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

Nor'Banks Sailing & Watersports

Nor'Banks Sailing & Watersports beautiful location and top-of-the-line equipment, together with a friendly and professional staff make it one of the premier water sports centers on the Outer Banks. Nor'Banks' sound front location has a huge...

4442 - Footloose

BEACH GEAR RENTAL INCLUDED! Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! Be Footloose and fancy free in this Outer Banks Vacation home! Located in the community of Bias Shores in Duck, you'll...

  • Duck
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 6 Bathrooms
Nags Head Dolphin Watch

Scientists run these dolphin tours as part of their research on these beloved aquatic animals, so you know this will be an interesting trip. Passengers will be able to see how researchers with the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research, a nonprofit...

041 | Ruby Reef

Ruby Reef is a comfortable family beach cottage that provides the convenience of being within a short walking distance of the beach (Second St. Beach Access Approximately 560 Feet). Ideal for smaller groups, this home offers amenities usually...

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Currituck Banks Reserve

Vacationers adore the Outer Banks for its unspoiled stretches of undeveloped shoreline, and some may not initially realize that this sporadic lack of development is completely intentional, and is the result of decades of careful environmental...

290 | Endless Summer

Lovely décor, ocean views and a short walk to the beach (approximately 200 yards) w/direct access make this dog friendly home a great vacation choice. "Endless Summer" is a family beach home that has an excellent location, is very comfortable and...

  • Kitty Hawk
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Carolina Designs Realty

Plan your Outer Banks vacation with Carolina Designs! Browse our inventory of 350+ select Outer Banks vacation rentals located in the towns of Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. Book online anytime, or reach...

K9109 Captain's Choice 5 Bedroom home at...

Welcome to Captain's Choice by KEES Vacations! Come stay with us at Captain's Choice, a newly redecorated 5-bedroom home located within The Currituck Club, a premier gated community in Corolla! On the third level of Captain's Choice , there is a...

  • Corolla
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 6 Bathrooms
American Pie

Discover the best homemade ice cream and authentic made-from-scratch New York Style pizza the Outer Banks has to offer at American Pie in Kill Devil Hills. An Outer Banks favorite for lunch, dinner or a delicious scoop of scrumptious ice cream after...

4667 - Cape Dreams

Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! New Cabana Service for 2025!  Luxurious Oceanfront Estate designed in the style of the grand ole Nags Head cottages. This lavish estate situated...

  • Southern Shores
  • 7 Bedrooms
  • 8 Bathrooms
Firehouse Boil Delivery

DIY Seafood Boil Don’t Just Make Dinner, Make An Experience! We Deliver on the Outer Banks! Same Day Delivery! Make lasting memories by doing something new with friends and family. Why wait in line at a grocery store or restaurant? Our Low...

Atlantic Sound Waves

Located in Corolla / 5 Bedrooms / 3 Full Bathrooms / 1 Half BathroomLocated on Crystal Lake, appreciate handsome sunsets and watch the wildlife from your upper and lower decks. Located in the Villages at Ocean Hill, this private location offers an...

  • Corolla
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
Brew Thru

No trip to the Outer Banks is complete without cruising through Brew Thru, the Outer Banks’ original drive thru convenience store. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing cold beverage of Coke, Pepsi and other soft drinks on the go...

NIRVANA

Overview Achieve a state of Nirvana during your next Outer Banks vacation when you reserve this serene oceanfront sanctuary in Nags Head. Guests enjoy a welcoming great room with a gourmet kitchen, inspiring ocean views, eight memorable...

  • Nags Head
  • 8 Bedrooms
  • 9 Bathrooms