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.

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
Ocracoke Island Lighthouse

The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse may not be the most imposing of the Outer Banks lighthouses, but as North Carolina's oldest lighthouse in operation, (and the second oldest in the United States), it is certainly one of the most beloved. At just 65...

Ben Franklin

Stop by Nags Head's Ben Franklin at Mile Post 10 on the Bypass where you will find everything you need for the beach! From Clothing, T-shirts and Swimwear to Boards, Chairs, Umbrellas and Tackle. You'll find it all…and of course, we have the...

Simply Perfect

This vacation paradise backs up to the protected Cape Hatteras National Park and offers you unparalleled  panoramic views from sunrise to sunset! Begin your day watching the sun rise over the Atlantic ocean. Just a short walk across the street and...

  • Nags Head
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
Captain Johnny's Dolphin Tours

Join Captain Stuart Wescott aboard The Captain Johnny boat for a Guaranteed Dolphin Watch cruise in protected waters off the Outer Banks, NC. This two hour cruise is ideal for all ages. Enjoy breathtaking views as you listen to a...

5728 - Wench's Pad

BEACH GEAR RENTAL INCLUDED! Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! NEW FOR 2026: Primary suite furniture. Wench’s Pad checks all the items on your vacation wish list with its...

  • Nags Head
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5.5 Bathrooms
Corolla Raceway

The Ultimate Go Kart Racetrack That Kids and Adults will Enjoy! Corolla Raceway is the premier Go-Kart experience. Our upscale facility is designed to provide a first class entertainment experience. Corolla Raceway provides the newest Single...

Starboard Watch CV-35

Looking for an unforgettable 4x4 home with panoramic ocean views and amenities that will make you never want to leave? Then Starboard Watch is the place for you! Nestled only a stone's throw from the ocean, this gorgeous five-bedroom house with...

  • Carova
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 3.5 Bathrooms
7/4 - 7/11
$6,332  $6,557
$225 off
7/11 - 7/18
$6,715  $6,940
$225 off
7/25 - 8/1
$6,715  $6,940
$225 off
8/1 - 8/8
$6,164  $6,564
$400 off
8/8 - 8/15
$5,984  $6,209
$225 off
8/15 - 8/22
$5,375  $5,825
$450 off
8/22 - 8/29
$4,994  $5,619
$625 off
8/29 - 9/5
$4,484  $5,384
$900 off
9/5 - 9/12
$4,484  $5,384
$900 off
Cosmo's Pizzeria Southern Shores

If you're searching for great pizza on the Outer Banks, look no further than Cosmo's Pizzeria at The Marketplace in Southern Shores! We offer authentic New York-style pizza made fresh and just the way you like, using only the highest quality...

K6305 To the Beach and Back

Welcome To the Beach and Back by KEES Vacations! **NEW FOR 2026: Enjoy newly rebuilt decks across the entire home! A quiet morning. You wake to the sound of Atlantic waves gently buffeting marble shores, as a distant wind is absorbed by dunes and...

  • Rodanthe
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
OBX Shipping Center

We are the only Authorized Shipping Center on the OBX for FedEx, UPS and DHL. Come to OBX Shipping Center for all your shipping and office needs. We offer Notary services, copies, faxing, laminating, among other office services. You do the...

5826 - Sea Senorita

Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! New in 2023: New Smart TVs with Streaming, Cable TV removed. This Outer Banks vacation home has been refurbished inside and out...

  • Nags Head
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
Beach Realty and Construction

Over 450 Outer Banks vacation rentals with amenities such as private pools, hot tubs, elevators, keyless entry, 1 - 9 bedrooms, Oceanfront to Soundfront, 4x4 Carova...

Duckaway

Located in Duck/ 4 Bedrooms/ 4 Full BathroomsDuck away from all your cares and woes at Duckaway. You'll delight in the appeal of this impressive home with Ocean vistas from each level and sound vistas from the crow's nest. You can nearly smell the...

  • Duck
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
The Christmas Shop

Discover gifts, garlands and glittering lights galore. Looking for a trinket for someone who has everything? Choose ornaments for every hobby, occupation, occasion or enthusiast; from the fisherman or Disney lover; dancer or photographer. Throughout...

SD-J6 | Sea Dunes J6

East End Unit, Great Ocean Views, and Adjacent to Large Open Space that Provides Lots of Play Area for the Kids and the Dog too! This lovely, dog friendly, townhome provides great ocean views and is located just steps from the beach in popular...

  • Kitty Hawk
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6