Nags Head Kid Friendly Events - 2026 Schedule

Nags Head Kid Friendly Events - 2026 Schedule
This Week
Thursday, July 23rd - Saturday, July 25th
Nags Head

Surfing For Autism is an Autism Spectrum Disorder awareness event that uses the beauty of the Outer Banks to provide children with an amazing experience and an opportunity to ride the waves.

Week of August 3, 2026 - August 9, 2026
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
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Lighthouse 5K Series
Jul 29

July 29, 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...

Back Country Safari Tours

Discover wild Spanish Mustangs and our unique Barrier Island ecology on the Wild Horse Safari. Explore over 30 miles of "off road" beach, dune and sand trail and ride with a professional naturalist guide in a custom 4x4 open-air Safari Cruiser, or...

Aquatic Anesthesia 465-A

Aquatic Anesthesia is a comfortable and charming cottage with excellent views of the ocean and Jockey's Ridge! Within walking distance to restaurants and shops, you are sure to enjoy your Outer Banks vacation in this relaxing, centrally located...

  • Nags Head
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
Black Pelican

Black Pelican oceanfront restaurant is one of the Outer Banks’ premier restaurants serving lunch and dinner daily. Black Pelican is where you can enjoy fresh seafood, steaks, vegetarian dishes, sandwiches and some of the barrier island’s...

CRIPPLE CREEK

Enjoy this beautifully appointed home on a quiet, secluded property with 2,300 square feet of living area. 500 yards to beach and easy access to Hillcrest beach parking.Level 1:Large great room with cathedral ceiling, CATV, DVD player, stereo/CD...

  • Southern Shores
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
8/30 - 9/6
$1,976  $2,340
$364 off
9/6 - 9/13
$1,944  $2,238
$294 off
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...

DAISY DUCK

Welcome to "Daisy Duck" – Your Ideal Beach Retreat in Schooner RidgeThis semi-oceanfront home is nestled in the heart of the charming Schooner Ridge community, and offers everything you need for a relaxing and memorable Outer Banks vacation. Just...

  • Duck
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 3.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
8/29 - 9/5
$3,200  $4,016
$816 off
9/5 - 9/12
$2,918  $3,646
$728 off
9/12 - 9/19
$2,694  $3,381
$687 off
9/19 - 9/26
$2,716  $3,381
$665 off
9/26 - 10/3
$2,377  $2,882
$505 off
10/3 - 10/10
$2,377  $2,882
$505 off
10/10 - 10/17
$2,377  $2,882
$505 off
10/17 - 10/24
$2,162  $2,563
$401 off
10/24 - 10/31
$2,257  $2,563
$306 off
10/31 - 11/7
$2,257  $2,412
$155 off
11/7 - 11/14
$2,107  $2,412
$305 off
11/14 - 11/21
$2,107  $2,412
$305 off
11/28 - 12/5
$2,201  $2,412
$211 off
12/5 - 12/12
$2,201  $2,412
$211 off
12/12 - 12/19
$2,201  $2,412
$211 off
12/26 - 1/2
$2,239  $2,412
$173 off
Flip Flop Shops

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



Beach Lake W-04

Welcome to Beach Lake, a very spacious family-friendly retreat with over 4,000 sq. ft. of living space that will soon become your favorite vacation spot on the Outer Banks! Perched on the edge of your personal pond, you have access to the paddleboat...

  • Waves
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
Sun Realty

Sun Realty offers the Best Selection of Vacation Rentals on the Outer Banks. Our large selection of Outer Banks rentals means you can choose from a wide range of amenities, including private swimming pools, hot tubs, theater rooms, game rooms, pet...

260 | An Aqua View

Early Check-In Every Week at 1:00PM! This wonderful, Dog Friendly, Oceanfront home has fabulous Ocean Views, beautiful décor, along with many custom touches that are sure to be a hit with your family. This is an extraordinary home, w/lots of...

  • Southern Shores
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 6 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Lost Treasure Golf

The noted explorer, archaeologist, anthropologist, paleontologist, and part-time plumbing contractor from the University of Chicago, Professor Duffer A. Hacker, led two expeditions to the outer banks in the late 1920’s. The purpose of these...

DAYS LIKE THIS

Overview Fully renovated and ready for the 2026 season! Escape to the Outer Banks and enjoy Days Like This while you spend a relaxing week in this inviting coastal retreat. Located just down the street from the community beach access, you can...

  • Duck
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms
Donutz on a Stick

Stay, Play and Eat- Donuts, Ice Cream & Coffee Treats! Located on the Duck Boardwalk, behind Dockside Seafood, this breakfast & Dessert-Shop features treats you've never tasted before! Try the hot, made to order, donutz...

Long Weekends

Brand New Pool Deck and Front Stairs!Located in Corolla / 6 Bedrooms / 6 Full Bathrooms / 1 Half Bathroom Unwind in this striking oceanfront home with a traditional floor plan, composite decking, and an elevated private pool with ocean vistas from...

  • Corolla
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 6 Bathrooms