Ticket Info
The 89th Anniversary Season | June 4-August 22, 2026
Box Office Contact Information
Janelle Parrish, Box Office Manager
252-473-6000
Seasonal Box Office Hours: 2pm-8:30pm, Monday-Saturday (June-August)
History Comes Alive. The Lost Colony tells the true story of the first attempt at English colonization in America and the Colony’s encounters with the Algonquin Native Americans who lived there. In 1587, 117 men, women, and children set sail from Devon, England to establish a permanent colony in the New World and eventually landed on Roanoke Island. Shortly after arriving, the leader of the Colony, Governor John White, returned to England to gather more supplies. War with Spain delayed his return to Roanoke Island for three years, and when he eventually made it back to the Island he found that the Colony had vanished, leaving only the letters “CRO” carved into a tree. Where did the Colony go? Thus one of history’s most endearing mysteries was born.
Fun For The Whole Family. Featuring spectacular dances, fantastical puppetry, breathtaking costumes, harrowing fights, jaw-dropping special effects, and a timeless story, The Lost Colony has something for everyone in the family. Theatre lovers, history enthusiasts and everyone in between will leave The Lost Colony trying to solve the mystery.
A Breathtaking Venue. The Waterside Theatre, home to The Lost Colony, is one of the most beautiful venues in all of live entertainment. Located within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and nestled along the shore of the Roanoke Sound, The Waterside Theatre is home of one of the best views of the sunset on the Outer Banks. After the sunset, make sure to look up and witness the clearest sky and some of the brightest stars on the East Coast. The Waterside Theatre also offers a concession stand, bar, and gift shop.
More Than Just a Show. Make sure to come early to hop on a Backstage Tour and learn more about all that goes into putting on the massive production that is The Lost Colony. On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, come early for the free Native Pre-Show, an educational and entertaining look at different styles of Native American dances performed by the Native American Company of The Lost Colony.
Show Info
Show Time: 8:30pm Monday-Saturday, Native preshow (free with your ticket purchase) at 8:00pm on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Show Length: 2 hours, including a 15-minute intermission
Theatre Location: See our Getting Here tab.
The Lost Colony Waterside Theatre
1409 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954, USA
DISCOUNTS
- Kids 5 and Under: FREE thanks to PNC Bank!
- Kids 6-12: 50% Off Adult Ticket Price
- All Kids 12 and under are FREE on Monday Nights Thanks to Kitty Hawk Kites!
- Senior/Military/Student: $3.00 Off
- Educators* (PreK through Collegiate): 25% Base Ticket Price. Sponsored by Pepsi Bottling Ventures.
- Educators may be asked to show proof of profession when redeeming discount.
- Select PEPSI EDUCATOR when choosing seats to redeem.
- First Responders: $4 off Adult Tickets. Sponsored by Dominion Energy.
- Select DOMINION ENERGY FIRST RESPONDERS when choosing seats to redeem.
- Groups of 15 or more: Attending a show at The Lost Colony is a great way for your group to enjoy the nation’s premiere outdoor drama – at a substantial discount. It’s the perfect evening out and can be the ideal way to provide discounts to your employees or entertain your clients! Groups of 15+ qualify to get 20% off shows
- Roanoke Island Historical Association Members: $5 Off Adult Tickets
*Discounts do not compound with other discounts*
The Lost Colony is performed in the Waterside Theatre, which is located inside Ft. Raleigh National Historic Site. The address for Ft. Raleigh National Historic Site is:
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
The address for The Lost Colony on Google and in most GPS systems is:
1409 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
If you use the above address, it will take you to our administrative offices, not the Waterside Theatre.
To get to the Waterside Theatre, simply follow the following signs:
If you have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Box Office staff at 252-473-6000 or our administrative staff at 252-473-2127.
As you may know, Outer Banks weather is unpredictable – rain during the day which clears up in time for the show. We make every effort to perform The Lost Colony while keeping our guests in a comfortable and safe environment but we are outdoors:
- Typically, no decision about the performance is made prior to the start of the show.
- In a light rain, the production will continue as you enjoy the added ambiance of a cooling drizzle under a Lion’s Club poncho.
- The performance may be delayed due to weather conditions.
- CANCELED/POSTPONED Performances – We always make our best efforts to continue a performance but sometimes Mother Nature does not cooperate. In the event The Lost Colony cancels a show, the Box Office will notify ticket holders to contact the ticket office for house credit or for a refund of the base ticket price if Performance Cancellation Insurance has been purchased. Insurance is not available for sale the day of a performance; it MUST be purchased 24 or more hours prior to the performance. House credit may be used at a performance anytime in the next four years after the cancelled show.
- We do not allow the use of umbrellas in the theatre, as they are a distraction to other patrons. Rain ponchos are available in the gift shop.
The Lost Colony supports the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. We are wheelchair accessible at the top of the Lower Level of the theater. Special needs seating can be purchased through the Box Office or online. A limited number of wheelchair spaces with companion seating are available on a first-come, first served basis. Upon arriving at the theater, an Usher will assist you in getting to your seat. The Lost Colony makes every effort to accommodate all of our guests; however, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the box office at 252-473-6000.
For individuals who have limited mobility, we have a limited number of wheelchairs available to transport guests from the front of the house to their seats. Upon arriving at The Lost Colony, the guest should ask at The Box Office for assistance. Please be aware that our staff will not remain with the guest during the performance, nor will they allow the guest to remain in the wheelchair for the duration of the event unless they are seated in a wheelchair-accessible seating area.
Please note that the bottom section of our theatre (rows A-S) requires stairs to reach. If you have any concerns about mobility in the Waterside Theatre, please reach out to our Box Office at 252-473-6000. Our staff with work with you to find the best, most comfortable seats in the Theatre for you and your family.
TICKET RELOCATION
If a guest requires the use of a wheelchair and did not obtain wheelchair accessible seating, please call the Box Office immediately to relocate the guest. Or if a guest accidentally purchased wheelchair accessible seating but needs a theater seat, please call the Box Office to be relocated). Box Office can be reached at (252) 473-6000.
Performance Cancellation Insurance
ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL. Unless a performance is canceled by The Lost Colony, there are no refunds or exchanges. Refunds for canceled performances are given only if performance cancellation insurance has been purchased. Insurance must be purchased at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled performance. Price of the insurance is an additional $5 per ticket.
The Manteo Lions Club operates a concession stand in the left breezeway serving light snacks for all performances. They accept cash, VISA, Mastercard and Discover for purchases.
Outside food and beverages, are not permitted in The Lost Colony.
Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase from The Lost Colony before the performance through intermission.
All guests are required to show ID to purchase alcohol. Guests are not permitted to bring in outside alcoholic beverages and no one may leave the Waterside Theatre with alcohol purchased inside. Management reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcohol to any guest.
Gift Shop
The Lost Colony Gift Shop opens at 7:30pm every night and closes after all audience members have left following the performance. Featuring Lost Colony souvenirs, historical curios, and much more, our gift shop has everything you need to remember the most exciting night of your vacation!
