Arts & Crafts Festivals on the Outer Banks
In addition to being a land of history and relaxation, the Outer Banks is home to a large community of artists and crafters who find their inspiration from the beautiful views and unique location of the Outer Banks. Throughout the year, guests and locals, alike, are encouraged to seek out one of the many local art shows that celebrate the lives and work of these artists. Below is a list of upcoming arts and crafts shows on the Outer Banks where you can stop by to enjoy local art and cuisine, pick up a souvenir to take a piece of the OBX back home with you, or get an early start on your holiday shopping! When it comes to art on the Outer Banks, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone.
Monthly, Lighthouse Local Arts & Crafts Show
Aug. 18 & 19/Sept. 2 & 3/Oct. 7 & 8/Nov. 18 & 19/Dec. 9 & 10 (10 am-3 pm)
Lighthouse Assembly of God, Family Life Center, Buxton
This recurring two-day event in Buxton is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the local artistic community that thrives on Hatteras Island. Enjoy artists, craftspeople, authors, and musicians as they celebrate life on the Outer Banks. Stop by and you’ll also be able to find a wide variety of candles, soaps, and bath bombs that are the perfect souvenir to take back home or an impressive gift that keeps on giving to your friends and family that weren’t able to come! Support local businesses while enjoying the fun and sun on Hatteras Island.
August 16-17, New World Festival of the Arts
Tuesday, August 17 & Wednesday, August 17 (10 am-6 pm)
Manteo Waterfront
If you’re anywhere near Manteo on August 16th or 17th, be sure to check out the longest-running outdoor art show on the Outer Banks at the 40th New World Festival the Arts held on the Manteo Waterfront. This amazing outdoor art show celebrates a wide variety of artists from the surrounding area and gives guests and locals alike the chance to enjoy the brilliant displays of culture and beach life that inspire the artists who showcase and sell their work. This family-friendly event focuses on the importance of art and the evolution of art, not only in the region but in the nation while celebrating the Outer Banks festival atmosphere that we’ve all come to know and love.
September 7-8, OBX Arts & Craft Festival
September 7 & 8 (10 am-5 pm)
Hilton Garden Inn, Kitty Hawk
Held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk, this annual two-day art show is one of the best places to find your next favorite piece of art for your home, office, or rental home! It features 25 local Outer Banks artists demonstrating a wide range of artistic crafts and abilities from pottery, to painting, jewelry, and more! Pick up some beautiful, charming suncatchers made from sea glass or nautical artwork processed with resin. Proceeds from this year’s festival benefit the Beach Food Pantry and N.E.S.T., two local Outer Banks charities making a difference for the people and wildlife of Dare County. You absolutely cannot miss this fantastic show!
October 15, Outer Banks Seafood Festival
Saturday, October 15 (11 am-6 pm)
Nags Head Soundside Event Site
While the Outer Banks Seafood Festival at the Soundside Entertainment Site in Nags Head is an exciting adventure in its own right, in addition to tasting a wide variety of delectable local seafood dishes and drinks, there will also be multiple arts & crafts vendors on site offering a fun selection of art and wares. Pickup crab mallets or cutting boards adorned with a creative coastal flair or beautiful sea glass art designed into jewelry or canvas. While you’re snacking on crab puffs and shrimp, be sure to stop by and explore local, handmade pottery, artwork, and plenty of other exciting ventures, including spices and sauces, photography prints, and up-cycled wooden signs. This is a great place for the community to gather every year and the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best of the Outer Banks’ seafood and art!
November 25, Christmas Craft Village
Friday, November 25 (11 am-4 pm)
Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park
When it’s time to start looking for handmade holiday gifts that highlight the beauty and unique nature of the Outer Banks, be sure to stop by the Christmas Craft Exchange, held annually on the 1st Friday after Thanksgiving. Enjoy the splendor of Historic Corolla Park and pick up arts, crafts, fine art, handmade cosmetics, baked goods, wood art, shell art, and anything else that you can think of, all from local artists and vendors. Food will be sold on site and be sure to stick around and get a picture with Santa before you leave!
November 25-26, Hatteras Island Arts & Crafts Guild Thanksgiving Show
November 25 & 26 (10 am-3 pm)
Cape Hatteras Secondary School, NC HWY 12 Buxton
At this annual holiday art show, stop by to support local and regional artists from around the area as they showcase their work and goods. You’ll find paintings, quilts, books, soaps, ceramics, and more at this fantastic show dedicated to the beauty of the Outer Banks and the creativity and imaginations of local artists. An on-site raffle will also be held and the proceeds from ticket sales will provide scholarship opportunities for young, local artists!
December 3-4, Currituck Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday, December 3 (9 am-5 pm) & Sunday, December 4 (10 am-4 pm)
Currituck County High School, Barco
Whether you’re coming into town for an awesome winter vacation or heading back home after spending part of your holiday season at the beach, be sure to stop by Currituck County High School as you pass by on December 3 and 4 for the annual Currituck Arts & Crafts Festival. Sponsored by the Coinjock Ruritan Club, this show has taken place on the first weekend in December since 2009 and is the perfect venue for many local crafters and artists from Northeast N.C. and the Tidewater area of Virginia. Find beautiful gifts for everyone in your family inspired by the Outer Banks and the quaint, country life of the surrounding area. Support local arts and artists and take a little piece of the mainland Outer Banks back home with you!
