Tri Villages Market returns for 2024 on Memorial Day Weekend

Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands’ newest weekly summertime market, the Tri-Villages Market, is returning in 2024 after a successful first season that exceeded all expectations.

Though the northern Hatteras Island communities of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo had a seasonal market years ago, the Tri-Villages Market was a recent first for the area, attracting dozens of local artists and vendors, and thousands of summer visitors.

Megan Gregory, market organizer and owner of Highway 12 Shirts, launched the first-ever market in April 2023, but ran into some typical Outer Banks challenges from the get-go.

“The inaugural Tri Villages Market at Camp Hatteras set up on Easter weekend, 2023, in a nor’easter,” said Gregory. “Some vendors braved the weather holding down their tents in the whipping wind. Others sheltered inside, and yes; customers shopped!”

“Artists and makers returned on Memorial Day weekend to torrential downpours. This time, everyone set up clever table displays inside the shaking conference center building, greeting customers between thunderbooms. The customers pulled on their boots and shopped!”

Held on the grounds of the Camp Hatteras Campground at 24798 N.C. Highway 12 in Waves, organizers quickly realized that the venue gave them the freedom to set up inside the conference center, or outside on the soundside lawn, as the weather dictated.

“Week by week, the Tri Villages Market evolved and grew with a happy camaraderie that had vendors and customers alike wanting more,” said Gregory. “So, Season Two – 2024 – will add additional weeks to the calendar, and welcome returning artists as well as new vendors to showcase their creativity and talents.”

The first market of 2024 will be held on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, (May 25), and will then continue every Wednesday from June 12 – September 25, rain or shine.

The return of the market is great news for visitors and the many artists, businesses, and vendors who enjoyed continued interest and attention all season long in 2023.

“The addition of the Tri-Village market has added a much-needed event for the area and has brought many talented and artistic vendors, who all fared well and wanted to sign up again this year, and for extended dates… including me!” said Brenda Buciorelli, owner of Beach Textiles by Brenda.

“[The] market was thoughtfully coordinated and advertised,” said Nicole Spruill, owner of Coastal Farmers’ Co-Operative. “Many creatives collaborated, and the patrons were always pleased with the variety available at the market. [I] think we are off to a very good start.”

A list of vendors already signed up for 2024 is listed below. In the meantime, the public can keep tabs on market updates via the Tri Villages Market at Camp Hatteras’ Facebook page.