Nags Head Kid Friendly Events - 2026 Schedule

Nags Head Kid Friendly Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of July 13, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Friday, July 17th - Sunday, July 19th
Nags Head

Spectators and active watersports fans alike are welcome to head out to the beach near Jennette’s Pier to catch a spectacular on-the-water show by some of the best skimboarders on the East Coast.

Week of July 20, 2026 - July 26, 2026
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 8

July 8, 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...

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...

Lost At Sea

“Lost at Sea” is the perfect oceanside escape. Your family can enjoy relaxing by the pool or soaking in the hot tub with a cabana bathroom and kitchenette just steps inside for a convenient vacation experience. Bask in the summer air on one of...

  • Corolla
  • 7 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 16
KEES Vacations

KEES Vacations offers the best Outer Banks rentals for family vacations, romantic weekend getaways and groups of all sizes looking for the perfect OBX rental for their stay. When booking with KEES Vacations, travelers can expect excellence in...

671 | Sundance

6/9/26: Beach Nourishment has been completed in this area. Come and enjoy the refreshed beach! For 2026: Newly expanded, fenced rear yard that is nicely landscaped and ideal for your family and pets. This lovely Beach home offers terrific Outer...

  • Nags Head
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
Paradise Dolphin Cruises

With the best views around and the quickest access to dolphins, Paradise Dolphin Cruises is committed to offering you one of the most amazing experiences of your life! Climb aboard the Kokomo, our 34-passenger catarmaran and the area’s newest...

Jackson's Place 421-A

Jackson's Place is a great 3 bedroom/2 bathroom semi-soundfront vacation home in Nags Head! The perfect place for your next family getaway, enjoy beautiful sound views from the porch or balcony while basking in the sun with your morning cup of...

  • Nags Head
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
Sound Feet Shoes

Sound Feet Shoes is family owned and operated. Sound Feet has been in the retail shoe business for over 72 years, opening their first store in 1953. They provide the best customer service and are the only Outer Banks’ area full service shoe...

Sound Delight OYP-H10

Sound Delight is a two-bedroom condo located in the heart of Kill Devil Hills. From this first-floor unit, you will enjoy spectacular sunsets and beautiful sound views from the private screened porch and living area. Launch your kayak or canoe in...

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
Southern Shores Realty

Southern Shores Realty offers over 350 Outer Banks rentals from Corolla to S. Nags Head.  We've been an Outer Banks tradition since 1947, providing families just like yours with memories that last a lifetime.  Take a moment to search...

5706 - Easy Wind

Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! Your best vacation yet is possible at Easy Wind! With 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and 1 half bathroom, you’ll have plenty of room for everyone and...

  • Nags Head
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5.5 Bathrooms
Flip Flop Shops

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



Lighthouse Way 357-A

This family-friendly 4 bedroom 4 bathroom home at milepost 6.5 in Kill Devil Hills is located right in the heart of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment for the whole family. Decks abound on every level of this immaculate home, complimented by...

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
Brew Thru

No trip to the Outer Banks is complete without cruising through Brew Thru, the Outer Banks’ original drive thru convenience store. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing cold beverage of Coke, Pepsi and other soft drinks on the go...

Dixie Sandcastle

Now Offering Flex Stay (3-nighttime minimum) Beginning September 1. Located in Corolla / 6 Bedrooms / 4 Full Bathrooms / 2 Half Bathrooms (1 Outside by private pool)Accessible by 4 x 4 car only! Welcome to Dixie Sandcastle where you will savor...

  • Corolla
  • 7 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms