October
> 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
October > 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
October > Windsor
Small Game Hunting on Roanoke River NWR
Hunt administered by NC Wildlife Resources Commission. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
October > Columbia
Small Game Hunting on Pocosin Lakes NWR
Refuge permit required. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
October > Wilmington
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Thalian Hall
October > 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
October > 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
October > 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
October > 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
October > Hatteras Island
Guided Bird Walks on Pea Island NWR
http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/spec.html#schedule Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
October > 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
October > Kitty Hawk
Outer Banks Music Showcase
Musical Variety Show. Reservations recommended, but not required. www.outerbanksmusicshowcase.com
October > Manteo
Small Game Hunting on Alligator River NWR
Refuge permit required. - Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
October > 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
October > 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
October > Hyde County
Mattamuskeet Lake open to fishing and boating.
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
October > 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
October > 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
October > 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
October > 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
October > 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
October > Currituck County
Open Roads Day on Mackay Island NWR
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
September - December > Windsor
Deer Hunting on Roanoke River NWR
Hunt administered by NC Wildlife Resources Commission. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
October > Columbia
Deer Hunting on Pocosin Lakes NWR
Refuge permit required. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
October > Manteo
Deer Hunting on Alligator River NWR
Refuge permit required. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
September 07 - October 03 > Elizabeth City
Annual Landmark Show & Competition
An exhibition of paintings of local landmarks. (Public competition) Arts of the Albemarle Gallery. Arts of the Albemarle
October > Camden County
Deer Hunting on the Great Dismal Swamp NWR
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
October 02-04 > Southport
U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament
The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is one of North Carolina's oldest and most prestigious fishing tournaments offering over $100,000 in guaranteed CASH prizes. No minimum number of boats required. Entertainment, fish fry and more. For info: usopenkmt.com
October 03-05 > Wilmington
Riverfest
Wilmington's Annual Riverfront celebration in historic downtown. Features live music, arts, crafts, food booths, ship tours, river events, and children's carnival. Downtown Wilmington’s streets host a family fun festival that winds its way along the Cape Fear River. Continuous live entertainment is featured on outdoor stages during this festival that celebrates the area's rich heritage with music, arts and crafts, exhibits, dance performances, contests, children's activities, food, river events, friendly competitions, fireworks and more. www.wilmingtonriverfest.com
October 03-05 > Wilmington
Battle of the Beaches Tournament
Who are the mightier fishermen? Is it the gentlemen of Wrightsville Beach or the rough and tumble Carolina Beach boys? The Cape Fear Blue Water Fishing Club hosts this annual tournament. Offshore (Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo). Bottom Fishing (Grouper, Snapper). Inshore Division (King, Dolphin). For info: cfbwfishingclub.org
October 03-05 > Morehead City
NC Seafood Festival
North Carolina Seafood Festival on the Morehead City waterfront. Seafood, music, entertainment and the cultural heritage and traditions that surround commercial fishing begin Friday night on Morehead City's downtown waterfront. Weekend events include a road race, family fishing contests, surfing and more. NC Seafood Festival
October 04 > Knotts Island, Currituck County
Annual Harvest Celebration
www.moonrisebaywine.com
October 04 > Wilmington
International Sports Car Show: Brits & Battleship
Join the British Motor Club of the Cape Fear for their annual car show at the Battleship North Carolina. All proceeds benefit the Battleship preservation fund. Come as a spectator or enter your car. www.bmccf.org
October 04-05 > Manteo
Elizabethan Tymes: A Country Faire
M'Lord and M'Lady are invited to step back 400 years to the Renaissance era. An exciting variety of demonstrations, kids games, hands-on activities, dancing, fencing, and Elizabethan music will be presented. Programs about Elizabethan history, weaponry and more. Roanoke Island Festival Park
October 07 > Hertford
Oakleaf Festival
Entertainment and food. Shuttle buses available to transport visitors between Indian Summer Festival in Hertford, the Oakleaf Festival in Winfall and Hearth & Harvest Festival. Perquimans County Tourism
October 09-12 > Manteo to Corolla
Parade of Homes
Self guided tour of selected homes from Manteo to Corolla by some of the area's finest builders. www.obhomebuilders.org
October 10-11 > New Bern
Heritage Plant Sale
Offers visitors the opportunity to purchase unique, rare and historic plants for display in their home gardens. Master gardeners will be on hand to answer planting questions. Tryon Palace
October 10-12 > New Bern
MUMfest Weekend at Tryon Palace
Visitors will enjoy the beauty of thousands of chrysanthemums in the Palace gardens. Free garden tours will be given each day. Interior tours require the purchase of a ticket. Tryon Palace
October 11 > Columbia
Annual Scuppernong River Festival
Crafts, food, entertainment and more. A down-home, small town festival. Tyrrell County Tourism
October 11 > Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach Bark in the Park Canine Disc Championship
Mighty mutts and playful purebreads will leap to the sky to catch flying discs at the 2005 Skyhoundz Hyperflight Canine Disc Championships. No experience necessary. Town Of Wrightsville Beach
October 11-12 > Carolina Beach
Pleasure Island Beach Music Festival
Two day event brimming with live music, arts and crafts, delicious seafood, fine arts gallery and much, much more. Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area Pleasure Island Tourism
October 11 > Ocean Isle Beach
Oktoberfest
Admission charged. Silver Coast Winery
October 11-12 > Swansboro
Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival
Food, parade, entertainment, arts, crafts, games, and vendors. Swansboro Tourism
October 11-12 > New Bern
MUMfest
Recognized as one of the finest family festivals in the state. MUMfest is an award-winning combination of fantasy, fun, education and entertainment. Annually, MUMfest attracts more that 80,000 festival-goers to New Bern's historic downtown streets and waterfront. www.mumfest.com
October 12 > Duck
Town of Duck Jazz Festival
On the green in the Duck Town Park. www.townofduck.com
October 16-18 > Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Tournament
The largest all-cash tournament in the US is the Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Tournament during the first weekend after Labor Day. More than 400 anglers compete for cash prizes of more than $650,000. For info: abkmt.com
October 17-19 > Wilmington
Halloween Festival
Poplar Grove Plantation's Halloween Festival has elements of fun and ultimate horror for people of all ages. Come and get totally scared from the haunted barn and haunted hayride that goes deep into the dark woods plus carnival games and rides. For the little ones, a not-so-scary hayride available. Poplar Grove Plantation
October 17-18 > Havelock
Havelock Chili Festival
Enjoy the North Carolina Chili Cooking Competition along with live entertainment, food, games, arts and crafts, the Big Boy Toy Show and fun for the entire family. Havelock Tourism
October 18-19 > Shallotte
North Carolina Oyster Festival
Arts & Crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, kids rides and games, surfing contest, 10k & 5k run, 1 mile fun run, oyster stew cook-off and The NC Oyster Shucking Contest. Brunswick County Tourism
October 18-19 > Nags Head
Kitty Hawk Kites Annual Outer Banks Stunt Kite Competition
This competitive fly is on the Eastern League Circuit for sport kite flying and is also sanctioned by the American Kiting Association. Throughout the weekend non-competitors can enjoy workshops, demonstrations and kite making for kids. The highlights of this event include graceful kite ballet competitions set to music, and faced paced team flying that blend a both kite control and speed. Kitty Hawk Kites
October 18 > Grantsboro
Annual Pamlico Paddle
Join paddlers from North Carolina and surrounding states on an all-day and (weather permitting) sunset paddle to explore the creeks and rivers of of beautiful Pamlico County. Each group will have an experienced guide. In addition to regular accommodations, camping will be available. www.pamlicochamber.com
October 18-19 > Topsail Beach
Autumn with Topsail
Entertainment, arts and crafts, carnival rides, a variety of food, and children's activities.! www.AutumnWithtopsail.com
October 21 > Nags Head
Kelly's Penguin Isle Charity Golf Benefit
www.kellysrestaurant.com
October 22-25 > Morehead City
Calcutta Wahoo Challenge
calcuttawahoo.com
October 22 - 25 > Morehead City
Calcutta Wahoo Challenge
The annual Calcutta Wahoo Challenge fishing tournament held on the Morehead City waterfront. It is Captain's choice of 2 out of 3 days of fishing. Weigh-in's start each day at 3:30pm on the waterfront. For more info: calcuttawahoo.com
October 23-25 > Hatteras Village
Frank & Fran's Annual Red Drum Tournament
A three day individual surf fishing tournament with 300 paid anglers competing to catch and release the largest and most red drum. Prizes total over $12,000 to multiple winners. For more information please visit www.hatteras-island.com
October 23-25 > Washington
Annual Fine Arts Show
The Arts Council's Fine Arts Show is open free to the public at the Washington Civic Center. Over 350 original works of art will be displayed. Juried competition, always an exciting event, local artists bring out their very best for a shot at the top honors. www.beaufortcountyartscouncil.org
October 23 - November 30 > Tarboro
Annual Great Art Bazaar
Over fifty artists display and sell regional art. Affordable art for the beginning collector to mature works for the seasoned buyer. Edgecombe County
October 24 - 25 > Elizabeth City
Annual Elizabeth City Historic Ghost Walk
Historic home tour including historic re-enactments of famous figures brought back to life from Elizabeth City's past. www.ghostwalk.org
October 24 - 26 > Elizabeth City
Albemarle Craftsman's Fair
Juried crafts show involving the whole Albemarle region. The Oldest Juried Craft Show in the Nation. Step back in time as period costumed craftsmen display, demostrate and sell handmade Dulcimers, leather belts, pottery, basketry, turned and carved wood items, chair caning, copper enameling, collectible bears, egg art, quilting, fiber art, hand coiled pine needle items, Armenian lacework and miniature boats. www.albemarlecraftsmansfair.com
October 24-26 > Wilmington
Halloween Festival
Poplar Grove Plantation's Halloween Festival has elements of fun and ultimate horror for people of all ages. Come and get totally scared from the haunted barn and haunted hayride that goes deep into the dark woods plus carnival games and rides. For the little ones, a not-so-scary hayride available. Poplar Grove Plantation
October 24-25 > Wilmington
Ghost Ship
You've seen the Battleship on paranormal programs, now come see for yourself! Battleship staff and volunteers will lead you through the bowels of the ship to hear true Battleship tales. ''Haunted North Carolina's'' members reveal ghostly details and provide you with a unique opportunity to learn how ghost hunters track spirits. Battleship North Carolina
October 24-25 > Corolla
Annual Haunted Corolla Village
The Haunted Corolla Village hayride tours begin at the Wildlife Education Center at Currituck Heritage Park. The haunted tours begin with a traditional hayride to the old Corolla Schoolhouse where spirits entertain with stories from the past. Then on to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse where ghouls and ghosts lure the curious. The tour ends at the Whalehead Club where you are invited inside the basement and the past comes alive! For more information about any Whalehead Club event email events@whaleheadclub.com, www.whaleheadclub.com
October 24-25 > New Bern
New Bern at Night Ghost Walk
Come celebrate New Bern's ghostly heritage just days before Halloween at the New Bern at Night Ghost Walk. Ten historic homes, Cedar Grove Cemetery and several historic churches and public buildings will be haunted by ghosts from the New Bern's past. Hear these colorful spirits tell stories of New Bern's past as you explore historic homes, gardens, a theater, firehouse, school building and drug store. Come early and visit New Bern's charming downtown shops, stroll along the waterfront and enjoy local eateries. Then join in the fun and chills at one of North Carolina's premiere fall events, the New Bern at Night Ghost Walk. Admission charge. www.newbernhistorical.org/ghost.html
October 24-25 > Ocean Isle Beach
Fall Brawl Kingfish Tournament
For info: oifishingcenter.com
October 25 > Plymouth
Annual Antique and Classic Wooden Boat Show
Come experience the beauty and craftsmanship of wooden and classic boats on the banks of the Roanoke River under the shadow of Plymouth's Riverlight replica circa 1866. Bring the family and enjoy a day in this quaint waterfront village. Shopping, food, three museums, nature trail. Washington County Tourism
October 25-26 > Currie, northwest of Wilmington
Living History Day
Learn about historic weapons, clothing, military drill, and combat during the Revolution. Moores Creek National Battlefield
October 25-26 > Holden Beach
North Carolina Festival by the Sea
The largest festival in the South Brunswick Islands, hosted by the Greater Holden Beach Merchants Association. The weekend festival starts with a parade on the causeway and kicks off the events under the bridge on Holden Beach. Arts, Crafts, 5K & 10K race, horseshoes, sandcastle contest, live entertainment & more. hbmerch.com
October 25 > Washington
Smoke on the Water BBQ & Chili Cook-Off
The smell of BBQ and Chili fill the air at this Annual family festival held on the Waterfront. Food, music, and children's activities are just a few of the reasons to come join us for a great day! Washington - Beaufort County Tourism
October 26 - 31 > Wilmington
Halloween Ghost Trolley
Listen to ghost stories tailored for young children,on the way to the "Ghost barn". Short halloween skit performed in the barn. Free treats for children. Admission charge. Wilmington Carriage Tours
October 17-18 > Halifax County
Halifax County Harvest Days
Music, historical military and agricultural exhibits, food, crafts, high school rodeo. Come out and enjoy a great day of festivities! Halifax County Tourism
October 30 > Manteo
Trick or Treat Under the Sea
Treat you and your family to a fun, safe Halloween event at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island in Manteo, NC. Crazy costume contests, spine-tingling scream contests and spooktacular crafts and activities are just a few things to howl about. Lots of treats for all ages. Tickets are sold in advance. For more information, please contact the aquarium. www.ncaquariums.com
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
