April
> Elizabeth City
Arts of the Albemarle Exhibits & Gallery
Visit the Gallery where you will find exhibitions, original artwork, unique handcrafted items and photography.
The resident Encore Theatre Company produces three shows per year with about
twenty performance nights.
Arts of the Albemarle
April > Camden County
Hiking, biking, birding, boating, fishing the Great Dismal Swamp
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Trails are open everyday from sunrise to sunset. The refuge headquarters is located at 3100 Desert Road in Suffolk, Virginia. The headquarters is closed on federal holidays; the hiking and biking trails remain open. Fishing and boating are permitted year-round on Lake Drummond. A Virginia fishing license is required. Access is via the Feeder Ditch, which connects Lake Drummond with the Dismal Swamp Canal. A public boat ramp is located north of the Feeder Ditch on the Dismal Swamp Canal. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
April > Wilmington
Cameron Art Museum
The Cameron Art Museum presents 6-8 special exhibitions annually; monthly family and children's programs (Kids @ CAM); weekly interdisciplinary, public programs (lectures, music, films, literature, dance); and ongoing workshops and classes in ceramics... more info: Cameron Art Museum
April > Wilmington
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Thalian Hall
April > Wilmington
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
There are permanent and featured exhibits along with special programs too numerous to list in this calendar. Be sure to check out their exhibits and events calendar when planning your to-do list. Admission charged. Cape Fear Museum
April > Beaufort
Down East FolkArts Society Contra Dance
The Down East FolkArts Society sponsors contra dances once a month at Duke Marine Lab. Dances include live music (jigs, reels and old time tunes) and a caller who teaches and prompts every dance. www.downeastfolkarts.org
April > Beaufort and Morehead City
American Music Festival
This multi-concert chamber music series is performed at the NC Maritime Museum and other venues around the Crystal Coast. www.americanmusicfestival.org
April > Hatteras Island
Guided Bird Walks on Pea Island NWR
http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/spec.html#schedule Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
April > Nags Head
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Jockey's Ridge State Park. Learn more about the natural, cultural and historical history of Jockey's Ridge State Park and the Outer Banks at the park's exhibit hall. Find out what dunes are made of, how they are created and how they are shaped. Contact the park office or check online: http://207.4.179.50/dprcoe/coe_pub.html Jockey's Ridge State Park
April > Kitty Hawk
Outer Banks Music Showcase
Musical Variety Show. Reservations recommended, but not required. www.outerbanksmusicshowcase.com
April > Nags Head
Theatre of Dare Show Season
Your Community Theatre of the Outer Banks! Founded in 1991, the Theatre of Dare is a non-profit, volunteer group of your friends, family, neighbors & co-workers who share a love of theatre, and a dedication to volunteer and benefit our community. We're so proud of the shows that we put on, and we have a lot of great stuff coming up! Come out and join us, won't you? www.theatreofdare.org
April > Roanoke Island
The Art Gallery at Roanoke Island
Roanoke Island Festival Park. Hosts monthly changing exhibits featuring renowned artists. Monday thru Friday 9am to 5pm. roanokeisland.com
April > 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. Junior Sailing will be offered mid-June through early August ( each is a five-day session). Visit the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and learn the history of the screw-pile lights. Visit obxmaritime.org for current schedules.
mid-February thru late Dec > Manteo
History, Arts and Fun - All Rolled Into One!
Enjoy daily programs about the Elizabeth II, in the Settlement Site and in the interactive Roanoke Adventure Museum. A docudrama in The Film Theatre entitled The Legend of Two-Path, art shows monthly in The Art Gallery, gifts at The Museum Store, picnic areas, marsh-side boardwalks, a fossil pit, and more. Roanoke Island Festival Park
April > Hyde County
Mattamuskeet Lake open to fishing and boating.
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
March 27 - April 02 > Wilmington
Master Gardener Plant Sale
Many plants will be available including over 30 varieties of Azaleas, perennials, annuals, vines, hanging baskets, flowering trees, shrubs and herbs. www.gardeningnhc.org
April > Windsor
Turkey Hunt on Roanoke River NWR
Hunt administered by NC Wildlife Resources Commission. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
April > Wilmington
Jazz at Airlie
Enjoy First Friday Jazz Series at Airlie Gardens on the first Friday night of each month - April-October. Sponsored by the Cape Fear Jazz Appreciation Society. Airlie Gardens
April > Manteo
Red Wolf Howling Safaris
Learn more about red wolves and to experience a howling! Meet at the designated time at Creef Cut Wildlife Trailhead. Pre-registration is required. We recommend you bring flashlights and insect repellent. PLEASE-- do NOT bring pets and dress for the weather. Creef Cut Wildlife Trail is about a 15 minute drive from Manteo. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/ To pre-register for a howling, visit www.redwolves.com
More about the Red Wolf at ARNWR
April > Jacksonville
Downtown Alive
Free Concert with a variety of bands every friday night at the Old Jacksonville Train Depot. www.bold2000.com
April 04-05 > Newport
Annual Newport Pig Cookin' Contest
North Carolina's largest whole hog pork barbecue contest is in Newport. Parade is along Howard Blvd. on Friday evening; live entertainment Friday night and Saturday; serving of barbecue plates is Saturday afternoon. For information click here.
April 05-06 > Wilmington
Coastal Living Show
Over 100 booths with diverse items for home, garden and general interest. Our exhibitors are local and throughout North & South Carolina. Nominal admission charge, children 12 and under free. www.wilmingtonwomansclub.com/coastalliving.html
April 05-06 > Nags Head
Fly Into Spring Kite Festival
Jockey's Ridge State Park: Come start off the kiting season right. We will have informal, free kite flying lessons, mass ascensions, and lots of games and demos. This is a fun fly! Kitty Hawk Kites is proud to Kick Off National Kite Month with this great family fun event. Kitty Hawk Kites
April 09-13 > Wilmington
North Carolina Azalea Festival
A springtime tradition celebrating Wilmington's exceptional artwork, gardens, history and culture. Activities include headline concert entertainment; a three day riverfront street fair with arts, craft and food vendors, continuous live entertainment; a spectacular parade including floats and marching bands. North Carolina Azalea Festival
April 11-13 > Wilmington
Azalea Garden Tour
The Cape Fear Garden Club is celebrating the Azalea Garden Tour. Tickets are valid for use the entire weekend www.azaleagardentour.org
April 11-12 > New Bern
Garden Lovers Weekend
Visitors will enjoy the splendor of thousands of tulips in bloom. Held in conjunction with the Spring Historic Homes & Gardens Tour. Gardens only open free to the public. Tryon Palace
April 12 > Hyde County
Hyde Trail Ride
Join equestrians from throughout North Carolina and Virginia for a peaceful ride on Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy the beauties of nature and the waterfowl and wildlife that call Lake Mattamuskeet home. Evening meal prepared by local civic group. Live music entertainment Saturday evening. Hyde County Tourism
April 12 > Halifax County
Halifax Day at Historic Halifax
The Anniversary of the Halifax Resolves, the 1st official Declaration of Independence from England by any colony. There will be living history demonstrations, children's activities and tours of historic buildings. Halifax County Tourism
April 12 > Scotland Neck, Halifax County
Sylvan Heights Annual Duck Day
Celebrate Duck Day - a spring festival when all the impressive facets of the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Center are open to the public. www.townofscotlandneck.com
April 12 > Southport
Oak Island Lighthouse 10K Run/Walk
The Annual Oak Island Lighthouse 10K Run/Walk is a point to point race. It will begin at the Oak Island bridge and follow a very scenic route beside marshlands, beaches and the Oak Island Lighthouse ending at the N.C. Baptist Assembly. Entry fee. www.lighthouse10k.com
April 12 > New Bern
Spring Historic Homes, Gardens & Arts Tour
The New Bern Preservation Foundation and New Bern Historical Society present a Spring tour of historic homes, gardens, arts and craftsmen demonstrations in New Bern's Historic District. The tour also includes Tryon Palace Gardens. Admission charge. Craven County CVB
April 12-13 > New Bern
Annual New Bern Jazz & Blues Fest
Craven County CVB
Mid-April thru Late November > Rodanthe, Hatteras Island
Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station Programs
Storytelling, crafts, children's programs, special events, knot-tying and tours are offered. Visit chicamacomico.net for details.
mid-April thru mid-December > Wilmington
Farmers' Market
The City of Wilmington, in cooperation with the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension, announces the opening of the Farmers' Market at Halyburton Park. Regional produce, plants, herbs, cut flowers, seafood and more will be featured weekly, with special events and promotions to be held throughout the year. www.wilmingtonfarmers.com
April 16 > Kill Devil Hills
Wilbur Wright's Birthday Celebration
A day of family fun, play, picnic, and learning just as the Wright Brothers had at their own birthday celebrations more than 100 years ago. For more info visit Wright Brothers National Memorial
April 18-20 > Hertford
Annual Northeastern North Carolina Boat Show
This boat show promotes local North Carolina boat dealers while supporting the work of Communities In Schools of Perquimans County. The show will host several boat dealers, car dealers, informative booths regarding boat safety and wildlife, a large variety of food vendors, and seminars. Admission is FREE. cisalbemarle.org/nenc-boat-show.htm
April 19 > Ocean Isle Beach
Doo-Wop Festival
Bring the family and spend the day! Admission. Silver Coast Winery
April 19 > Carolina Beach
Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off
Taste and vote on all types and styles of delicious chowder prepared by some of the finest cooks in South Eastern North Carolina. The daylong event will include live local and regional music. The Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-off is about delicious food, good music, and family fun, so bring the kids along to this annual family-oriented event. Children will enjoy the park's playground and activities. Adults will enjoy live entertainment and chowder tasting and voting. Admission fee. Pleasure Island Tourism
April 19 > Beaufort
Publick Day
Bring Out Ye Wares! It's Publick Day at the Beaufort Historic Site. In Colonial Days, the arrival and business of the circuit court judge would draw a crowd including merchants who found the gathering to be good for business. This Colonial-style flea market is done in the same style each spring Beaufort Historic Site
April 19 > Manteo
Tour de Cure Cycling Event
100-mile ride from Chesapeake, VA to Manteo, NC where participants will end their fundraising journey at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Outer Banks Visitors Center
April 24-27 > Beaufort
Beaufort Wine & Food Weekend
The Beaufort Wine & Food Weekend showcases great wineries and winemakers from around the world. The synergy between Historic Beaufort, its restaurants, inns, shops and people translates into a first class event for both consumers and the business community. The funding provided to the North Carolina Maritime Museum and The Beaufort Historical Association is an important benefit from this event. www.beaufortwineandfood.com
April 25-27 > Plymouth
Plymouth Living History Weekend
Annual Battle of Plymouth Living History Weekend will take place on the banks of the Roanoke River in Historic Plymouth. This is a unique event, not only because the encampment is on the river, but also because some of the skirmishes and the Torchlight Tour are held in the historic district. www.livinghistoryweekend.com
April 25-27 > Wilmington
Annual Cape Fear Bluewater Open
One of the premier Blue Water Fishing Tournaments in the Southeast United States. The tournament boasts thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. The Cape Fear Blue Water Fishing Club hosts this annual tournament. For info: cfbwfishingclub.org
April 25 - 29 > Nags Head
Annual Outer Banks Bike Week
Miles and miles of beaches, lighthouses, the Lost Colony and so much more were enjoyed by the thousands of riders from up and down the East Coast when they came to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the Outer Banks Bike Week. www.outerbanksbikeweek.com
April 26-27 > Wilmington
Coastal Classic Celebrity Golf Tournament
The tournament is studded with more than 30 celebrities from television, film and sports who take part in the event every year. This year's list of celebrities will be announced at a later date. Past celebrity players include Astronaut Alan Shepard, Actors Dennis Hopper, Hal Linden, Lee Majors, Dan Cortese and Patrick Duffy and sports legends Carlton Fisk, Jim Mudcat Grant, Bobby Cremins and Bonnie Blair. www.nhhn.org
April 26-27 > Wilmington
Annual Parade of Homes
More than 60 new homes will be open to the public and FREE of charge over these two big weekends in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick Counties. Hours are 12-5 each day. Just pick up a Plan Book at any of the homes on the tour, or at the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders offices the week of the tour. Sponsored by Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association. www.wilmingtonhomebuilders.com
April 26 > Wilmington
Annual Antique Automobile Show
The Cape Fear Chapter Antique Automoblie Club of America will be presenting the show. Vehicles 25 years or older are allowed. Trophies will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place. As many as 100 cars and trucks are expected. local.aaca.org/northcarolina/capefear/
April 26-27 > Holden Beach
Day at the Docks Festival
Day at the Docks is the Holden Beach way to kick off the Spring and start the vacation season. Includes food. crafts, live music entertainment, kids activities and more. Come join us! www.ncislandguide.com
April 26 > Morehead City
Lookout Rotary Spring Road Race
Events of the annual Lookout Rotary Spring Road Race begin at 8:30 AM and include 10-k, 5-k, 1-mile fun run, 5-k and 1-mile fitness walk, 1-mile tot push. All starts are at the Sports Center, 701 N. 35th St., Morehead City. Registration opens at 7:00 AM. www.springroadrace.com
April 26 - 27 > Frisco
Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow "Journey Home"
Open to the public. Activities for the entire family. Native American dancing, singing, drumming, exhibits, story-telling, fine crafts, demonstrations, nature food and much, much more. Admission. Held at the Nature Trail. www.nativeamericanmuseum.org
April 26 > New Bern
Festival of Fun
This annual event has become one of Eastern North Carolina's best children's festival. Join us at Union Park for a day full of games, arts and crafts, educational information and fun. Craven County CVB
April 30 - May 02 > Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament
This annual catch and release tournament has teams competing for bragging rights, trophies and prizes. Proceeds go back into the Ocracoke community for organizations such as the Health Center, the Volunteer Fire Department, the Rescue Squad and the Sigma Willis Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more info: hydecounty.org
