36th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival Returns to Dowdy Park May 10

Families are invited to Wander The World of Art at the 36th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival, which will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Sat., May 10, at Dowdy Park in Nags Head. 

Presented by PNC Bank, Artrageous is a free, family-friendly event that includes interactive art activities, live music, theatre and dance performances, as well as an artisan market and food vendors. 

“Artrageous continues to celebrate elements of the Outer Banks that make this community truly special, including small businesses, artists and families,” said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president for Eastern Carolinas and Southeast territory executive. “Our local PNC team looks forward to engaging with festival attendees throughout the day.”

Aboriginal dot painting, creating musical rainsticks, tribal mask making, building mandala wind chimes, and crafting African trade beads are just a few of the free art activities in which children can participate at this year’s Artrageous. These activities are inspired by this year’s event theme, Wander The World of Art, which encourages children and families to wander around Dowdy Park and immerse themselves in art from around the globe. 

Hailing all the way from West Africa, the Saakumu Dance Troupe will headline the stage at Artrageous giving the audience the opportunity to experience traditional and contemporary Ghanaian dance and music. 

Students from Hatteras Island Community Strings, Mustang Music Outreach Program and Atlantic Dance will be performing throughout the day. 

“Performing at Artrageous has been a long-running tradition for us at Atlantic Dance,” said Atlantic Dance Studio owner and dance instructor Mila Smith. “We look forward to it every year. It is such a fun event that highlights the arts and brings the community together. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have been working on this season. See you all on May 10!” 

There will also be improv theatre by Donna Roark’s Shadow Players with Drama Mama and roving artists including actors from The Lost Colony, local musician Al Bailey playing the didgeridoo and a performer from Raleigh-based Imagine Circus.

Over 25 local artisans will be selling their work at Artrageous, including at the Young Artist Village, which provides a venue for students to sell jewelry, paintings, fiber art and more.  

Fork‘et Me Not, Island Snowball, The Muse Buzz and The Lopez Lemonade Stand will be selling snacks, cool drinks, and sweet treats onsite all day. 

Additional parking for Artrageous will be available at Nags Head Elementary School, the Outer Banks YMCA, Downing & Long Dentistry and the Bonnett Street Beach Access. 

Presented by PNC Bank, the Artrageous Kids Art Festival is Dare County’s longest-running kids art program.  

This project is sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.  

Thank you to the Don & Catharine Bryan Cultural Series and Hotel Manteo for sponsoring Artrageous. 

This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

For more information about the event, please visit DareArts.org/artrageous or call (252) 473-5558. 

In 2025, Dare Arts is commemorating its 50th anniversary by celebrating its past, present, and future. Dare Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment, and opportunity.