Roanoke Island Festival Park

Located in Manteo, this 25-acre interactive historic site is convenient to all of our vacation rentals in the Outer Banks. Only 5 miles from Nags Head and 30 minutes from both Hatteras Island and Kitty Hawk, this park is a must-see for all visitors and guests to the Outer Banks. With tons of Outer Banks history, nature, recreation and family activities this is the ideal choice for a day outing with the entire family.

The Elizabeth II 16^th Century Representative Ship
At the park you can board and explore the Elizabeth II from every angle. Help the “16^th century sailors” set the sails or plot a course with an astrolabe. Or swab the decks while you’re enjoying the view of the sound from the quarterdeck. Raise the ships anchor, play checkers with a sailor or search for surprise in barrels and boxes. Learn about the historic Roanoke voyages from the interpretive staff of friendly sailors. 

American Indian Town
Explore Coastal Algonquian culture and history in one of the newest exhibits to Roanoke Island Festival Park. The town represents an American Indian community that would have been similar to what the English explorers investigated and surveyed during their voyages to Roanoke Island in the late 16^th century. The interactive exhibit focuses on the developing relationship between the American Indian and English peoples. Two 30 foot longhouses, a ceremonial dance circle and three work shelters are just a few of the things you’ll get to see at this historical exhibit. 

Settlement Site
Featuring costumed interpreters from the Roanoke Voyage of 1585, this exhibit shows visitors what daily life was like for soldiers and sailors who traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to build a permanent colony for England. 

Roanoke Adventure Museum
Take a self-guided tour through 400 years of Outer Banks history in this interactive museum. Children can play dress up with 16^th century costumes. Learn about 16^th century navigation with an astrolabe, read quotes from Thomas Hariot’s journal, view a miniature version of a longhouse, read about the Lost Colony and more!

Performance Series
The RoanokeIsland Festival Park offers year round music, dance, drama, opera and children’s shows, inviting the performing arts departments from all campuses of the University of North Carolina. These performances showcase some of North Carolina’s best young talent!

Roanoke Island Festival Park Events in May

Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show.From May 5^th to May 30^th, come check out the Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show. This annual exhibit features an eclectic mix of local art. Free and open to the public, it is sponsored by the Dare County Arts council and was created to honor Mollie Fearing who was a prominent figure in the Manteo community. Fearing helped form the Sea and Sounds Arts Council that has since evolved into the current Dare County Arts Council. The exhibit will be open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Storybook Theatre Tales from Around the World Part II” On May 4^th at 2 p.m., the East Carolina University will be presenting their “Storybook Theatre Tales from Around the World Part II” along with a workshop and RIFP Children’s Show. This interactive theatre offers enchanting and exciting stories that have been gathered from around the world. On stage they will bring clutures, tales and celebrations to life. Newly gathered tales include “The Bat of Colors” from Mexico, “The Bamboo Princess” from Japan, “The Rooster and the Hen” from Russia and many , many more. A short, 45 minute workshop will follow and allow the children to create their own stories, costumes and props. Tickets can be purchased at the park in advance or on the day of the event.

Kidsfest
On May 10^th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the outdoor pavilion, presented by the Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County, Kidsfest is a free and fun-filled day for kids and their families. Children five and under can enjoy face painting, musical performances, blocks and bubbles, ice cream, art and much more. There will also be a fire truck and a United States Coast Guard boat which kids can climb aboard and explore. For more information, go to www.darekids.org

While you are staying at one of our vacation rentals in the Outer Banks, Roanoke Island Festival Park is a great place to take the whole family for an educational and exciting experience! Find out more information about the park and events by visiting their website at roanokeisland.com or calling 252-475-1500. They are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.