The weekend is presented by Ocracoke Alive, and celebrates music, storytelling, and artisans from the N.C. coastal region and beyond. The Ocrafolk Festival was rated as one of the top 15 island festivals in the world in “Coastal Living Magazine,” and the June issue of “Our State” magazine features a story about the festival.

Live music and storytelling by local and regional bands, food from island restaurants and an array of art offerings by regional artists are the highlights of this event.

The event kicks off Friday evening with a Fish Fry from 5 to 7 p.m. on the grounds of the Ocracoke Preservation Society, followed by an art auction at 7 p.m. across the street at the Berkley Manor.  A preview and silent auction is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

A World Music Jam will be from 9 to 10 p.m. on the Live Oak Stage at Books to Be Red, School Road, and Martin & Friends will play from 9 to 11 p.m. in the Community Center.

A complete schedule of Saturday and Sunday events (mostly around Howard Street and School Road) can be found at www.ocrafolkfestival.org.

New performers this year include Mipso, The Carolina Broadcasters, Finley Woolston and the Joyful Band of Singers and a Pirate Invasion.

They join the ranks of returning favorites:  festival hosts Molasses Creek, storyteller Donald Davis, Caravan of Thieves, Cassie & Maggie MacDonald, Shana Tucker, The Outliers, The Alberti Flea Circus, Paperhand Puppets, Beleza, Craicdown, L Shape Lot, Jacob Johnson, The Green Grass Cloggers, Martin Garrish, Bob Zentz, John Golden, Philip Howard, Chainsaw Artist Clyde Jones, Jef the Mime, Ocrachicks, the Ocracoke Jazz Society and more.

Artisans in and around the festival grounds will showcase fine arts and crafts in painting, sculpture, wood carving, jewelry, textiles and more, and food will be available by some of Ocracoke’s finest eateries.

The festival is financed with sponsorships, donations, grants, admission buttons, merchandise sales and fundraisers.