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...

Jolly Roger

When you first catch sight of The Jolly Roger, you might be unsure exactly what to think of it. Since its conversion from a gas station/grocery store to a restaurant in 1972, The Jolly Roger has been anything but your ordinary Outer Banks...

AGAINST THE WIND

Discover AGAINST THE WIND in Southern Shores, a brand new Carolina Designs OBX vacation rental just 135 yards from the beach access. This six bedroom retreat offers six private baths, an elevator, a 32' x 14' private pool, a poolside hot tub...

  • Southern Shores
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 7 Bathrooms
H2OBX Waterpark

YOUR BEST SUMMER DAY - Nothing satisfies your craving for fun like a day at the H2OBX Waterpark. Start with that perfect Carolina sun. Add a dose of adrenaline as you soar 6 stories up on The Rogue Wave or drop 90 screaming feet down The Plank...

Good Vibes

Located in Corolla / 4 Bedrooms / 3 Full Bathrooms / 1 Half BathroomThis gorgeously decorated villa is close to the beach, oceanfront pools, tennis courts, playground, stores and eateries. Unwind on your huge, private sun deck or have a summer...

  • Corolla
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
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...

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON

Once in a Blue Moon do you find a beach home so comfortable for several families with six bedrooms, six baths, two living areas and a sitting room, only ten yards from the beach access, with gorgeous ocean views from two floors, complete with a...

  • Southern Shores
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 6 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
8/23 - 8/30
$4,004  $5,145
$1,141 off
8/30 - 9/6
$3,642  $4,442
$800 off
9/6 - 9/13
$3,386  $4,087
$701 off
9/20 - 9/27
$3,017  $3,648
$631 off
9/27 - 10/4
$3,107  $3,648
$541 off
10/4 - 10/11
$3,175  $3,648
$473 off
10/11 - 10/18
$3,215  $3,648
$433 off
10/18 - 10/25
$2,651  $2,946
$295 off
10/25 - 11/1
$2,651  $2,946
$295 off
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...

DADS DREAM

Quiet street in family-oriented Seacrest Village. Great for kids! Bike or jog on paved trail to Village and Town Park of Duck (within 2 miles). 2,800 square foot living area. 1,800 square feet of deck. 60 yards to beach access.Level 1:4 bedrooms (2...

  • Southern Shores
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 3.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
8/21 - 8/28
$3,798  $4,357
$559 off
8/28 - 9/4
$3,440  $3,937
$497 off
9/4 - 9/11
$3,182  $3,633
$451 off
9/25 - 10/2
$2,838  $3,245
$407 off
10/23 - 10/30
$2,390  $2,643
$253 off
10/30 - 11/6
$2,390  $2,493
$103 off
11/6 - 11/13
$2,240  $2,493
$253 off
11/13 - 11/20
$2,366  $2,493
$127 off
11/20 - 11/27
$2,387  $2,493
$106 off
11/27 - 12/4
$2,387  $2,493
$106 off
12/4 - 12/11
$2,387  $2,493
$106 off
12/11 - 12/18
$2,448  $2,493
$45 off
Outer Banks Blue

Since 2005, Outer Banks Blue has delivered exceptional vacations for OBX visitors. Our family-owned and locally managed rental company focuses on service and promises “a relaxing experience with a local touch.” Turn your dream vacation...

5454 - Sea View

BEACH GEAR RENTAL INCLUDED! Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! NEW FOR 2026: New exterior paint. This large custom beach home has been decorated with cheerful colors to greet you...

  • Nags Head
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 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...

Catch A Break WHL-939

Catch A Break in this one-of-a-kind luxury oceanfront home! All six bedrooms oceanfront! All bedrooms have ocean views! Enjoy a private walkway to the private beach as only Whalehead can provide! Need a break from the surf? Then retreat to your own...

  • Corolla
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 6 Bathrooms
Risky Business Shrimping and Crabbing

If you’re looking for a fun, hands-on activity that the whole family can enjoy together, hop aboard Risky Business for an Outer Banks shrimping and crabbing charter. Our experienced captain and mate will show your group how to pull crab pots...

5593 - Craven Haven

BEACH GEAR RENTAL INCLUDED FOR 2026 ONLY! Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! Craven Haven is the perfect escape for those looking to get away to Nags Head. This Village at Nags Head...

  • Nags Head
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms