Outer Banks History Events - 2026 Schedule

Outer Banks History Events - 2026 Schedule
This Week
Sunday, August 16th
Rodanthe

Come celebrate one of the most important events in Life-Saving local history with this special day at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site in the heart of Rodanthe. The rescue of the Mirlo was one of the most legendary rescues that was ever conducted by the US Life-Saving Service, and during this special day, visitors will dive deeper into this story courtesy of a wealth of activities that will fascinate visitors of all ages.

Week of August 17, 2026 - August 23, 2026
Wednesday, August 19th
Kill Devil Hills

First proclaimed on August 19, 1939, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, National Aviation Day is a celebration of Orville Wright’s birth date, and is a fun-filled event at the Wright Brothers National Memorial that visitors of all ages will enjoy.  

Thursday, August 20th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 27th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Rodanthe

Visitors can take a step back in time and learn how the heroes of the original US Life-Saving Service performed their daring rescues and everyday duties through this special live demonstration that’s held on the grounds of the oceanside Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station.

Week of August 24, 2026 - August 30, 2026
Thursday, August 27th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 20th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Rodanthe

Visitors can take a step back in time and learn how the heroes of the original US Life-Saving Service performed their daring rescues and everyday duties through this special live demonstration that’s held on the grounds of the oceanside Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station.

Week of October 5, 2026 - October 11, 2026
Saturday, October 10th
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 26, 2026 - November 1, 2026
Friday, October 30th - Saturday, October 31st
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 December 14, 2026 - December 20, 2026
Thursday, December 17th
Kill Devil Hills

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.

Week of April 26, 2027 - May 2, 2027
Friday, April 30th - Saturday, May 1st
Kill Devil Hills

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.

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
Lighthouse 5K Series
Aug 19

August 19, 2026

(+ more dates)

Lace up your running shoes and see the sights. Add the fun of a run and fitness to your vacation joining us for a Summer morning 5k run/walk through the Historic Village of Corolla Light. Enjoy the sights of the Northern Outer Banks. The WhaleHead...

The Cotton Gin

For those traveling to the Outer Banks, The Cotton Gin is a beloved landmark with its large windmill and picturesque gardens. The Cotton Gin has stood in the same location since 1929, starting as a working cotton gin and growing to a gift store with...

5140 - Hello Beaches

Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! Hello Beaches, you've arrived at the perfect Outer Banks vacation rental, which is only a few minute walk to the beach. Hello Beaches is a 2...

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2.5 Bathrooms
Jumpmasters OBX

Now with Axe Throwing! Jumpmasters OBX is the ultimate trampoline park on the Outer Banks with attractions the entire family will enjoy. From open jump trampolines to the dodgeball court, 3-D climbing wall, a foam pit, an epic ninja obstacle course...

The Sunny B

OCEANFRONT Avon — Tigrone Blvd. — Get a sunny dose of vitamin D from THE SUNNY B, a five-bedroom/four- and-one-half-bath home located in the heart of Avon and next to the boardwalk that leads the way to the beach just a short walk away. Bring...

  • Avon
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms
Southern Shores Realty

Southern Shores Realty offers over 350 Outer Banks rentals from Corolla to S. Nags Head.  We've been an Outer Banks tradition since 1947, providing families just like yours with memories that last a lifetime.  Take a moment to search...

Teach's Booty S-82

Teach's Booty is a true treasure with ocean and sound views, a large 14'x30' pool, a 6-person hot tub, a jacuzzi, and spacious sun decks, with LED lighting on the ocean-view balconies. This location offers just a short walk and direct access to a...

  • Salvo
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
10/3 - 10/10
$1,603  $1,803
$200 off
10/10 - 10/17
$1,574  $1,774
$200 off
10/17 - 10/24
$1,695  $1,895
$200 off
10/24 - 10/31
$1,574  $1,774
$200 off
Old Man Charters

  Experience the Outer Banks from the water with Old Man Charters, a personalized boat tour company based in the historic fishing village of Wanchese. Departing from a private dock on the southern end of Roanoke Island, Old Man Charters...

209 | Skipper's Cove

Ideally situated in South Nags Head, a quiet & relaxing area that offers spacious beaches & a laid back atmosphere that is only a short drive away to some of the area’s most outstanding restaurants including Owens' Restaurant, Basnight's...

  • Nags Head
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
Beach Realty and Construction

Over 450 Outer Banks vacation rentals with amenities such as private pools, hot tubs, elevators, keyless entry, 1 - 9 bedrooms, Oceanfront to Soundfront, 4x4 Carova...

Mermaid Manor

Time to try “Mermaid Manor”, a beautiful beach house in Ocean Sands Section A, this lovely accommodation is breathtaking. Wait until you see the views over the open land to the ocean from the back and side decks. Panoramic beauty, magnificent...

  • Corolla
  • 8 Bedrooms
  • 8 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 18
ZoomAround Street Legal Golf Cart Rentals

ZoomAround Street Legal Golf Cart Rentals provides our communities and our visitors with fun, safe and convenient access to innovative transportation while providing an unparalleled customer experience. Don’t carry all of your beach gear...

Aqua Hol

Close your eyes, take a deep breathe and leave it all behind. Nestled in a peaceful area, yet within minutes of all the local attractions, the location of this home is sure to leave your family with memories to last a lifetime. Located on the...

  • Nags Head
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
Paradise Dolphin Cruises

With the best views around and the quickest access to dolphins, Paradise Dolphin Cruises is committed to offering you one of the most amazing experiences of your life! Climb aboard the Kokomo, our 34-passenger catarmaran and the area’s newest...

TUSINDTAK II

Tusind Tak means “a thousand thanks” in Danish. “Thanks” from the owners of this wonderful semi-oceanfront home for visiting and “thanks” from their guests for providing such a lovely vacation home only 50 yards from the beach access. A...

  • Southern Shores
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
9/6 - 9/13
$2,695  $3,225
$530 off
9/13 - 9/20
$2,429  $2,873
$444 off