Roanoke Island nightlife and events have the advantage of flourishing in the cozy community of Manteo. Locals are friendly, the venues fun and the events are full of energy and entertainment. You can find Roanoke Island events happening almost every night in the summer months, and they stay fairly constant during the other seasons as well. Roanoke Island nightlife centers on the arts. With plays, productions, book signings and plenty of live music, you’ll start to feel like you’re living in an artsy district of a big city. Check out The LC (The Lost Colony) to see a dramatic representation of the first settlers on Roanoke Island and how they mysteriously disappeared. On certain nights, you can even enjoy a dinner with the play’s characters. Several local theater troupes, including the high school drama department (their productions are fantastic!) filled with talented volunteers also put on popular productions throughout the year that make for a ready night of entertainment.
If you’re still up for some evening activity after the show, the listing below is your guide to every facet of Roanoke Island nightlife. And party animals can peruse our Outer Banks nightlife guide for every evening event happening between Corolla to Ocracoke.
Roanoke Island Nightlife Like a Local
If you’re visiting the area toward the beginning of a month, you definitely don’t want to miss Manteo’s First Friday Festivals. Stroll through Manteo’s waterfront downtown as you peruse local vendors, galleries, artisans’ fares and listen to live music. What isn’t there to like?
And speaking of music, Roanoke Island nightlife and other events do an excellent job of bringing bands and solo musicians to restaurants, outdoor venues, festivals and marinas in Manteo and Wanchese. Some are big — Jefferson Starship, Led Zeppelin and Beatles cover bands, Journey! But this is also a great chance to listen to some local music — maybe you’ll even discover your new favorite genre! In fact, Manteo events can now boast a summertime festival of big name country singers in the Island Opry!
