May
> 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
May > 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
May > Wilmington
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Thalian Hall
May > 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
May > 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
May > 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
May > Hatteras Island
Guided Bird Walks on Pea Island NWR
http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/spec.html#schedule Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
May > 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
May > Kitty Hawk
Outer Banks Music Showcase
Musical Variety Show. Reservations recommended, but not required. www.outerbanksmusicshowcase.com
May > 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
May > 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
May > 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
May > Hyde County
Mattamuskeet Lake open to fishing and boating.
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
May > 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
May > 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
May > Jacksonville
Downtown Alive
Free Concert with a variety of bands every friday night at the Old Jacksonville Train Depot. www.bold2000.com
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 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
May > Wilmington
Folk Fridays
Folk Concerts will be held the third Friday of each month from May - September. Airlie Gardens
May 01 > Morehead City
NC Seafood Festival Golf Tournament
A day of golf at the Morehead City Country Club benefits the NC Seafood Festival. NC Seafood Festival
1st weekend in May > Salter Path
Annual Clam & Scallop Festival
Live entertainment, handcrafts, vendors, lots for kids and all the family. Great seafood prepared by Salter Path's best cooks. Crystal Coast TDA
May > 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
May > 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
May 02-03 > Plymouth
Annual North Carolina Forest Festival
The only event in the state that celebrates forestry, the N.C. Forest Festival is a day of fun filled with exhibits, equipment, competitions, and live music. Stroll the festival grounds accompanied by live bluegrass music, taking in the educational exhibits or check out the newest equipment in the industry. From the Lumberjack Competition, as seen on ESPN, to the Fireman’s and Forest Service Parade to the Sidewalk Wildlife Art Show and Sale, there is something for everyone, including kids. Don’t miss this unique event! Washington County Tourism
May 02-04> Wilmington
Battleship Alive
Watch in delight as World War II living history interpreters bring the Ship to life. Ship visitors may watch the men going about their daily duties and drills. Included in regular admission. Battleship North Carolina
May 02-04 > Chadbourn, west of Wilmington
North Carolina Strawberry Festival
Southeastern North Carolina's Traditional Family Event for Over 70 Years! Parade, pageant, crafts, entertainment and more. www.ncstrawberryfestival.com
May 02-03 > Ocean Isle Beach
Capt. Kyle's Spring Inshore Classic
For info: oifishingcenter.com
May 03 > Edenton
May Play Day
Family Fun, Games, Entertainment and Great Food Edenton Tourism
May 03 > Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
Paddle For The Border
Paddle the historic Dismal Swamp Canal between Chesapeake, VA, and South Mills, NC.
Canoes or kayak registration is limited and is on a first-come basis. Registration Fee. Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
May 03-04 > Currie, northwest of Wilmington
Carolina Folkways & Trades Faire
Moores Creek will come alive with its annual trade faire. historically trade faires brought together artisans, merchants, and traders to sell goods and share news. This weekend re-enactors will demonstrate skills like gunsmithing, woodworking, blacksmithing, cooking, candle making, spinning and weaving, surveying, colonial medicine, and other activities. Some artisans will have their goods for sale. Throughout each day there will be special presentations of Militia drill, musket firing and historic music. Moores Creek National Battlefield
May 03-04 > 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
May 03 > Beaufort
Wooden Boat Show
The first weekend of May brings classic wooden boats to the Beaufort waterfront to show off and to race. Events are scheduled at the NC Maritime Museum, the Museum's Watercraft Center and on the downtown waterfront in Beaufort. Exhibits are in place 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Sail and rowing races are scheduled. www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/maritime/main/events.htm NC Maritime Museum
May 03 > Kill Devil Hills
Annual OBX Surf Kayak Competition
Beach Access, Kill Devil Hills: The water of the sound and the Atlantic await the best kite boarder and sea kayakers on the coast as they show what they've got! You won't want to miss this one. Kitty Hawk Kites
May 03 > Washington
Migratory Bird Festival
Bird watchers from all over the state come to this yearly event to participate in the Bird-a-thon. Dozens of species are seen each year. Don't miss your chance to see Geese, Tundra Swan, and even the resident Eagles. Washington - Beaufort County Tourism
May 03 > Oriental
Oriental's Annual Town-Wide Yard Sale
Visit the riverside village of Oriental as its residents join together to hold yard and garage sales all around town. More than 75 individual yard sales are scheduled , most within walking distance of each other and the shops, galleries, and eateries in the village. www.visitoriental.com
May 03-04 > Richlands
Annual Civil War Living History Encampment
Annual Living History Weekend and Encampment Contact Onslow County Tourism for details
May 05 - 27 > Manteo
Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show
Features an eclectic mix of local art. Held in memory of Mollie Fearing, one of the founders of the root organization from which Dare County Arts Council arose. On display at the Gallery at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Roanoke Island Festival Park
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
May 09-10> Beaufort
Beaufort Music Festival
The Beaufort Music & Performing Arts Festival brings an enormous amount of music to the Beaufort downtown waterfront. Blues, jazz, soft rock, reggae, gospel, country - You'll hear it all. And, it's all free. www.beaufortmusicfestival.com
May 09 > Ocracoke Island
British Cemetery Military Honors Ceremony
The U.S. Coast Guard Military Honors Ceremony at the British Cemetery on Ocracoke Island honors those British sailors who so gallantly gave their lives during World War II. Hyde County Tourism
May 09-17 > Ocean Isle Beach
Far Out Shoot Out
For info: oifishingcenter.com
May 10 > Kure Beach
Confederate Memorial Day
Confederate Memorial Day will be a program honoring the men who built and defended Fort Fisher, the Malakoff Tower of the South. Fort Fisher State Historic Site
May 10 > {Bath
Annual Cut-Throat Croquet Tournament
Wonderfully historic game played at beautiful Bonners' Point in NC's oldest town. All are welcome to join the fun! Historic Bath
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.
May 16 > Hertford
Pig-Out on the Green
Pork BBQ and fixin's plus great music on the Courthouse lawn. Perquimans County Tourism
May 16-17 > Scotland Neck, Halifax County
Annual Country Roads Bike Tour
Bike along tranquil country roads through pristine farmland. The tour offers a 25K, 50K, and 100K course. The courses will journey through farm communities in the heart of Southern Halifax County. There will be quality rest stops with nutrients to help you stay energized along the tour. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Camping available on the Town Commons. Admission charge. www.townofscotlandneck.com
May 16-18 > Morehead City
Quilt Guild's Annual Judged Quilt Show & Merchant Mall
The annual judged show and sale of quilting work of the Crystal Coast Quilters Guild occurs at the Crystal Coast Civic Center during the third weekend of May. Works of local quilters are varied, creative and exciting. Crystal Coast Civic Center
May 16-17 > Morehead City
Morehead City Homes & Homes & Heritage Tour
Morehead City Homes & Gardens Tour features an historic neighborhood of Morehead City. Private homes and gardens open for narrated tours and neighborhood history tours are conducted. www.downtownmoreheadcity.com
May 16- 19 > Nags Head
Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Games
Jockey's Ridge State Park: The oldest continuous Hang Gliding Competition begins on the sand dunes of Jockey's Rodge. 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. Kitty Hawk Kites
May 16 > Carolina Beach
Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman Fishing Tournament
The Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman Fishing Tournament is open to anyone with any disability to come and join in on a free day of fishing, friends, food, and fun. We love to see new faces as well as old friends. We offer a special welcome to any and all of our honored Disabled Veterans. The The Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman Fishing Tournament is put on annually by the Got Em On Live Bait fishing club and they really throw a shindig. The tourney is held at the Kure Beach Fishing Pier in Kure Beach, NC. Participants are provided with rods, tackle, bait, refreshments, food, t-shirts and prizes. For info: got-em-on.com
May 17 > Murfreesboro
Roanoke-Chowan Pork-Fest
Annual BBQ cook-off, all you can eat dinner, entertainment, crafts, antique cars, tour of Jefcoat Museum of Americana. Murfreesboro Tourism
May 17 > Hertford
Traditional Spring Garden Party
Join ladies and gentlemen, dressed in their spring finery, for this annual event that captures charm of the South. Guests enjoy a delectable menu. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Proceeds benefit the historic Newbold-White House. Perquimans County Tourism
May 17 > Engelhard, Hyde County
Engelhard Seafood Festival
A day for good family fun. Children's activities, rides, music, arts, crafts, historic displays and more! Little Miss & Mr. Seafood Pageant & Miss Seafood Pageant. All the seafood, cooked anyway you want it! Hyde County Tourism
May 17 > Ocean Isle Beach
Beach Music Blast
Silver Coast Winery
May 17 > Burgaw, north of Wilmington
Pender County SpringFest
Pender County's Original Community Festival. Entertainment, arts & crafts, concessions, and much more. Pender vendors only. Street dance on Friday night, Pender County Tourism
May 17-18 > Wilmington Area
Seaside Soccer Classic
Spring soccer tournament that includes youth teams from throughout North Carolina and other states. www.capefearsoccer.com
May 17 > Surf City
Annual Surf & Turf Triathlon
An NCTS sanctioned event with a half mile ocean swim, 20K bicycle course, and a 5K run. Topsail Tourism
May 18 > New Bern
South Lawn Concert Series
Concert Band will perform on Tryon Palace's South Lawn. Admission is free. Tryon Palace
Late May 30 thru Mid August
OBX Daredevils Baseball
obxdaredevils.com
May 23-25 > Aurora
Aurora Fossil Festival
Annual event held every Memorial Day weekend to show off the millions of years of history that our state has seen! Exhibits include the Smithsonian as well as other field museums from across the country. www.aurorafossilmuseum.com
May 23-25 > Swansboro
Annual King Mackerel Blue Water Fishing Tournament
Governors Cup Billfishing Series. For info: swansbororotary.com
May 24-26 > Southport
Southport Heritage Days
Food, art, entertainment. www.southportnc.org
May 24-25 > Wilmington
Orange Street Artsfest
Arts festival featuring works from 50 artists, food vendors and free musical entertainment. www.thalian.org
May 24-25 > Beaufort
Spring Show, Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition
Juried show and sale of arts and crafts of coastal artisans. Held at the Beaufort Historic Site. Crystal Coast TDA
May 25 > Roanoke Island
Outer Banks Beach Music Festival
Outdoor Pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park. For more information: Roanoke Island Festival Park
May 27 > Manteo
Outer Banks Beach Music Festival
A full day of the best artist in beach music. This festival is fun for the entire family. Cold beer, tasty food and great live music. Bring your lawn chair, sunscreen and a hat! No coolers please. The best party at the beach! Tickets in advance and at the gate. Roanoke Island Festival Park. www.OuterBanksBeachMusicFestival.com
May 26 > Wilmington
Memorial Day Observance
Remember those who gave their lives in service and honor veterans at our traditional Memorial Day Observance featuring a military guest speaker, an All-service Color Guard, a 21 gun salute by Marine Corps Honor Guard, military band, Taps and a memorial wreath cast onto the waters. FREE. Battleship North Carolina
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 > 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
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
May 29-31 > Bald Head Island
Annual Bald Head Island Fishing Rodeo
For info: baldheadisland.com
May 29 - June 01 > Wilmington
Quilters By the Sea Quilt Show
www.quiltersbytheseaguild.com
May 29 > New Bern
North Carolina Symphony in New Bern
North Carolina Symphony at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. New Bern Convention Center
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
May 31 > Wrightsville Beach
Surf-Sun-Sand Co-ed Volleyball Tournament
Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation is hosting the Annual Surf-Sun-Sand Volleyball tournament. This six or four-person co-ed volleyball tournament has divisions for skill levels including Novice and Intermediate. Prizes will be awarded to the players from the winning team in each division. Town Of Wrightsville Beach
May 31 > New Bern
Neuse River Days
Enjoy canoe and kayak distance and relay races, a Great Twin Rivers Raft Race, children's activities and amusements, arts and crafts vendors, environmental education information, food, fun and more! Craven County CVB
May 31 - June 01 > Beaufort
Carteret County Sportfishing Association's Annual Cobia Tournament
For info: carteretcountysportfishing.com
