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April 2019
First Friday on Roanoke Island
First Friday is a fun-filled, family-oriented street festival held the first Friday of each month, April through November from 6 to 8 p.m. in Historic Downtown Manteo along the Waterfront. The sidewalks pulse with live music, magic, artisans, and much more. Many shops and restaurants do individual celebrations inside their establishments, offering their own live music, unique merchandise, special sales and light refreshments. Each First Friday, Dare County Arts Council also has a new art exhibition opening reception which is…
Find out more »Ghosts of the Lost Colony
Step back in time, be a part of the mysteries of Roanoke Island and meet the ghosts of the past. Join a team of ghost hunters who have discovered hot spots believed to be associated with spirits of the Lost Colony of 1587 and the show The Lost Colony. The Astral Plane Investigations team lead their groups on an hour-long tour, visiting locations in the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Waterside Theatre where ghost appearances and other paranormal activity occur. As your group…
Find out more »Sea Turtle Egg Hunt
This activity is more than just an egg hunt! Children will take part in an educational sea turtle program, meet a loggerhead turtle, and make a craft to take home. The program will conclude with an egg hunt on the Aquarium grounds as children search for eggs filled with treats! Event will be held rain or shine. Ages 3 to 7. Sessions at 11 am and 1 pm. $15 per child, plus regular admission $13.50 for NC Aquarium members
Find out more »May 2019
KidsFest 2019
Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is excited to present the 12th Annual KidsFest at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo. This FREE event will be held on Friday, May 3rd from 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Join us for this exciting, outreach festival for young children, parents, grandparents, and child care programs! It will be a morning of fun and games, play activities, entertainment, exploration, and art as we celebrate young children throughout Dare County! Please bring a picnic lunch to enjoy…
Find out more »Kentucky Derby Party
The classic event of the genteel south comes to The Elizabethan Gardens. Dress in style and enjoy the revels and embellishments of the race at this fundraising extravaganza that benefits two fantastic Outer Bank non-profits: The Elizabethan Gardens and Dare Education Foundation. Sponsored by Outer Banks Blue Realty. Expect a traditional southern affair with mint juleps, live and silent auctions, sumptuous derby pie, a hat contests and an assortment of live music, games and entertainment as you enjoy the beautiful…
Find out more »Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival
Music lovers flock to the Outer Banks for this tradition that boasts a line up of acclaimed bluegrass bands at one of the most beautiful venues anywhere. The Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival is held at the stunning Roanoke Island Festival Park overlooking miles of pristine sound waters. The 4-day festival has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and this year's event is no exception, with a number of regionally and nationally famous bands…
Find out more »The Lost Colony Opening Night
The 82nd Season Opening Night production of The Lost Colony will be on May 31st from 6-10pm. The Lost Colony, America’s Greatest Unsolved Mystery is performed on the site where the actual events occurred. A company of over 100 actors, dancers, singers and technicians create a magical evening for your whole family. Experience epic battles, haunting Indian dances, elegant costuming and beautiful music in this enormous stage production that brings our nation’s oldest mystery to life all around you.
Find out more »June 2019
The Lost Colony
In 1587, 117 English men, women, and children came ashore on Roanoke Island to establish a permanent English settlement in the New World. Just three years later in 1590, when English ships returned to bring supplies, they found the island deserted with no sign of the colonists. After nearly 450 years, the mystery of what happened to the colonists remains unsolved. The Lost Colony, is performed each summer on the same site where these actual events occurred. Under the direction of…
Find out more »Crowder with Colton Dixon at Festival Park
Come join us for a family-friendly evening of live music on the waterfront at Roanoke Island Festival Park! Bring your own blanket or chair (chairs will be available for rent on site). There will be food vendors on site. VIP tickets available to meet Crowder & Colton Dixon. Priority, General Admission and Group Tickets available as well. Information at hisgen.org
Find out more »Wanda’s Monster
This warm-hearted musical tells the story of an imaginative little girl named Wanda and her unexpected bond with a fuzzy, purple monster as she learns acceptance and friendship. Portrayed in a role greatly expanded from the book, Monster eats the flowers Wanda slips into the closet for him and attaches her artwork to the wall with his spit. While the hulking, horned monster may frighten a few little theatergoers at first, most, like Wanda, will want to hug him at…
Find out more »Children’s Show Summer Series: Little Red & The Big Bully Wolf
Join us for this week's act in the Children's Show Summer Series in the indoor theater at Roanoke Island Festival Park, Little Red & The Big Bully Wolf. The woods are scary enough without having to worry about a big bully howling in the shadows! Follow Little Red and meet her friends – the three little pigs, the boy who cried wolf, and more – as they learn to face their fears and stand up to the Big Bully Wolf!…
Find out more »July 2019
4th of July Concert Featuring SNAP
Join us this 4th of July for an Independence Day concert at the pavilion grounds featuring SNAP, a powerhouse trio that plays crooning classics, R&B, Motown, oldies and beach music to classic rock and country. Kick back and enjoy listening to classic hits and top 40 tunes beginning at 8 pm. Following the concert, watch the Town of Manteo's fireworks show over the water at dark. Gates will open to the public at 6 pm and on-site parking will be…
Find out more »Gov’t Mule
Bearded Face Productions and Jam Media Solutions are proud to present rock n’ roll legends, Gov't Mule, and special guest, The Record Company, at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo on Sunday, July 7th. Doors open at 5:00pm and the show starts at 6:00pm. Tickets are $40 - all general admission - no seating is available at the venue. Beach chairs, camp chairs and any low back type of seating may be brought into the venue, as well as blankets…
Find out more »Children’s Show Summer Series: Winnie the Pooh the Musical
Join us for this week's act in the Children's Show Summer Series, Winnie the Pooh the Musical, in the indoor theater at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The famous bear is singing happily, "Isn't it funny how a bear likes honey," when the terrible trouble begins. Kanga comes to the forest with soap for baths and spoonfuls of strengthening medicine. Something must be done! Come out for a funny, dramatic, and highly entertaining show! There will be a new live performance…
Find out more »Children’s Show Summer Series: Hayden the Magician
Join us for this week's act in the Children's Show Summer Series, Hayden the Magician, in the indoor theater at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Hayden's magic and sleight of hand is really something you need to see to believe. After studying the art of illusion and prestidigitation, he has turned years of knowledge and skills performing for live audiences into creating a spectacular magic performance that is not only unique, but truly entertaining. There is something in this show that…
Find out more »Children’s Show Summer Series: FrankenSTEM
Join us for this week's act in the Children's Show Summer Series, FrankenSTEM, in the indoor theater at Roanoke Island Festival Park. We all know the beloved story of Frankenstein, but you won’t believe this new spin on it! Take a journey back in time to when Dr. Frank N. Stein first found his love for all things STEM! This entertaining and truly captivating show helps introduce your students to the benefits and real-life applications of STEM. The bumbling assistance,…
Find out more »August 2019
Town of Manteo Youth Fishing Tournament
It’s that time again… the 6th Annual Town of Manteo Youth Fishing Tournament is Saturday, August 10th. The event is free and open to kids age 4 to 17 years old (16 & older must have a fishing license). Registration is at 8 am at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum in downtown Manteo, 104 Fernando St. Fishing begins at 8:15 am. Awards will be presented at 11:45 am with a cookout to follow.
Find out more »September 2019
Outer Banks Triathlon
Triathletes train for months to achieve their dream. Come to the Outer Banks Triathlon and experience the enthusiasm, inspiration and skill involved in taking on this swim-bike-run course! Be a part of a relay team or join in on the Challenge. The Sprint Triathlon distance is perfect for those beginner triathletes. Move up to the Olympic Triathlon distance or choose the Half Triathlon distance and see if you have what it takes! The event includes a Finishers After Party, Awards,…
Find out more »The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival
Wine! Food! Music! Old world and new world wines from around the globe will be poured accompanied by local fare served with warm island hospitality. The Grand Tasting takes place at the Sound Stage Theatre surrounded by the beautiful views of Roanoke Sound. Ten of the Outer Banks’ favorite restaurants and best chefs will be serving their specialties, complementing the body and aromas of the wines poured. Adjacent will be our Craft Beer Garden where you can sample the handicraft…
Find out more »October 2019
Pumpkin Patch Saturdays
Saturdays during October, bring the kids to Island Farm in Manteo and take an ox-drawn wagon ride to the farm's pumpkin patch and pick your perfect pumpkin to take home. Other activities include children's 19th-century games, making your own corn husk doll, stuffing a scarecrow, a scarecrow photo booth, and interacting with the farms animals. On the final Saturday, October 26th, wear your Halloween costume and get a surprise! Wagon rides take place from 10:00am - 12:00pm and again from…
Find out more »2019 Parade of Homes
The Outer Banks Home Builder’s Association welcomes you to the 27th Annual Parade of Homes. Held over Columbus Day weekend, this year’s tour runs Thursday, October 10th through Sunday, 13th. Homes are open 10 am - 6 pm Thursday through Saturday, and 10 am - 3 pm Sunday. 17 homes stretched across a compact 35 miles will open their doors this year, ranging in size from 800 square feet to over 6,000. There are 14 new homes and 3 large…
Find out more »Roanoke Island Maritime Museum Wooden Boat Show
Come out to the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum for the 7th Annual Wooden Boat Show. Witness the fine craftsmanship of the wooden boats on display, both new construction and restored, or enter your own boat. The boats are displayed in the Creef Boathouse and Park, and in the water at the Roanoke Marshes lighthouse docks in Manteo, NC. Exhibiting boats will be judged on owner built/restored or professional built/restored. Awards will be presented at the awards dinner Saturday evening and…
Find out more »November 2019
Branson Country Christmas & Veterans Show
Direct from Branson, the Country Christmas Show features Ozark Jubilee, an all-star cast of Branson's top entertainers. This year the Ozark Jubilee presents, "An All New Christmas Show," with new music and new jokes - but the same, world-class talent that you have come to expect. The production will also take time to honor and pay tribute to our veterans and thank them for their special service. The second half of the show will be dedicated to Christmas music. From…
Find out more »December 2019
Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
The 2019 Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration promises to be a wonderland of songs, dances and performances from all ages of talent here in Dare County. The production takes place on stage in front of the Dare County Arts Council and historic courthouse on Queen Elizabeth Street in downtown Manteo. The pre-show entertainment starts at 5:45 pm with the showcase starting at 6:00 pm. Immediately following the entertainment, the official Town of Manteo Christmas tree will light up for the…
Find out more »Manteo Christmas Parade
The 2019 Town of Manteo’s Annual Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 7th starting at 10:30 am. The parade features marching bands, floats and lots of fun as it goes through downtown Manteo. Updates will be coming soon about the schedule of holiday activities and contests. In the meantime, you can reserve your spot in the Christmas Parade by filling out the application found on the Town website. Floats, walking groups, and other entries are welcome, and don't forget the holiday…
Find out more »New Year in the New World NYE Celebration
Ring in the New Year in the spot where the New World began at this fun and family-friendly celebration that takes place in the heart of Downtown Manteo. Bearded Face Productions and the Town of Manteo present New Year's Eve In The New World! The evening will feature a free concert with Formula opening for Urban Soil, who will be performing their "Dance Through The Decades" set before an amazing fireworks show to ring in the New Year on the…
Find out more »January 2020
Winter Carnival
Join the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island for Winter Carnival on January 19th. Festivities begin at 1 pm until 4 pm. There will be games and winter-themed activities. Included with regular admission.
Find out more »February 2020
MAME The Musical
Come see the beloved musical, MAME, performed by the Theatre of Dare. Don't miss MAME, a bold and brassy Broadway smash hit with memorable music and a message of living each day to the fullest. When the ebullient and convivial socialite Mame Dennis suddenly becomes responsible for the upbringing of her nephew Patrick, the wealthy sophisticate embraces the challenge, introducing the boy to all of life's wonders. Musically the show is packed with Jerry Herman songs that are in perfect…
Find out more »March 2020
Outer Banks Community Quilt Show
The Outer Banks Community Quilt Show returns to Roanoke Island Festival Park. The show takes place March 7-21 from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm in the Administrative Office's Event Room. Vintage and antique quilts of all sizes will be on display for visitors to admire. The show will include quilts made or owned by quilters from the area, and by those with close ties to the Outer Banks. A…
Find out more »May 2020
KidsFest 2020
Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County will hold its 13th Annual KidsFest on Friday, May 8, 2020 from 9:30am-12:30pm at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo. This annual event is a FREE and fun-filled day where children, ages five and under, can enjoy face painting, bubbles, ice cream and snowballs, arts and crafts, music, large vehicles, and much more! Want to find out more? Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cypdarekids, or visit www.darekids.org. Interested in becoming an exhibitor or…
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