America's longest-running outdoor drama retells Roanoke Island's unsolved founding mystery
The Lost Colony is the outdoor symphonic drama performed at the Waterside Theatre on the grounds of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, just north of downtown Manteo. It dramatizes the story of the 1587 English colonists who settled on this end of Roanoke Island and disappeared sometime before a resupply ship returned in 1590 — a disappearance that has never been conclusively explained and remains an open historical question rather than a settled one.
First staged in 1937, the production is widely recognized as one of the longest continuously running outdoor dramas in the country, aside from a wartime pause. Performances combine scripted drama, music, and dance across a seasonal run at the Waterside Theatre, typically in the evening. Because the schedule varies by season and can shift year to year, confirm current performance dates and start times directly with the box office or website before planning your evening.
Call ahead or check the website for ticket availability and showtimes, since this is a seasonal production rather than a year-round attraction.
1,746 reviews
3 months ago
The scenery is beautiful!!! The setup is beautiful! The play… not a very good story line, unfortunately. My group of ten all agreed. Definitely, worth going but really overpriced ticketing. Children are over $30 unless you go on Monday. Also, on Monday, you still have to pay for children over the age of 12.
3 months ago
This was an absolutely amazing experience. Had such a great time with my family. Each scene was incredibly memorable and the costume designs were so uniquely beautiful, especially the queen’s! I really liked the animal puppets. I highly recommend seeing this to anyone visiting the area.
2 months ago
This was a must see when I visited. I was lucky enough to attend on a night that there was an addition performance beforehand and the cultural dancing was an excellent experience. The show was remarkable, and the actors were amazing. The costumes, lighting, set...everything was quality. It was the end of June, so I definitely brought my bug spray.
3 weeks ago
This show was fantastic! It stayed true to the real story. The cast and costumes were phenomenal. It was obvious that tons of time and effort go into each performance. The Native pre-show was excellent as well. I will be back to see it again!
3 months ago
We came for the opening night for the 2026 season. My wife and daughter were thoroughly entertained and the setting/outdoor theater was absolutely beautiful. I really appreciate productions like this that help teach the youth a little about history. This is the longest running outdoor drama in the US and reminded me of a more professional and nicer setting than Unto These Hills in Cherokee, NC. I can't say enough nice things about the venue. I appreciated that they had a gift shop, sold concessions and even had some Lost Colony brewery beer. Lost Colony is a legit craft brewery and my visit to OBX was made even better by sampling some of their different products! Was happy to enjoy a few beverages while watching the show. If you're visiting the area I would say that this is a must while in the area. We will have fond memories of this outdoor drama the rest of our lives and would recommend it to those of all ages