Outer Banks History Events - 2026 Schedule

Outer Banks History Events - 2026 Schedule
This Week
Friday, May 1st - Saturday, May 2nd
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.

Week of May 4, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Friday, May 8th 11:00 AM
Ocracoke

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.

Friday, May 8th 11:00 AM
Buxton

In mid-May, representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Navy, British Royal Navy, and National Park Service come together at the British Cemeteries on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island to honor the 63 foreign sailors who perished while protecting our coast.

Week of June 1, 2026 - June 7, 2026
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 29, 2026 - July 5, 2026
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 13, 2026 - July 19, 2026
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 August 3, 2026 - August 9, 2026
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.

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.  

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.

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
Buxton Woods

Perhaps the reason that this area of maritime forest goes unnoticed, (an area which in fact comprises the majority of Frisco Village), is simply because the oceanfront beaches just yards away are too alluring to ignore, and garner the lion's share...

Resort Realty Property Management

Celebrating 39 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...

WASTING TIME

Overview Full renovation for the 2026 season! Bedding, inventory, and layout are subject to change until complete.Escape to the Outer Banks and enjoy Wasting Time while you spend a relaxing week in this inviting coastal retreat. Located just...

  • Duck
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms
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...

Dune It Wright

This is a Blue Standard Bedding Property. Learn more about our hospitality bedding program here.Looking for a “WOW” moment? "Dune It Wright" is it! Now is the time to look at this 2021 newly renovated oceanfront property in the heart of Nags...

  • Nags Head
  • 7 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 15
Whalehead in Historic Corolla

The prestigious Whalehead in Historic Corolla has been a dominant attraction to Corolla visitors since it was renovated and opened to the public in 2002. As part of the Historic Corolla Park, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla serves as a northern...

4 Gulls & 1 Buoy!

This is a Blue Standard Bedding Property. Learn more about our hospitality bedding program here.With the beach just across the street and family fun all around, 4 Gulls & 1 Buoy! (formerly More to Come) is the getaway you’ll be counting down...

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Wright Brothers National Memorial

The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a "Must See" attraction for any Outer Banks aviation enthusiast, history lover, and virtually any Kill Devil Hills vacationer who wants an up-close look at the towering granite structure that towers over the...

Driftwood

Endless ocean views surround this exquisite oceanfront home. Everything you could ever need for an unforgettable vacation. Decorated in a soothing coastal palette with a modern flair, this home features incredible indoor & outdoor amenities...

  • Nags Head
  • 8 Bedrooms
  • 8 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...

GS-3-N3 Oceanfront 3 Bedroom Condo at Go...

Welcome to Golden Strand by KEES Vacations! Check out this 3-Bedroom Oceanfront condo at the well desired Golden Strand community in the heart of Kill Devil Hills. When you are at Golden Strand, you will feel like you are in paradise. Imagine waking...

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
Bonner Bridge Pier

Opened in 2021, the Bonner Pier is one of the more unique piers along the Outer Banks, as the 1,000-ft. long concrete structure was once the southern terminal of the original Bonner Bridge. Once the bridge was replaced by the new Basnight Bridge, a...

DAISY DUCK

Welcome to "Daisy Duck" – Your Ideal Beach Retreat in Schooner RidgeThis semi-oceanfront home is nestled in the heart of the charming Schooner Ridge community, and offers everything you need for a relaxing and memorable Outer Banks vacation. Just...

  • Duck
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 3.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
5/23 - 5/30
$3,022  $3,603
$581 off
6/13 - 6/20
$5,293  $6,015
$722 off
6/27 - 7/4
$6,502  $7,117
$615 off
7/11 - 7/18
$6,519  $7,117
$598 off
7/18 - 7/25
$6,519  $7,117
$598 off
7/25 - 8/1
$6,519  $7,117
$598 off
8/15 - 8/22
$4,712  $5,175
$463 off
8/22 - 8/29
$4,145  $4,545
$400 off
8/29 - 9/5
$3,669  $4,016
$347 off
9/5 - 9/12
$3,336  $3,646
$310 off
9/12 - 9/19
$3,089  $3,381
$292 off
9/19 - 9/26
$3,089  $3,381
$292 off
9/26 - 10/3
$2,639  $2,882
$243 off
10/3 - 10/10
$2,639  $2,882
$243 off
10/10 - 10/17
$2,639  $2,882
$243 off
10/17 - 10/24
$2,366  $2,563
$197 off
10/24 - 10/31
$2,371  $2,563
$192 off
10/31 - 11/7
$2,371  $2,412
$41 off
11/7 - 11/14
$2,220  $2,412
$192 off
11/14 - 11/21
$2,220  $2,412
$192 off
11/21 - 11/28
$2,220  $2,412
$192 off
11/28 - 12/5
$2,220  $2,412
$192 off
12/5 - 12/12
$2,220  $2,412
$192 off
12/12 - 12/19
$2,220  $2,412
$192 off
12/19 - 12/26
$2,220  $2,412
$192 off
12/26 - 1/2
$2,251  $2,412
$161 off
KEES Vacations

KEES Vacations offers the best Outer Banks rentals for family vacations, romantic weekend getaways and groups of all sizes looking for the perfect OBX rental for their stay. When booking with KEES Vacations, travelers can expect excellence in...

Life Aquatic

OCEANFRONT Salvo - Colony Drive - Live the LIFE AQUATIC at this Hatteras Island beach hideaway. Breathtaking beauty is seen through the great room windows that reach to the sky. Morning coffee has never tasted better than when seated at the café...

  • Salvo
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3.5 Bathrooms