July
> 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
July > 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
July > 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
July > Wilmington
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Thalian Hall
July > 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
July > 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
July > 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
July > 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
July > Hatteras Island
Guided Bird Walks on Pea Island NWR
http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/spec.html#schedule Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
July > Kitty Hawk
Outer Banks Music Showcase
Musical Variety Show. Reservations recommended, but not required. www.outerbanksmusicshowcase.com
July > 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
July > Kill Devil Hills
KDH Cooperative Gallery & Studios
KDH Cooperative is an artist operated gallery featuring local works of art in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastels, pen and ink, ceramics, jewelry, fibers, furniture, candles, pottery, photography, mosaic, glass and metal. There are over 45 juried artists, many of whom assist in running the gallery. The gallery's specialty is art made by local artists on the Outer Banks and nearby areas. Several artists work on site in their studios and our blacksmith can be seen working at his forge outside most days. We offer art classes and workshops for all ages. Check our website for current schedules and to see some of the artists featured at the co-op! www.kdhcooperative.com
July > 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
July > 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
July > Hyde County
Mattamuskeet Lake open to fishing and boating.
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
July > 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
July > 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
July > Wilmington
Folk Fridays
Folk Concerts will be held the third Friday of each month from May - September. Airlie Gardens
July > 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
July > 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 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 28 - August 20 > 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
July > 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
July > 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
July > 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
July > 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
July > 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
July > 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
July > Hatteras Island
Weekly Summer Interpretive Programs on Pea Island NWR
http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/spec.html#schedule Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
July > 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
July > Manteo
Summer Children's Performance Series at Roanoke Island Festival Park
Roanoke Island Festival Park, in the Film Theatre. Performances for children. Following the performance, the Museum Store provides children's activities. Admission can be purchased at the door. Roanoke Island Festival Park
July > 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
July > 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
July > 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 Afternoon Family 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
June 25 - Aug 02> Edenton
Annual People's Choice Exhibit
The top three voted upon artists at the Members Exhibit will have a joint show. www.chowanarts.org
July > Currituck County
Open Roads Day on Mackay Island NWR
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
July 01 - 05 > Southport
N.C. 4th of July Festival
Celebrating our nation's independence for over 200 years, The City of Southport has been designated the official N.C. 4th of July Festival. www.nc4thofjuly.com
July > 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 01-03 > Nags Head
Annual Outer Banks Sandsculpture Festival
Kitty Hawk Sports at Jockey's Ridge Crossing Shopping Center, Nags Head. See professional sand sculptures create a 50-ton artistic masterpiece out of sand as well as a sand carving contest for kids. kittyhawksports.com
July > New Bern
Eastern Carolina Regional Juried Fine Arts Show
The Twin Rivers Artist Association is sponsoring their Annual Regional Show of artist' work from Craven, Carteret, Pamlico, Pitt, Jones and Onslow counties. The multi-media show will be exhibited at the Bank of the Arts. Craven County CVB
July 1-4> Wrightsville Beach
Cape Fear Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament
NC Governors Cup Series. For info: capefearbluemarlintournament.com
July 03 > Weldon, Halifax County
Weldon Independence Day Celebration
Family oriented event including food, games for the kids, live musical entertainment and fireworks display. Free admission. Location is River Falls Park. Halifax County Tourism
July 03-04 > Wilmington
Cape Fear 7's Rugby Tournament
The Cape Fear Rugby Football Club will host the annual Cape Fear 7's Rugby Tournament. Cape Fear 7's is the oldest and largest 7-a-side weekend rugby tournament in the entire United States and attracts over 60+ teams from throughout the United States and from many countries. www.fearrugby.com
July 03 > Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach Fireworks
Do you love fireworks but cant get there on the Fourth? Enjoy fireworks on the beach! Pleasure Island Tourism
July 03-04 > Beaufort
Summer Show, Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition
Juried show and sale of arts and crafts of coastal artisans is held Saturday and Sunday on the Beaufort Historic Site, downtown Beaufort. Crystal Coast TDA
July 04 > Edenton
Annual 4th of July Celebration
Fireworks, food, entertainment and more. Edenton Tourism
July 04 > Halifax County
4th of July Fireworks in Halifax
Join us for our annual fireworks at dark. Halifax County Tourism
July 04 > Wilmington
4th of July Riverfront Celebration
Street fair will take place along Water Street from 5-10pm. Food vendors offer spectators anything from funnel cakes to pizza. Entertainment is on the main stage across from the Federal Building. Fireworks begin at 9 pm. Cape Fear Coast CVB
July 4th > Wilmington
Battleship Blast
Watch one of the largest choreographed fireworks displays in the State explode over the Battleship at 9:05 pm. View from historic downtown Wilmington. Due to fireworks, Battleship closes at 6 pm. Battleship North Carolina
July 4 > Emerald Isle
4th of July Fireworks
The 4th of July is celebrated in Emerald Isle on the Crystal Coast with fireworks over the ocean from the Bogue Inlet Pier. Fireworks are scheduled at 9:00 PM in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City and Emerald Isle. Harbor cruises schedule departure times for viewing the fireworks from the water. Crystal Coast TDA
July 04 > Morehead City
4th of July Fireworks
The waterfront in downtown Morehead comes alive on the 4th of July with fireworks and a street dance to follow. Crystal Coast TDA
July 04 > Beaufort
4th of July Parade & Community Picnic
An old-fashioned tradition continues in historic Beaufort on July 4 with a parade on the downtown waterfront that includes: kids, pets, wagons, flags and lemonade stands. Parade begins at 11AM at the fire department, procedes through downtown along the waterfront. Crystal Coast TDA
July 4 > Atlantic Beach
4th of July Fireworks
The Town of Atlantic Beach holds an annual July 4th celebration on the beach complete with entertainment and fireworks. Crystal Coast TDA
July 04 > Swansboro
Fourth of July Fireworks
Food, entertainment and fireworks. Swansboro Tourism
July 04 > Swansboro
Fourth of July Fireworks
Food, entertainment and fireworks brings the fishing village of Swansboro alive! Town Of Swansboro
July 4 > Duck
July 4th Celebration
www.townofduck.com
July 4 > Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke July 4th Celebration
From flag-raising to flag waving, this island tradition is sure to delight both young and old. There is a sand-sculpting contest, sky-divers jumping from planes, a colorful parade, Blackbeard the Pirate, and lots of food! Hyde County Tourism
July 4 > Corolla
July 4th Whalehead Club Celebration
Annual 4th of July Celebration on the grounds of Currituck Heritage Park and the Historic Whalehead Club. Great food and activities for children, plus official 4th of July apparel will be available for the public. At 9:30 p.m., a fireworks display. Whalehead Club
July 4 > Manteo
July 4th Roanoke Island Festival Park Celebration
This event will be held in the Outdoor Pavilion at the Roanoke Island Festival Park. Roanoke Island Festival Park
July 4 > Holly Ridge, Topsail Region
Four Town Fireworks
Enjoy food, music, fireworks, and fun at the Holly Ridge Ball Field in Holly Ridge. Topsail Tourism
July 4 > Sneads Ferry
Fireworks Cruise
Cruise leaves marina at 7pm and will return around 11pm. Float along the New River with us and view the Camp Lejeune fireworks display. Admission charge. www.paradiselandingmarina.com
July 4 > Jacksonville
Freedom Festival
Celebrating Independence Day. Fun for friends and family of all ages. Entertainment, games and fireworks. Onslow County Tourism
July 4 > Jacksonville
Fireworks Display
Our famous fireworks display. Event opens at 5:30 at W.P.T. Hill Field. Free and open to the public, alcohol free event. Please leave pets & personal fireworks at home. Camp Lejeune -USMC
July 06-08 > Corolla
Corolla Wild Horse Days
A week-long celebration at Currituck Heritage Park, the Old Schoolhouse in Corolla Village, and the Whalehead Club. Find out about Currituck County's treasured wild mustangs that still roam free in the 4-wheel drive area of the Northern Outer Banks. Food, horse related merchandise, music, photo contest, children's activities and a gentled wild mustang are just a few of the activities available. Admission and parking are free. Sponsored by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. For more information corollawildhorses.com
July 09 - 10 > Hatteras Island
Annual Hatteras Grand Slam Tournament
A Fishing Tournament Hatteras Style. The Hatteras Grand Slam is a release billfish tournament in Hatteras Village. Our tournament helps support our local chartities. For more info: hatterasgrandslam.com
July 10-11 > Edenton
Edenton Bay Challenge
The Annual Edenton Bay Challenge brings one-class sailboats to Edenton for races on both Saturday and Sunday -Flying Scots, Tanzers, Sunfish. Edenton Tourism
July 10 > Wilmington
Classy-Chassis Car Show & Country Flea Market
Antique & Classic Cars and Motorcycles on the plantation at Historic Poplar Grove. Juried Show from 9am to 4pm includes vendors, food, and prizes. Enjoy a BBQ Cookoff - Vote for the Best! Registration from 9am - Noon, Awards at 3pm. Cool refreshments in the air conditioned barn. Poplar Grove Plantation
July 10-11 > Kill Devil Hills
Annual Wright Kite Festival
Wright Brother's Memorial: This festival is enjoyed by all ages with casual competitions for kids and adults. Participate in the stunt kite demos, games and contests. Kids can make and fly their own kites at the base of the memorial where flight began. Kitty Hawk Kites
July 15-17 > Beaufort
Barta Boys & Girls Club Billfish Tournament
For info: bartabillfish.com
July 19 > Beaufort
Historic Beaufort Road Race
Nearly 800 runners compete annually in numerous categories available in this road race by the sea. Early morning starts on downtown Front Street. Running events include 1-mile,5K, 10K, wheelchair and health walks. Race is always the 3rd Saturday of July www.beaufortroadrace.com
July 23-25 > Wilmington
Cape Fear Blues Festival
Four days of blues nestled between the beautiful beaches of the Cape Fear Coast and the historic riverfront of downtown Wilmington. Cruises, concerts, workshops and more! www.capefearblues.org
July 24 > Wilmington
Annual CFCC Boat Show
Presented by the CFCC Boat Building program, the festival serves as an annual celebration of the tradition and craft of wooden boat building. CFCC's wooden boat festival attracts thousands of visitors every year. The event features over 50 wooden boats including kayaks and skiffs. Students in CFCC's Boat Building program will exhibit their own work and conduct demonstrations of traditional boat building techniques like bending wood using steam. Build Your Own Boat! If you have ever wanted to build your own boat, now is your chance! http://cfcc.edu/martech/boatshow/
Jul 28-31 > 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
July 30 - August 01 > Morehead City
Annual Raleigh Saltwater Sportfishing Club King Mackerel Tournament
For info: rswsc.org
Early 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
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