Nags Head Outdoor & Nature Events - 2026 Schedule

Nags Head Outdoor & Nature Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of May 11, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Thursday, May 14th - Sunday, May 17th
Nags Head

The 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.

Week of June 8, 2026 - June 14, 2026
Friday, June 12th - Saturday, June 13th
Nags Head

The Rogallo Kite Festival is a free and family-orientated event that features multiple 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.

Week of June 29, 2026 - July 5, 2026
Saturday, July 4th 9:00 PM
Nags Head

Head to the heart of Nags head for this special 4th of July fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean that will leave all beach-goers breathless. The Town Of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular will be held on the evening of Independence Day, and is sure to be a show-stopping aspect of any Outer Banks vacation.

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 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.

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Ocracoke Wild Ponies

Seasoned visitors to Ocracoke Island love to soak in its rich heritage and culture which dates back to the 1500s, and features some legendary and longstanding residents. Some of the most popular Ocracoke locals are the Wild Ponies, which are...

The Mystic Jewel

Walk into this shop and you’ll be delighted by all the glittering and sparkling from the way the mirrors and lighting show off jewelry from over 100 different designers and local artisans. Artfully-designed cases line the walls, filled with...

7561 - Windfall

Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! Windfall is a charming soundfront vacation rental located in Avon on Hatteras Island. This Hatteras Island rental features 4 bedrooms and 3...

  • Avon
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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...

GS-2-B3 Oceanside 2 Bedroom Condo at Gol...

Welcome to Golden Strand by KEES Vacations! Check out this 2-Bedroom, Oceanside condo at the well desired Golden Strand community in the heart of Kill Devil Hills. When you are at Golden Strand, you will feel like you are in paradise. Imagine waking...

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Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites has been Teaching the World to Fly since 1974 and is home to the world’s largest hang gliding school. As the Outer Banks leader in quality outdoor recreation and adventure, Kitty Hawk Kites offers more than 30 activities to...

Dolphin Sunset SHW-6

Fantastic panoramic ocean views await in this beautifully furnished oceanfront condo, perfect for your family vacation. Spacious and well-equipped, this 2-bedroom and 2-bath condo boast tasteful décor and numerous improvements catering to all of...

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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...

Absolute Paradise

Yes, we are offering “Absolute Paradise” for you as a Corolla vacation destination that is beautiful and offers many amenities to keep everyone happy! Everyone will love the private pool, hot tub, and the elevator makes access to all levels...

  • Corolla
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  • 10 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 28
Nags Head Dolphin Watch

Scientists run these dolphin tours as part of their research on these beloved aquatic animals, so you know this will be an interesting trip. Passengers will be able to see how researchers with the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research, a nonprofit...

Easy Breezes

2025 Upgrades supplied a completely refurbished kids room with new beds and linens that will comfortably sleep 4, new towel bars and bathroom hardware and all new intelligent TVs.  2024 Upgrades included all new decks and railings replaced with...

  • Corolla
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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 40-passenger catarmaran and the area’s newest...

Counting Stars

OCEANSIDE Waves — Wimble Shores North — When the stars align, a family vacation can leave an imprint of lasting memories. COUNTING STARS is the constellation you’ve been looking for, where warm and comfortable surroundings entice you to hit...

  • Waves
  • 3 Bedrooms
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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...

Pelican's Perch

This is a Blue Standard Bedding Property. Learn more about our hospitality bedding program here."Pelican's Perch" is a great home away from home for you and your family! You will find panoramic ocean views from this ‘Pelican’s Perch’ in...

  • Corolla
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 17