
Rock the cape
Celebrating the Arts on Hatteras Island
2023 Rock the Cape Festival
The 11th Annual Rock The Cape will celebrate the visual and performing arts on Hatteras Island June 1-2 with an art show, concert and gallery tour.
On Thursday, June 1 there will be a full afternoon of art and live music at Kitty Hawk Kites' Waves Village Watersports Resort at Milepost 40 in Rodanthe from 2pm to 7pm. The free, family-friendly event will include an art show, a Hatteras musician family jam, plus live music by 3 other bands.
On Friday, June 2 Rock The Cape will host Friday Arts on the Island, which is a First Friday tour of the galleries on Hatteras Island. A full list of participating galleries is listed below.


Art Show + Concert Details
There will be over 25 local artisans selling their creative goods plus live music by alternative rock band Stereo In Words, cosmic rock band The Carolina Sweaters, psychedelic jam band Loose Wheel, and Hatteras musicians Rory Live, Brian Surratt, and Izzy Pop from 2pm to 7pm.
The concert and art show are both free, family-friendly events and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and tapestries to sit outside and enjoy the music. There will also be seaside barbecue being cooked and served on-site by Good Winds Restaurant.
To view a full list of the participating artists, please click the button below.
Gallery Tour Details
On Friday, June 2 Rock The Cape will host Friday Arts on the Island, which is a First Friday tour of the galleries on Hatteras Island.
The galleries participating in Friday Arts on the Island will have demonstrations, classes, sales, raffles, music, food and drink, and more happening at their locations. From the tri-village area at the north end of the island to Hatteras Village at the south end, these lovely, unique and interesting galleries will be offering special activities and treats for their shoppers.
To learn about what each gallery is doing for the Gallery tour, click the button below


Rock the Cape Festival History
Rock the Cape was started in 2012 as an initiative to celebrate the galleries, artists, and artistic community on Hatteras Island.
The annual event is held at the beginning of summer as a way to kick off the busy season on the island.
Rock the Cape brings a full slate of artistic activities from Rodanthe to Hatteras Village, including an art show, live art demonstrations, a concert, and much more.
2023 Sponsors
Rock The Cape is sponsored by Vacasa.
Rock The Cape is co-hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites.
This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
This project is sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
