First Friday is back! In another sign that, yes, things truly are returning to normal, the Manteo celebration of the first Friday of the month is back. COVID sidelined it for a more than a year, but this Friday, July 2, it’s looking like it’s back and as good as ever.
Downtown Manteo is quintessentially and perfectly small town. Anchored by the old Dare County Courthouse that is now the Dare County Arts Council Gallery, the waterfront area is filled with small shops and wonderful restaurants.
First Friday is really a wonderful celebration of that small town feel. There’s always live music on the steps of the DCAC Gallery and usually there’s at least one other band playing just around the corner.
The Arts Council has a monthly featured artist, and they use First Friday to introduce the artist and their work.
Especially coming just before July 4th, this is particular First Friday is a don’t miss event.
It’s an outdoor event, we’ll hope for the best on the weather.
Another sign that the world is returning to normal—the New World Festival of the Arts is returning to Manteo on August 11 and 12.
The NWFA had to take a year off last year, but that’s the first time it hasn’t been a part of Manteo’s summer celebrations since it debuted in 1981.
The event is a wide-ranging blend of art of every media—and artists from Florida to New York are typically on hand with a very strong representation from Outer Banks artists.
There is usually 90 to 100 artists on hand. Expect to see some amazing pottery, jewelry, great artwork and in the past there have been fabric artists on hand.
It’s still two months in the future, so other than the dates there is not a lot of information yet, but we do want to be sure the word is out.
Fall is just around the corner and it’s a great time to visit the Outer Banks. Check out Brindley Beach Vacations for the best homes in the best locations.