Outer Banks Watersports Events - 2026 Schedule

Enjoy one of the most scenic corners of the Outer Banks while joining in the fun of one of the longest-running festivals in Manteo by attending the annual Dare Day Festival. This full-day event is held along the downtown waterfront, and features a wide array of activities and attractions that shine a spotlight on the local Manteo culture. Throughout the day, there will also be a number of events designed for water and OBX lovers of all ages, including the now famous Hogway Speedway Racing Pigs, the locally beloved “Anything that Floats but a Boat” Race, the Raingutter Regatta, a Kids Zone, and the annual competition for the best cake and pie in Dare County with a coveted blue ribbon prize.

Dare Day Dockside invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate Outer Banks heritage, community spirit, and waterfront culture during a fun-filled day along the scenic working harbor in Wanchese. Hosted at the waterfront, the family-friendly event highlights the traditions, seafood industry, and close-knit coastal community that have shaped life on Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks for generations.

Families, volunteers, and community members are invited to celebrate connection, inclusion, and the joy of the ocean during Ohana Surf Day at Jennette's Pier. Designed specifically for individuals with special needs, the event creates a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can experience the excitement of surfing and spending time in the water alongside trained volunteers and community supporters.

Spectators and active watersports fans alike are welcome to head out to the beach near Jennette’s Pier to catch a spectacular on-the-water show by some of the best skimboarders on the East Coast.

Surfing For Autism is an Autism Spectrum Disorder awareness event that uses the beauty of the Outer Banks to provide children with an amazing experience and an opportunity to ride the waves.

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.

Surfers, filmmakers, movie buffs, nature fans, and curious visitors alike can all come together for an incredible film festival that celebrates all things aquatic. Presented by Cucalorus and the Dare County Arts Council, this three-day celebration of coastal North Carolina marine culture is sure to impress movie fans of all varieties, with an array of local and regional films that highlight life by the coastal waters.

The event is always wide open to the public, and attendees need only to find a good spot along the Nags Head beach to enjoy the show. With some of the most skilled surfers in the world competing head to head, it's one of the best displays of surfing on the Outer Banks, and definitely worth a stop for any late September OBX vacationer. Be sure and bring a camera along, as the aerial tricks performed by the sport's best are sure to be awe-inspiring, and provide some of the best action shots of your OBX vacation.

Spectators are welcome to hit the sand and watch some of the top surfers in the region and the world compete in this late summer competition that promises to be one of the best live shows on the beach.

Enjoy a rare opportunity to see the best surfers on the East Coast go head to head at this “grand finale” event that is renowned as one of the best surfing competitions on the Eastern Seaboard.

Enjoy a rare opportunity to see the best surfers on the East Coast go head to head at this “grand finale” event that is renowned as one of the best surfing competitions on the Eastern Seaboard.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.