Outer Banks Watersports Events - 2026 Schedule

Outer Banks Watersports Events - 2026 Schedule
This Week
Friday, April 24th - Sunday, April 26th
Nags Head

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.

Week of May 11, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Tuesday, May 12th - Thursday, May 14th
Waves

Water lovers who want to pick up all the skills required to master a new watersport while enjoying the cool waters of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore will want to sign up for this amazing camp that’s designed just for them. The Kids Zero to Hero Kiteboarding Camp takes beginning boarders from the absolute basics to self-sufficient kiteboarders in just a couple days of intense but undeniably fun lessons.

Week of May 25, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Friday, May 29th - Sunday, May 31st
Rodanthe

Every year, a wave of new equipment arrives on the scene that takes the sport of kiteboarding to the next level, and watersports fans who want to see everything that’s cool and brand new can get a sneak peek via the Kiteboarding Kickoff Weekend. Held at the Kiteboarding Resort in Rodanthe, this unique event gives boarders an opportunity to try out the newest brands, styles and gear on the global kiteboarding scene, as well as enter competitions and enjoy specialty clinics to hone their skills.

Week of June 1, 2026 - June 7, 2026
Saturday, June 6th
Manteo

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.

Week of July 13, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Friday, July 17th - Sunday, July 19th
Nags Head

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.

Week of July 20, 2026 - July 26, 2026
Saturday, July 25th
Manteo

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.

Week of August 10, 2026 - August 16, 2026
Friday, August 14th - Sunday, August 16th
Manteo

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.

Week of August 24, 2026 - August 30, 2026
Wednesday, August 26th - Sunday, August 30th
Nags Head

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.

Week of September 14, 2026 - September 20, 2026
Sunday, September 20th - Saturday, September 26th
Nags Head

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.

Week of September 21, 2026 - September 27, 2026
Sunday, September 20th - Saturday, September 26th
Nags Head

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.

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
Best Outer Banks Sunrise Spots

The Outer Banks is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning views. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Outer Banks is to wake up early and watch a stunning sunrise over the Atlantic ocean. With miles of pristine coastline...

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates

Since 1968, our family owned and operated company has offered families just like yours a wide selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals in beach communities and towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and South Nags...

SONG OF THE SEA

Carolina Designs presents SONG OF THE SEA, a stunning oceanfront retreat in Duck where rolling surf and soft sand create the perfect backdrop for your OBX vacation. This welcoming 5-bedroom home offers traditional charm with modern updates...

  • Duck
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Bathrooms
Henry's Restaurant

Henry's Restaurant offers down home, simple food done Outer Banks style. Henry's Restaurant has been serving the Outer Banks of North Carolina since the summer of 1989. They are pleased to be considered one of the most popular restaurants in Dare...

393 | Don't Worry Beach Happy

Enjoy Ocean Views and Direct Access to the Beach. This comfortable, nicely decorated family beach home is well equipped and ready for your Outer Banks vacation. The Screened Porch is perfect for relaxing and spending time together. Centrally...

  • Kitty Hawk
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Jimmy's Seafood Buffet

Home of the Crab Leg & Lobster Buffet for 26! years! Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a great stop for an all you can eat affordable dinner extravaganza. The buffet offers over 100 different items. It even serves Jumbo Alaskan crab legs and Jumbo...

Breakers View COS-228

Enjoy the spectacular oceanfront views from your private balcony in this Colony by the Sea condo. This oceanfront condo is the perfect location for your family vacation in the heart of Duck and is only 120 feet from the nearest beach access...

  • Duck
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
Corolla Wild Horse Tours

Corolla Wild Horse Tours knowledgeable guides will ensure you and your family have a great wild horse tour! Along the way the guides will stop and point out interesting sites and local history and details of the Corolla Wild Horses history. Be sure...

Avon Surf

OCEANFRONT Avon — Greenwood Pl. — There aren't many places better to watch the AVON SURF from than this cavernous, modern beach home. A boardwalk to the beach is accessed directly from the property making it a fast and painless trip between the...

  • Avon
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 6 Bathrooms
Outer Banks Mall

Outer Banks Mall is a large outdoor shopping center featuring everything you need for sun, fun and shopping. Located at MP 14 in Nags Head, the large shopping center features a wide variety of food & beverage providers; everything from breakfast...

Big Blue

OCEANFRONT Avon — Ocean Isle Loop — Awarded the Builder’s Excellence Award as part of the 2024 Outer Banks Parade of Homes! — The calming qualities of the color blue are undeniable, which is why when your eyes align on ocean and sky, you...

  • Avon
  • 8 Bedrooms
  • 9 Bathrooms
Lost Treasure Golf

The noted explorer, archaeologist, anthropologist, paleontologist, and part-time plumbing contractor from the University of Chicago, Professor Duffer A. Hacker, led two expeditions to the outer banks in the late 1920’s. The purpose of these...

Summer's Inn 187-C

Tucked beneath the shady canopy of mature live oaks, Summer’s Inn offers a quiet retreat just over 1,000 feet from the beach in the beautiful Sand Dollar Shores community of Duck, North Carolina. This cozy, tree-lined cottage captures everything...

  • Duck
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe

Enjoy Waterfront Dining at Basnight's Lone Cedar Café where we specialize in fresh and local Outer Banks seafood. If you’re craving the freshest fish, clams, crab, shrimp and oysters from local North Carolina waters, you’ll find...

Blue Sky

Nothing but ‘Blue Sky’ for you at this lovely semi-oceanfront property located in South Nags Head with GREAT OCEAN VIEWS. Meticulously cared for by loving owners, this fantastic vacation property has great ocean views, your own private pool and...

  • Nags Head
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12