Needs From: Volunteer OBX

We're seeking local volunteers to help staff the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Rodanthe. Volunteers will greet and provide information about local refuges, walking trails, wildlife, programs and events, and answer guest's questions. Volunteers may work independently or be paired with another volunteer. Responsibilities include opening/closing the visitor center, answering phones, using a cash register for the visitor center gift shop, and provide educational content. Birding and other wildlife knowledge is a plus! Please reach out for further information.

We're seeking local volunteers to help staff our National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Manteo. Volunteers will greet and provide information about local refuges, wildlife, programs and events, and answer guest's questions. Volunteers may work independently or be paired with another volunteer. Responsibilities include opening/closing the visitor center, answering phones, using a cash register for the visitor center gift shop, and provide educational content. Please reach out for further information.

Plans are being finalized for the Dare A250 Faire, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in downtown Manteo and at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Roanoke Island setting highlights the area’s rich history as the “Birthplace of America,” with the historic Elizabeth II serving as a meaningful backdrop to the festivities. As Dare County’s signature event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, this milestone celebration will feature a variety of vendors, along with live music, historical reenactments and storytelling, art displays, educational programming, community exhibits, family-friendly activities and patriotic festivities that highlight Dare County, the “Land of Beginnings,” and our enduring spirit of innovation and discovery.

Volunteer Need: Volunteers are needed to check tickets at the entrance to Festival Park for the evening concert events.  Volunteers will help keep a running count of attendees entering the concert area, assisting with general entry flow and reporting numbers as needed.  These positions will require a lot of standing and moving around.

Plans are being finalized for the Dare A250 Faire, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in downtown Manteo and at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Roanoke Island setting highlights the area’s rich history as the “Birthplace of America,” with the historic Elizabeth II serving as a meaningful backdrop to the festivities. As Dare County’s signature event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, this milestone celebration will feature a variety of vendors, along with live music, historical reenactments and storytelling, art displays, educational programming, community exhibits, family-friendly activities and patriotic festivities that highlight Dare County, the “Land of Beginnings,” and our enduring spirit of innovation and discovery.

Volunteer Need: Volunteers will assist the children with art projects – drawing. Note: may
get messy; a lot of standing.  Volunteer position may require Friday set up but will be contacted if necessary.

Plans are being finalized for the Dare A250 Faire, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in downtown Manteo and at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Roanoke Island setting highlights the area’s rich history as the “Birthplace of America,” with the historic Elizabeth II serving as a meaningful backdrop to the festivities. As Dare County’s signature event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, this milestone celebration will feature a variety of vendors, along with live music, historical reenactments and storytelling, art displays, educational programming, community exhibits, family-friendly activities and patriotic festivities that highlight Dare County, the “Land of Beginnings,” and our enduring spirit of innovation and discovery.

Volunteer Need: Volunteers primary responsibility will be to drive golf carts between 108 Budleigh St. and the boat ramp area, which will be used for load-in during the festival. These volunteers will assist with transporting street performers, historical interpreters, food and supply deliveries, and other pickup items as needed throughout the day.  Must be able to drive golf cart.  Once volunteers check in they will go to Festival Park to pick up a golf cart.  During their shift, the volunteers will remain with their assigned golf cart and will generally be stationed at the Operations Center, where a schedule of pickups and transport needs will be posted.

Plans are being finalized for the Dare A250 Faire, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in downtown Manteo and at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Roanoke Island setting highlights the area’s rich history as the “Birthplace of America,” with the historic Elizabeth II serving as a meaningful backdrop to the festivities. As Dare County’s signature event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, this milestone celebration will feature a variety of vendors, along with live music, historical reenactments and storytelling, art displays, educational programming, community exhibits, family-friendly activities and patriotic festivities that highlight Dare County, the “Land of Beginnings,” and our enduring spirit of innovation and discovery.

Volunteer Need: Volunteers will check parking passes and assist with parking at Manteo Middle School. Guests will park at the school and ride a shuttle to the event. Volunteers should bring a chair for their shift.

Plans are being finalized for the Dare A250 Faire, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in downtown Manteo and at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Roanoke Island setting highlights the area’s rich history as the “Birthplace of America,” with the historic Elizabeth II serving as a meaningful backdrop to the festivities. As Dare County’s signature event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, this milestone celebration will feature a variety of vendors, along with live music, historical reenactments and storytelling, art displays, educational programming, community exhibits, family-friendly activities and patriotic festivities that highlight Dare County, the “Land of Beginnings,” and our enduring spirit of innovation and discovery.

Volunteer Need: Volunteers will check parking passes and assist with parking at Manteo High School. Guests will park at the school and ride a shuttle to the event. Volunteers should bring a chair for their shift.

Plans are being finalized for the Dare A250 Faire, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in downtown Manteo and at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Roanoke Island setting highlights the area’s rich history as the “Birthplace of America,” with the historic Elizabeth II serving as a meaningful backdrop to the festivities. As Dare County’s signature event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, this milestone celebration will feature a variety of vendors, along with live music, historical reenactments and storytelling, art displays, educational programming, community exhibits, family-friendly activities and patriotic festivities that highlight Dare County, the “Land of Beginnings,” and our enduring spirit of innovation and discovery.

Volunteer Need: Volunteers will check parking passes and assist with parking at Manteo Elementary School. Guests will park at the school and ride a shuttle to the event. Volunteers should bring a chair for their shift.

Plans are being finalized for the Dare A250 Faire, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in downtown Manteo and at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Roanoke Island setting highlights the area’s rich history as the “Birthplace of America,” with the historic Elizabeth II serving as a meaningful backdrop to the festivities. As Dare County’s signature event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, this milestone celebration will feature a variety of vendors, along with live music, historical reenactments and storytelling, art displays, educational programming, community exhibits, family-friendly activities and patriotic festivities that highlight Dare County, the “Land of Beginnings,” and our enduring spirit of innovation and discovery.

Volunteer Need:
Volunteers (8 a.m.-11 a.m. shift) will distribute and replenish hand sanitizer stations throughout the shift at various portable restroom locations around downtown Manteo

Volunteers (3 p.m.-4 p.m. shift) will pick up hand sanitizer stations at various portable restroom locations around downtown Manteo; Must be able to drive a golf cart

Plans are being finalized for the Dare A250 Faire, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in downtown Manteo and at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Roanoke Island setting highlights the area’s rich history as the “Birthplace of America,” with the historic Elizabeth II serving as a meaningful backdrop to the festivities. As Dare County’s signature event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, this milestone celebration will feature a variety of vendors, along with live music, historical reenactments and storytelling, art displays, educational programming, community exhibits, family-friendly activities and patriotic festivities that highlight Dare County, the “Land of Beginnings,” and our enduring spirit of innovation and discovery.

Volunteer Need: Volunteers will serve as stage crews and should be comfortable driving a golf cart. Responsibilities will include loading equipment onto the golf cart, transporting it to the stage, assisting with setup, and helping with the band's equipment after the performance. Volunteers will also assist with artist hospitality, such as providing water and other basic needs.

Plans are being finalized for the Dare A250 Faire, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in downtown Manteo and at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Roanoke Island setting highlights the area’s rich history as the “Birthplace of America,” with the historic Elizabeth II serving as a meaningful backdrop to the festivities. As Dare County’s signature event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, this milestone celebration will feature a variety of vendors, along with live music, historical reenactments and storytelling, art displays, educational programming, community exhibits, family-friendly activities and patriotic festivities that highlight Dare County, the “Land of Beginnings,” and our enduring spirit of innovation and discovery.

Volunteer Need: Volunteers will serve as stage crews and should be comfortable driving a golf cart. Responsibilities will include loading equipment onto the golf cart, transporting it to the stage, assisting with setup, and helping with the band's equipment after the performance. Volunteers will also assist with artist hospitality, such as providing water and other basic needs.

Plans are being finalized for the Dare A250 Faire, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in downtown Manteo and at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Roanoke Island setting highlights the area’s rich history as the “Birthplace of America,” with the historic Elizabeth II serving as a meaningful backdrop to the festivities. As Dare County’s signature event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, this milestone celebration will feature a variety of vendors, along with live music, historical reenactments and storytelling, art displays, educational programming, community exhibits, family-friendly activities and patriotic festivities that highlight Dare County, the “Land of Beginnings,” and our enduring spirit of innovation and discovery.

Volunteer Need: Volunteers will help secure the backstage area and serve as stage crews. May need to drive a golf cart to assist with other duties. This position will require a lot of standing during the event.

Ready to get out in the sunshine and have some fun? Join us at the Town of Manteo Rodney "Crow" Murray Spring Litter Pick-Up on Saturday, May 16th at George Washington Creef Park. We will start at 8:45 AM with some yummy donuts to get that little "spring" in your step before heading off with friends and family to help our community continue to shine bright!

Event held in the honor of Rodney “Crow” Murray, a long-time Town of Manteo employee.

Celebrate Independence Day—1850s style—at Island Farm! On Friday, July 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Farm will welcome visitors for a lively historic holiday featuring musket fire, traditional games, and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Island Farm will be bustling with energy and celebration, and we invite volunteers to help bring this special day to life in the following roles:

Chicken Tender
Volunteers will provide scratch feed to visitors and offer guidance on how to safely feed and interact with our friendly farm chickens.

Craftsman
Paper hats were a popular and accessible form of festive headwear in 19th-century America, often worn during patriotic celebrations, parades, and community gatherings. Creating paper hats reflects the ingenuity and hands-on craftsmanship of the era, using simple materials to mark special occasions. Volunteers will assist staff and visitors in making paper hats, offering a fun, family-friendly activity that connects creativity with historical tradition.

Bubble Blowing
Using our special bubble wands, volunteers will help visitors create bubbles up to 15 feet long. This role includes demonstrating bubble techniques and assisting younger visitors as they learn to use the wands and enjoy a bit of old-fashioned outdoor fun.

All activities will take place outdoors. Volunteers should bring a snack, wear close-toed shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle. Feel free to bring any additional items that help make your time at Island Farm festive and enjoyable.

Volunteer Shifts:

8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

11:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Three volunteers are needed for the morning shift and three for the afternoon shift. Please arrive promptly to meet with staff and receive a brief site orientation before the event begins.

All volunteer roles offer the opportunity to wear historic clothing, or an Island Farm t-shirt will be provided (and yours to keep). If you are interested in costuming for this event, please email the Administrative Coordinator.

Admission to the event is included with your volunteer contribution—blow bubbles, feed chickens, and make paper hats as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday!

Where will activities take place?
All activities will take place outdoors.

Are volunteer shifts family-friendly?
Yes. Volunteer shifts are family-friendly. All volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a legal adult.

Are volunteer shifts accessible for those with mobility challenges?
Yes. All volunteer roles can be performed while seated and can be adapted for individuals with mobility challenges. Please email the Administrative Coordinator for additional details.

The Outer Banks Relief Foundation is excited to invite volunteers who enjoy being out in the community to help represent OBRF at local events throughout the year.

These opportunities might look like attending a concert, comedy show, resource fair, school event, or creative workshop. No two events are quite the same, and new opportunities pop up often.

By joining this volunteer group, you’ll be part of a friendly, caring community that shows up for our neighbors and helps spread the word about how OBRF supports local families when unexpected tragedy strikes.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, please sign up here to be added to a special email list for community event opportunities with the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.

What volunteering may include:

Picking up supplies from the Relief Foundation office

Setting up a simple information table at the event

Attending the event and engaging with the community

Thanking the event host on behalf of OBRF

Returning supplies to the Relief Foundation office

Thank you for considering this opportunity and for being part of the work that helps our community care for one another.

Tater Day takes place at Island Farm on Wednesday, June 17 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Come learn about all aspects of the harvest and cooking of a quintessential staple crop: the Irish potato! Volunteers have opportunities to get down and dirty with the following roles: potato digging in the garden along with our historical interpreters (opportunity for historic dress available) and frying potatoes with staff in the cookhouse for visitors to sample. Both roles provide the opportunity for historic dress, or an Island Farm t-shirt will be provided (to keep)! Volunteer with Island Farm to learn about the historic foodways of Roanoke Island and cultural traditions practiced throughout the year.

Volunteer shift(s) are 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. OR 11:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Please bring a snack, work gloves (if desired), close-toed shoes, a reusable water bottle, and weather-appropriate clothing (a hat and sunglasses are recommended). We’ll provide everything else you need for a productive and enjoyable day on the farm.