Outer Banks History Events - 2026 Schedule

Outer Banks History Events - 2026 Schedule
This Week
Thursday, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • 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.

Saturday, June 6th
Manteo

Toast the beginning of the 2026 season for one of the country’s most acclaimed outdoor dramas, The Lost Colony, with this special opening performance at the famed Waterside Theater in the heart of Downtown Manteo. The Lost Colony is the longest-running outdoor drama in America, and is an acclaimed production that tells the story of the first colonists to arrive from England to the “New World,” eventually creating a settlement just steps away from where the performance takes place.

Week of June 8, 2026 - June 14, 2026
Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • 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 June 15, 2026 - June 21, 2026
Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • 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 June 22, 2026 - June 28, 2026
Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • 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 June 29, 2026 - July 5, 2026
Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • 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.

Saturday, July 4th 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Manteo

Take a step back in time to the Outer Banks of the mid-1800s, and celebrate Independence Day in a historical fashion, with a visit to The Island Farm. Located in the heart of Manteo, The Island Farm is a unique attraction that takes visitors on a tour of what life was like for island residents more than 150 years ago. Featuring a wealth of historic homes with period artifacts, live farm animals, and costumed interpreters who explain what life was like for these original locals, The Island Farm is both an educational and utterly fascinating attraction for visitors of all ages.

Week of July 6, 2026 - July 12, 2026
Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • 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 July 13, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • 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.

Friday, July 17th - Saturday, July 18th
Kill Devil Hills

Now celebrating its 47th year, the Wright Kite Festival is a celebration of aviation that takes place where flight began – the Wright Brothers Memorial. Walk through the sprawling grounds of the museum and gain a little knowledge of the birthplace of aviation and then put this knowledge to the test outside with Kitty Hawk Kites. Large kites will be on display throughout the weekend, joining in the sky with the Wright Memorial!

Week of July 20, 2026 - July 26, 2026
Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • 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 July 27, 2026 - August 2, 2026
Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • 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 3, 2026 - August 9, 2026
Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • 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.

Friday, August 7th - Saturday, August 8th
Ocracoke

Take a stroll along any shaded street in Ocracoke village and you’ll naturally notice the town’s love of all-things fig. Fig trees are everywhere in this coastal town, and during this annual celebration, visitors and locals alike can celebrate the fig through a myriad of  music, dancing, history, activities, and of course, plenty of fig goodies.

Week of August 10, 2026 - August 16, 2026
Thursday, August 13th - Friday, August 14th
Nags Head

Get ready for a pirate invasion on the Outer Banks, courtesy of the two-day Outer Banks Pirate Festival. This festival that will be held next to Jockey’s Ridge State Park in the central Outer Banks town of Nags Head promises plenty of swashbuckling good times and activities, and will be a memorable event for young and old salty visitors alike.

Thursday, August 13th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • 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.

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, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13th 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, June 4th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 11th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 18th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 25th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 2nd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 9th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 16th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 23rd 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 6th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13th 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
Hatteras 5k Race Series in Avon
Jun 19

June 19, 2026

(+ more dates)

Run Hatteras Summer 5k/1 Mile Race Series 2026 AVON, NC. 8 AM Friday Mornings Summer 2026 in Kinnakeet Shores. New this year: Join us for a shorter distance on the out and back 1 Mile course

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...

675 | Get The Picture

"Get The Picture" is a terrific semi-oceanfront home that was previously named "Life is Good". This truly spectacular Kitty Hawk Beach home offers unobstructed Ocean Views that compare to many oceanfront properties & is located just steps from...

  • Kitty Hawk
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
6/27 - 7/3
$6,995  $7,995
$1,000 off
7/4 - 7/10
$7,495  $7,995
$500 off
7/11 - 7/17
$7,495  $7,995
$500 off
Jimmy's Seafood Buffet

Home of the Crab Leg & Lobster Buffet for 27 years! Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a great stop for an all you can eat affordable dinner extravaganza. The buffet offers over 100 different items. It even serves Jumbo Alaskan crab legs and Jumbo...

Turtle Whispers

Upgrades for 2026 include: New HVAC on Top Level, New Fortified Roof, New Dishwasher, New Microwave, New Carpet in Top Level Master Bedroom, Converted Pool to a Saltwater Pool Located in Corolla/ 5 Bedrooms/ 4 Full Bathrooms/ 1 Half...

  • Corolla
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
Surf or Sound Realty

Surf or Sound Realty invites you to explore our collection of over 600 premier vacation rental homes on Hatteras Island, featuring the largest selection of oceanfront accommodations. Nestled within the breathtaking Cape Hatteras National Seashore...

Summer Dream

Once you stay at Summer Dream, you'll be dreaming of the Outer Banks all year long. This vacation retreat is stocked with everything needed for a memorable experience. The upper level has beautiful hardwood flooring, comfy furnishings, granite...

  • Corolla
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
6/17 - 6/24
$5,427  $5,825
$398 off
8/9 - 8/16
$5,596  $6,391
$795 off
8/24 - 8/31
$5,039  $5,636
$597 off
8/30 - 9/6
$4,262  $4,562
$300 off
Kitty Hawk Surf Co.

Experience more adventure, fun, and style with Kitty Hawk Surf Company. As the trusted Outer Banks retailer for all top surf and lifestyle brands, including, Hurley, Billabong, RVCA, The North Face, Patagonia, Salt Life, Salty Crew, Volcom...

L3 BY THE SEA

Overview From the moment you step into L3 By The Sea, you are met by three levels of graceful coastal living space with fine finishes that will make you Live, Laugh, Love. Professionally decorated in invigorating ocean blues and...

  • Corolla
  • 9 Bedrooms
  • 10 Bathrooms
Sun Realty

Sun Realty offers the Best Selection of Vacation Rentals on the Outer Banks. Our large selection of Outer Banks rentals means you can choose from a wide range of amenities, including private swimming pools, hot tubs, theater rooms, game rooms, pet...

Legasea

SEMI-OCEANFRONT Waves – Island Pines Dr. — LEGASEA is the gift that keeps on giving, a seven-bedroom/five-full and two-half bath getaway that brings family and friends together to reconnect, relax, and revel in each other’s company. Wake up...

  • Waves
  • 7 Bedrooms
  • 6 Bathrooms
Twiddy Wedding Homes

Celebrate your love in a place you love! Twiddy & Company has a wide variety of wedding homes located throughout the Outer Banks. Find the perfect special event home for your Outer Banks wedding, whether you're planning an intimate elopement or...

Inigo's Retreat

This is a Blue Standard Bedding Property. Learn more about our hospitality bedding program here.Take a break from the crowds to experience the Outer Banks as it should be! Active families will enjoy this fantastic oceanside property which offers...

  • Corolla
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 18
Black Pelican

Black Pelican oceanfront restaurant is one of the Outer Banks’ premier restaurants serving lunch and dinner daily. Black Pelican is where you can enjoy fresh seafood, steaks, vegetarian dishes, sandwiches and some of the barrier island’s...

Sea You Soon

OCEANVIEW Avon — Due East Dr. — We see you. You’re ready for a family vacation intent on calming, restoring and re-connecting; a place to gather together and hit the pause button as one. Please meet SEA YOU SOON, a five-bedroom/four-full and...

  • Avon
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms