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Historic Waterside Theatre Tickets
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About Historic Waterside Theatre
Welcome to Historic Waterside Theatre, the outdoor amphitheatre nestled inside Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island, in Manteo, North Carolina. Since 1937, The Lost Colony has called this venue home, delivering outdoor drama against a backdrop of scenic waterfront views. The theatre blends history and live performance with a seating capacity that has grown to about 1,600 seats as of 2022, featuring folding stadium-style benches designed for clear sightlines along the open-air stage. We’ve got you covered with practical details to help you secure your tickets and plan your visit with ease.
Access is straightforward by road, with free on-site parking at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Signage directs you to The Lost Colony and the Waterside Theatre parking area. While there is no published dedicated public transit to the venue, the site sits near NC Highway 64/12, making it convenient for road travel from nearby towns. In the historic district of Manteo, you’ll find a selection of nearby hotels and dining options perfect for a pre-show stroll or post-performance meal. We highlight partner-recommended hotels and restaurants to help you plan a seamless visit. For the best experience, arrive early to enjoy the waterfront surroundings and easy seating access for all guests.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Venue: Waterside Theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre inside Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo, NC (address for the park is 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954).
- Capacity: approximately 1,500 seats (historical open-air seating) with updates bringing capacity to about 1,600 seats as of 2022.
- Seating chart: folding stadium-style seats (no padding) with spaces for wheelchairs; seating arrangement described for The Lost Colony production.
- Parking: free on-site parking at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site; directions lead to the Waterside Theatre parking area.
- Transit: no published dedicated public transit; venue is accessed by road (signage to The Lost Colony) and is in the town of Manteo on Roanoke Island; nearest major roads include NC Highway 64/12.
- Nearby hotels (in Manteo, NC): Hotel Manteo, Roanoke Island Inn, Tranquil House Inn, Scarborough Inn (all within a short drive/walk of the historic district).
- Notable events: The Lost Colony outdoor symphonic drama has been performed at Waterside Theatre since 1937, with summers generally active except 2020; the theatre has been rebuilt several times but continues to operate.
- Renamed/demolished: The Waterside Theatre has not been demolished or renamed; it remains the Waterside Theatre at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.