Here’s what’s happening on the Outer Banks this month
Art exhibit: 25th Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show | May 1-28
Annual judged art show honoring one of founders of Dare County Arts Council. Entries in multiple media. Judged by Kathryn Osgood, a studio jeweler, metalsmith and enamelist, and assistant professor at College of the Albemarle. Dare County Arts Council building, 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave., Manteo; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m-4 p.m. Saturdays. www. darearts.org; 252-473-5558
Fishing: Hatteras Village Offshore Open | May 10-14
Longtime billfish tournament celebrates its 28th year and attracts anglers from all over the East Coast. Headquarters in Hatteras Village, at south end of island. Cash prizes for top catches in both Level 1 and Level 2. Four days of fishing, and corresponding events hosted by area businesses and restaurants. Registration May 10; anglers fish three of the next four days from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Weigh-ins at docks from 3-7 p.m. www. hvoo.org; 252-986-2579
Nature walk: Town of Duck Nature on the Boardwalk | May 10 and 24
Guided walk along
Duck boardwalk, with
N.C. Aquarium educator discussing local marine and plant life. Starts at Duck Town Hall; about one mile. Free, but space is limited to 15 people. Must register with town. 1200 Duck Road. 7:30-9 p.m. May 10; 9:30-11 a.m. May 24. www. townofduck.com/event; 252-255-1234
Memorial: British Cemetery ceremony | May 13
Ocracoke Island commemoration of 80th anniversary of British sailors killed by German U-boat off North Carolina coast in World War II. HMT Bedfordshire sank on May 12, 1942; all 37 aboard killed. Two bodies spotted in surf and ID’d, two others believed to be crew members found in ocean north of Ocracoke. All four buried at British Cemetery. Graveside ceremony at 234 British Cemetery Road, 11 a.m. Reception afterward at Ocracoke Preservation Society. www.ocracokepreservationsociety.org; 252-928-7375
Gardening: Coastal Gardening Festival | May 14
Wide variety of plants, shrubs, flowers and trees for sale. Master gardeners available to discuss plants and growing. Arboretum tours. Vendors selling garden art, pottery, hand-crafted items, food. Kid-friendly activities related to horticulture.
Free admission. Thomas A. Baum Senior Center, 300 Mustian St., Kill Devil Hills, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. www.dare. ces.ncsu.edu/2022/04/ coastal-gardening-festival/; 252-473-4290
Hang gliding: 50th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular | May 19-22
Kitty Hawk Flight School hosts annual event that draws gliders and spectators from many states. Includes competition, demonstrations, equipment for viewing and sale, activities for non-competitors. Registration fees and aero-tow fees for competitors; spectators can watch for free. Sites are Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head; behind Cotton Gin, Jarvisburg. Tentative schedule: competition 9 a.m. Thursday at Cotton
Gin; 11 a.m. Friday at Jockey’s Ridge; 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Jockey’s Ridge. www.kittyhawk. com; 252-441-2426
Festival: OBX Shred Fest | May 21
Family-friendly event that features local bands and exhibitions by professional skateboarders and BMX riders, as well as roller derby women. Also food and craft vendors. Tickets TBA. Soundside event site, 6800 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head. 2-8 p.m. www.facebook.com/ Dare2CareOBX/
Music: Ruth Wyand | May 22
Local blues icon Ruth
Wyand performs a Sunday late afternoon show at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. 600 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills. 5:30 p.m. www.ruthwyand. com; 252-449-2739
Lighthouse celebration: Bodie Island Light Station 150th anniversary | May 26
Historic commemoration of lighthouse, whose construction began in 1871 and was first lit Oct. 1, 1872. Registrants will receive Zoom link for program, featuring presentation by park ranger Tom Avery of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 7-8:30 p.m. www.nps.gov/caha/ planyourvisit/bils.htm; 252-473-2111