The beach isn't just for summer anymore. The Outer Banks has become a favorite destination for visitors year-round, providing those vacationing during less crowded times with a selection of activities to enjoy when life slows a bit.

Roanoke Island Festival Park provides a choice venue for large events, something the area sorely lacked in previous years. Very often, our public buildings double as cultural centers, hosting plays, concerts, and symphony performances. Most local organizations prefer to host fund-raising events in the off-season, when it's easier to get the attention of locals who are too busy during the summer. In fact, the quiet seasons bring out the real character of the area, with hometown parades, a pig pickin' or two, oyster roasts, fishing tournaments-you name it.

When it comes to annual events on the Outer Banks, the environment and history are on our side. We have our time-honored cornerstones that draw national audiences, including the festivities each December commemorating the anniversary of humankind's first powered flight and the annual celebrations that revolve around Virginia Dare's birthday. Our environment is the calling card for national surfing championships, windsurfing and kiteboarding competitions, hang-gliding events, and world-class fishing tournaments.

Our restaurants offer the annual Taste of the Beach, featuring talented chefs with awe-inspiring credentials. Our St. Patrick's Day Parade that promenades down the Beach Road in Nags Head each March is said to be among the largest in the state. Retail stores, art galleries, the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, and state sites also sponsor happenings such as dramatic vignettes, printmaking workshops, nature films, luncheons, lectures, and book signings.

Manteo Booksellers in downtown Manteo holds author signings every Wednesday from mid-June through Labor Day. These generally are held from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. and 2:00 to 4:00 P.M.Authors of local and national repute have participated, including National Book Award winner Bob Shacochis and Pen/Hemingway Award winner Mark Richard. Book subjects include both serious and humorous nonfiction and fiction works. Occasionally Manteo Booksellers schedules an evening reading by an author; call (252) 473-1221 for more information on these free happenings.

Check out our Arts and Culture chapter for other options. The Outer Banks Forum (252-202-9732) offers a variety of musical performances, dramas, and comedies in the off-season. Look to the Theatre of Dare (252-473-1825) for comedy and drama performances in the off-season. The Dare County Arts Council (252-473-5558) sponsors a variety of performing and visual arts events throughout the year.

Check www.outerbanks.org/events for recently added activities.