The Coastal Studies Institute, in partnership with the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, is hosting a film screening of the award-winning The Cigarette Surfboard documentary at the historic Pioneer Theater in Manteo on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

A pre-screening party will begin in the Pioneer Theater courtyard at 5:00 PM, featuring a food truck and beverages available for purchase. The hand-shaped cigarette surfboards made from over 10,000 littered cigarette butts, will be on display during the pre-party, and attendees will have a chance to meet filmmaker Ben Judkins and surfboard shaper Taylor Lane. The film screening will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by a short Q&A with the filmmaker and shaper. Admission to the event is FREE, but seating is limited, and the public must register in advance.

The Cigarette Surfboard takes viewers around the world on a surfboard built from cigarette butts to explore the importance of the ocean and what an inspiring cast of professional surfers are doing to protect it. The film is solution-driven with an optimistic outlook for the future of our planet – it sparks a dialogue, encouraging audiences to explore how they can take action in their personal lives and local communities.

RSVP for the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Mission Mixer; April 3 at Outer Banks Brewing Station

The Outer Banks Community Foundation and The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau are pleased to announce that the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Mission Mixer will take place on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. Admission is FREE to Outer Banks nonprofit professionals and board members. This Mission Mixer is an opportunity to network with others who are making a difference in our community.

The event will also feature brief remarks from Shea Bunn LaFountaine (History Fix), Rev. Dr. Michelle Lewis (Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis) and Chef Wes Stepp (Outer Banks Raw), who will share their journeys into podcasting and discuss how they’ve used new media to create meaningful impact. Come for nonprofit camaraderie, stay for great conversation!

Next LRTMP Special Committee Meeting Set for April 9

The next Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee meeting for the Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices in Manteo.

Season of Awakening: Ways to Get Involved this Spring on the Outer Banks

As spring begins to bloom on the Outer Banks, the world around us awakens with vibrant colors, fresh scents and renewed energy. This time of year serves as a gentle reminder for us to pause and reconnect with nature and reflect on the steps we can take to preserve this special place. With Earth Day quickly approaching on April 22, there is no shortage of local events to attend or activities to participate in to help make a difference in this community.

Outer Banks Promise Spotlight: Outer Banks Yoga

On February 28, 2025, the team at Outer Banks Yoga in Kitty Hawk collectively made The Outer Banks Promise. Karen Bachman, an instructor at studio, discovered the impact of a destination pledge while visiting Sedona, Arizona and was instrumental in inspiring The Outer Banks Promise. If your business or group is interested in highlighting your commitment to enhancing stewardship efforts on the Outer Banks, please contact us at community@outerbanks.org.

OBVB Participates in 8th Annual East Carolina University Purple & Gold Bus Tour

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau recently participated in the 8th Annual East Carolina University Purple and Gold Bus Tour at the Coastal Studies Institute campus. Over 40 ECU faculty members made the trip to Dare County on March 10, 2025, where they learned more about the area. The Bureau shared tourism updates, discussed the LRTMP and introduced The Outer Banks Promise destination pledge and The Outer Edge video series. The Tour, led by the ECU Office of Research, Economic Development and Engagement, is designed to introduce faculty members with identified research plans to the culture, geography, heritage, economy and assets of eastern North Carolina. The program encourages partnerships and research that may have long-term benefits for the people and communities of the region.

Events in Support of Outer Banks Nonprofits and Municipalities

Strings in the Spring

March 30, 2025

Interfaith Community Outreach

Annual DCS Art Show

April 8-May 2, 2025

Dare County Schools

Wilbur Wright Day

April 11, 2025

First Flight Society

Easter on Hatteras

April 17-19, 2025

Chicamacomico LSS

Art From the Edge

April 17-May 11, 2025

Friends of Jockey's Ridge

Eastertide in the Gardens

April 19, 2025

The Elizabethan Gardens

Vote for the Town of Duck in USA Today's 10Best Readers Choice Awards

North Carolina has several sites among varied nominations for different USA 10Best Readers' Choice Awards categories including the Town of Duck for Best Coastal Small Town. Daily voting by readers is now open through the end of March. 

Volunteers Needed for 50th Anniversary Celebration of Jockey's Ridge State Park

As Jockey's Ridge State Park prepares for its 50th Anniversary Celebration from June 5-8, 2025, Friends of Jockey's Ridge is seeking volunteers to help with the exciting four-day celebration. What better way to enjoy the festivities and give back to the community than truly being a part of the event?! If interested, please complete the volunteer form and choose which date(s) you're available and what types of volunteering you would prefer to do.

Community Input Needed: Town of Manteo Strategic Plan

The Town of Manteo is working on the development of a Strategic Plan and is asking for members of the public to provide input via an online survey. Printed versions are also available at Manteo Town Hall. The survey will close on March 27, 2025.

ECU-Led Online Survey to Explore Perceptions of Workforce Housing in Dare County

Dare County residents are encouraged to complete an online survey conducted by East Carolina University as part of a research effort to gather community input, resident sentiment and perceptions on the topic of workforce housing. The deadline to complete the survey is April 1, 2025. For more information, please contact Dr. Hur at hurmi@ecu.edu or 252-328-1270.

Thank you for your interest in staying connected to our work on the Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) and our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible travel and the vibrant local community it serves. We look forward to sharing these updates on a regular basis and welcome any thoughts you have as we continue to move forward.

Best Regards,

Jeff Schwartzenberg

Community Engagement Manager

Outer Banks Visitors Bureau

schwartzenberg@outerbanks.org

252-473-7155