Outer Banks Events - 2026 Schedule

The Outer Banks, and the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge in particular, is known as one of the best bird watching destinations in the world, and the annual Wings Over Water celebrates this distinction like no other local festival. The weeklong event, which is held each October, features a wide range of educational programs, lectures, and opportunities to meet and greet with fellow birders. During this year's festival, attendees will also have the opportunity to go on guided birding trips, attend art and photography workshops, take a tram or kayak tour of National Wildlife Refuge, visit an ancient maritime forest, and much, much more. A complete schedule can be found online at the organization's website, and attendees should note that some programs do cost a small fee to participate.

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.

Experience Halloween like never before with Halloween Island, a month-long celebration that transforms historic downtown Manteo into a festive destination filled with spooky attractions, creative costumes, seasonal entertainment, and plenty of Halloween spirit. Set against the backdrop of Roanoke Island, home to the mysterious Lost Colony, this unique Outer Banks event combines local history, small-town charm, and Halloween fun for visitors of all ages.

Head to Roanoke Island in the scenic month of October to enjoy some of the best music of the year at the popular Bluegrass Island Festival. This annual festival has rapidly blossomed into one of the most anticipated music events along the Outer Banks, and attendees will be treated to a wealth of acclaimed bands, from legendary national acts, to homegrown bluegrass performers who will have everyone’s toes tapping.

October is renowned as prime time for fishing on the Outer Banks, and Nags Head anglers don’t have to venture too far to enjoy a surf fishing tournament that is wonderfully close to home. The Nags Head Surf Fishing Club Tournament is open to skilled and amateur anglers alike, and takes place all along the sunny Nags Head beaches, with plenty of room to cast a line in the hopes of reeling in some big catches, and some big prizes.

Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloween celebration in historic downtown Manteo with Halloween Island, a month-long charity bar crawl that transforms the charming waterfront town into a festive destination filled with spooky surprises, creative cocktails, and seasonal entertainment. This unique Outer Banks tradition features more than a dozen participating bars and restaurants, each transformed into a Halloween-themed destination with elaborate decorations, specialty drinks, and imaginative themes ranging from haunted houses and ghost ships to vampires, witches, and classic movie monsters.

The group which hosts the tournament, Capitol City Four Wheelers, is based out of Virginia and is always looking for new members who love and promote safe 4WD accessible driving. For an October surf fishing tournament that revolves around driving along the incredible beaches of Hatteras Island, the Capitol City Surf Fishing Tournament is certainly one to watch.

The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is rapidly becoming one of the highlights of the fall season, with plenty of fresh seafood, storytelling, and activities to keep everyone fully entertained. This all-day event takes place at the waterfront Event Site in Nags Head, and is a family-friendly outing that will make anyone fall in love with this staple of the Outer Banks’ culinary cuisine.

Head to Hatteras Island for one of the biggest windsurfing events in the country with the annual OBX-Wind Competition. Held on multiple days during one of the prime local seasons for wind-based watersports, this incredible series of events will entice windsurfers of all skill levels to meet and mingle with their colleagues, have some fun on the water, and enjoy a race or two that is truly challenging, engaging, and which can only be found on the Outer Banks.

Celebrate the arrival of fall at Island Farm! On the first four Saturdays in October, Island Farm will host its 15th Annual Pumpkin Patch event, happening October 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th from 9 A.M. until 3 P.M. Admission for visitors ages four and older is $11. Children zero to three years old are admitted for free.

At the NC VIP Fishing Tournament, the VIP stands for Very Important People as well as Visually Impaired Persons, and this tournament is a truly unique fishing event that ensures everyone can join in the fun of fall fishing on the Outer Banks. Held at Jennette’s Pier, which is well known as one of the best spots along the Outer Banks to drop a line, this tournament is the largest service project of its kind in the world, and is a great opportunity for VIPs everywhere to reel in some amazing catches, and some great times.

Head to Hatteras Island for one of the biggest windsurfing events in the country with the annual OBX-Wind Competition. Held on multiple days during one of the prime local seasons for wind-based watersports, this incredible series of events will entice windsurfers of all skill levels to meet and mingle with their colleagues, have some fun on the water, and enjoy a race or two that is truly challenging, engaging, and which can only be found on the Outer Banks.

Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloween celebration in historic downtown Manteo with Halloween Island, a month-long charity bar crawl that transforms the charming waterfront town into a festive destination filled with spooky surprises, creative cocktails, and seasonal entertainment. This unique Outer Banks tradition features more than a dozen participating bars and restaurants, each transformed into a Halloween-themed destination with elaborate decorations, specialty drinks, and imaginative themes ranging from haunted houses and ghost ships to vampires, witches, and classic movie monsters.

Experience Halloween like never before with Halloween Island, a month-long celebration that transforms historic downtown Manteo into a festive destination filled with spooky attractions, creative costumes, seasonal entertainment, and plenty of Halloween spirit. Set against the backdrop of Roanoke Island, home to the mysterious Lost Colony, this unique Outer Banks event combines local history, small-town charm, and Halloween fun for visitors of all ages.

Registration is currently open for the Annual North Carolina Beach Buggy Association’s (NCBBA) Red Drum Tournament. The tournament features more than $10,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. The tournament offers miles of naturally isolated fishing grounds along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, allowing anglers to maintain social distance while enjoying the exceptional fall fishing conditions of the Outer Banks. Anglers fish from ORV Ramp 23 to Ramp 38, and possiblly Ramps 43 and 44 if judge availability permits. Anglers may fish where they please within the tournament boundaries, as there are no station assignments during the 60 hours of wide-open fishing. This year’s banquet and awards ceremony may be subject to restrictions by state or local authorities in regard to group gatherings, depending on the state of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Visitors and locals can get their game on and test their luck at this popular weekly Bingo Night which is hosted by the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club. Featuring a regular bevy of cash prizes, with proceeds benefitting great local causes, this bingo night serves as a lightly competitive and engaging night out for anyone looking for a little fun on Hatteras Island.

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.

Celebrate the arrival of fall at Island Farm! On the first four Saturdays in October, Island Farm will host its 15th Annual Pumpkin Patch event, happening October 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th from 9 A.M. until 3 P.M. Admission for visitors ages four and older is $11. Children zero to three years old are admitted for free.

Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at the annual Outer Banks Halloween Parade of Costumes, one of the area's most popular family-friendly Halloween traditions. Held at Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills, this free community event brings together residents and visitors of all ages for an afternoon of creative costumes, trick-or-treating, and festive entertainment. Presented by OBX Entertainment, the parade attracts hundreds of participants and spectators each year, making it a highlight of the Outer Banks' fall festivities.

Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloween celebration in historic downtown Manteo with Halloween Island, a month-long charity bar crawl that transforms the charming waterfront town into a festive destination filled with spooky surprises, creative cocktails, and seasonal entertainment. This unique Outer Banks tradition features more than a dozen participating bars and restaurants, each transformed into a Halloween-themed destination with elaborate decorations, specialty drinks, and imaginative themes ranging from haunted houses and ghost ships to vampires, witches, and classic movie monsters.

Experience Halloween like never before with Halloween Island, a month-long celebration that transforms historic downtown Manteo into a festive destination filled with spooky attractions, creative costumes, seasonal entertainment, and plenty of Halloween spirit. Set against the backdrop of Roanoke Island, home to the mysterious Lost Colony, this unique Outer Banks event combines local history, small-town charm, and Halloween fun for visitors of all ages.

Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloween adventure at the annual Hatteras Village Haunted Trail, one of Hatteras Island's favorite spooky traditions. Hosted by the Hatteras Village Civic Association, this popular event transforms the scenic Sea Breeze Nature Trail into a haunted woodland filled with eerie surprises, mysterious characters, and plenty of thrills for those brave enough to enter.

Come to Ocracoke Island for a Pirate Halloween! The Ocracoke Pirate Jamboree is an annual and multiple-day event that is highlighted by a family-friendly Pirate Encampment by Blackbeard's Pirate Crew on Ocracoke Island, and an ensuing world of fun on the southern Outer Banks.

Experience a magical autumn evening on Roanoke Island at A Night of 1587 Pumpkins, a seasonal celebration that combines Halloween fun, local history, and the beauty of the Outer Banks. Held at The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, this festive event invites visitors to explore the gardens after dark, when glowing jack-o'-lanterns and creative pumpkin displays transform the landscape into an enchanting fall wonderland.

Enjoy a day at the Manteo waterfront and see wooden boats displayed in the water and on the grounds of the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum at this special event that pays homage to the region’s deep ties to maritime history and culture.

The Roanoke Island Historical Association is launching a brand-new culinary celebration in 2026 with the debut of the Roanoke Island Oyster Shellabration and BBQ, a waterfront event that brings together fresh local seafood, Eastern North Carolina barbecue, live entertainment, and Outer Banks culture in the heart of Wanchese. Hosted at the Safe Harbor Marina and Tiki Bar, the festival promises a relaxed afternoon filled with food, music, and coastal charm.

Renowned as one of the oldest fishing tournaments on the East Coast, the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament is also one of the biggest Hatteras island tournaments of the years, with hundreds of anglers flocking to the southern Outer Banks for exceptional fall fishing that can't be found anywhere else. With big prizes and plenty of opportunities to have fun off the beach, this tournament has become a generations-old tradition for local and visiting anglers alike. 

Experience the excitement of one of the Outer Banks' premier running events at the annual Outer Banks Marathon and Half Marathon, a celebration of fitness, community, and coastal scenery. Organized by Outer Banks Sporting Events, this popular race weekend welcomes runners of all abilities to enjoy scenic courses, enthusiastic spectators, and the welcoming atmosphere that makes the Outer Banks a favorite destination for athletes and visitors alike.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

Through arts, music, and miles of fun, the Outer Banks celebrates visiting and local veterans alike through this special event that has a wealth of ways to stay entertained while discovering the heart of the islands’ cultural scene. OBX Veterans Week is an annual event which honors veterans and their families through live concerts, cool activities and arts in downtown Manteo, and so much more.

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.

Thrill to front-row views of black bears, deer, and even alligators from the safety of a vehicle with a special Alligator River Guided Open-Air Tram Tour. Held weekly in the summer months, these unique tours present a wild opportunity to check out the local wildlife while learning all about what makes this region wholly unique.

Get an up-close look at one of the Outer Banks' most beloved treasures during the annual Fall Open House at the Corolla Wild Horse Fund Farm. Held at the Betsy Dowdy Equine Center in Grandy, this special event offers visitors a rare opportunity to meet rescued Corolla wild horses, learn about their remarkable history, and discover the important work being done to protect and preserve the area's iconic Banker horse population.

Celebrate the vibrant Latino community on Ocracoke Island which has been growing and thriving in the past 20 years with this special festival that features a wealth of tempting foods, arts and crafts, music, activities for kids, and much more. Held at the Ocracoke School during the day and the Ocracoke Community Center at night, this festival deliciously combines education and effortless fun to present a day that visitors of all tastes will adore.

Get ready for a delicious afternoon of fresh seafood, friendly competition, and community spirit at the annual Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff. This popular culinary event brings together talented chefs from local restaurants to showcase their creativity and compete for the title of best shrimp dish on the beach. Held at the Sea Ranch Resort in Kill Devil Hills, the cookoff offers seafood lovers a unique opportunity to sample a variety of flavorful creations while supporting an important local cause.

Through arts, music, and miles of fun, the Outer Banks celebrates visiting and local veterans alike through this special event that has a wealth of ways to stay entertained while discovering the heart of the islands’ cultural scene. OBX Veterans Week is an annual event which honors veterans and their families through live concerts, cool activities and arts in downtown Manteo, and so much more.

Visitors and locals can get their game on and test their luck at this popular weekly Bingo Night which is hosted by the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club. Featuring a regular bevy of cash prizes, with proceeds benefitting great local causes, this bingo night serves as a lightly competitive and engaging night out for anyone looking for a little fun on Hatteras Island.

Discover how creative the talented chefs of the Outer Banks region and beyond can be with this fundraising event that puts a unique and timely spin on the traditional cook-off challenge. During the Beach Food Pantry Holiday Chefs Challenge, area chefs will compete head-to-head to whip up truly delicious dishes with canned foods that are traditionally found in stock at the local Beach Food Pantry. With lots of new tastes to discover, and a worthy cause at the heart of the event, this wintertime celebration is a great way to give back while enjoying a truly distinctive and tempting meal.

The summertime farmer’s market at Dowdy Park in Nags Head makes a seasonal and holiday-themed return with this unique market that’s a perfect destination for folks to get a jump start on their Christmas shopping and preparations. The Dowdy Park Holiday Farmers Market is a fun and festive destination for folks of all tastes, thanks to an assortment of local goodies from the Outer Banks and beyond.

Enjoy a full day of live music, coastal scenery, and community spirit at the GrassFed Bluegrass Music Festival, held at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. This outdoor music festival brings together talented bluegrass musicians, local vendors, and music lovers for a celebration of great entertainment in a beautiful waterfront setting along the Roanoke Sound.

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.

Visitors and locals can get their game on and test their luck at this popular weekly Bingo Night which is hosted by the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club. Featuring a regular bevy of cash prizes, with proceeds benefitting great local causes, this bingo night serves as a lightly competitive and engaging night out for anyone looking for a little fun on Hatteras Island.

Get your Thanksgiving off to a fun and active start with this event that combines a little fitness with a world of exceptional brews. The Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile is a great Wednesday precursor to the Thanksgiving Day feast, and it entails a drink-and-run course that beer lovers and runners alike will enjoy to the fullest.

Start a Thanksgiving holiday by participating in one of the Northern Outer Banks’ favorite traditions – the Annual ADVICE 5K Turkey Trot. This event which is now in its 30th year in 2026 attracts visitors and locals alike who want to run, walk or “trot” before diving into their afternoon Thanksgiving feast.

Get your Turkey Day celebration off to a fun and fast-paced start with this annual event that is quickly becoming a highlight of the Thanksgiving Holiday. The Surfin' Turkey 5k and Puppy Drum Run is presented by the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund (HIYEF), and is a great opportunity to support a favorite local cause while enjoying miles of fun in the heart of Hatteras village.

Start your Thanksgiving Day with a little action before you start digging into the turkey feast with this annual run that features a family-friendly course, and plenty of ways to explore the local Outer Banks communities. The Outer Banks Running Club OBX Gobbler 5K & Fun Run is an engaging and scenic trek through the Village of Nags Head which is open to runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages, and which is sure to be a great kick-off to Turkey Day for everyone in the crew.

Start your Thanksgiving celebrations with a little outdoor exploration and a lot of fun at this annual event that is sure to work up an appetite. The Outer Banks Gobbler 5k & Fun Run is an annual Nags Head tradition that is sponsored by the Outer Banks Running Club, and which is wide open to anyone who wants to enjoy a little active entertainment before the traditional Thanksgiving feasting begins.

Kick off your Thanksgiving celebration with a little exercise, fresh coastal air, and plenty of holiday spirit at the annual Duck Turkey Trot 5K. This popular Thanksgiving Day tradition brings together runners, walkers, families, and visitors for a festive 3.1-mile race through the charming town of Duck on the Outer Banks. Open to participants of all abilities, the event offers a fun and active way to start the holiday while enjoying the area's welcoming community atmosphere.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season on the Outer Banks with Christmas in Corolla, a festive celebration that brings holiday cheer, local shopping, and family-friendly activities to the charming surroundings of Historic Corolla. The festivities include the annual Christmas Craft Village at Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park, where visitors can browse handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, specialty gifts, and unique creations from local artisans. It's a wonderful opportunity to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts while supporting local artists and businesses.

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.  

Get into the holiday spirit while perusing a far-reaching range of arts and crafts that are delightfully one-of-a-kind with this seasonal event that always attracts locals and visiting shoppers alike. The Hatteras Island Arts and Craft Guild Holiday Show showcases a wide variety of talented regional artists and craftsmen, and is a favorite destination for holiday shoppers of all tastes who love to find those perfect coastal gifts and treasures.

Ring in the holidays island-style with this seasonal parade that takes place on the waters that surrounds Ocracoke village. The Ocracoke Parade of Boats is a celebration of life on the water, and this annual procession of ships of all shapes and sizes is sure to make anyone fall in love with the coastal scene and community that calls Ocracoke Island home.

Step back in time and experience the elegance of Christmas past with Whalehead's Candlelight Christmas Tours, a beloved holiday tradition in Historic Corolla. Held at the beautifully restored Whalehead mansion overlooking the Currituck Sound, these special guided tours offer visitors a glimpse into the holiday customs and traditions of the 1920s, when Edward Collings Knight Jr. and his wife, Marie Louise, enjoyed their magnificent coastal retreat.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

Step inside Ocracoke's rich history during the OPS Historic Homes Tour, a special event presented by the Ocracoke Preservation Society that offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore some of the island's most treasured historic homes. Set within Ocracoke's nationally recognized Historic District, this unique tour celebrates the island's distinctive architecture, maritime heritage, and generations of families who have shaped the community.

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.

The summertime farmer’s market at Dowdy Park in Nags Head makes a seasonal and holiday-themed return with this unique market that’s a perfect destination for folks to get a jump start on their Christmas shopping and preparations. The Dowdy Park Holiday Farmers Market is a fun and festive destination for folks of all tastes, thanks to an assortment of local goodies from the Outer Banks and beyond.

Step back in time and experience the elegance of Christmas past with Whalehead's Candlelight Christmas Tours, a beloved holiday tradition in Historic Corolla. Held at the beautifully restored Whalehead mansion overlooking the Currituck Sound, these special guided tours offer visitors a glimpse into the holiday customs and traditions of the 1920s, when Edward Collings Knight Jr. and his wife, Marie Louise, enjoyed their magnificent coastal retreat.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

Manteo’s vibrant downtown scene is on full display during this monthly event that highlights the area’s businesses, restaurants and galleries that makes this central Outer Banks community so unique. The First Friday in Manteo is held every month on the initial Friday of the month, and is a street festival that will make any new visitor fall in love with this charming coastal community.

Visitors who missed the annual Wings Over Water festival - or who just want a second opportunity to admire the hundreds and thousands of birds that flock to the Outer Banks – won’t want to miss this special weekend where these feathered visitors are once again in the spotlight. The Wings Over Water Encore event is a weekend-long celebration of the many wintering waterfowl that are found at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and beyond, and is a great way for birders to discover the off-season beauty of the OBX.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the annual Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting, a beloved Outer Banks tradition that brings residents and visitors together for an evening of festive entertainment, family-friendly activities, and small-town Christmas charm. Held along the scenic downtown Manteo waterfront, this free community celebration marks the official start of the holiday season in one of the Outer Banks' most picturesque historic towns.

Head to the Island Farm in Manteo where history, local culture, and the holiday spirit will combine for a fun and multiple-day event that showcases the holiday traditions of the earliest days on the Outer Banks.

Celebrate the magic of the Christmas season at the annual Currituck Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting, a beloved community tradition that brings families, friends, and visitors together for an evening of festive entertainment and holiday cheer. Held at Currituck Community Park and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Currituck County Center in Barco, this free event offers a wonderful way to welcome the holidays with seasonal activities, colorful decorations, and small-town charm.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the annual Duck Yuletide Celebration, a festive Outer Banks tradition that brings residents and visitors together for an afternoon of holiday entertainment, family-friendly activities, and small-town charm. Held at Duck Town Park, this free community event welcomes guests of all ages to enjoy the sights, sounds, and traditions of Christmas in the heart of Duck.

Thrill to front-row views of black bears, deer, and even alligators from the safety of a vehicle with a special Alligator River Guided Open-Air Tram Tour. Held weekly in the summer months, these unique tours present a wild opportunity to check out the local wildlife while learning all about what makes this region wholly unique.

Get your Outer Banks holiday off to a glittering start with this annual parade that is sure to delight visitors and locals alike. The Manteo Christmas Parade is a time-honored tradition that attracts both participants and spectators from all across the Outer Banks, and which is sure to entice anyone to get into the holiday spirit.

Experience the charm of the holiday season in historic downtown Manteo with the annual Holiday Tour of Homes, a beloved Outer Banks tradition presented by the Manteo Preservation Trust. This festive event offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore beautifully decorated homes and historic properties while discovering the architectural character, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere of Roanoke Island.

The North Carolina Beach Buggy Association (NCBBA) will once again hold its Operation Beach Respect and Adopt-A-Highway beach clean-ups, which are two recurring seasonal events that occur 3-4 times a year, and which have been organized by the NCBBA for roughly 40 years.

Step back in time and experience the elegance of Christmas past with Whalehead's Candlelight Christmas Tours, a beloved holiday tradition in Historic Corolla. Held at the beautifully restored Whalehead mansion overlooking the Currituck Sound, these special guided tours offer visitors a glimpse into the holiday customs and traditions of the 1920s, when Edward Collings Knight Jr. and his wife, Marie Louise, enjoyed their magnificent coastal retreat.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

Visitors and locals can get their game on and test their luck at this popular weekly Bingo Night which is hosted by the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club. Featuring a regular bevy of cash prizes, with proceeds benefitting great local causes, this bingo night serves as a lightly competitive and engaging night out for anyone looking for a little fun on Hatteras Island.

Join in the fun of one of the most festive celebrations on Hatteras Island with this annual Christmas parade that has become a decades-long tradition for locals and holiday visitors alike. The Hatteras Island Christmas Parade combines local businesses, fire departments, the US Coast Guard, and non-profit organizations in a joyful and small-town parade that will inspire anyone to get into the holiday spirit.

The summertime farmer’s market at Dowdy Park in Nags Head makes a seasonal and holiday-themed return with this unique market that’s a perfect destination for folks to get a jump start on their Christmas shopping and preparations. The Dowdy Park Holiday Farmers Market is a fun and festive destination for folks of all tastes, thanks to an assortment of local goodies from the Outer Banks and beyond.

Step back in time and experience the elegance of Christmas past with Whalehead's Candlelight Christmas Tours, a beloved holiday tradition in Historic Corolla. Held at the beautifully restored Whalehead mansion overlooking the Currituck Sound, these special guided tours offer visitors a glimpse into the holiday customs and traditions of the 1920s, when Edward Collings Knight Jr. and his wife, Marie Louise, enjoyed their magnificent coastal retreat.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

Enjoy an uplifting experience at the exact location where aviation was born at the annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight at the impossible-to-miss Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. This day-long celebration honors the birthplace of flight, with a commemoration that coincides with the precise time that the first successful launch took place, and a wealth of activities throughout the day that will delight aviation fans of all ages.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

Ring in the New Year with a festive waterfront celebration at the annual Meet Me in Manteo New Year's Eve Celebration, a popular Outer Banks tradition that brings residents and visitors together for an evening of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and holiday cheer. Held in the heart of historic downtown Manteo, this free community event offers a memorable way to welcome the new year while enjoying the charm and beauty of Roanoke Island.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

Start the New Year with a splash at the inaugural BCA Polar Plunge in Buxton, where locals, visitors, and brave participants are invited to dive into the chilly Atlantic Ocean for a fun-filled community event supporting the Buxton Civic Association. Held at Ramp 43 in Buxton, the festive gathering combines coastal adventure, community spirit, and a refreshing start to 2026 along the beaches of Hatteras Island.

Couples who have always dreamed about a romantic wedding on the Outer Banks will want to attend this special off-season expo that shines a spotlight on all the different wedding vendors that this scenic coastline has to offer. Sponsored by the Outer Banks Wedding Association, this multiple-day event has become the go-to festival for visitors from all over the country who want to discover how magical it can be to get married on the OBX.

Head to the waterfront along Hatteras village at historic Oden’s Dock for this old-fashioned oyster roast that gives back to the island’s coastal environment. The annual event features a world of fresh goodies for attendees to enjoy, which includes plenty of fresh oysters that are ready for shucking, fresh seafood chowder, cornbread, and other snacks and refreshments. There’s also a bake sale planned so that attendees can indulge their sweet tooth after they have had their fill of the array of local seafood.

Not for the faint of heart, the Blackbeard's Revenge 100 is a relatively new event that first launched in 2019, and which will test the strongest athletes from the Outer Banks area and miles beyond. Covering a lengthy coastal course that extends for 100 miles, this scenic but tough race will push athletes to the limit as they head from the northernmost beaches of the OBX all the way down to the southern tip of Hatteras Island.

Set sail for an unforgettable running adventure at the Flying Pirate Half Marathon, one of the Outer Banks' signature running events. Organized by Outer Banks Sporting Events, this pirate-themed race combines scenic coastal landscapes, historic landmarks, and a lively atmosphere for runners of all experience levels. Whether you're chasing a personal record or simply looking for a memorable race experience, the Flying Pirate offers a unique way to explore the Outer Banks.

Head to the beach to catch an incredible live show that’s unlike any other on the Outer Banks with the ESA Mid-Atlantic Regional Surfing Championship. Known as a qualifier for the big USA Surfing’s Prime events and USA Surfing Championships that are held in California in June, this event attracts talented surfers from all across the region and well beyond to the heart of the Outer Banks for a truly spectacular competition.

Automobile enthusiasts can meet and greet with fellow aficionados while exploring some of the most stunning coastlines that North Carolina has to offer at this two-day festival that features a wide array of ways to have fun. The OBX Rod And Custom Festival is a special celebration of vintage and antique cars that will boast a host of family-friendly activities, from local food, to cruise-ins, to displays that will impress car fans of all tastes and ages.

Come and enjoy a scenic 5k run or 1-mile walk through some of the prettiest terrain that the central Outer Banks has to offer with this race that has been going strong for more than 35 years. The Annual Nags Head Woods 5K Run is a great running event that falls on Mother’s Day Weekend, and which features plenty of reasons to put on your sneakers and hit the road, and the sandy, wooded trails.

Celebrating its 32nd year in 2026, the Hatteras Village Offshore Open continues to be one of the most popular fishing tournaments of the year along the southern Outer Banks, and is a fantastic chance to discover how incredible fishing off the Hatteras Island coastline can be. Based in the small town of Hatteras village on the southern edge of the island, this multiple-day tournament attracts anglers from all across the East Coast, and is one of the most anticipated fishing events of the year for folks throughout the Outer Banks, and miles beyond.

This family-friendly event is a collection of music, sports, and OBX fun, and features a full roster of activities and entertainment to keep everyone in the party smiling. Special events within the Dare2Care OBX Shred Fest line-up include multiple bands and musicians throughout the day, live demos performed by professional skateboarders and BMX riders, a special appearance by roller derby women, appearances by Special Olympics athletes, and much, much more. In addition, the festivities will have a host of games for patrons of all ages, food, and local art vendors for unique and one-of-a-kind OBX treasures. 

Experience live music in one of the Outer Banks' most spectacular natural settings at Concert on the Dunes, a special outdoor celebration held at Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head. Set against the backdrop of the tallest living sand dune system on the East Coast, this family-friendly event brings together music, community, and the natural beauty of the Outer Banks for an unforgettable evening.

Get your toes tapping with an island celebration of musicians, storytellers, artisans, local food, and so much more by joining in the community-wide fun of the Ocrafolk Festival. This full weekend event is held in the heart of Ocracoke Village, with multiple performances and activities happening around virtually every corner of Silver Lake Harbor.

Share a love of fishing with the youngest members in your vacationing party with this special fishing tournament that’s designed with youth anglers in mind. The Fritz Boyden Memorial Youth Tournament is an annual fishing tournament that takes place on the famous Jennette’s Pier, as well as Avalon pier, Outer Banks Fishing Pier, and Nags Head Fishing Pier. It is open to all anglers ages 16 and under. The age groups for competitors are 4-9 years old and 10-16 years old, and trophies as well as rod and reel combos are awarded to the largest fish caught by a girl and boy angler for the day. Participants in the “catch and release” tournament can enjoy a full morning of fishing before going to a celebratory and awards lunch close to the pier.

Join the Outer Banks Brewing Station in a fun Independence Day weekend run that presents plenty of reason to celebrate. This adult 21 and over celebration starts with a refreshing brew before an easy-going, mile-long jog, walk or run around the heart of the Outer Banks in Kill Devil Hills.

Head to the tiny coastal village of Ocracoke for a big Independence Day celebration that includes fireworks, a parade, and plenty of family fun. The highlight of the Ocracoke Independence Day Celebration is the annual amazing fireworks display over the Silver Lake Harbor after the sun goes down. Visitors will find plenty of seating all around the harborfront docks, and can bring along beach chairs, towels, blankets, and everything they need to enjoy the show.

Put your running, jogging and even hiking abilities to the ultimate test via this race that may be short, but which features one of the highest climbs that the Outer Banks has to offer. The Killer Dunes 2-Miler & Fun Run features one of the most unique courses on the coastline, and includes a unique challenge of climbing the dunes that are located within the Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

Take a step back in time to the Outer Banks of the mid-1800s, and celebrate Independence Day in a historical fashion, with a visit to The Island Farm. Located in the heart of Manteo, The Island Farm is a unique attraction that takes visitors on a tour of what life was like for island residents more than 150 years ago. Featuring a wealth of historic homes with period artifacts, live farm animals, and costumed interpreters who explain what life was like for these original locals, The Island Farm is both an educational and utterly fascinating attraction for visitors of all ages.

Celebrate your Independence Day with a bang at the Avon Pier and Avon Beach Klub on Hatteras Island. The 4th of July celebration will feature a collection of events which includes corresponding radio shows on the island's local station, Radio Hatteras FM 101.5 and 99.9, and an incredible front row view of the fireworks display from the pristine Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches.

Celebrating its 13th year in 2026, the Hatteras Village Golf Cart Parade is quickly becoming a favorite Independence Day celebration for Hatteras Island visitors and locals alike. Launched in 2013 as a fundraiser for the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation with less than a dozen golf cart participants, today the event features more than 50 or 60  golf carts of all styles, decked out in purely fun and patriotic themes.

Join in the fun of one of the summer’s most highly anticipated fishing tournaments while supporting a wonderful local cause by signing up for the Carolina Boat Builders Tournament. Held during the end of July – which is a prime time of year for exceptional fishing – this tournament which celebrates its 22nd year in 2025 combines multiple days of angling action with some exceptional events that highlight the best of the Outer Banks.

The town of Manteo has a rich history that’s connected to sailing and life on the water, and competitive sailors and spectators alike can celebrate this heritage with the Annual One-Design Regatta.

Take a stroll along any shaded street in Ocracoke village and you’ll naturally notice the town’s love of all-things fig. Fig trees are everywhere in this coastal town, and during this annual celebration, visitors and locals alike can celebrate the fig through a myriad of  music, dancing, history, activities, and of course, plenty of fig goodies.

The Alice Kelly Memorial Tournament has been a tradition on the Outer Banks for more than 30 years, and is one of the most famous offshore fishing tournaments where only the ladies are allowed to compete.

Triathletes train for months to achieve their dream. Come to the Outer Banks Triathlon and experience the enthusiam, inspiration and skill!  Why do they do it? Some to win, some for their best personal time and for some it's a personal goal on their bucket list. Individual athletes and relay teams exhibit various ranges of skill and expertise. The enthusiasm of the athletes is inspirational for everyone at the site whether a volunteer, a spectator or staff. Encouraging and cheering the athletes' onward is a crucial part of the day. It is 2 days of inspiration, excitement, relationships and achievements.

The OBX Jeep Mutiny brings Jeep enthusiasts from across the country to the Outer Banks for a high-energy weekend filled with custom vehicles, beach-town fun, and coastal adventure. The popular event has become a favorite gathering for Jeep owners and fans who come to the OBX to show off their rides, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the Outer Banks community.