Outer Banks Kid Friendly Events - 2020 Schedule

The stunning butterflies of the Elizabethan Gardens take center stage at this enchanting event that is celebrating its second year on the Outer Banks in 2020. Back by popular demand, the Butterfly Festival at the Elizabethan Gardens will be a crowd pleaser for both the young and the young-at-heart, thanks to a colorful array of activities and events that perfectly correspond with some of the gardens’ most notable and vibrant residents.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

The stunning butterflies of the Elizabethan Gardens take center stage at this enchanting event that is celebrating its second year on the Outer Banks in 2020. Back by popular demand, the Butterfly Festival at the Elizabethan Gardens will be a crowd pleaser for both the young and the young-at-heart, thanks to a colorful array of activities and events that perfectly correspond with some of the gardens’ most notable and vibrant residents.

Come enjoy the spirit of the Easter holiday on the Outer Banks while taking advantage of National Kite Month at this fun and family-friendly event that joyfully combines these two celebrations. The Flying Into Spring And Easter EGGstravaganza festival is a great way to take in the fresh spring air along the coastline, while participating in a myriad of games, displays, and a little kite action at one of the best spots on the East Coast for high flying.

Active visitors and residents of all ages will have a hopping good time at this racing event that features plenty of Easter fun and activity along the way. Celebrating its 7^th year in 2020, the Hoppin' 8k, 5k & Fun Run is a great way to celebrate the springtime season on the Outer Banks, with a beautiful exploration of Manteo and Roanoke Island, as well as plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday once the race is complete.

Celebrate the springtime holiday with plenty of colorful blooms and hours of fun and activity at this annual event that is becoming a favorite tradition for Outer Banks visitors and locals alike. Easter Eggstravaganza is a festive and beloved day at one of Roanoke Island’s most notable and popular landmarks, and the festival features a wealth of ways to enjoy some holiday fun, such as crafts, games, and of course, a colorful Easter egg hunt to ring in the season.

The stunning butterflies of the Elizabethan Gardens take center stage at this enchanting event that is celebrating its second year on the Outer Banks in 2020. Back by popular demand, the Butterfly Festival at the Elizabethan Gardens will be a crowd pleaser for both the young and the young-at-heart, thanks to a colorful array of activities and events that perfectly correspond with some of the gardens’ most notable and vibrant residents.

The stunning butterflies of the Elizabethan Gardens take center stage at this enchanting event that is celebrating its second year on the Outer Banks in 2020. Back by popular demand, the Butterfly Festival at the Elizabethan Gardens will be a crowd pleaser for both the young and the young-at-heart, thanks to a colorful array of activities and events that perfectly correspond with some of the gardens’ most notable and vibrant residents.

Back by popular demand, WOOFstock 2020 is a great opportunity to explore one of the Outer Banks’ most stunning venues with your favorite furry family members. This full-day event that is held at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head has a world of dog-friendly activities and exhibits that are sure to make canines and their human companions smile from ear to ear.

The stunning butterflies of the Elizabethan Gardens take center stage at this enchanting event that is celebrating its second year on the Outer Banks in 2020. Back by popular demand, the Butterfly Festival at the Elizabethan Gardens will be a crowd pleaser for both the young and the young-at-heart, thanks to a colorful array of activities and events that perfectly correspond with some of the gardens’ most notable and vibrant residents.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

Grab a mint julip and don your best and most elaborate hat for this fun and truly southern event that takes place at one of the most enchanting destinations on the Outer Banks. The Kentucky Derby Party is a festive celebration that is held at the famed Elizabethan Gardens, and which features a host of revels and embellishments to coincide with the annual race, and which will benefit a number of worthy local causes.

At the annual Artrageous Art Extravaganza, everyone can enjoy a little hands-on creativity with lots of interactive displays, live demos, and fun artistic activities for the young and the young at heart. This full day affair which combines art, music, and the friendly spirit of the Outer Banks, is an annual tradition that began in 1989, and which has become a favorite event for visitors of all ages.

The 48^th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Show is landing on the Outer Banks, and visitors are welcome to take flight on a new adventure and join in the fun. Renowned as the longest running hang gliding competition in the world, the Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Show is a multiple day event that combines a wealth of activities for professional hang gliders and spectators alike. The incredible air show is the cornerstone of the event, and visitors can head to the sky high dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park to check out the action. Throughout the day, an incredible display of colorful gliders will fly overhead, and lots of fun will be had at ground level as well thanks to a host of activities for competitors and everyday sightseers alike.

Now celebrating its fourth year, this family-friendly event is a collection of music, sports, and OBX fun, and features a full roster of activities and entertainment to keep everyone in the party smiling. Special events within the Dare2Care OBX Shred Fest line-up include multiple bands and musicians throughout the day, live demos performed by professional skateboarders and BMX riders, a special appearance by roller derby women, appearances by Special Olympics athletes, and much, much more. In addition, the festivities will have a host of games for patrons of all ages, food, and local art vendors for unique and one-of-a-kind OBX treasures. 

This years theme is "The Power of Plants - Super Succulents” focusing on succulent plants that grow well on the Outer Banks. The 18th annual Coastal Gardening Festival takes place on May 16, 2020. This great event starts at 9:00 am and the fun lasts until 2:30 pm at the Thomas A. Baum Senior Center, 300 Mustian Street in Kill Devil Hills. Garden art, handcrafted goods, plants and refreshments are provided by over 70 vendors. Children’s activities, educational displays and gardening information will be available. Admission is free, Rain or Shine. Proceeds from the event benefit the outreach programs of the Dare County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in association the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

The 48^th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Show is landing on the Outer Banks, and visitors are welcome to take flight on a new adventure and join in the fun. Renowned as the longest running hang gliding competition in the world, the Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Show is a multiple day event that combines a wealth of activities for professional hang gliders and spectators alike. The incredible air show is the cornerstone of the event, and visitors can head to the sky high dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park to check out the action. Throughout the day, an incredible display of colorful gliders will fly overhead, and lots of fun will be had at ground level as well thanks to a host of activities for competitors and everyday sightseers alike.

Whether you are a newcomer or a SUP champ, the OBX Paddle Palooza has a little something for everyone in the family, with a celebration of the fun, healthy, and family-oriented activity that has taken the Outer Banks by storm – stand-up paddle boarding. Held on the shores of Avon on Hatteras Island, this event features a ton of activities and events for paddlers of all ages and skill levels, and is a great way to explore the gorgeous shorelines of the Outer Banks while enjoying a little exercise, and while having a ball.

Hungry visitors will want to make sure they attend the Outer Banks Annual Food Truck Showdown – a fairly new event on the OBX that is already garnering plenty of attention and anticipation. Featuring a wide array of food trucks, area eateries, breweries, entertainment, and so much more, this filling festival is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with any visitors who have an appetite for fresh, local, and ultimately delicious Outer Banks fare.

National Running Day is a special event which is held on the first Wednesday in June, and which brings together runners from all around the country to celebrate and declare their inherent love of running. The day is a perfect vehicle for lifelong runners to reaffirm their dedication to the sport, and it’s also a way for newcomers and beginners to kick start a passion for running of their own.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

Enjoy one of the most scenic corners of the Outer Banks while joining in the fun of one of the longest running festivals in Manteo by attending the 45th annual Dare Day Festival. This full-day event is held along the downtown waterfront, and features a wide array of activities and attractions that shine a spotlight on the local Manteo culture. Live music will kick off at around 11:00 a.m., with the original Rhondels – a famed soul and beach music band - on the Downtown stage. Throughout the day, there will also be a number of events designed for water and OBX lovers of all ages, including the now famous Hogway Speedway Racing Pigs, the locally beloved “Anything that Floats but a Boat” Race, the Raingutter Regatta, a Kids Zone, and the annual competition for the best cake and pie in Dare County with a coveted blue ribbon prize.

Start your Outer Banks vacation with a burst of energy and a little sunshine on the sand with this family-friendly racing event that highlights the best views on the beach. The Sunrise 5k & Little Crab Crawl takes place along the oceanfront shores of Nags Head, and is a great way for walkers, joggers and runners to enjoy a little friendly competition and comradery with fellow active visitors and locals while taking in a scenic OBX sunrise over the Atlantic.

Kick off your summer vacation in style by popping by one of the most entertaining events of the season which also benefits a fantastic cause – the 4th Annual Soundside FunFair. This multi-day event creates a good old fashioned carnival atmosphere along the waterfront in Nags Head with a wealth of activities and attractions that are sure to leave everyone smiling.

Share a love of fishing with the youngest members in your vacationing party with this special fishing tournament that’s designed with youth anglers in mind. The Fritz Boyden Memorial Youth Tournament, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2020, is an annual fishing tournament that takes place on the famous Jennette’s Pier, and which is open to all anglers ages 16 and under. The age groups for competitors are 4-9 years old and 10-16 years old, and trophies as well as rod and reel combos are awarded to the largest fish caught by a girl and boy angler for the day. Participants in the “catch and release” tournament can enjoy a full morning of fishing before going to a celebratory and awards lunch close to the pier.

The Rogallo Kite Festival is a free and family-orientated event that features two days of kite flying to honor Francis Rogallo, NASA scientist and inventor of the flexible wing. His initial inventions started the sport of hang gliding, and his designs have carried over into the stunt kites, power kites and hang gliders that are flown today. To celebrate this innovator, visitors will be treated to a full day of kite-flying fun in one of the best destinations on the East Coast for high flyers, Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Head to the tiny coastal village of Ocracoke for a big Independence Day celebration that includes fireworks, a parade, and plenty of family fun. The highlight of the Ocracoke Independence Day Celebration is the annual amazing fireworks display over the Silver Lake Harbor after the sun goes down. Visitors will find plenty of seating all around the harborfront docks, and can bring along beach chairs, towels, blankets, and everything they need to enjoy the show.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Celebrate the birth of America with live music, a wealth of summertime foods and games, and an incredible fireworks display over the Currituck Sound at the 26th Annual Festival of Fireworks.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

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.

The Town of Manteo will host an incredible display of fireworks over the water on 4^th of July that will make any Independence Day celebration truly memorable. Launched over the Roanoke Sound and Shallowbag Bay, visitors can find a spot along the downtown docks or a seat at the famed Roanoke Island Festival Park to catch an incredible show with a stunning backdrop.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Now celebrating its 42nd 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!

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Make a calm and quiet Hatteras Island evening a little brighter with this special event along the waterfront in Rodanthe. Light up the Night, which is hosted by the soundfront Kitty Hawk Kites Store, will feature a collection of activities, games, and even an outdoor movie under the stars, and will shine a spotlight on how cool Hatteras Island can be after hours.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Celebrate summer with Kitty Hawk Kites and support the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition at the annual OBX Watermelon Festival. This beloved local celebration that’s held at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head features a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages, and is the perfect way to toast the peak of the summer season on the Outer Banks.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

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.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

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.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

Let the young anglers in your family enjoy a day of fun and fishing on the water by taking part in the 4th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament in the heart of downtown Manteo.

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.

The Elizabethan Gardens celebrates the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World, with special discounted rates on admission to the gardens, as well as a wealth of activities that will delight young and old visitors alike. On Virginia Dare's Birthday, the rate to enter the gardens will drop with $2 off admission to commemorate Virginia's 431st birthday in 2019. 

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

Come celebrate the history and culture of Hatteras Island’s working watermen at this annual event in the heart of Hatteras Village that has become a tradition for fall visitors and locals alike. Day at the Dock takes place along the waterfront that’s adjacent to the village marinas, and is a delightful combination of fresh seafood and good eats, live demonstrations, working commercial fishing boats, live music, kids activities, and more, and is a true and authentic sample of what life on Hatteras Island is all about.

Enjoy a thrilling scene along the towering sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park as giant kites and stunt kite pilots wow the crowd at the engaging and family-friendly Outer Banks Kite Festival. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites, this festival features both live demonstrations and interactive activities to ensure that everyone can have a ball enjoying the high flying lifestyle on the Outer Banks.

Jeep fans can head to the Outer Banks for one of the biggest regional events of the year for Jeep lovers – the Outer Banks Jeep Jam. Taking place over the course of a cool September weekend, this grand event features live music, kids activities, raffles and giveaways, food and drink, and an endless number of ways to meet and greet with fellow Jeep lovers.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is rapidly becoming one of the highlights of the fall season, with plenty of fresh seafood, storytelling, and activities to keep everyone fully entertained. This all-day event takes place at the waterfront Event Site in Nags Head, and is a family-friendly outing that will make anyone fall in love with this staple of the Outer Banks’ culinary cuisine.

The Outer Banks, and the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge in particular, is known as one of the best bird watching destinations in the world, and the annual Wings Over Water celebrates this distinction like no other local festival. The weeklong event, which is held each October, features a wide range of educational programs, lectures, and opportunities to meet and greet with fellow birders. During this year's festival, attendees will also have the opportunity to go on guided birding trips, attend art and photography workshops, take a tram or kayak tour of National Wildlife Refuge, visit an ancient maritime forest, and much, much more. A complete schedule can be found online at the organization's website, and attendees should note that some programs do cost a small fee to participate.

A celebration of flight and beer, OBX Brewtag is modeled after the whimsical and entertaining Red Bull Flutag, translated to “flying day” in German. With OBX Brewtag, the general premise is the same, although rather than human-powered flying machines, Brewtag contestants will be competing to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the furthest.

Admission to the OBX Brewtag in 2020 is free for everyone, and the sky is the limit as to how creative your homemade flying contraption can be! Individuals and teams are welcome.

Admission to the event is FREE to the general public. A rather crafty selection of local and regional beer and food will be available for purchase that day. This family-friendly event will also feature plenty of activities for the kiddos!

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.

Enjoy a day at the Manteo waterfront and see wooden boats displayed in the water and on the grounds of the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum at this special event that pays homage to the region’s deep ties to maritime history and culture.

Get a head start to your fall fun with this lightly competitive road race that is open to active visitors of all ages. Hosted by the Kitty Hawk Elementary School, the Flying Falcon Road Race is a great way for residents and vacationers to get into the local spirit while cruising through some of the more scenic sections of the central Outer Banks.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

Celebrate the vibrant Latino community on Ocracoke Island which has been growing and thriving in the past 20 years with this special festival that features a wealth of tempting foods, arts and crafts, music, activities for kids, and much more. Held at the Ocracoke School during the day and the Ocracoke Community Center at night, this festival deliciously combines education and effortless fun to present a day that visitors of all tastes will adore.

Follow a couple wooded roads to the heart of Kill Devil Hills to take in one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in coastal North Carolina. The annual “Poulos Family Christmas” lights display has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions for many Outer Banks locals, and everyone is welcome to discover this expansive holiday display in person to see what all the fuss is about.

Get a head start on the holiday season with this post-Thanksgiving event that offers a world of fun for visitors of all ages. Held at the flagship Kitty Hawk Kites store in Nags Head, this two-day event features amazing shopping, activities, demos and displays, and - of course - a visit by old St. Nick himself to allow kids to get a jump start on their Christmas lists.

Ignite your holiday spirit with this special annual event that combines the natural beauty of the Outer Banks with twinkling Christmas lights for an unforgettable display and seasonal experience. The Kites With Lights event is hosted by the flagship Kitty Hawk Kites store that’s just across the street from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and the beautiful landscape of twinkling kites with the iconic massive sand dunes of the park in the background will be a sight that spectators won’t soon forget.

Ring in the holidays island-style with this seasonal parade that takes place on the waters that surrounds Ocracoke village. The Ocracoke Parade of Boats is a celebration of life on the water, and this annual procession of ships of all shapes and sizes is sure to make anyone fall in love with the coastal scene and community that calls Ocracoke Island home.

Follow a couple wooded roads to the heart of Kill Devil Hills to take in one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in coastal North Carolina. The annual “Poulos Family Christmas” lights display has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions for many Outer Banks locals, and everyone is welcome to discover this expansive holiday display in person to see what all the fuss is about.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

Head to the heart of quiet downtown Manteo for this annual tradition that illuminates the beginning of the holiday season in the central Outer Banks. The Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting is a favorite holiday event for residents and visitors of all ages, and is a great way to enjoy a dose of holiday spirit in one of the most charming communities along the North Carolina coastline.

Get your Outer Banks holiday off to a glittering start with this annual parade that is sure to delight visitors and locals alike. The Manteo Christmas Parade is a time-honored tradition that attracts both participants and spectators from all across the Outer Banks, and which is sure to entice anyone to get into the holiday spirit.

Follow a couple wooded roads to the heart of Kill Devil Hills to take in one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in coastal North Carolina. The annual “Poulos Family Christmas” lights display has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions for many Outer Banks locals, and everyone is welcome to discover this expansive holiday display in person to see what all the fuss is about.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

Follow a couple wooded roads to the heart of Kill Devil Hills to take in one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in coastal North Carolina. The annual “Poulos Family Christmas” lights display has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions for many Outer Banks locals, and everyone is welcome to discover this expansive holiday display in person to see what all the fuss is about.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

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.

Follow a couple wooded roads to the heart of Kill Devil Hills to take in one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in coastal North Carolina. The annual “Poulos Family Christmas” lights display has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions for many Outer Banks locals, and everyone is welcome to discover this expansive holiday display in person to see what all the fuss is about.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

Follow a couple wooded roads to the heart of Kill Devil Hills to take in one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in coastal North Carolina. The annual “Poulos Family Christmas” lights display has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions for many Outer Banks locals, and everyone is welcome to discover this expansive holiday display in person to see what all the fuss is about.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.