• Friday, September 13th - Saturday, September 14th

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 festival is held in early September when air temperatures are warm, but the breezes are generally ideal for a bit of kite flying. Attendees can stroll over to Jockey’s Ridge State Park to admire giant kites that will be flying high, including a 100-foot octopus, an 80-foot panda and a 50-foot fish. Free stunt and power kite lessons given by professional flyers will be available for folks who want to join in the fun, and on Sunday, spectators can enjoy a world class display of kite flying, thanks to incredible demonstrations set to music, with synchronized performances, and so much more. From professional shows to hands-on kite flying for adults and kids of all ages, the Outer Banks Kite Festival is a fun and all-encompassing celebration of the Outer Banks’ legacy as one of the best flying destinations in the world.

Outer Banks Gearworks Laser Tag and Fun Center

Outer Banks Gearworks Laser Tag and Fun Center

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 about to their heart’s content. Parties are available for up to 12 kids ages 2 through 6 – bring your own cake. But it’s the other room where the real action is. Arcade games are located just inside the door, then there’s another door. And behind that it’s another world. Black lights, music and fog combine to make a spooky atmosphere where players with (completely harmless) laser guns duck behind shadowy corners to hide from pursuers wielding their own laser guns. It’s a large area to play in, and everyone is clearly having fun. Games can be purchased as a single, a 3-game discount, or all-day pass. Unlimited play all night from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays is also offered, as well as overnight parties and private party room parties.