Outer Banks Outdoor & Nature Events - 2020 Schedule

The stunning butterflies of the Elizabethan Gardens take center stage at this enchanting event that is celebrating its second year on the Outer Banks in 2020. Back by popular demand, the Butterfly Festival at the Elizabethan Gardens will be a crowd pleaser for both the young and the young-at-heart, thanks to a colorful array of activities and events that perfectly correspond with some of the gardens’ most notable and vibrant residents.

Come enjoy the spirit of the Easter holiday on the Outer Banks while taking advantage of National Kite Month at this fun and family-friendly event that joyfully combines these two celebrations. The Flying Into Spring And Easter EGGstravaganza festival is a great way to take in the fresh spring air along the coastline, while participating in a myriad of games, displays, and a little kite action at one of the best spots on the East Coast for high flying.

Celebrate the springtime holiday with plenty of colorful blooms and hours of fun and activity at this annual event that is becoming a favorite tradition for Outer Banks visitors and locals alike. Easter Eggstravaganza is a festive and beloved day at one of Roanoke Island’s most notable and popular landmarks, and the festival features a wealth of ways to enjoy some holiday fun, such as crafts, games, and of course, a colorful Easter egg hunt to ring in the season.

The stunning butterflies of the Elizabethan Gardens take center stage at this enchanting event that is celebrating its second year on the Outer Banks in 2020. Back by popular demand, the Butterfly Festival at the Elizabethan Gardens will be a crowd pleaser for both the young and the young-at-heart, thanks to a colorful array of activities and events that perfectly correspond with some of the gardens’ most notable and vibrant residents.

The stunning butterflies of the Elizabethan Gardens take center stage at this enchanting event that is celebrating its second year on the Outer Banks in 2020. Back by popular demand, the Butterfly Festival at the Elizabethan Gardens will be a crowd pleaser for both the young and the young-at-heart, thanks to a colorful array of activities and events that perfectly correspond with some of the gardens’ most notable and vibrant residents.

Celebrating a collection of beautiful artworks, tempting fare, and the stunning backdrop of the Elizabethan Gardens, the PopUP Art Gallery is a fine opportunity to celebrate everything that makes life on the Outer Banks truly colorful, and truly grand. This day-long event that highlights some of the most talented artists in the state of North Carolina is a great introduction to the regional art scene, and is also an engaging way to explore what the colorful Outer Banks has to offer, both inside and out.

The stunning butterflies of the Elizabethan Gardens take center stage at this enchanting event that is celebrating its second year on the Outer Banks in 2020. Back by popular demand, the Butterfly Festival at the Elizabethan Gardens will be a crowd pleaser for both the young and the young-at-heart, thanks to a colorful array of activities and events that perfectly correspond with some of the gardens’ most notable and vibrant residents.

Grab a mint julip and don your best and most elaborate hat for this fun and truly southern event that takes place at one of the most enchanting destinations on the Outer Banks. The Kentucky Derby Party is a festive celebration that is held at the famed Elizabethan Gardens, and which features a host of revels and embellishments to coincide with the annual race, and which will benefit a number of worthy local causes.

The 48^th 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.

The 48^th 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.

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

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

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.

The Town of Manteo will host an incredible display of fireworks over the water on 4^th of July that will make any Independence Day celebration truly memorable. Launched over the Roanoke Sound and Shallowbag Bay, visitors can find a spot along the downtown docks or a seat at the famed Roanoke Island Festival Park to catch an incredible show with a stunning backdrop.

Head to the heart of Nags head for this special 4^th 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.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Make a calm and quiet Hatteras Island evening a little brighter with this special event along the waterfront in Rodanthe. Light up the Night, which is hosted by the soundfront Kitty Hawk Kites Store, will feature a collection of activities, games, and even an outdoor movie under the stars, and will shine a spotlight on how cool Hatteras Island can be after hours.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Outer Banks has a rich sailing culture that seemingly begins and ends in Manteo, and young visitors who want to join in the fun, and who want to get their toes wet in a new sport, can sign up for the weekly Summer Youth Sailing Camp which is held every Friday all summer long.

Both kids and parents alike will have a ball learning all about the birds that are found in their Outer Banks backyards and beyond at this special program that will illuminate these species with a myriad of hands-on activities. Held at the stunning Elizabethan Gardens, which is a true haven for area birds, this kid-friendly activity is a great way for young visitors to enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beach.

Kids who aren’t shy around slimy and jumpy critters will have a blast learning all about these backyard residents at this special program that is hosted by the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The “Fun with Frogs” program is designed for the gardens’ youngest visitors, and will feature a world of interactive activities that will make both learning and exploring the site miles of fun.

Add an extra dose of fun and education for the youngest garden lovers in your party by attending this special summertime event that’s held at the exquisite Elizabethan Gardens. The “Butterflies” is a fun and interactive program that is designed for young visitors, and is free with admission for anyone who pays a visit to this enticing Roanoke Island landmark.

Visitors can enjoy a special educational outing that will complement any visit to the Elizabethan Gardens with this program that’s designed with young vacationers in mind. “Helpful Bugs” shines a spotlight on some of the most common residents at the gardens, and is an interactive, educational, and fun adventure that kids and parents alike will effortlessly enjoy.

The Elizabethan Gardens celebrates the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World, with special discounted rates on admission to the gardens, as well as a wealth of activities that will delight young and old visitors alike. On Virginia Dare's Birthday, the rate to enter the gardens will drop with $2 off admission to commemorate Virginia's 431st birthday in 2019. 

Come celebrate the history and culture of Hatteras Island’s working watermen at this annual event in the heart of Hatteras Village that has become a tradition for fall visitors and locals alike. Day at the Dock takes place along the waterfront that’s adjacent to the village marinas, and is a delightful combination of fresh seafood and good eats, live demonstrations, working commercial fishing boats, live music, kids activities, and more, and is a true and authentic sample of what life on Hatteras Island is all about.

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.

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.

A celebration of flight and beer, OBX Brewtag is modeled after the whimsical and entertaining Red Bull Flutag, translated to “flying day” in German. With OBX Brewtag, the general premise is the same, although rather than human-powered flying machines, Brewtag contestants will be competing to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the furthest.

Admission to the OBX Brewtag in 2020 is free for everyone, and the sky is the limit as to how creative your homemade flying contraption can be! Individuals and teams are welcome.

Admission to the event is FREE to the general public. A rather crafty selection of local and regional beer and food will be available for purchase that day. This family-friendly event will also feature plenty of activities for the kiddos!

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.

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.

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.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.

The Elizabethan Gardens’ Winter Lights celebration is easily one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. Featuring hundreds of thousands of lights that are dotted throughout the gardens, the ensuing sight is really something to behold, and will get any visitor into a holiday spirit.