Discover how creative the talented chefs of the Outer Banks region and beyond can be with this fundraising event that puts a unique and timely spin on the traditional cook-off challenge. During the Beach Food Pantry Holiday Chefs Challenge, area chefs will compete head-to-head to whip up truly delicious dishes with canned foods that are traditionally found in stock at the local Beach Food Pantry. With lots of new tastes to discover, and a worthy cause at the heart of the event, this wintertime celebration is a great way to give back while enjoying a truly distinctive and tempting meal.

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.

Please take note of changes for 2020: Tradition, sparkle, laughter, and goodwill all wrapped up with holiday spirit – that is the gift of the Christmas holiday season.  This year that gift may not come in the form of a parade lined with whimsical floats or a big tree lighting ceremony but it will be a festive time full of activities highlighting and sharing traditions, both old and new. 

For a beach bike week that's big on hospitality but also provides ample room to roam, head to the Outer Banks. With miles of new terrain, incredible views, and lots of bike-friendly businesses welcoming two-wheel guests, it's no surprise that the Outer Banks is gaining recognition as one of the East Coast's best destinations for a fun beach bike week.

For a beach bike week that's big on hospitality but also provides ample room to roam, head to the Outer Banks. With miles of new terrain, incredible views, and lots of bike-friendly businesses welcoming two-wheel guests, it's no surprise that the Outer Banks is gaining recognition as one of the East Coast's best destinations for a fun beach bike week.

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. 

Get your toes tapping with an island celebration of musicians, storytellers, artisans, local food, and so much more by joining in the community-wide fun of the Ocrafolk Festival. This full weekend event is held in the heart of Ocracoke Village, with multiple performances and activities happening around virtually every corner of Silver Lake Harbor.

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.

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.

Celebrate your Independence Day with a bang at the Avon Pier and Avon Beach Klub on Hatteras Island. The 4^th of July celebration will feature a collection of events which includes corresponding radio shows on the island's local station, Radio Hatteras FM 101.5 and 99.9, and an incredible front row view of the fireworks display from the pristine Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches.

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.