Outer Banks History Events - 2026 Schedule

Outer Banks History Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of June 1, 2026 - June 7, 2026
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
Wright Brothers' First Flight

The Outer Banks played a key role in yet another historical milestone, as the birthplace of aviation. The Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, a towering granite monument, pays homage to this history changing event, which occurred on the...

The Christmas Shop

Discover gifts, garlands and glittering lights galore. Looking for a trinket for someone who has everything? Choose ornaments for every hobby, occupation, occasion or enthusiast; from the fisherman or Disney lover; dancer or photographer. Throughout...

The Russell Cottage

Located in Southern Shores/ 5 Bedrooms / 4 Full Bathrooms / 1 Half BathroomTake in the striking ocean vistas from this Outer Banks Oceanfront vacation home. This impressive home offers the semi-traditional Nags Head style with wraparound porches...

  • Southern Shores
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
The Farmer's Daughter

Founded in 1984 on the coast of the Outer Banks, NC, Farmer’s Daughter still remains a destination for people wanting great quality, outstanding selection of unique clothing, accessories, and gifts at affordable prices. Committed to offering...

FIVE LITTLE DUCKS

Overview Unwind at Five Little Ducks, a 6-bedroom home in Duck, a stellar location that offers something for everyone. With an impressive list of amenities - including a private pool & hot tub, rec room with a pool table, and spacious...

  • Duck
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 6.5 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...

2931 - Lighthouse

Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! New for 2026: New Game Room Loveseat, New Paint, Light Fixtures, and Mirrors in Level 2 Bathrooms, New Flooring in Master Bathroom, 2 New Chaise...

  • Duck
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
Corolla Wild Horse Tours

Corolla Wild Horse Tours knowledgeable guides will ensure you and your family have a great wild horse tour! Along the way the guides will stop and point out interesting sites and local history and details of the Corolla Wild Horses history. Be sure...

Ipanema Waves

SEMI-OCEANFRONT – Sea Vista Dr. – It’s a tall order to experience a 360-degree view of Hatteras Island, but IPANEMA WAVES pulls it off with three levels of elevated design and perspective, revealing ocean to sound vistas that will take your...

  • Waves
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 6.5 Bathrooms
Flip Flop Shops

Free Your Toes!®Live, work and play with your toes exposed® and the freedom of flip flops on your feet. 



PICTURESQUE

Overview Step into the world of Picturesque, where unique architecture and furnishings are set against a backdrop of expansive water views. Located in the Pine Island community of Corolla, this retreat is designed to showcase views of...

  • Corolla
  • 7 Bedrooms
  • 7.5 Bathrooms
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...

SITTING PRETTY

Overview Nicely positioned between the beaches of Ocean Sands and the spectacular Currituck Club Golf Course, Sitting Pretty is a comfortable, bright oceanside home. You'll enjoy breezes from the Atlantic and views of the Currituck Club...

  • Corolla
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe

Enjoy Waterfront Dining at Basnight's Lone Cedar Café where we specialize in fresh and local Outer Banks seafood. If you’re craving the freshest fish, clams, crab, shrimp and oysters from local North Carolina waters, you’ll find...

No Ragrets 52-C

No Ragrets is a bright and airy beach house, located only 75 feet to the beach access, with beautiful ocean views and one of the largest private pools (14x25) in the popular Corolla community of Ocean Sands. Before heading out to the beach each day...

  • Corolla
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms