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 June 4, 2026.

Monthly Events

Guided Tours

Aerial image of the ECU Outer Banks Campus. Out

Offered on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 10 AM. Pre-registration is required.

  • June 10 & 24
  • July 8 & 22
  • August 12 & 26
  • September 9 & 23

 

Tour Details & Registration

Science on the Sound Lecture Series

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Typically occurs every third Thursday of the month, August- May. Pre-registration is not required, unless specifically noted, and the program is free to attend.

 

Science on the Sound will return in the Fall. Check back later for a list of upcoming topics!

Family Programs

Five young children sit on the edge of the dock and watch as an adult empties an oyster cage into a large open container for further examination.

Educational opportunities for elementary school-aged children and their accompanying adult(s). Each program incorporates fun, hands-on activities for experiential learning. Pre-registration for all Family Programs is required. Upcoming offerings include:

Evening in the Estuary

  • June 23, 4-6 PM
  • July 21, 4-6 PM
  • August 18, 4-6 PM
Family Program Details

Special Events & Seasonal Programs

2026 Summer Camps

Registration for all camp programs is now open. The camp season runs from June 6- August 14.

Children and their instructions wade in shallow water with a seine net on a sunny, summer day.

Camps focus on 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. The registration fee for all camps is $425 per individual. Dates for each theme are as follows:

  • Coastal Kingdoms: June 8-12, June 15-19
  • Shapes in Science: June 22-26, July 6-10
  • Blue Horizons: July 13-17, July 20-24
  • Legends of the Atlantic: July 27-31, August 3-7
  • Coastal Explorers: August 10-14
Summer Camp Details

Led by East Carolina University (ECU), The Coastal Studies Institute is a multi-institutional research and educational partnership of the UNC System including North Carolina State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC Wilmington, and Elizabeth City State University.

MORE INFORMATION

CSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

JENNETTE'S PIER WAVE ENERGY TEST CENTER

SMALL-SCALE WAVE TANK

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.

MORE INFORMATION

The faculty and staff at the Coastal Studies Institute come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, as well as departments and organizations including ECU Department of Biology, ECU Department of Coastal Studies, NC Sea Grant, the North Carolina Renewable Energy Program, and the UNC Institute for the Environment.

MEET THE TEAM

Tour the ECU Outer Banks Campus and learn about the research, education, and engagement projects of CSI and ECU Integrated Coastal Programs through our 360 virtual tour.

VIRTUAL TOUR

The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
Located on Roanoke Island along the banks of the second largest estuary
in the United States, this coastal campus spans 213 acres of marshes, scrub wetlands, forested wetlands, and estuarine ecosystems.

FACILITIES

SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS