Manteo gears up for annual Dare Day celebration

Published 5:53 pm Friday, June 6, 2025

By Danielle Puleo

1 of 6

Courtesy Town of Manteo

Dare Day offers food, music, games and prizes for the whole family to enjoy. Danielle Puleo file photo

Courtesy Town of Manteo

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

For locals and visitors alike, the arrival of June means one thing in downtown Manteo: Dare Day. A staple of the Outer Banks social calendar, the annual street festival returns this year with all the charm, flavor and hometown pride that have defined the event for more than four decades.

Set along the picturesque Manteo waterfront, Dare Day brings together music, art, food and community in a free, family-friendly celebration that showcases the spirit of Dare County. This year’s festival promises live entertainment, dozens of local vendors, and activities for kids of all ages.

First held in 1976, Dare Day was originally created to bring together the residents of Dare County’s many towns and villages—from Hatteras to Kill Devil Hills—in a day of unity and celebration. With the Outer Banks undergoing rapid change in the 1970s due to tourism and development, community leaders saw a need to strengthen local identity. They launched Dare Day as a way to honor the people, culture and history of the area, with the town of Manteo chosen as the host for its central location and historic charm.

Get the latest headlines sent to you

What began as a modest community picnic has grown into a full-scale festival drawing thousands of attendees from across northeastern North Carolina and beyond. Vendors line the streets with handmade crafts, baked goods, coastal-inspired gifts and local artwork. Stages are set up for live bands and performances. Food trucks serve up their freshest creations for all to enjoy.

Kids can enjoy rides, activities and bounce houses, while guests are welcome to stroll the boardwalk, shop the local boutiques, or relax in the shade of the historic waterfront park. Throughout the day, there’s a strong emphasis on celebrating local talent and businesses, with many Dare County nonprofits and civic groups hosting booths or demonstrations.

This year, the main stage will be moved to George Washington Creef Waterfront Park, where the festivities will kick off by recognizing the 2025 Manteo Citizen of the Year. Then, guests can enjoy live performances by OBX Got Talent winner Darian Cerza, Ronald Hamilton on the steel drums, Low Tide jam band and SOULone.

The First Flight Lions Club will be hosting BINGO in the Magnolia Pavilion every hour on the hour from noon to 6 p.m. In addition, the mobile vet center will be set up alongside vendors, who will be spread out throughout downtown Manteo. Golf cart shuttle service is also provided, at no cost, from COA and Manteo Elementary School.

Beyond the entertainment and food, Dare Day offers a reminder of the unique character and history that define life on the Outer Banks. From the fishing villages of Roanoke Island to the surf towns along the Atlantic, Dare County is a place where tradition meets resilience—and where festivals like Dare Day serve as more than just a good time. They’re a celebration of identity, perseverance and the strong sense of belonging that island life creates.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, Dare Day offers the perfect opportunity to experience the heart of the Outer Banks. As the festival continues to grow, it remains true to its mission: to bring people together in joy, pride and appreciation for the place they call home.

This year’s Dare Day takes place on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Manteo. Admission is free and all are welcome!

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS HERE.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COASTLAND TIMES TODAY!