Nags Head Outdoor & Nature Events - 2026 Schedule

Nags Head Outdoor & Nature Events - 2026 Schedule
This Week
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
Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Visitors to Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands will simultaneously be visiting the gorgeous Cape Hatteras National Seashore. One of the largest preserved parcels of the Outer Banks, the National Seashore stretches across 70 miles of shoreline...

Old Man Charters

  Experience the Outer Banks from the water with Old Man Charters, a personalized boat tour company based in the historic fishing village of Wanchese. Departing from a private dock on the southern end of Roanoke Island, Old Man Charters...

263 | Island Delight

Island Delight is an exceptional vacation home that provides a wide array of amenities all designed with your vacation needs in mind. The décor throughout is lovely and special attention has been paid to the exterior areas of the property...

  • Nags Head
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 6.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
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...

SS Tranquility 76-M

Set sail on SS Tranquility, a newly-updated oceanside home located in the popular Corolla community of Ocean Sands. Major renovations for 2025 include new flooring, furniture, paint, appliances, lighting, vanities, and more! Peacefully surrounded by...

  • Corolla
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
OBX Laser Tag and Arcade

Here’s some high energy entertainment for the kids, and for young adults (or young at heart) who love laser tag. On one side of this large facility is the “moon bounce inflatable room,” where the young ‘uns can go and bounce...

Seashella

OCEANFRONT — Greenwood Pl. — Settle into the awe of nature’s presence located in a pristine dune-top perch at SEASHELLA. Outside, the oceanside panorama is salve for the soul. Inside this five-bedroom/four-full and one-half bath, warm...

  • Avon
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms
Duck Corolla Parasail

Discover the beauty of the Outer Banks with Duck Parasail. Duck Parasail is proud to partner with Corolla Parasail and together, they take pride in being the longest running, family owned and operated parasail company on the Outer Banks. Duck...

K9400 Waveney Cottage

Welcome to Waveney Cottage by KEES Vacations Situated on the waterfront of the Albemarle Sound, this is not your average beach home. Surrounded by acres of lush forest on a private road with beautiful landscaping, this home is ideal for a visit to...

  • Point Harbor
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 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...

PEARL SANDS

Overview Come relax and enjoy the ocean views amidst the coastal vibe that is Pearl Sands. Enjoy cooking in the kitchen or, better yet, relax on the numerous decks that are furnished with tables and chairs to watch the ocean or the...

  • Corolla
  • 11 Bedrooms
  • 11.5 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...

When Pigs Fly

Located in Duck/ 4 Bedrooms/ 3 Full Bathrooms/ 1 Half BathroomThe ocean is your backyard at this immaculate home with plenty of decking and a cheerful sunroom.Mid Level: Exterior amenities include a private lighted beach walkway, outside shower...

  • Duck
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
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...

330 | Dare to Sea

Dare to Sea is the place to be! Thoughtfully designed and tastefully equipped, this beach cottage is sure to be a favorite for your Outer Banks Family Vacation. Your crew is sure to enjoy the Private Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Rec. Room w/Pool Table...

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12