Two Manteo Traditions Will Return This Summer

After being postponed for over a year due to COVID-19, Dare County Arts Council will welcome back First Friday in July and the New World Festival of Arts in August.

First Friday will return on Friday, July 2 with live music on the courthouse steps by Mary Joy McDaniel, an art exhibition opening reception, and shopping and dining at other Manteo businesses from 6pm to 8pm. First Friday is a fun-filled, family-oriented festival held April through December in downtown Manteo.

Kathleen Redman’s pottery exhibit will be opening in Dare County Arts Council’s Vault Gallery.

"I am honored to have the chance to show my work at the Arts Council, and I am thrilled that First Fridays are starting up again,” said artist Kathleen Redman. “I think they are such a great way to bring the community together for a fun night, especially after the hard year we all just went through. My exhibit will showcase both functional and decorative pottery and sculpture. I love to make pieces that make people happy each time they see them and that they will use for years to come.”

New World Festival of the Arts will be held on the Manteo waterfront on Wednesday, August 11 and Thursday, August 12. Established in 1981 by Edward Greene, New World Festival of the Arts is the longest-running outdoor art show on the Outer Banks. The family-oriented event showcases current trends by a diverse group of East Coast artists and acquaints guests with the historic Town of Manteo.

“We are thrilled to be able to host the New World Festival of the Arts again,” said Dare County Arts Council Program Director Jessica Sands. “This show is the perfect excuse to come over and explore Manteo and support our local and regional artists.”

The New World Festival of the Arts application deadline is July 1. Artists can apply online here.

First Friday and New World Festival of the Arts are supported by the Town of Manteo, Manteo Rotary Club, and Kitty Hawk Kites.

This project is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.

For more information on these events, please call 252 473 5558.

Dare County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.