Home to the nation’s longest running outdoor drama, there’s no doubt that the Outer Banks has much to offer the arts and culture enthusiast. This little island has a lot of artistic talent, and between art shows, gardens, and festivals, you’ll have trouble deciding what to admire next. In this Arts & Culture travel planner, you will find an exciting list of local art galleries, places to explore, and more during your stay.
DAY 1 – ELIZABETHAN GARDENS
The Elizabethan Gardens were created as a tribute to the first English colonists that settled here in Dare County. Sitting on the beautiful sound on Roanoke Island, right down the street from where the original settlement was, the views from the gardens will leave you speechless. The 10.5 acres are adorned with various gardens, statues, and living collections of rose bushes galore.
1411 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-3234
Hours vary
DAY 2 – BREW & ARTS
All summer long, The Brewing Station hosts Brew & Arts every Monday and their cute fenced backyard becomes home to various vendors from 4-8om. Here you can find fine art, soaps, pottery, textiles, jewelry and more. Shop local artists under the sun for your Outer Banks keepsake while enjoying one of the Brewing Stations beer on tap made inside.
600 S. Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27949
(252) 449-BREW
Every Sunday all summer long
DAY 3 – KINNAKEET CLAY STUDIO & SHOWROOM
Kinnakeet Clay is a clay studio and showroom located on Hatteras Island in Avon. The owner Antoinette works every day to create custom decorative and functioning clay pieces.
40462 North End Road
Avon, NC
(252) 995-0101
DAY 4 – KDH COOPERATIVE GALLERY & STUDIO
The mission of the the KDH Co-op gallery is to “promote and feature the local artists of the Outer Banks”, and with over 40 artists, they do just that! If you’re looking for a variety of hand made goods, this is the place. The Co-op sells ceramic, wood and metal art pieces, and also have oil, acrylic, and watercolor and pastel paintings. You’ll know you’re at the right place when you see the mirror covered horse statue out front welcoming you in.
502 South Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-9888
10:00-6:00 Monday through Saturday
DAY 5- THE LOST COLONY
Our country’s longest running outdoor drama, The Lost Colony is a must see! Running since 1937, the drama revolves around America’s oldest mystery, the disappearance of the first English colony that came ashore here on Roanoke Island in 1587. With over 100 actors and staff, this show runs May through August Mondays- Saturdays
1409 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-6000
DAY 6 – PEA ISLAND ART GALLERY
The Pea Island Art Gallery is another great gallery, and this one is the largest, home to over 100 local and regional artists. Another reason to visit this gallery is because of the building itself! The gallery is an exact historic replica of the 1874 Chicamacomico Life Saving Station. This gallery is any vacationer’s favorite destination for browsing beautiful art.
27766 Highway 12
Salvo, NC
(252) 987-2879
DAY 7 – LOCAL COLOR OBX
Based on the belief that art is for everyone, Local Color provides painting parties at their Corolla studio for kids and adults of all ages! They have adult painting and cocktail parties, art lessons, and colorful kids parties. Loose yourself in creativity while the instructor teaches you step by step how to create a beautiful painting that you get to take home!
510 Hunt Club Drive
Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 564-8737
“Not to Miss Arts & Culture Events”
- Duck Jazz Fest
- Mustang Music Festival
