Day at the Docks

Come celebrate the history and culture of Hatteras Island’s working watermen at this annual event in the heart of Hatteras Village that has become a tradition for fall visitors and locals alike. Day at the Dock takes place along the waterfront that’s adjacent to the village marinas, and is a delightful combination of fresh seafood and good eats, live demonstrations, working commercial fishing boats, live music, kids activities, and more, and is a true and authentic sample of what life on Hatteras Island is all about.

The highlight of the event is a tie between the annual chowder contest, which pits the best restaurants of Hatteras Island against each other and allows lucky attendees to taste them all and declare a winner, and the Blessing of the Fleet, which closes the Day at the Docks event. During the Blessing of the Fleet, a slow parade of local fishing and charter boats chug their way along the Pamlico Sound and the waterfront around sunset, while they are blessed in both spoken word and song. Free to the public, with plenty of festivities throughout the day like a concrete marlin fishing competition and island cook-off with celebrity chefs, this event is a must for everyone who has an appreciation of good seafood, great waterfront views, and the culture and local history of Hatteras Island.