Outer Banks Festivals Events - 2025 Schedule

Outer Banks Festivals Events - 2025 Schedule
This Week
Monday, September 15th - Wednesday, September 17th
Manteo

Surfers, filmmakers, movie buffs, nature fans, and curious visitors alike can all come together for an incredible film festival that celebrates all things aquatic. Presented by Cucalorus and the Dare County Arts Council, this three-day celebration of coastal North Carolina marine culture is sure to impress movie fans of all varieties, with an array of local and regional films that highlight life by the coastal waters.

Friday, September 19th - Sunday, September 21st
Nags Head

Jeep lovers are welcome to attend this annual festival that takes advantage of the beautiful fall weather of the Outer Banks, as well as the off-roading opportunities that are abundant along the miles of coastal North Carolina shoreline. The OBX Jeep Invasion is a fun and adventure-filled event that gives Jeep lovers an opportunity to get together and have a blast at one of the East Coat’s favorite destinations for four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Week of October 6, 2025 - October 12, 2025
Thursday, October 9th - Sunday, October 12th
Duck
Duck Jazz Festival

This year, the Duck Jazz Festival proudly reaches its 16th anniversary, and with it, we unveil our artistic vision:“Duck Grooves: The Sound of Jazz,” is an electrifying celebration of jazz’s dynamic, ever-evolving nature, set against the stunning backdrop of the Currituck Sound. It’s a fusion of past, present, and future, where the timeless traditions of jazz intersect with the vibrancy of new, innovative sounds. Just as the sound of jazz flows and adapts, so too does the landscape of Duck where the rhythm of the music harmonizes with the natural beauty of the water and the surrounding environment.

Saturday, October 11th 8:00 AM
Avon

Enjoy a breezy fall outing that starts with a light run or jog and ends with plenty of food, fun, and live music at this annual event that goes to benefit a very worthy local cause, the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation. The HICF 5K is a great outing that’s open to visitors and locals of all ages, and which shows just how fun the Outer Banks can be in the fall when everyone comes together to help out a favorite community organization.

Week of October 13, 2025 - October 19, 2025
Tuesday, October 14th - Sunday, October 19th
Rodanthe

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.

Thursday, October 16th - Saturday, October 18th
Manteo

Head to Roanoke Island in the scenic month of October 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.

Saturday, October 18th 10:19 AM - 6:00 PM
Nags Head
Outer Banks Seafood Festival

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.

Saturday, October 18th
ocracoke

Join the Ocracoke Preservation Society in celebrating Ocracoke heritage with its rich history and continuing tradition of working on the water with this unique festival that made its grand debut in 2023. Held on the grounds of the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum, this festival will celebrate these traditions with booths and exhibits with the watermen themselves, as well as plenty of food and fun to go around.

Week of October 20, 2025 - October 26, 2025
Saturday, October 25th 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Nags Head

The 9th Annual Outer Banks Brewtag is back on October 25th, 2025, at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, NC! This one-of-a-kind event, inspired by Red Bull Flugtag, invites teams and individuals to compete by launching and flying a 1/6 keg barrel the farthest. Admission is free and there will be plenty of craft beer from eight local breweries, delicious food, and live performances from three local bands throughout the day.

Week of October 27, 2025 - November 2, 2025
Friday, October 31st - Saturday, November 1st
Ocracoke

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.

Week of November 3, 2025 - November 9, 2025
Friday, November 7th - Thursday, November 13th
Manteo

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.

Week of November 10, 2025 - November 16, 2025
Friday, November 7th - Thursday, November 13th
Manteo

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.

Week of November 24, 2025 - November 30, 2025
Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th
Nags Head

Get a head start on the holiday season with this post-Thanksgiving event that offers a world of fun for visitors of all ages. Held at the flagship Kitty Hawk Kites store in Nags Head, this two-day event features amazing shopping, activities, demos and displays, and - of course - a visit by old St. Nick himself to allow kids to get a jump start on their Christmas lists.  

Friday, November 28th
Ocracoke

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.

Week of December 1, 2025 - December 7, 2025
Friday, December 5th - Sunday, December 7th
Manteo

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.

Week of December 8, 2025 - December 14, 2025
Saturday, December 13th 2:00 PM
Hatteras

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.

Outer Banks Map
Carova Corolla Duck Southern Shores Kitty Hawk Kill Devil Hills Manteo Nags Head Wanchese Rodanthe Waves Salvo Avon Buxton Frisco Hatteras Ocracoke
Duck Jazz Festival
Oct 9

October 9, 2025

This year, the Duck Jazz Festival proudly reaches its 16th anniversary, and with it, we unveil our artistic vision:“Duck Grooves: The Sound of Jazz,” is an electrifying celebration of jazz’s dynamic, ever-evolving nature, set...

Resort Realty Property Management

Celebrating 36 years of service in Outer Banks vacation rental property management, Resort Realty is a company that operates locally with in-house feet on the ground; meaning impeccable care for your home with constant communication from our staff...

326 | Moondog's Jam

This adorable Nags Head Oceanfront cottage has a wonderful location that provides excellent Ocean Views from the living room, covered porch, & Oceanfront Sun Deck. Nicely decorated, this classic Outer Banks beach home provides comfort & a...

  • Nags Head
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Sound Feet Shoes

Sound Feet Shoes is family owned and operated. Sound Feet has been in the retail shoe business for over 72 years, opening their first store in 1953. They provide the best customer service and are the only Outer Banks’ area full service shoe...

5793 - Beachy Keen

Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! Just steps to the ocean with direct beach access and no major roads to cross, Beachy Keen is a wonderful place to spend your Outer Banks vacation. Located...

  • Nags Head
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
Fish Heads Bar and Grill

Rustic waterfront pub at a fishing pier with a large deck for seafood eats, draft beer & live music. Fish Heads Bar and Grill is THE tiki bar of the Outer Banks. Located at Mile Post 18.5 in Nags Head, we offer a view that is second to none...

Sunset Royale

Boasting unparalleled sound and sunset views, this house nestled in the trees is the perfect sound front retreat. Views of the sound in every direction from the open great-room on the top level make this the perfect spot to watch Sanderling's famous...

  • Duck
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
Fishing Unlimited Boating Center

Owned by Garry Oliver, the proprietor of the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, this small wooden aqua blue-colored store on the Nags Head-Manteo causeway has been serving the needs of fishermen for decades. A full line of tackle is available for all types...

292 | Special K

Semi-Oceanfront. 50 feet from Public Beach Access! You will love the views of the Ocean and Wright Brothers National Monument from the private decks of this home. Special K is a very well-maintained home that offers the luxury and convenience of...

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites has been Teaching the World to Fly since 1974 and is home to the world’s largest hang gliding school. As the Outer Banks leader in quality outdoor recreation and adventure, Kitty Hawk Kites offers more than 30 activities to...

135 | Sunflower

This Outstanding Kitty Hawk Vacation Home is Located in a Quiet, Peaceful Area, offers Good Ocean Views, and is a Short Walk from the Beach (Just 1 Block w/Direct Access). Thoughtfully Designed w/Many Unexpected Touches including Hardwood Floors...

  • Kitty Hawk
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
Miller's Seafood and Steakhouse

Miller's Seafood & Steakhouse has been a favorite among locals and visitors for more forty years. Offering delicious southern cuisine for both breakfast and dinner in a casual family atmosphere infused with coastal flair, it's no wonder this...

7621 - Hatteras Bound

Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! Welcome to Hatteras Bound, an oceanfront retreat located in the charming town of Avon, North Carolina. This spacious house features three bedrooms...

  • Avon
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
Poke Box

PokeBox offers fresh, quick, simple, healthy poke bowls in Nags Head. Choose your items and build your bowl. Tuna, salmon, chicken, steak, shrimp and tofu options available. Mix in your favorite veggies, sauces and toppings for the perfect poke...

SORRENTO

2,400 square foot reverse floor plan, including 1,300 square feet of decks. Level 1:Bedroom (with Pyramid Bunk and Trundle), bath (tub and shower), Smart TV.Level 2:4 bedrooms (2 Queen bedrooms with private bathroom (both with tub and shower)...

  • Southern Shores
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
9/21 - 9/28
$1,999  $2,528
$529 off
9/28 - 10/5
$2,316  $2,528
$212 off
10/5 - 10/12
$2,316  $2,528
$212 off
10/12 - 10/19
$2,316  $2,528
$212 off
10/19 - 10/26
$2,160  $2,354
$194 off
10/26 - 11/2
$2,160  $2,354
$194 off
11/2 - 11/9
$2,160  $2,354
$194 off
11/9 - 11/16
$2,160  $2,354
$194 off