Upcoming Events
Visit the ECU Outer Banks Campus!The Coastal Studies Institute and ECU Outer Banks Campus host a variety of monthly, seasonal, and annual events and programs.
Please check back regularly for the most up-to-date list of upcoming events. Last updated March 11, 2025.
Monthly Events
GUIDED TOURS are offered on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 10 AM. Pre-registration is required.
- March 12 & 25
- April 9 & 23
SCIENCE ON THE SOUND occurs at 6 PM every third Thursday of the month, August- May. Pre-registration is NOT required, and the program is free to attend. Upcoming dates and speakers include:
- March 20, 6 PM- “What do greentails have to do with green energy? An update on the Kitty Hawk offshore wind project served with a side of shrimp” presented by Dr. Lela Schlenker (Kitty Hawk Wind)
- April 17- Cigarette Surfboard film screening at the Pioneer Theater
FAMILY PROGRAMS are educational opportunities for elementary school-aged children and their accompanying adult(s). These events are offered 1-2 times per month, and the content changes seasonally. Each program incorporates fun, hands-on activities for experiential learning. These programs will take place from 3:30-5 PM on each occurrence. Pre-registration is required.
- March 18, Feathered Friends
Soundside Science Scouts
Because of the great success with the initial program, the Coastal Studies Institute plans to host mini-camp programs throughout the 2024-2025 school year on the following days:
- Friday, March 14- Peruse the Pocosin
- Friday, April 25- Estuary Explorers
These programs will occur from 9:00 AM- 3:30 PM each day and will be open to students ages 7 to 10. Pre-registration is required.
Summer Camp Registration
Starting March 3 at 9 AM.
Our summer camps focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) concepts and utilize hands-on experiences and exploration of the great outdoor spaces of the Outer Banks. Each week of camp features a particular theme and runs Monday-Friday, 9 AM- 3:30 PM. We will accept up to 16 campers between the ages of 10-15 years old each week, June 9- August 8, excluding the week of July 4. New in 2025 we will also have one camp for teens ages 13-17 the week of August 11-15. The registration fee for all camps is $400 per individual.
NC Renewable Energy Challenge
The 2025 NC Renewable Energy Challenge will be held on March 22, 2025, at the ECU Outer Banks Campus.
This day-long competition is for students in Grades 4-12. With two age divisions and Wind and Underwater Currents categories, this event strives to increase student interest in green technology, promote innovation, and foster 21st-century skills that better prepare students for the growing renewable energy industry. There is no cost for entry, but registration is required and will remain open through February 15, 2025.
Annual Open House
The ECU Outer Banks Campus and Coastal Studies Institute’s annual Open House will be held on May 17, 2025, from 12:30- 4:00 PM.
During this yearly event, visitors have the opportunity to tour the campus, learn about current research and education programs, take part in family-friendly activities, and interact with faculty and staff from ECU, CSI, and partners such as NC Sea Grant, NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research.
Based at the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP) advances inter-disciplinary marine energy solutions across UNC System partner colleges of engineering at NC State University, UNC Charlotte, and NC A&T University. Click on the links below for more information.
ECU's Integrated Coastal Programs (ECU ICP) is a leader in coastal and marine research, education, and engagement. ECU ICP includes the Coastal Studies Institute, ECU's Department of Coastal Studies, and ECU Diving and Water Safety.
The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
