Nags Head Kid Friendly Events - 2026 Schedule

Nags Head Kid Friendly Events - 2026 Schedule
This Week
Thursday, August 6th 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Nags Head

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.

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.

Week of August 31, 2026 - September 6, 2026
Sunday, September 6th 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Nags Head

Soundside Market in Nags Head celebrates the creativity and community spirit of the Outer Banks by bringing together local artisans, makers, and small businesses in a vibrant waterfront setting. Held at the Soundside Event Site overlooking the Roanoke Sound, the market offers visitors a chance to shop for a wide variety of handmade and locally crafted goods, including artwork, jewelry, home décor, baked goods, apparel, beauty products, and other unique treasures inspired by coastal life on the OBX.

Week of September 7, 2026 - September 13, 2026
Friday, September 11th - Saturday, September 12th 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Nags Head

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.

Week of September 14, 2026 - September 20, 2026
Saturday, September 19th - Sunday, September 20th
Nags Head

Jeep lovers are welcome to attend this annual festival that takes advantage of the beautiful fall weather of the Outer Banks, as well as the off-roading opportunities that are abundant along the miles of coastal North Carolina shoreline. The OBX Jeep Invasion is a fun and adventure-filled event that gives Jeep lovers an opportunity to get together and have a blast at one of the East Coat’s favorite destinations for four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Week of September 28, 2026 - October 4, 2026
Saturday, October 3rd 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Nags Head

Car lovers, collectors, and families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day on the Outer Banks at the OBX Rod and Custom Toy Festival, a community event that combines classic cars, custom rides, good food, and holiday giving in one festive gathering. Held in the heart of the OBX, the festival welcomes visitors of all ages to spend the day exploring an impressive lineup of unique vehicles while supporting local children and families during the holiday season. The event features a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where attendees can stroll among vintage cars, hot rods, custom builds, and specialty vehicles while connecting with fellow automotive enthusiasts and enjoying the laid-back coastal charm of the Outer Banks. Organizers encourage participants to bring a new unwrapped toy as part of the event’s mission to help local kids and spread a little extra joy throughout the community. In addition to the impressive vehicles on display, guests can enjoy food, music, and plenty of opportunities to socialize with friends old and new. The festival reflects the welcoming spirit of the OBX automotive community while giving visitors a chance to experience one of the area’s more unique seasonal events. Whether you’re a dedicated car enthusiast or simply looking for a fun Outer Banks outing with a meaningful purpose, the OBX Rod and Custom Toy Festival offers a memorable day of horsepower, hometown hospitality, and holiday cheer.

Week of October 5, 2026 - October 11, 2026
Saturday, October 10th - Friday, October 16th
Nags Head

Top junior surfers from across the East Coast and beyond are set to return to the Outer Banks for the USA Surfing Prime Series, bringing high-level competition and exciting wave action to Jennette's Pier. Widely recognized as one of the premier junior surfing competitions in the country, the event showcases many of the nation’s top up-and-coming surfers as they compete in the next stage of elite amateur surfing.

Week of October 12, 2026 - October 18, 2026
Saturday, October 10th - Friday, October 16th
Nags Head

Top junior surfers from across the East Coast and beyond are set to return to the Outer Banks for the USA Surfing Prime Series, bringing high-level competition and exciting wave action to Jennette's Pier. Widely recognized as one of the premier junior surfing competitions in the country, the event showcases many of the nation’s top up-and-coming surfers as they compete in the next stage of elite amateur surfing.

Week of October 19, 2026 - October 25, 2026
Saturday, October 24th 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Nags Head

Get ready for one of the Outer Banks’ most unique and entertaining traditions as the 10th Annual OBX Brewtag returns for a high-flying celebration of creativity, community, and craft beer. Held at the scenic Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, the popular event challenges teams to design homemade flying machines capable of launching an empty 1/6 keg barrel — with bragging rights going to the team whose keg soars the farthest.

Week of November 2, 2026 - November 8, 2026
Friday, November 6th - Saturday, November 7th
Nags Head

The OBX Truck Fest is rolling back into the Outer Banks for another exciting weekend celebrating lifted trucks, off-road culture, live entertainment, and coastal fun. Bringing together truck enthusiasts from across the region, the popular event showcases an impressive lineup of customized vehicles ranging from classic pickups and show trucks to massive lifted builds and off-road machines, all set against the laid-back beach atmosphere of the OBX.

Week of November 16, 2026 - November 22, 2026
Sunday, November 22nd 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Nags Head

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the Soundside Holiday Market in Nags Head, where festive coastal charm meets local creativity along the beautiful Roanoke Sound. Held at the popular Soundside Event Site, the seasonal market invites visitors and locals alike to shop, stroll, and soak in the cheerful atmosphere while supporting Outer Banks artisans, makers, and small businesses.

Week of November 23, 2026 - November 29, 2026
Friday, November 27th - Saturday, November 28th
Nags Head

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.  

Saturday, November 28th 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Nags Head

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.

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
Lighthouse 5K Series
Aug 12

August 12, 2026

(+ more dates)

Lace up your running shoes and see the sights. Add the fun of a run and fitness to your vacation joining us for a Summer morning 5k run/walk through the Historic Village of Corolla Light. Enjoy the sights of the Northern Outer Banks. The WhaleHead...

Kitty Hawk Surf Co.

Experience more adventure, fun, and style with Kitty Hawk Surf Company. As the trusted Outer Banks retailer for all top surf and lifestyle brands, including, Hurley, Billabong, RVCA, The North Face, Patagonia, Salt Life, Salty Crew, Volcom...

804 | Moon Shadow

This terrific South Nags Head beach home has so much to offer, starting w/ expansive Ocean Views and Beach Access just steps away (175 Ft. to James Street Beach Access). Large open, covered decking on three sides of the home provide great vistas of...

  • Nags Head
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
Mike Dianna's Grill Room

Welcome to Mike Dianna's Grill Room, home to the finest seafood, USDA prime beef, amazing live entertainment and more! Come have brunch or dinner with us in Corolla on the beautiful Outer Banks. Celebrating over 20 years in the Timbuck II Shopping...

AV2-1E | Admirals View II Condo Unit 1E

This Comfortable and Cozy unit on the first floors provides nice ocean views and a great location! Centrally located in Kill Devil Hills this unit offers great access to area dining, shopping, and fun attractions. Ground Level: 2 Parking Spaces...

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
8/22 - 8/28
$995  $1,095
$100 off
8/29 - 9/4
$995  $1,095
$100 off
9/5 - 9/11
$895  $995
$100 off
9/12 - 9/18
$895  $995
$100 off
Pigman's Bar-B-Que

You haven’t experienced North Carolina until you’ve experienced North Carolina BBQ, and Pigman’s Bar-B-Que offers excellent North Carolina BBQ meals served with southern hospitality. Pigman’s offers traditional eastern...

3941 - Fleur de Duck

Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! Fleur de Duck is a 4 bedroom 3 bedroom home located in the Schooner Ridge community in Duck. This pet-friendly Outer Banks vacation home has...

  • Duck
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
Super Wings

Best store on the beach! Everything you need for your vacation. Largest selection of beach supplies and the best deals on T-shirts, sweatshirts and mens, ladies, and kids, apparel, swimwear and resort wear. Get all your souvenirs, suntan lotions...

018 | Refreshed

May 26, 2026: This home was just been added to our program and is ready for you! This exceptional Semi-Oceanfront home provides the utmost in comfort and style coupled with terrific Ocean Views and a location that is just steps from the Beach. This...

  • Kitty Hawk
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Fish Heads Bar and Grill

Rustic waterfront pub at a fishing pier with a large deck for seafood eats, draft beer & live music. Fish Heads Bar and Grill is THE tiki bar of the Outer Banks. Located at Mile Post 18.5 in Nags Head, we offer a view that is second to none...

Dolphin's Song

Dolphin's Song is located in the Corolla community of Villages at Ocean Hill, which offers Two Community Pools, Tennis (w/Fee), and a Fitness Center (w/Fee). This light and airy cottage has Decking off every room. There is a sunroom off the kitchen...

  • Corolla
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
The Cotton Gin

For those traveling to the Outer Banks, The Cotton Gin is a beloved landmark with its large windmill and picturesque gardens. The Cotton Gin has stood in the same location since 1929, starting as a working cotton gin and growing to a gift store with...

5731 - The Sandbar

Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! New for 2026: New Refrigerator with Ice Maker & Filtered Water Dispenser, New Oven/Range with Convection & Air-Fry Modes, New Dishwasher...

  • Nags Head
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
Big Buck's Homemade Ice Cream

Serving our customers on the Outer Banks since 1994, Big Buck's ice Cream is dedicated serving you “The Best.” We offer a full line of super-premium ice cream products, smoothies, chocolates, and custom-made ice cream cakes! 2 locations...

Bermuda Breeze

OCEANVIEW Avon - Dolphin Lane - Three stories of fun and sun can be found in this whimsical beach home with vistas of ocean and sound, located just a short walk from the boardwalk beach access. Spend lazy days in the hammock on the deck or soak in...

  • Avon
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2.5 Bathrooms