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 > 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 > 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 > 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
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Thalian Hall
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 > 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
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 > 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
May 01 > Edenton
May Play Day
Family Fun, Games, Entertainment and Great Food Edenton Tourism
May 01 > Edenton
Annual Hog Fest
Backyard Barbeque Cook-Off, Arts & Crafts Show and Sale, Sanctioned Lawn Mower Races and kids pedal races. chowanfair.com
May 01 > 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 > Wilmington
Folk Fridays
Folk Concerts will be held the third Friday of each month from May - September. Airlie Gardens
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 01 > 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. ncmm-friends.org
NC Maritime Museum
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 - 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
May 07-08 > 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
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 07 > 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 12-15 > Hatteras Village
Annual Hatteras Village Offshore Open
Hatteras Village Civic Association - Social events in the evenings. Billfish and Gamefish Tournament. Governors Cup Billfishing Series. For more info: hatterasoffshoreopen.com
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 14-15 > 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 14-16 > Morehead City
Morehead City Family Boating and In-Water Boat Show
Morehead City
Bring your family for exhibits, seminars, band concerts, and in-water and on-shore boat shopping. Everything from kayaks to yachts! For information downtownmoreheadcity.com
May 14-17 > 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 15 > Elizabeth City
Annual NC Potato Festival
Annual celebration of northeast North Carolina's most important crop. Live music, craft venders, childrens activities. Food and drink vendors. ncpotatofestival.com
May 15 > 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 16 > New Bern
North Carolina Symphony in New Bern
North Carolina Symphony at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. New Bern Convention Center
Late May thru Mid August
OBX Daredevils Baseball
obxdaredevils.com
May 21-23 > Belhaven
Pirates on the Pungo
This large sailboat and dinghy racing event benefits the Pungo District Hospital Foundation which funds additional training and equipment for the non-profit Pungo District Hospital located in Belhaven. Dinghy races can be observed from the hospital on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, please visit our website at www.piratesonpungo.org.
May 21-23 > Cherry Point, Havelock
MCAS Cherry Point Air Show
Time to gear up and strap in for this spectacular air show highlighting the elite capabilities of today's Marine Corps. Shows will include aerobatic demonstrations, a spectacular night show with jet-assisted takeoffs, skydiving demonstrations, a rocket truck shooting down the tarmac and a fireworks finale. www.cherrypointairshow.com
May 22-23 > Wilmington Area
Seaside Soccer Classic
Spring soccer tournament that includes youth teams from throughout North Carolina and other states. www.capefearsoccer.com
May 22-23 > 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 22-23 > Atlantic Beach, Swansboro, Hatteras Island
Hillsborough Sportfishing Club J.W.R. Gaffer Dolphin Tournament
Dolphin tournament boundaries: Hatteras to Swansboro. Main weigh-in at Atlantic Beach. For info: hillsboroughsfc.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
May 28-30 > 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 28-30 > Swansboro
Annual King Mackerel Blue Water Fishing Tournament
Governors Cup Billfishing Series. For info: swansbororotary.com
May 29-30 > Wilmington
Orange Street Artsfest
Arts festival featuring works from 50 artists, food vendors and free musical entertainment. www.thalian.org
May 31 > 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
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
BLACKBEARD !!