The Outer Banks, and the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge in particular, is known as one of the best bird watching destinations in the world, and the annual Wings Over Water celebrates this distinction like no other local festival. The weeklong event, which is held each October, features a wide range of educational programs, lectures, and opportunities to meet and greet with fellow birders. During this year's festival, attendees will also have the opportunity to go on guided birding trips, attend art and photography workshops, take a tram or kayak tour of National Wildlife Refuge, visit an ancient maritime forest, and much, much more. A complete schedule can be found online at the organization's website, and attendees should note that some programs do cost a small fee to participate.

The group which hosts the tournament, Capitol City Four Wheelers, is based out of Virginia and is always looking for new members who love and promote safe 4WD accessible driving. For an October surf fishing tournament that revolves around driving along the incredible beaches of Hatteras Island, the Capitol City Surf Fishing Tournament is certainly one to watch.

The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is rapidly becoming one of the highlights of the fall season, with plenty of fresh seafood, storytelling, and activities to keep everyone fully entertained. This all-day event takes place at the waterfront Event Site in Nags Head, and is a family-friendly outing that will make anyone fall in love with this staple of the Outer Banks’ culinary cuisine.

Celebrate the fall season at one of the prettiest outdoor attractions in the heart of Roanoke Island with this special weekly event that has become a favorite activity for locals and fall visitors alike. Pumpkin Patch Saturdays are a fantastic opportunity for kids and adults to pick up their own Halloween pumpkins while exploring a myriad of activities and attractions found within the Island Farm.

At the NC VIP Fishing Tournament, the VIP stands for Very Important People as well as Visually Impaired Persons, and this tournament is a truly unique fishing event that ensures everyone can join in the fun of fall fishing on the Outer Banks. Held at Jennette’s Pier, which is well known as one of the best spots along the Outer Banks to drop a line, this tournament is the largest service project of its kind in the world, and is a great opportunity for VIPs everywhere to reel in some amazing catches, and some great times.

Open to everyone, and historically one of the most popular and well-loved surf fishing tournaments on the beach, the  Red Drum Tournament is still one of the best reasons for anglers in-the-know to make an October visit to the Outer Banks.

Come to Ocracoke Island for a Pirate Halloween! The Ocracoke Pirate Jamboree is an annual and multiple day event that is highlighted by a family-friendly Pirate Encampment by Blackbeard's Pirate Crew on Ocracoke Island, and an ensuing world of fun on the southern Outer Banks.

Celebrate the autumn season at Harvest Heyday, a favorite annual event at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens that invites visitors of all ages to sample the flavors, colors, and fun of the fall in one of the most scenic destinations on the Outer Banks.

Enjoy a day at the Manteo waterfront and see wooden boats displayed in the water and on the grounds of the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum at this special event that pays homage to the region’s deep ties to maritime history and culture.

A celebration of flight and beer, OBX Brewtag is modeled after the whimsical and entertaining Red Bull Flutag, translated to “flying day” in German. With OBX Brewtag, the general premise is the same, although rather than human-powered flying machines, Brewtag contestants will be competing to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the furthest.

The cost to compete at OBX Brewtag in 2019 is only $50 and the sky is the limit as to how creative your homemade flying contraption can be! Individuals and teams are welcome.

Admission to the event is FREE to the general public. A rather crafty selection of local and regional beer and food will be available for purchase that day. This family-friendly event will also feature plenty of activities for the kiddos!

Celebrate the fall season at one of the prettiest outdoor attractions in the heart of Roanoke Island with this special weekly event that has become a favorite activity for locals and fall visitors alike. Pumpkin Patch Saturdays are a fantastic opportunity for kids and adults to pick up their own Halloween pumpkins while exploring a myriad of activities and attractions found within the Island Farm.

Costumes, ghouls, beer, and a little run through the OBX – if this fits your idea of a cool Halloween celebration, then you’ll want to join in the fun of the “The Beer Witch Project,” which is a one-mile beer run that’s hosted by the Outer Banks Brewing Station in the heart of the central Outer Banks.

Get into the spooky Halloween spirit with this event that is quickly becoming a favorite holiday celebration in the central Outer Banks and beyond. The 6th Annual Outer Banks Halloween Parade of Costumes is a celebration of all things scary and fun, with a myriad of activities and corresponding events that will make anyone want to join in the seasonal fall fun.

Enjoy an evening of history, mystery, and a few spooky surprises along the way at this Halloween-themed event that takes place at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum, and which will be a wonderfully scary and engaging event for “kids” of all ages.

Enjoy a safe and fun Halloween with this annual event that makes trick or treating in the heart of Hatteras Island a breeze. Trunk Or Treat has become a hit with visitors and locals alike, and is a great way for kids to load up on candy while meeting and mingling with their fellow costumed Halloween fans.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

The historic Island Farm in Manteo takes on a spooky new appearance during this Halloween season event that will send chills down anyone’s spine. Highlighting this local attraction from an entirely new after-hours perspective, these spooky tours are sure to be a thrilling addition to any off-season Outer Banks vacation.

Through arts, music, and miles of fun, the Outer Banks celebrates visiting and local veterans alike through this special event that has a wealth of ways to stay entertained while discovering the heart of the islands’ cultural scene. OBX Veterans Week is an annual event which honors veterans and their families through live concerts, cool activities and arts in downtown Manteo, and so much more.

Embark on an adventure off the Outer Banks shoreline for this fun annual event that’s held in the heart of the Currituck Mainland. The Currituck Heritage Festival is a veritable celebration of All Things Inner Banks, with a wealth of activities, fun and games for kids, and a famous BBQ competition that will have all attendees ready to dive into this North Carolina staple.

Get a head start to your fall fun with this lightly competitive road race that is open to active visitors of all ages. Hosted by the Kitty Hawk Elementary School, the Flying Falcon Road Race is a great way for residents and vacationers to get into the local spirit while cruising through some of the more scenic sections of the central Outer Banks.

We Are Messengers is coming to Kill Devil Hills, NC on their "Power Tour"! They will be at First Flight High School on Saturday, November 2nd! We are so excited about this night and hope you will be able to join us!

Bring an appetite and a love of all things shrimp to this fun annual event where great taste rules. The 8=10th Annual Outer Banks Shrimp Cook-Off is an opportunity for chefs and seafood fans to come together to discover the rich and diverse flavors of this beloved southern staple, and to have a fun afternoon of eating and enjoyment in the heart of the Outer Banks.

Early November is an exceptional time to clear out a front yard or backyard landscape, and to start gearing up for a crop of wintertime foliage and blooms that will add a little color to a chilly day. During this special workshop at the Elizabethan Gardens, gardeners of all skill levels will learn how to make the most out of their seasonal landscape, and how to plant flora and fauna that will survive and even thrive in the upcoming winter months.

Through arts, music, and miles of fun, the Outer Banks celebrates visiting and local veterans alike through this special event that has a wealth of ways to stay entertained while discovering the heart of the islands’ cultural scene. OBX Veterans Week is an annual event which honors veterans and their families through live concerts, cool activities and arts in downtown Manteo, and so much more.

Renowned as one of the oldest fishing tournaments on the East Coast, the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament is also one of the biggest Hatteras island tournaments of the years, with hundreds of anglers flocking to the southern Outer Banks for exceptional fall fishing that can't be found anywhere else. With big prizes and plenty of opportunities to have fun off the beach, this tournament has become a generations-old tradition for local and visiting anglers alike. 

Celebrate the vibrant Latino community on Ocracoke Island which has been growing and thriving in the past 20 years with this special festival that features a wealth of tempting foods, arts and crafts, music, activities for kids, and much more. Held at the Ocracoke School during the day and the Ocracoke Community Center at night, this festival deliciously combines education and effortless fun to present a day that visitors of all tastes will adore.

Just because the weather has turned chilly doesn’t mean that a local landscape can’t shine, even in the middle of the winter. During this special workshop, gardeners will learn how to make the most out of the cooler weather by planting festive containers gardens that will sparkle throughout the holiday season.

Discover how creative the talented chefs of the Outer Banks region and beyond can be with this fundraising event that puts a unique and timely spin on the traditional cook-off challenge. During the Beach Food Pantry Holiday Chefs Challenge, area chefs will compete head-to-head to whip up truly delicious dishes with canned foods that are traditionally found in stock at the local Beach Food Pantry. With lots of new tastes to discover, and a worthy cause at the heart of the event, this wintertime celebration is a great way to give back while enjoying a truly distinctive and tempting meal.

Join in the fun of one of the biggest and grandest parties of the year with the glittering Wags and Whiskers Gala. Celebrating its 9^th year in 2019, this collaborative gala that helps raise funds for a variety of local animal-oriented causes is filled with food, drink, music, and plenty of great times, and is always one of the most anticipated social events in the Outer Banks year after year.

Get into the holiday spirit while perusing a far-reaching range of arts and crafts that are delightfully one-of-a-kind with this seasonal event that always attracts locals and visiting shoppers alike. The Hatteras Island Arts and Craft Guild Holiday Show showcases a wide variety of talented regional artists and craftsmen, and is a favorite destination for holiday shoppers of all tastes who love to find those perfect coastal gifts and treasures.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Beach Boys at this concert that brings their classic hits to vivid life. Sail On is one of the region’s most critically acclaimed and authentic Beach Boys Tribute Bands, and this special one-night-only performance will have everyone dancing in the aisles, and fondly remembering the classic songs that tie in perfectly with life on the Outer Banks.

Get your Thanksgiving off to a fun and active start with this event that combines a little fitness with a world of exceptional brews. The Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile is a great Wednesday precursor to the Thanksgiving Day feast, and it entails a drink-and-run course that beer lovers and runners alike will enjoy to the fullest.

Start a Thanksgiving holiday by participating in one of the Northern Outer Banks’ favorite traditions – the Annual ADVICE 5K Turkey Trot. This event which is now in its 24th year attracts visitors and locals alike who want to run, walk or “trot” before diving into their afternoon Thanksgiving feast.

Follow a couple wooded roads to the heart of Kill Devil Hills to take in one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in coastal North Carolina. The annual “Poulos Family Christmas” lights display has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions for many Outer Banks locals, and everyone is welcome to discover this expansive holiday display in person to see what all the fuss is about.

Cap off a delicious Thanksgiving holiday on the beach with this special two-day event that is held at one of the Outer Banks’ favorite historic attractions. The “Garden To Hearth; Heritage Cooking And Food Preservation” event focuses on food, family, and history with a myriad of activities and cooking-related traditions that will make a visit to the Island Farm even more special, and more memorable.

Ignite your holiday spirit with this special annual event that combines the natural beauty of the Outer Banks with twinkling Christmas lights for an unforgettable display and seasonal experience. The Hangin' With Santa & Kites With Lights event is hosted by the flagship Kitty Hawk Kites store that’s just across the street from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and the beautiful landscape of twinkling kites with the iconic massive sand dunes of the park in the background will be a sight that spectators won’t soon forget.

Ring in the holidays island-style with this seasonal parade that takes place on the waters that surrounds Ocracoke village. The Ocracoke Parade of Boats is a celebration of life on the water, and this annual procession of ships of all shapes and sizes is sure to make anyone fall in love with the coastal scene and community that calls Ocracoke Island home.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

Follow a couple wooded roads to the heart of Kill Devil Hills to take in one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in coastal North Carolina. The annual “Poulos Family Christmas” lights display has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions for many Outer Banks locals, and everyone is welcome to discover this expansive holiday display in person to see what all the fuss is about.

Ring in the holiday season with style with this special class that’s designed for gardening fans and festive visitors alike. Deck The Halls with Christmas Greenery is a two-hour workshop that will brighten your upcoming holiday through a myriad of ideas that transform local flora and fauna into stunning additions to any decoration scheme.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

Everyone should have an opportunity to get into the holiday spirit – even the furry members of the family. So bring everyone in the party along for this special event that’s open to parents, kids, friends, and even dogs at the Elizabethan Gardens. On the night of WOOFstocking at Winter Lights, dogs are allowed to join in the fun and enjoy the twinkling scene of the gardens, and there are plenty of treats and surprises along the way to keep everyone in the family smiling.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

Visitors who missed the annual Wings Over Water festival - or who just want a second opportunity to admire the hundreds and thousands of birds that flock to the Outer Banks – won’t want to miss this special weekend where these feathered visitors are once again in the spotlight. The Wings Over Water Encore event is a weekend-long celebration of the many wintering waterfowl that are found at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and beyond, and is a great way for birders to discover the off-season beauty of the OBX.

Head to the heart of quiet downtown Manteo for this annual tradition that illuminates the beginning of the holiday season in the central Outer Banks. The Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting is a favorite holiday event for residents and visitors of all ages, and is a great way to enjoy a dose of holiday spirit in one of the most charming communities along the North Carolina coastline.

With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning those festive centerpieces that will be the highlight of every family meal throughout the season. Visitors who want to brighten their interior décor scheme will find a lot of tips, tricks and practical applications for making their table-scapes shine through this special program that’s hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens.

Enjoy a traditional holiday feast before exploring the brilliant display of Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens with this special one-night-only event that will appeal to foodie family members of all ages. During the Holiday Feast & Winter Lights event, guests will be treated to a huge holiday buffet dinner before taking a stroll through one of the most stunning destinations on the Outer Banks during the holidays.

Get your Outer Banks holiday off to a glittering start with this annual parade that is sure to delight visitors and locals alike. The Manteo Christmas Parade is a time-honored tradition that attracts both participants and spectators from all across the Outer Banks, and which is sure to entice anyone to get into the holiday spirit.

Discover the beauty and heritage of Manteo while enjoying a dose of holiday spirit with the 15th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, which is hosted by the Manteo Preservation Trust. During this seasonal tour, visitors will be treated to an inside look of some of this town’s most charming and historically relevant homes while sampling light refreshments and exploring the heart of Manteo.

Follow a couple wooded roads to the heart of Kill Devil Hills to take in one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in coastal North Carolina. The annual “Poulos Family Christmas” lights display has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions for many Outer Banks locals, and everyone is welcome to discover this expansive holiday display in person to see what all the fuss is about.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning those festive centerpieces that will be the highlight of every family meal throughout the season. Visitors who want to brighten their interior décor scheme will find a lot of tips, tricks and practical applications for making their table-scapes shine through this special program that’s hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens.

Enjoy a full day of holiday fun Hatteras-style at this day-long event that’s becoming a treasured tradition for longtime visitors and locals alike. The annual Holidays on Hatteras is a celebration of the season that combines a myriad of activities and displays to create a truly unforgettable event.

Join in the fun of one of the most festive celebrations on Hatteras Island with this annual Christmas parade that has become a decades-long tradition for locals and holiday visitors alike. The Hatteras Island Christmas Parade combines local businesses, fire departments, the US Coast Guard, and non-profit organizations in a joyful and small-town parade that will inspire anyone to get into the holiday spirit.

Follow a couple wooded roads to the heart of Kill Devil Hills to take in one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in coastal North Carolina. The annual “Poulos Family Christmas” lights display has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions for many Outer Banks locals, and everyone is welcome to discover this expansive holiday display in person to see what all the fuss is about.

Crafting the perfect holiday wreath is a true art form, and during this special workshop, students of all ages can learn from the pros at the Elizabethan Gardens to create a piece of décor that will brighten their door all holiday long.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

Enjoy an uplifting experience at the exact location where aviation was born at the annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight at the impossible-to-miss Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. This day-long celebration honors the birthplace of flight, with a commemoration that coincides with the precise time that the first successful launch took place, and a wealth of activities throughout the day that will delight aviation fans of all ages.

With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning those festive centerpieces that will be the highlight of every family meal throughout the season. Visitors who want to brighten their interior décor scheme will find a lot of tips, tricks and practical applications for making their table-scapes shine through this special program that’s hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens.

Poinsettias are a staple of the holiday season, and during this special workshop that’s held at the Elizabethan Gardens, visitors will learn all about this colorful plant – while enjoying a free Poinsettia plant to take home as a special gift.

Follow a couple wooded roads to the heart of Kill Devil Hills to take in one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in coastal North Carolina. The annual “Poulos Family Christmas” lights display has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions for many Outer Banks locals, and everyone is welcome to discover this expansive holiday display in person to see what all the fuss is about.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

Follow a couple wooded roads to the heart of Kill Devil Hills to take in one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in coastal North Carolina. The annual “Poulos Family Christmas” lights display has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions for many Outer Banks locals, and everyone is welcome to discover this expansive holiday display in person to see what all the fuss is about.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

Ring in the New Year in the spot where the New World began at this fun and family-friendly celebration that takes place in the heart of Downtown Manteo. The New Year in The New World is a perfect destination for a family-oriented New Year’s Eve that visitors won’t soon forget, and it features a wealth of activities, attractions, and other fun to start 2020 off with a bang.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

Take a step back in time at this unique show that features one of the most acclaimed ragtime ensembles in the country. The Peacherine Ragtime Orchestra will be heading to the Outer Banks for a special one-night-only show that is sure to surprise and delight audience members of all ages, and of all music tastes.

Head to the waterfront along Hatteras village at historic Oden’s Dock for this old-fashioned oyster roast that gives back to the island’s coastal environment. The annual event features a world of fresh goodies for attendees to enjoy, which includes plenty of fresh oysters that are ready for shucking, fresh seafood chowder, cornbread, and other snacks and refreshments. There’s also a bake sale planned so that attendees can indulge their sweet tooth after they have had their fill of the array of local seafood.

Spend an incredible evening listening to the spectacular music of The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, conducted by a nationally acclaimed conductor. Recognized as one of the leading regional orchestras, The Virginia Symphony presents classics, pops and family concerts around the East Coast, and they are landing on the Outer Banks for a special one-night-only performance in February.

Couples who have always dreamed about a romantic wedding on the Outer Banks will want to attend this special off-season expo that shines a spotlight on all the different wedding vendors that this scenic coastline has to offer. Sponsored by the Outer Banks Wedding Association, this two-day event has become the go-to festival for visitors from all over the country who want to discover how magical it can be to get married on the OBX.

Everyone in the music-loving crowd will be dancing in their seats to this acclaimed all-female country group that is making a special appearance on the Outer Banks for a one-night-only show. Farewell Angelina features a powerhouse group of women with stellar vocals, dynamic songs, and incredible harmonies and instrumentals. The end result is an incredible performance that will be music to any Outer Banker’s ears.

Head to Hatteras Island for one of the biggest windsurfing events in the country with the annual OBX-Wind Competition. Held on multiple days during one of the prime local seasons for wind-based watersports, this incredible series of events will entice windsurfers of all skill levels to meet and mingle with their colleagues, have some fun on the water, and enjoy a race or two that is truly challenging, engaging, and which can only be found on the Outer Banks.

Head to Hatteras Island for one of the biggest windsurfing events in the country with the annual OBX-Wind Competition. Held on multiple days during one of the prime local seasons for wind-based watersports, this incredible series of events will entice windsurfers of all skill levels to meet and mingle with their colleagues, have some fun on the water, and enjoy a race or two that is truly challenging, engaging, and which can only be found on the Outer Banks.

From runner costumes, to Expo decorations and all the way to the post-race party! Pirates Rule at the well-organized, fun race!

From runner costumes, to Expo decorations and all the way to the post-race party! Pirates Rule at the well-organized, fun race!

Automobile enthusiasts can meet and greet with fellow aficionados while exploring some of the most stunning coastlines that North Carolina has to offer at this two-day festival that features a wide array of ways to have fun. The OBX Rod And Custom Festival is a special celebration of vintage and antique cars that will boast a host of family-friendly activities, from local food, to cruise-ins, to displays that will impress car fans of all tastes and ages.

Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County will hold its 13^th Annual KidsFest on Friday, May 8, 2020 from 9:30am-12:30pm at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo. This annual event is a FREE and fun-filled day where children, ages five and under, can enjoy face painting, bubbles, ice cream and snowballs, arts and crafts, music, large vehicles, and much more!

At the annual Artrageous Art Extravaganza, everyone can enjoy a little hands-on creativity with lots of interactive displays, live demos, and fun artistic activities for the young and the young at heart. This full day affair which combines art, music, and the friendly spirit of the Outer Banks, is an annual tradition that began in 1989, and which has become a favorite event for visitors of all ages.

Enjoy an evening listening to decades of Broadway hits by the stars who made them famous at this special performance that’s landing on the Outer Banks, courtesy of the Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts. Ron Sharpe and Barbra Russell met and married when they were playing the leads in Les Misérables, and their hit show, Married to Broadway, features favorite songs from their signature musical, as well as many more hits that will have audience members transported to the bright lights of New York City and beyond.

Visitors can pay tribute to the fallen heroes of Ocracoke’s past at this special and inspired ceremony that pays homage to the heroes who lost their lives off the island’s coast. Orchestrated by the Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, the Ocracoke community, the U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary 16-04, the National Park Service, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the annual British Cemetery Ceremony is a historic and landmark event that honors Ocracoke’s tumultuous past.

Celebrating its 26th year in 2020, the Hatteras Village Offshore Open continues to be one of the most popular fishing tournaments of the year along the southern Outer Banks, and is a fantastic chance to discover how incredible fishing off the Hatteras Island coastline can be. Based in the small town of Hatteras village on the southern edge of the island, this multiple-day tournament attracts anglers from all across the East Coast, and is one of the most anticipated fishing events of the year for folks throughout the Outer Banks, and miles beyond.

Head to Roanoke Island in the scenic month of May to enjoy some of the best music of the year at the popular Bluegrass Island Festival. This annual festival has rapidly blossomed into one of the most anticipated music events along the Outer Banks, and attendees will be treated to a wealth of acclaimed bands, from legendary national acts, to homegrown bluegrass performers who will have everyone’s toes tapping.

Now celebrating its fourth year, this family-friendly event is a collection of music, sports, and OBX fun, and features a full roster of activities and entertainment to keep everyone in the party smiling. Special events within the Dare2Care OBX Shred Fest line-up include multiple bands and musicians throughout the day, live demos performed by professional skateboarders and BMX riders, a special appearance by roller derby women, appearances by Special Olympics athletes, and much, much more. In addition, the festivities will have a host of games for patrons of all ages, food, and local art vendors for unique and one-of-a-kind OBX treasures. 

Enjoy one of the most scenic corners of the Outer Banks while joining in the fun of one of the longest running festivals in Manteo by attending the 45th annual Dare Day Festival. This full-day event is held along the downtown waterfront, and features a wide array of activities and attractions that shine a spotlight on the local Manteo culture. Live music will kick off at around 11:00 a.m., with the original Rhondels – a famed soul and beach music band - on the Downtown stage. Throughout the day, there will also be a number of events designed for water and OBX lovers of all ages, including the now famous Hogway Speedway Racing Pigs, the locally beloved “Anything that Floats but a Boat” Race, the Raingutter Regatta, a Kids Zone, and the annual competition for the best cake and pie in Dare County with a coveted blue ribbon prize.

Share a love of fishing with the youngest members in your vacationing party with this special fishing tournament that’s designed with youth anglers in mind. The Fritz Boyden Memorial Youth Tournament, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2020, is an annual fishing tournament that takes place on the famous Jennette’s Pier, and which is open to all anglers ages 16 and under. The age groups for competitors are 4-9 years old and 10-16 years old, and trophies as well as rod and reel combos are awarded to the largest fish caught by a girl and boy angler for the day. Participants in the “catch and release” tournament can enjoy a full morning of fishing before going to a celebratory and awards lunch close to the pier.

Join in the fun of one of the summer’s most highly anticipated fishing tournaments while supporting a wonderful local cause by signing up for the Carolina Boat Builders Tournament. Held during the end of July – which is a prime time of year for exceptional fishing – this tournament that celebrates its 20th year in 2020 combines multiple days of angling action with some exceptional events that highlight the best of the Outer Banks.