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Week of Events
Monday, October 19, 2026
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October 19, 2026 -Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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October 19, 2026 -Halloween Island 2026
Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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!
Halloween Island 2026
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.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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October 20, 2026 -Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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October 20, 2026 -Halloween Island 2026
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October 20, 2026 -Eric Riggs Exhibit: OBX: A Dingbatter’s Perspective
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October 20, 2026 -The Great Art Heist: Art Auction
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October 20, 2026 -KDDB New Skater Night
Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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!
Halloween Island 2026
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.
Eric Riggs Exhibit: OBX: A Dingbatter’s Perspective
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: Art Auction
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
KDDB New Skater Night
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.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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October 21, 2026 -Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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October 21, 2026 -Halloween Island 2026
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October 21, 2026 -Eric Riggs Exhibit: OBX: A Dingbatter’s Perspective
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October 21, 2026 -The Great Art Heist: Art Auction
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October 21, 2026 -Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting at Outer Banks Brewing Station
Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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!
Halloween Island 2026
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.
Eric Riggs Exhibit: OBX: A Dingbatter’s Perspective
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: Art Auction
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
Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting at Outer Banks Brewing Station
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.
Thursday, October 22, 2026
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October 22, 2026 -Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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October 22, 2026 -Halloween Island 2026
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October 22, 2026 -Eric Riggs Exhibit: OBX: A Dingbatter’s Perspective
-
October 22, 2026 -The Great Art Heist: Art Auction
Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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!
Halloween Island 2026
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.
Eric Riggs Exhibit: OBX: A Dingbatter’s Perspective
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: Art Auction
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
Friday, October 23, 2026
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October 23, 2026 -Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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October 23, 2026 -Halloween Island 2026
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October 23, 2026 -Eric Riggs Exhibit: OBX: A Dingbatter’s Perspective
-
October 23, 2026 -The Great Art Heist: Art Auction
-
October 23, 2026 -Movie Night at Dowdy Park
Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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!
Halloween Island 2026
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.
Eric Riggs Exhibit: OBX: A Dingbatter’s Perspective
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: Art Auction
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
Movie Night at Dowdy Park
The Town of Nags Head Calendar shows that the movie is playing at Dowdy Park on Friday, September 11, 2026, is National Treasure.
October 9 & 23 (Movies TBA)
Event Details
Time: Starts at 8:00 PM (approximately 30 minutes after sunset at 7:27 PM).
Location: Dowdy Park, 3005 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959.
Cost: Free.
Saturday, October 24, 2026
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October 24, 2026 -Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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October 24, 2026 -Halloween Island 2026
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October 24, 2026 -Island Farm’s 15th Annual Pumpkin Patch
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October 24, 2026 -Secotan Fall Markets
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October 24, 2026 -Eric Riggs Exhibit: OBX: A Dingbatter’s Perspective
Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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!
Halloween Island 2026
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.
Island Farm’s 15th Annual Pumpkin Patch
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 Fall Markets
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.
Eric Riggs Exhibit: OBX: A Dingbatter’s Perspective
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
Sunday, October 25, 2026
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October 25, 2026 -Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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October 25, 2026 -Halloween Island 2026
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October 25, 2026 -Eric Riggs Exhibit: OBX: A Dingbatter’s Perspective
Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation
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!
Halloween Island 2026
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.
Eric Riggs Exhibit: OBX: A Dingbatter’s Perspective
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