer Fire & Rescue.

Held every Thursday in August, the event features a rotating selection of local artists and makers, along with music, games for the kids and free treats that vary from week to week, including ice cream, popcorn and cotton candy.

There's even a Float Farm, where visitors can adopt a free pool float to take home. And because you're in Carova, you never know when one of the area's famous wild horses might make an appearance!

Dates: Thursday, Aug. 20 & Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Carova Beach Volunteer Fire & Rescue, 2169 Ocean Pearl Road, Corolla, NC 27927
Admission: Free

Step back in time and experience one of the Outer Banks' most fascinating living history demonstrations. Each Thursday during the summer, volunteers at the historic Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station recreate the famous Beach Apparatus Drill, showcasing how members of the U.S. Life-Saving Service rescued shipwreck victims long before helicopters, rescue boats, and modern technology. The demonstration […]

Climb aboard for a guided wildlife adventure through Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and discover some of the incredible animals that call this wild corner of the Outer Banks home.

Led by refuge volunteers, each van tour is a little different and can be customized around the wildlife participants are most interested in seeing. The van travels through the refuge, stopping whenever wildlife or other interesting sights are spotted along the way.

Keep your eyes open for black bears, river otters, wild turkeys, bald eagles, great blue herons, alligators, turtles and even the refuge's critically endangered red wolves.

Of course, this isn't a zoo, so no particular animal sighting can be guaranteed. That's part of the adventure—with thousands of animals living throughout the refuge, you never know what might appear around the next corner.

Dates: Every Thursday in August — remaining dates Aug. 20 & Aug. 27, 2026, 5 - 7 pm
Location: Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Ages: 6 and up
Group Size: Maximum of 6 participants
Cost: $30 per person; $20 for children ages 12 and under
Meeting Location: Creef Cut Wildlife Trail Parking Lot, Hwy. 64 & Milltail Road, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge — approximately 6 miles west of Manns Harbor.
Reservations: Required

To reserve: Call 252-216-9464 to make your reservation and pay for the tour.

Space is extremely limited with only six participants per tour, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Concert on the Green Returns to Duck for Summer 2026

Spend your Thursday evenings enjoying live music under the open sky at the Town of Duck's popular Concert on the Green series. Held on the Town Green, these free concerts feature a variety of local and regional musicians performing everything from classic covers and country favorites to original songs and beach music.

Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, and coolers and settle in for an evening of family-friendly entertainment in one of the Outer Banks' most scenic soundside settings. Concerts take place every Thursday evening from June through August.

When: Thursdays, June 11 – August 27, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Duck Town Green, Duck, NC
Cost: Free

Please note: Performers, dates, times, and locations are subject to change without notice. Check the Town of Duck for the latest event information.

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. 

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

Let your child's creativity set sail at Maritime Crafts for Kids at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras! This free weekly program invites children of all ages to create fun, hands-on crafts inspired by the unique coastal environment and rich maritime heritage of the Outer Banks. Best of all, the museum provides all the supplies—just bring your imagination!

Held on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., this family-friendly activity is a great way to enjoy a creative morning while learning about the coast through art and hands-on exploration.

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras
Free Admission | All Ages Welcome

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.

Experience the freshest flavors of Northeastern North Carolina at Secotan Market, a producer-only farmers market where everything is grown, raised, crafted, or created by local vendors. Held in Wanchese, this community-focused market brings together farmers, bakers, artisans, and makers offering an impressive selection of seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats and eggs, honey, flowers, herbs, teas, mushrooms, […]

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!

Spend a Saturday morning exploring the Downtown Market in Manteo, a lively open-air market in the heart of Manteo's charming waterfront district. Browse a variety of local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, and other unique treasures while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of one of the Outer Banks' most picturesque towns. […]

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

Enjoy a true Hatteras Island tradition at the weekly Hatteras Village Community Fish Fry! A summertime staple for decades, the Fish Fry brings locals and visitors together for fresh fried fish and all the fixings while raising money for organizations that serve the Hatteras community.

Choose a small plate with one piece of fresh fried fish or a large plate with two pieces, both served with coleslaw, potato salad, hush puppies and iced tea with free refills. Be sure to save room for something sweet from the dessert table!

Even better, your dinner helps support the community. Proceeds from the season benefit the Hatteras Fire Department, Ladies Fire Auxiliary, Civic Association and Hatteras United Methodist Church, which in turn support numerous local programs and charitable causes.

Dates: Saturdays through September 5, 2026
Upcoming Dates: August 15, 22 & 29 and September 5
Time: 5:00 PM until sold out
Location: Hatteras Village Volunteer Fire Department, Hatteras Village, NC

Cost:
Small Plate – $13: One piece of fresh fried fish, coleslaw, potato salad, hush puppies and iced tea
Large Plate – $18: Two pieces of fresh fried fish with all the fixings
Free iced tea refills are included. Desserts are also available.

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!