Wednesday, August 19, 2026
By Submitted Story on July 15, 2026
Big Spring Entertainment, the Promoters behind the Live From OBX Concert Series, announced today that it will not present a concert series at Roanoke Island Festival Park in 2027, bringing an end to its run of shows at the venue.
“We thoroughly enjoyed presenting shows in this amazing space, and the potential is there to create something special,” said Jason Oschwald, Co-Owner of Big Spring Entertainment and Co-Founder of the Live from OBX Concert Series. “But unless something changes financially, there is no plan to move forward with a 2027 concert series. We do however, look forward to seeing everyone at the three remaining shows this season.”
Rising touring costs, softening ticket sales, and the terms of the company’s current contract with the park are the primary reasons for stepping away. Oschwald reiterated the concert series has sustainable long-term potential, but the terms, as currently structured, no longer work.
Discussions with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) regarding the rental contract, beverage operations deal points, and park infrastructure upgrades haven’t resulted in a path forward. For Promoters to continue presenting live entertainment at the Park, there needs to be a better balance between the needs of public stakeholders and the financial realities of modern live entertainment production.
Oschwald noted that a successful, sustainable concert series will require greater participation from the Town of Manteo and the Outer Banks Tourism Bureau, along with concessions from Roanoke Island Festival Park. The series has a significant economic impact on the region — including hotel bookings, local restaurant and retail impact, and tens of thousands of dollars donated to local Dare County non-profits.
“I would like to thank the community and everyone that contributed to these events. The people of Manteo and the OBX have a passion and hospitality that are palpable.”
Big Spring Entertainment and Live from OBX remain open to future concerts at Roanoke Island Festival Park should contract terms be revisited.
Comments
Ron Lebowitz
Thanks so much for a fun season, hope it works out that others may pick up the ball to present at such a lovely venue.
Holly
Good luck with the Town of Manteo – all they seem to want to spend their money on is fireworks for new years.
Rocky the Rockfish
Love the shows and loved going to dinner in Manteo before the shows.
Very sad to see this concert series end.
Carl
Good riddance. Now maybe traffic will not be back up all the way to Pirates Cove coming home from work back to Manteo.
Keep the Music Going
What a shame…such great potential. We only made it to a few of the shows but always made it a point to eat an early dinner in Manteo & support local businesses. Hope they can bring another company in to keep the music going!
Sayonara
Ticket prices for the Live From OBX concerts with summer ranged from about $50 – $100. Festival park holds up to 3,000 people so with a full house they gross up to $150,000 – $300,000 per concert. Festival park only charges $4,000 or $2 per ticket sold (up to $6,000) whichever is greater.
Big Spring Entertainment (Live From OBX) is a for profit corporation operating in the free market. If their concerts can’t attract enough paying customers willing to pay them high enough ticket prices to make a profit then they need to change their business model or fold their tent.
Big Spring Entertainment Inc. should not expect local taxpayers to subsidize their private business. The Town of Manteo already provides substantial support for these concerts and does a good job of balancing the positive impacts these concerts have for the town’s businesses against the negative impacts the concerts have on the town’s residents.
No Surprise
Somehow this area attracts groups looking to make a quick buck at the expense of the overall OBX experience. At least they didn’t do what the OBX Marthon group did… take your $$… cancel… and then say read the contract next time :/
Dom Bostich
Sayonara, they did fold their tent. They ain’t coming back unless terms are changed (perhaps). That is how it is supposed to work.
No Re-Entry
Signs are posted at the entrance, No Re-Entry. Seems ridiculous, for a mostly adult audience. Doubtful this is, Live from OBX’s policy.
Holly, what else do you think Manteo should do?
Ralph
Looks like Morris Farm may be the recipient of this announcement. Hope they can fill the void that will be created by this cancelation.
A sincere THANK YOU to all involved over all the years and concerts – GREAT JOB!
Sad to see it end.
No Re-Entry
Morris farm sounds like a perfect venue but u lose the Manteo accommodations and charm.
Haley
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Perhaps RIFP can once again provide a venue for the UNC School of the Arts offering (at that time) no admittance fee music, drama, dance and children’s programs and shows performed by its students. There were also shows by the Chinese acrobats and Joan Jett, although I am unaware of how those shows were added into the mix. Families were able to bring in picnic meals making it an affordable evening out. Donations could be encouraged or perhaps required now since funding seemed to be an issue as to why these performances were discontinued. I do not recall parking and noise issues and folks could continue supporting the local businesses and restaurants in downtown Manteo before heading to RIFP to see a show in such an amazing setting. Perhaps the Town of Manteo and Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) , along with other sponsors could revisit restoring low or no cost summer music and arts summer programming to RIFP and the community.
Haley
Dear Editor, My post was removed as I imagine it was because I used a secure email address. Could you please re-post my initial submission? If not, please let me know and I will re-submit. Thank you.
Mark Jurkowitz | Outer Banks Voice
I don’t recall getting your post. Feel free to re-send.