OCRACOKE — The 8th Annual Ocracoke Island Waterfowl Festival is scheduled for Friday, April 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held in the Ocracoke School gym on School Road. Story and photo come from the Ocracoke Observer. The featured photo is of island carver Spencer Gaskins, with photo credit going to Peter Vankevich/Ocracoke Observer — he takes great pictures of water birds and all things Ocracoke.
The festival, hosted by the Ocracoke Island Decoy Carvers Guild, celebrates the traditional craft of hand-carved waterfowl decoys. This art form is a significant part of the island’s hunting and maritime heritage.
Festival goers can look forward to a range of activities. These include exhibits and sales of handcrafted decoys and wildlife art, live carving demonstrations by skilled artisans and an opportunity to chat with master carvers, wildlife artists and writers. There will also be educational exhibits about waterfowl hunting and coastal traditions, a silent auction and raffles. On Saturday, attendees can enjoy a fish fry and bake sale
“The Waterfowl Festival is more than an art show—it’s a celebration of Ocracoke’s living history. We’re proud to share this unique tradition with both residents and visitors,” said the festival organizers.
This year’s featured carver is local artisan Eddie O’Neal. His hand-carved Canada goose decoy will be raffled during the event.
Shuttle service will be available from the NPS parking lot to the school.
Maybe make a day trip to Ocracoke for the festival, stop by Howard’s Pub or another great restaurant for an amazing meal and perhaps check out the sunset at Springer’s Point.
Canada Goose featured carving by Eddie O’Neal
2 responses to “Ocracoke Island Waterfowl Festival 2026: A Celebration of Craft”
I was at the waterfowl festival. I photographed a black man painting black spots on a white decoy during the show. I was focused on his hands while he was working. I think they came out good. I would be happy to send them to him at no cost but I do not know his name.
If you like you could have him contact me by this email. Or he could call me.
Mark . O. Belue, Harrisburg, NC.
Send away — let’s see what we got — thx