Welcome to the Outer Banks!

Arts & History Events

Sunday, June 01, 2008: (NC Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island) North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island. The NC Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island will offer a variety of maritime skills, boatbuilding, sailing programs and workshops throughout the year in the Creef Boathouse. Visit the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and learn the history of the screw-pile lights. Times and dates vary seasonally.

Sunday, June 01, 2008: (Roanoke Island Festival Park) Roanoke Island Festival Park Events. Roanoke Island Festival Park is an interactive family attraction that celebrates the first English settlement in America. The centerpiece of the 25-acre island park adjacent to Manteo, North Carolina, is Elizabeth II, a representation of one of the seven English ships from the Roanoke Voyage of 1585. Costumed Elizabethan sailors greet visitors and help them experience sixteenth century seafaring life. Also visit the Settlement site, Roanoke Adventure Museum and see the Legend of Two-Path film. Events are scheduled throughout the year in our indoor Film Theatre and our Outdoor Pavilion. Admission is charged. The on-site Art Gallery, fossil pit, Museum Store, Outer Banks History Center and marsh-side boardwalks are free and open to all. Hours vary seasonally.

Thursday, June 19, 2008: (NC Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island) Build a Boat in a Day. Build an 8 foot plywood boat. Teams will build a boat using the stitch and glue method. Cost: $275 members / $300 non-members. Minimum age is 8 years old with adult. Workshop limit is 5 teams.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008: (History Garden at Roanoke Island Festival Park) History Garden Programs. Tuesday - Early Exploration and the Roanoke Voyages. Wednesday - Pirate Day. Thursday - Nature and Cultural History. Friday - Performing Arts.

Monday, July 07, 2008: (Art Gallery at Roanoke Island Festival Park) Three Photographers: Elizabeth Kiourtzidis, Jeff Linn and Dan Waters. Jeff Linn creates photographs of area landscapes, flowers and more. He's accompanied by Dan Waters who turns photography into visual poetry as he works with light and form to capture everything from expressive color in a flower, texture of sand or rain on sea glass. Elizabeth Kiourtzidis fills out the trio with a variety of effervescent photos from fashion shots and baby portraits to nature and local scenes. The exhibition speaks to the many kinds of photography available to the professional and the myriad ways the artist sees the world. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, July 6 from 4- 6 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Festivals

Friday, June 06, 2008: (Deepwater Theater (Ocracoke Village)) Ocrafolk Festival. A wonderful island festival with live music and other entertainment, great food along with local arts and crafts, local folklore and storytelling. A great family outing on one of NC's beautiful barrier islands.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008: (Currituck Heritage Park) The 7th Annual ''Under the Oaks'' Arts Festival. The Arts Festival will be held Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Enjoy an annual outdoor art show on the grounds of Currituck Heritage Park with over 100 quality artists, local musicians, food concessions, and children's activities. Admission is free - parking donation requested. Proceeds from this festival support the Whalehead Preservation Trust.

Email the Events Coordinator at events@whaleheadclub.com for information about the park, attending the festival, event sponsorship, offering artist accommodations, volunteer needs or any other event questions

Applications for the 7th Annual ''Under the Oaks'' Arts Festival will be available on line or by mail at the end of January.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008: (North Lawn of Currituck Heritage Park) The Whalehead Club Wine Festivals. Every Wednesday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the months of June through September, starting on June 25, 2008. Come and celebrate the interesting world of wines! All wine connoisseurs and novices are welcome! Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting and entertainment under the tents on the north lawn of Currituck Heritage Park. With your $20 admission adults can sample wines from North Carolina and the world; keep your souvenir glass; take a complimentary tour of the Whalehead Club; listen to popular local musical artists perform on the stage; sample food from local vendors. Children and leashed pets are welcome. Parking is free.

Friday, July 04, 2008: (Waterfront Shops (NC Highway 12)) Duck Independence Day Celebration. Join us at 9:00 a.m. for a traditional Fourth of July Parade. Duck is welcoming children ages eight and over to participate in this year's parade by riding bicycles or walking. Decorations and costumes are welcome! There will be a section for our canine friends. Last year over 50 dogs walked in the Town's parade and sported their patriotic gear! If your child or you and your dog would like to be in this year's Town of Duck Fourth of July Parade, please show up at the Scarborough Lane Shoppes back parking lot by 8:45 a.m. Following the Parade, the Town will host a Community Celebration at the Waterfront Shops in Duck. The celebration features live music, watermelon, and the awarding of trophies for the best parade entries. All events are free.

Friday, July 04, 2008: (Throughout Roanoke Island) Manteo Independence Day Celebration. Activities run from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. and include a Wacky Tacky Hat Contest, children's games, food and other concessions, musical entertainment, and a street dance from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., when a fireworks display begins. The event is free.

Fishing Tournaments

Friday, May 30, 2008: (Pirate's Cove Marina) 3rd Annual Oregon Inlet Tuna Roundup. Tournament rules and event information for 2008 TBA.

Pirate's Cove and Cabin Fever invites you to kick off the tournament season with our 3rd Annual Oregon Inlet Tuna Roundup. Last year the payout was over $88,000 and more than 30 boats participated. We are expecting the participation and cash awards to grow significantly for 2008.

Our one-of-a-kind waterfront pavilion will play host to several national and local sponsors whose merchandise will be available for purchase onsite. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere while our anglers compete for the top spots and bragging rights.

Boat slips are limited so register today.

Friday, July 18, 2008: (Pirate's Cove Marina) 5th Annual Boat Builders Challenge. Welcome to one of Pirate's Coves crown jewel tournaments that's just for owners of boats hand-crafted in the legendary Dare County. For those lucky individuals owning a Paul Mann Custom, Bayliss, Scarborough, Spencer, Ritchie Howell, Blackwell, Holton, or any other boat made in Mann's Harbor or Wanchese, THIS TOURNAMENT IS JUST FOR YOU.

New for 2008, The Dare County Boat Builders Foundation have decided to add an additional day of fishing to the 5th Annual Boat Builders Challenge at Pirate's Cove. You will fish the best two days of three.

Last year, DeWalt Power Tools was the Diamond sponsor and the event hosted 35 boats from North Carolina and other states. Our one-of-a-kind waterfront pavilion will play host to several national and local sponsors whose merchandise will be available for purchase onsite. Come compete against the best and enjoy the camaraderie of being a Dare County boat owner.

Sunday, August 10, 2008: (Pirate's Cove Marina) 19th Annual Alice Kelly Ladies Only Tournament. Tournament rules and event information for 2008 TBA.

In 1989, Alice Kelly was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. Shortly after that she started the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group, inc and was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization with its primary focus of providing moral support to cancer survivors and their families and offering travel / transportation to and from nearby treatment facilities.

As one of the primary sources of income for the OBCSG, Pirate's Cove proudly donates 85% of the entry fees from this tournament and encourages all our participants to donate what ever they can.

This tournament is for ladies only and is considered a practice day for our famed Billfish Tournament. Slips are extremely limited so register
as soon as possible.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008: (Pirate's Cove Marina) 25th Annual Billfish Tournament. Tournament rules and event information for 2008 TBA.

25 years is more than a milestone, it's a commitment. It's also a standard that you've come to expect. This year, it becomes a promise. A promise that you'll enjoy more quality and value from the family of Pirate's Cove Big Game Tournaments.

Industry representatives highly regard our Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament as one of the most important events all year long. As one of the top three billfish tournaments in the world, our one-of-a-kind, waterfront pavilion is loaded with national companies in a setting that caters to private and intimate conversations and opportunity to connect with heads of big industry.

Our fishing teams are the beneficiaries of the best billfish waters in on the east coast during August. If you have what it takes to compete, you could be one of the lucky who take home a piece of the more than a million dollar payout.

For 2008, there will be more fishing, more shopping, and more good times that the entire family can enjoy.

Thursday, October 23, 2008: (Hatteras Island) Frank and Fran's 9th Annual Red Drum Tournament. A three day individual surf fishing tournament with 300 paid anglers competing to catch and release the largest and most red drum. Prizes total over $12,000 to multiple winners.

Golfing Tournaments

Tuesday, October 21, 2008: (Nags Head Golf Links) 15th Annual Kelly's Penguin Isle Charity Golf Benefit. $150/person or $600/team. Fees include cart and green fees, range balls. Prizes, and Dinner Buffet, Open Bar.

Kid Friendly Events

Monday, June 09, 2008: (NC Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island) Summer Youth Learn to Sail Program. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. - morning and afternoon sessions available. This 1-week course is offered 8 weeks throughout the summer. The first week-long course begins on June 9, and the last course ends on August 1. Open to youth 8 and older. Basic and intermediate instruction. Students sail Optimist and 420 sail boats. For more information and application, call the museum or e-mail obxmaritime@earthlink.net. Instructors are US Sailing instructors.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008: (Kitty Hawk Kites (across from Jockey's Ridge State Park)) Kitty Hawk Kites Wil-Bear Wright's Festival of Fun. Come kick-off Kitty Hawk Kites summer-long Kids Day every Wednesday! Wil-Bear Wright will be on hand, as well as a live radio remote with Beach 104.1 to celebrate Kids Day. Activities include: rock wall, face painting, kite making.

Saturday, June 14, 2008: (Jockey's Ridge State Park) 26th Annual Rogallo Kite Festival. Honoring Francis Rogallo, inventor of the flexible wing and resident of the Outer Banks. Across the street at the Kitty Hawk Kites store there will be kids activities including face painting, kite making, etc.

Monday, June 16, 2008: (Roanoke Island Festival Park) Water Craft Camp. Sail, power or row each day at Roanoke Island Festival Park this summer. Camp for ages 9-11 will be held on June 16-20 and camp for ages 6-8 will be held on June 23-27. Campers will explore boating and boat safety as well as games, crafts with a dash of Maritime history as well! One day campers will cruise the sound on the Down East Rover, power out on the Dolphin Watch another, and then paddle around the Nags Head Woods. No experience necessary, but having a good time is required! Cost: $110/member $135/non-members. Extended child care available from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at $5.00 an hour. Call (252) 475-1500, Ext. 238 to register.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008: (Film Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park) Commedia Pied Piper with the Tarradiddle Players. In 1842, Robert Browning wrote a beautiful poem about the legend of a mysterious piper who used his mesmerizing music to rid a town of rats. But when the greedy town leaders refused to pay the piper for his services, he used the same skill to lure away all the town's children. This is not that story. Well, not exactly that story. Told in the zany slapstick style of Commedia dell'arte, this is the Pied Piper of Hamelin like you have never seen him before. The show is free to general admission ticket holders and Friends of Elizabeth II. All guests must have a ticket. Friends of Elizabeth II may pick up tickets in advance at the Park's Visitor Center during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or call in advance to reserve the tickets.

Other

Wednesday, June 25, 2008: (Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station) 2nd Annual Rip Current Awareness Day. In September 2006, 32 year old Kristina (Eena) Koles lost her life as a result of a rip current in Rodanthe, NC. To continue her memory and help prevent this tragedy from happening again, the family created The Eena Project to educate others on beach and ocean safety.

Along with the partnership of The Cape Hatteras National Park Service, this free family event will provide many fun activities to educate people of all ages on the importance of beach/ocean safety.

The day will include workshops for on rip currents, rescues, body/boogie board safety, safety demos, and kite making. Kids will learn about safety while making kites or touring a boat from the Coast Guard. In addition to the workshops, there will be several raffles throughout the day in which visitors can win prize packages that include a free vacation, professional family photo, tickets to the aquarium, and coupons to area businesses. Each raffle ticket is a $1 donation for The Eena Project and helps the non-profit organization to continue providing lifesaving educational material to visitors of the Outer Banks. Raffle tickets can be purchased the day of the event or at various businesses in Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Avon. Also beach bags will be available for a $1 donation and are filled with safety items and literature as well as coupons from local businesses. Snacks and refreshments will be available.

Participants of this year's event includes Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, The National Park Service, The Coast Guard, Kitty Hawk Sports, Elan Vacations, Outer Beaches Realty, Village Realty, Seaside Vacations, Days Inn Oceanfront, North Carolina Aquarium, and Kitty Hawk Kites. Anyone interested in being a sponsor or providing items for raffles or bags can contact Michelle Koles at michelle@eenaproject.com.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008: (Scarborough Lane Shoppes) Yappy Hour at Outer Barks. Weekly canine cocktail hour open to all canines and their humans.

August dates for Yappy Hour are August 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Friday, September 05, 2008: (Scarborough Lane Shoppes) Yappy Hour at Outer Barks. Weekly canine cocktail hour open to all canines and their humans.

September dates are September 5, 12, 19 and 26.

Friday, October 03, 2008: (Scarborough Lane Shoppes) Yappy Hour at Outer Barks. Weekly canine cocktail hour open to all canines and their humans.

Dates for October are October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Friday, November 28, 2008: (The Whalehead Club) Black Friday Porch Sale. Do you have a holiday gift list of family and friends who are hard to buy for as they have everything? The Black Friday Porch Sale is the one day you can achieve it all! Select unique gifts for everyone with the message of preserving the heritage of the Outer Banks on sale for up to 50% off. The Whalehead Club's Copper Collection is discounted only once a year - and this is it! Enjoy music, apple cider and home-baked treats while you shop. Plus you can be the first to see this holiday season's decorations in the Whalehead Club inspired by Mr. Knight's etchings from the 1920's. Come away feeling festive not frazzled this Black Friday.

Sporting Events

Friday, May 16, 2008: (Jockey's Ridge State Park) Kitty Hawk Kites 36th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular. Come see the best sport hang gliders from around the world compete on the dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park. During this competition there will also be activities for the whole family taking place across the street from Jockey's Ridge State Park at Kitty Hawk Kites. Activities include: climbing wall, face painting, kite making, etc.

Saturday, May 17, 2008: (Outdoor Pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park) March of Dimes- Walk America 2008. The March of Dimes will sponsor this event. Registration at 8:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:00 a.m. The five-mile walk takes participants through historic Manteo, followed by a picnic.

Thursday, May 22, 2008: (Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Center) Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Center Demo Days. Check out all the newest kiteboarding gear for 2008! Kitty Hawk Kites professionals will be on hand as well as industry reps and professional kite boarders to answer all your questions. This is a great opportunity to compare new equipment side-by-side. As always, Kitty Hawk Kites professionals will be doing power kite demos.

Monday, May 26, 2008: (First Flight Baseball Complex at 111 Veterans Drive) 2008 Outer Banks Daredevils Baseball Season. Game dates and times to be announced for the 2008 season, which will be held from the last week in May through the first two weeks in August.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008: (NC Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island) Summer Open Sail. This course is held every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and is open to sailors that have completed our learn to sail programs. Weather permitting.

Theatre & Music Events

Sunday, May 25, 2008: (Outdoor Pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park) OBX Music Festival. A selection of bands will perform for this outside event which will feature beach music Food and beverage will be available. No coolers will be allowed.

Friday, May 30, 2008: (Waterside Theatre on Roanoke Island) Backstage Tours of The Lost Colony. The ultimate insider treat! Perfect for groups or individuals. The 45-minute walking tour includes exclusive views of the theatre, costume shop, and props. Tours are nightly at 6:30 p.m. and limited to the first 50 guests. Reservations required.

Friday, May 30, 2008: (Waterside Theatre on Roanoke Island) 71st Anniversary Season of The Lost Colony. See an American original drama found only on Roanoke Island in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Experience a 423 year-old mystery performed under a canopy of stars. Performances are nightly at 8:30 p.m., Sunday - Friday (no performance on July 4th).

Friday, May 30, 2008: (Art Gallery at Roanoke Island Festival Park) Megan Rubino: Recent Watercolors. Megan Rubino is a Kill Devil Hills watercolorist who will be showcasing original work that focuses on uplifting subjects with vibrant, island colors. Rubino's subjects traditionally include island landscapes complete with beach umbrellas, old cars, surfboards, sandals, palm trees, dunes and sea. Her touch with the paintbrush is as light as her spirit, which generates uplifting sayings that she creates for her line of greeting cards and prints. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, June 1, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. It is free and open to the public. The show may be seen Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008: (Film Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park) Elizabeth R. Miss Barbara Hird's particular blend of talent, technique, and intelligence and her commitment to authenticity in the interpretation of the character of Queen Elizabeth I hits close to the mark of re-creating Queen Elizabeth's charisma, persona, and style in this outstanding production. Admission is included in the general admission ticket to the Park. All guests must have a ticket for admission. They can be ordered in advance by reserving tickets at (252)-475-1500 or one hour prior to each performance at the theatre.

Show dates will be June 3, 10 and 17 at 3:00 p.m.

Outer Banks Calendar of Events »