August
> 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
August > 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
August > 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
August > 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
August > Wilmington
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Thalian Hall
August > 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
August > Atlantic Beach
Fort Macon State Park
Rangers hold trail hikes and regularly scheduled educational and interpretive tours and programs about Fort Macon State Park. Contact the park office: Fort Macon State Park
August > Hatteras Island
Guided Bird Walks on Pea Island NWR
http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/spec.html#schedule Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
August > Kitty Hawk
Outer Banks Music Showcase
Musical Variety Show. Reservations recommended, but not required. www.outerbanksmusicshowcase.com
August > 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
August > 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
August > 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
August > Hyde County
Mattamuskeet Lake open to fishing and boating.
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
August > Harkers Island
Cape Lookout Lighthouse Open House
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse will open for one day by reservation, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Reserve by date specified on their web page. Space is limited, five people only per group, all climbers must be over 8 years, under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. www.nps.gov/calo/openhouse.htm
August > 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
August > 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
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
August > Wilmington
Folk Fridays
Folk Concerts will be held the third Friday of each month from May - September. Airlie Gardens
August > Hatteras Island
Guided Canoe Tours on Pea Island NWR
Guided Canoe Tours (fee program) on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/spec.html#schedule Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
August > Manteo
Guided Canoe Tours
Guided Canoe Tours (fee program) on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/spec.html#schedule Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Early May thru Early September > Morehead City
Carteret County Curb Market
Carteret County Curb Market, the oldest continuously operating curb market in North Carolina, opens each Saturday through Labor Day, 7:30-11:30 AM at the corner of 13th and Evans streets in downtown Morehead City. Choose from fresh vegetables, local seafood, cut flowers, and a multitude of baked goods. Crystal Coast TDA
Mid-May through Late August > Roanoke Island
Traditional Smallcraft Program
During the summer the NC Maritime Museum offers a series of traditional smallcraft programs and classes. Visit obxmaritime.org for more information.
Mid-May thru Late September > Roanoke Island
Shallowbag Bay Sailabouts
Beginning mid-May the public is invited to join the NC Maritime Museum for a short sail on Shallowbag Bay aboard a traditional watercraft. Times and sailing schedule varies. Visit obxmaritime.org for more information.
Late May 30 thru Mid August
OBX Daredevils Baseball
obxdaredevils.com
Memorial Day to September 30 > Harkers Island
Cape Lookout National Seashore Interpretive Programs and Activities
Interpretive activities are presented by park rangers from Memorial Day weekend through September 30th. These include a wide range of history, natural resource, and recreational programs. Programs include Horse Watching, Habitat Hike, Lighthouse Lore, Storm Stories, Fishing with the Coast Keeper, Barrier Island Ecology, Tidal Flat Exploration and a Cape Truck Tour with a Ranger. Some programs occur each week, some scheduled programs are repeated and require reservations. Check at the Harkers Island Visitor Center to learn of places to visit in Cape Lookout, and to learn of things to do. http://www.nps.gov/calo/programs.htm Cape Lookout National Seashore
Memorial Day to Labor Day > Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Interpretive Programs and Activities
A full schedule of interpretive activities are presented by park rangers throughout the summer season. These include a wide range of history, natural resource, and recreational programs. Additional programs may be offered as well. Check at a park Visitor Center for a current schedule, and a copy of "In the Park," an informational newspaper published each summer. http://www.nps.gov/caha/programs.htm Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Memorial Day to Labor Day > Kill Devil Hills
Wright Brothers National Memorial Interpretive Programs and Activities
Wright Brothers National Memorial has many activities designed especially for kids. Check out the park schedule for "Especially for Kids" programs available at the visitor center. One favorite is "Kite Flight" where kids can see a demonstration of kite building and then fly their own homemade kites. These and other interpretive programs will be offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check at the Visitor Center for a complete schedule. http://www.nps.gov/wrbr/indepth/programs.htm
Wright Brothers National Memorial
May 30 - August 18 > Roanoke Island
The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama
The Lost Colony is America's first and longest running outdoor symphonic drama, telling the story of Sir Walter Raleigh's attempts to colonize English America from 1584 - 1590. The Lost Colony is America's first great historical mystery and includes the story of Virginia Dare, first English child born in America. Lost Colony
August > Gates County
Merchants Millpond State Park
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Merchants Millpond State Park, one of North Carolina's rarest ecological communities. Massive cypress & gum trees covered with Spanish moss form a canopy for the dark waters of the 750-acre cypress millpond ~ a wilderness sanctuary for wetland wildlife. Contact the park office or check online: Merchants Millpond
August > Plymouth
Pettigrew State Park
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Pettigrew State Park. Contact the park office or check online: http://207.4.179.50/dprcoe/coe_pub.html Pettigrew State Park
June 1 thru August 12 > Kure Beach
Living History Program at Fort Fisher
The fort’s longest running and most successful educational program. Summer interns and volunteers in period Civil War uniforms give special tours, talks and weapons demonstrations on a scheduled basis. Admission is free, donations appreciated! Fort Fisher State Historic Site
August > Lake Waccamaw, west of Wilmington
Lake Waccamaw State Park
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Lake Waccamaw State Park. Lake Waccamaw State Park
August > Kure Beach
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Program titles include Shell Stroll, Turtle Talk, Salt Marsh Exploration, Bird Hike and Surf Fishing Basics. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
August > Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach State Park
Rangers hold trail hikes and regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Carolina Beach State Park. Contact the park office or check online: http://207.4.179.50/dprcoe/coe_pub.html Carolina Beach State Park
August > Emerald Isle
Hot Wax Surf Camp
Hot Wax Surf Camp - is offered through the summer by Hot Wax Surf Shop, Emerald Isle. Morning Camp offers classes every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9:30-11:30 AM. Private and group instruction is also offered. Afternoon Surfabout offers advanced instruction. www.hotwaxsurf.com
June thru mid-August > Beaufort
Junior Sailing Program
The Junior Sailing Program of the NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort, teaches seamanship, navigation, boating safety, and sailing techniques to beginning and intermediate sailors ages 8 and older. Students sail International Optimist Dinghies or Vanguards during the two-week sessions and final Regatta. NC Maritime Museum www.ncmm-friends.org/onthewater/junior_sailing.htm
June 1 thru mid-August > Beaufort
Summer Science School For Children
The Summer Science School for Children entering 1st - 10th grades offers hands-on classes to investigate North Carolina's coastal environment and maritime history. Day classes range from boat models and mariners, fishing fossils, kayaking, maritime archaeology, mystery and history, pirates, and seashore. NC Maritime Museum
August > Hatteras Island
Weekly Summer Interpretive Programs on Pea Island NWR
http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/spec.html#schedule Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
August > Manteo
Weekly Summer Interpretive Programs on Alligator River NWR
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/spec.html#schedule Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
August > Seven Springs (south of Kinston)
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. Contact the park office or check online: http://207.4.179.50/dprcoe/coe_pub.html Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
August > Bath
Goose Creek State Park
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Goose Creek State Park. Contact the park office or check online: http://207.4.179.50/dprcoe/coe_pub.html Goose Creek State Park
August > Swansboro
Hammocks Beach State Park
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Hammocks Beach State Park. Contact the office or check online: http://207.4.179.50/dprcoe/coe_pub.html The Hammocks Beach State Park office and ferry dock are located in Onslow County between Jacksonville and Morehead City. Hammocks Beach State Park
Early June thru late August > Ocean Isle Beach
Summer Childrens Programs
A popular program for families. Bring camera and have your picture taken with a snake or turtle! Museum Of Coastal Carolina
Late June thru mid-August > Kill Devil Hills
Outer Banks Opry
Family-oriented evening of acoustic music, stories and fun for all ages. Weekly guest performers. A different show every week! Admission charge. www.outerbanksopry.com
August > Atlantic Beach
Concert In The Fort
Concert In The Fort at Fort Macon State Park begins at 7:00 pm. The summer concert series is sponsored by the Friends of Fort Macon. Admission is free. Fort Macon State Park
July 30 - Aug 02 > Murfreesboro
N.C. Watermelon Festival
Over 40,000 people will participate in this four day event which includes amusement rides, crafts fair, delicious food, large parade, street dances each night, and free watermelon slices. Murfreesboro Tourism
August 01-03 > Oak Island
Long Bay Lady Angler King Mackerel Tournament
For info: oakislandfishingclub.org
August 01-03 > Atlantic Beach
Annual Raleigh Saltwater Sportfishing Club King Mackerel Tournament
For info: rswsc.org
August 07 > Roanoke Island
Tea with the Queen
Meet Queen Elizabeth I and her royal court for a special presentation of sumptuous desserts, refreshing iced tea and delightful antics. Includes a backstage tour of Waterside Theatre. Advance reservations are required. Admission charge. Lost Colony
August 09 > Scotland Neck, Halifax County
Annual Crepe Myrtle Festival
Scotland Neck will celebrate good food, good folks and good times on the grassy Town Commons. A large variety of food, arts and crafts, live entertainment, games and kids amusement rides will be available. Admission is free. www.townofscotlandneck.com
August 09 > Wrightsville Beach
Castles & Scoops Sand Sculpting Contest
Businesses, civic organizations, and groups and families build sand sculptures with prizes in five categories. Contestants build ice cream sundaes while sculptures are being judged. Benefits the Wilmington Children's Museum. Wilmington Childrens Museum
August 09> Kill Devil Hills
Annual Kitty Hawk Kites - Carolina Outdoors Ocean Games
It is a whole day of fun in the sun with a 7 mile kayak race, sandcastle building contests, kite boarding demonstrations and much more. Kitty Hawk Kites
August 09-10 > Sneads Ferry
Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival
Festival begins with a parade followed by two days of fun, fireworks and street dance on Saturday night, top-notch entertainment, browsing the booths for local crafts and artwork and all the shrimp you can eat with plenty of food vendors. www.sneadsferryshrimpfestival.com
August 09 > Sneads Ferry
Sneads Ferry Rotary King Mackerel Tournament
For info: sneadsferrykmt.com
August 14 > Roanoke Island
Tea with the Queen
Meet Queen Elizabeth I and her royal court for a special presentation of sumptuous desserts, refreshing iced tea and delightful antics. Includes a backstage tour of Waterside Theatre. Advance reservations are required. Admission charge. Lost Colony
August 16 > Washington
Annual Pickin On The Pamlico
Relish a hearty crab feast harvested fresh from the Pamlico River, and enjoy good music, while taking in the beautiful views of the Washington waterfront. Sound good to you? You are invited to PICKIN' ON THE PAMLICO. We will be pickin' & eatin' all you can eat CRAB & SHRIMP while enjoying musical entertainment. washingtononthewater.com
August 16-17 > Wrightsville Beach
Annual East Coast Wahine Championships
Surf competitions in shortboard, longboard, pro longboard, advanced shortboard, bodyboard, and novice divisions. Also, a surf clinic will be held. Entries are limited. www.eastcoastwahines.com
August 16 > Jacksonville
Kuumba Festival
Food, fun, activities emphasizing cultural heritage. Onslow County Tourism
August 18 > Roanoke Island
Virginia Dare Faire Birthday Celebration
A special performance of The Lost Colony features local infant in the role of baby Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America. This special day includes activities and programs throughout the day, honoring Virginia Dare. Lost Colony
August 19 > Kill Devil Hills
National Aviation Day - Orville Wright's Birthday
Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established August 19th, Orville Wright's birthday, as National Aviation Day to honor the Wright Brothers and all flying pioneers and heroes. Special aviation related activities.For more info visit Wright Brothers National Memorial
August 22-23 > Morgans Corner north of Elizabeth City
Annual River City Bull Bash
The Professional Bull Riders will return to the Elizabeth City area for The River City Bull Bash. It is known throughout the bull riding world for its quality of bulls. Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County Tourism
August 23 > Wilmington
Flavor of the Past: Tasting Through Time
Taste. Touch. Try. Visitors can step back in time to sample and experience 100 years of food, live entertainment, and Southern culture. Cape Fear Museum
Aug 27-30 > Beaufort
Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic
Please see website for all details.: fishbocc.com
Aug 29-30 > Holden Beach
South Brunswick Isle King Mackerel Classic
Annual King mackerel fishing tournament. Sanctioned by SKA (div 12) and the USAA (div 4). Over $100,000 in cash prizes. One day fishing. For info: sbikingclassic.com
August 30 > Oak Island
Oak Island Arts and Crafts Festival
Over 80 booths of artwork handcrafted by the exhibitors. There are no buy and sell items. Offer visitors a veriety of items including paintings, pottery, baskets, jewelry, sculpture, wood, and more. Middleton Park Southport - Oak Island Tourism
August 30-31 > Beaufort
Fall Show, Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition
Juried show and sale of arts and crafts of coastal artisans. At the Beaufort Historic Site. Crystal Coast TDA
Late May thru Late October > Elizabeth City
Downtown Waterfront Market
A weekly celebration of local foods, crafts and activities!! Cooking and arts-and-crafts demonstrations! Music and live performances!! On the green at Mariner's Wharf Park, Saturdays morning to mid-afternoon. Hope to see you there!! For more information downtownwaterfrontmarket.com
